Lunt

History

The name derives from either the Old Norse word Lundr or the Old Swedish word lunder, both meaning "grove" or "copse". This was likely a reference to the remnants of a large ancient forest that existed in the area at the time the settlement was founded. The town was first documented in 1251 in the Chartulary of Cockersand Abbey, where it was referred to as "de Lund".

Vandals

Residents are considering changing its name to tackle vandals who alter signs in the village. Roadsigns in Lunt have been repeatedly targeted by vandals who change the "L" to a "C". A similar situation has arisen in the Austrian town of Fucking, where the town sign has been repeatedly stolen. However, as in Fucking, certain residents have been reluctant towards a name change, perceiving it as an erosion of the town's heritage. A proposed revision of the name is Launt, which would be pronounced in the same way.

Governance

From 1997 until 2010 the village of Lunt was part of the Knowsley North and Sefton East constituency represented by George Howarth, a Labour Party MP. As a result of boundary revisions for the 2010 general election the Knowsley North and Sefton East constituency was abolished with Sefton East, including Lunt, being merged with the northern parts of the former Crosby constituency, which was also abolished, to form the new Sefton Central constituency which is represented by the Labour Party MP Bill Esterson.

For elections to Sefton Council the village of Lunt is within the Park electoral ward and is represented by three councillors. The councillors of Park ward, all members of the Liberal Democrats, are Andrew Blackburn, James Byrne, and Robbie Fenton.