In Wednesday’s newsletter, we focused on the findings of Phase One of The Southport Inquiry and I’ve also written about the subject for The Lead’s national title this week, reflecting on the importance of this actually leading to meaningful change. You can read that piece below, and listen to a discussion on the subject here.

The Lead

Victims at the heart of a damning inquiry – and a warning that must not be ignored

As the dust settles after the publication of the findings of Phase One of The Southport Inquiry, what happens next is of the utmost importance – and the victims and their families cannot be failed again…

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3 days ago · 10 likes · 1 comment · Jamie Lopez and The Lead

Today’s newsletter looks at a ruling which means a doctor who worked out Southport’s A&E department during the Covid crisis must pay £30,000 of penalties to HMRC after deliberately submitting false information on his tax returns.

Some elements of tax law can be very complicated, whereas some can involve a judge pointing out that there are only seven days in a week. This case involves elements of both, but surprisingly more of the latter.

Southport briefing

😯 Britannia Hotels says it is considering rebuilding and reopening its Pontins site in Ainsdale. The holiday resort has been closed since January 2024 and Sefton Council last year said it hoped to have the site replaced with a “world-class” resort as part of its long-term ambition for the wider Ainsdale Gateway. However, Britannia this week revealed it is considering its own plans to redevelop the attraction, for which it has almost 100 years remaining on its land lease. Referring to Ainsdale, Prestatyn and Camber Sands, a Britannia spokesperson said: “Following their closure, we have been undertaking a series of surveys and land assessments for our three vacant Pontins sites to determine what future uses may be viable. As part of this process, we have appointed a planning consultancy to develop pre-planning applications for consideration by the respective local authorities. These proposals include the potential demolition of the aged chalets and options for their replacement, reflecting evolving guest expectations and the long-term sustainability of the sites.”

🚓 A man has been charged after a woman was assaulted in Southport town centre this week. At around midday on Wednesday, a man approached a woman on Lord Street near Sainsburys and assaulted as she shouted at him to get off her. She managed to get away and run down the road and nearby officers spotted and arrested a man. The next day, 44-year-old Deividas Ilginis, of Lathom Road, was charged with assault by beating. Sefton Area Commander Karl Baldwin said: “I would like to thank the woman who reported this incident and the Southport Town Centre Policing Team, who are making Southport safer every day. Merseyside Police recently introduced the Southport Town Centre Team and the launch of the Merseyside Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership to provide a faster and more effective policing response to incidents that cause fear or harm in our community.”

🚑 Dobbies has apologised and reinstalled a defibrillator outside its store after facing a backlash online. The life-saving equipment was removed from the garden centre in a decision which, according to the Southport Saviours Foundation, was down to the retailer finding it difficult to keep up to date with periodical maintenance. The charity had donated the equipment to Dobbies and described the decision as “a step backwards from everything we work so hard to achieve”, pointing out it would have cost around £220 to replace the battery and pads and if unused, would have needed no more work for four years and could have been assisted by them. After reversing the decision, a Dobbies spokesperson said: “We sincerely apologise for this error and acknowledge that we got it wrong. This was addressed as a priority, and I can confirm that a new defibrillator was installed at our Southport store. Thank you to the Southport Saviours Foundation for raising this with us." The charity was set up by Richard Moore who has been campaigning for 24-hour accessible defibrillators and providing first aid training since he had a heart attack while running the Blackpool Marathon in 2022.

🛏️ Work has begun on the conversion of a derelict hotel in Southport into new apartments after 20 years without use. Builders are currently on site at the former Continental Hotel, on the corner Promenade and Scarisbrick Avenue, creating nine two-bedroom apartments with a restaurant on the ground floor in a £1 million transformation. Planning permission for the development, which sits near the Red Rum mural, was granted in 2023 after a £1m upgrade of the walkway was completed. Rod Ainsworth Architect, who designed the conversion, said: “We need to see the benefits of bringing this magnificent building back into use. This is a key building in the regeneration of Southport, by bringing back a Grade II Listed building to life. The owner is a local businessman who has several properties in Southport, including on Lord Street, and is invested in seeing the town do well.”

Southport Hospital doctor hit with £30,000 HMRC fine after claiming to work nine days a week

By Jamie Lopez

A locum doctor has been hit with penalties totalling more than £30,000 after falsely claiming tax allowances while working at Southport Hospital.

Dr Nwaneri worked at hospitals in both Southport and Shrewsbury across a three year period during which he attempted to claim travel and food expenses which totalled nine working days in each week, leading a tribunal judge to have to point out this was impossible.

When investigated by HMRC, he was unable to explain these discrepancies but still attempted to appeal a ruling which found he was liable for tens of thousands of pounds of additional tax over three years. He was also found to be “lacking in credibility” in cross-examination.

As well as the substantial overstatements of his travel and food spends, it was found he was never eligible to claim any such deductions at all and as a result was issued with recalculated tax bills.

After being found to have made deliberate errors in his tax returns, he was also hit with penalties of £12k, £7k, and £11k for a three-year period when he was working as a locum doctor at the two hospitals.

Last week, an appeal against the HMRC’s rulings was dismissed by tribunal judge Jennifer Newstead Taylor, with Dr Nwaneri’s evidence found to be “lacking in credibility”

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This week saw the publication of the findings of the first phase of The Southport Inquiry, the process which was set up to examine how an attack which took the lives of three young girls was able to happen and to find ways to prevent a repeat.

For those who’ve followed the evidence given throughout the public hearings, individual aspects of the findings may not come as a shock but to see them laid out in black and white in stark. Inquiry chair Sir Adrian Fulford found so many failures and missed opportunities that he did not even put a number on them.

The simple fact is that Alice, Elsie, Bebe and all the other victims of the attack were failed. They were failed by multiple agencies who did not take the warning signs seriously enough, did not show enough curiosity, did not work together, and did not do enough to ensure that the killer’s threat was identified and addressed. The killer’s parents were also singled out for failing their moral duties by not reporting their son’s alarming and escalating behaviour.

Today’s newsletter focuses not just on those findings but one of key message which has come from many of those close to the attack - that listening is not enough and change must happen.

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Southport briefing

🛤️ Work has begun on a long overdue project to improve the interior of Southport’s train station. The building’s owners, along with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, this week began a major project to repair and redecorate the area of shops which link the station to Chapel Street. Work is expected to be complete by the time The Open takes place at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in July and drawings of the plans show a newly laid floor and improved lighting. A spokesperson for the project said: “Station Approach is a vital link between Southport Station and Chapel Street, and this project represents an important investment in the town’s future. By working closely with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, we are delivering investment that will benefit local businesses while ensuring Southport is ready to welcome visitors ahead of the Open Championship this summer.”

🏥 Lancashire councillors are again challenging NHS bosses over plans to move children’s accident and emergency care from Ormskirk General Hospital to Southport. The £33m plan was approved by health chiefs last week and will see a new department built at Southport along with a multi-storey car park but those in West Lancashire remain defiant in their opposition. Cllr Adrian Owens, who observed each meeting which discussed the matter, will raise a motion at tonight’s West Lancashire Borough Council meeting which expresses concern at various elements of the process and instructs a high-ranking council officer to request these be reviewed in a local resolution process.

🎤 A new arts and live music venue will open in the town centre this summer. Named the Warehouse Arts Centre, the venue will be spread across four floors in the West Street building which once housed a restaurant of the same name and is designed to give a platform and opportunities to the next generation of artists. The project is being carried out by Ella, Spud and Yvette Cooper, owners of Cooper’s Bar on Leicester Street, working alongside Andrew Portersmith MBE and Stephanie Portersmith of the not-for-profit organisation Music Stuff, and a dedicated team from Tides Out Studios. As well as a space for music gigs, there will be an art gallery which can be hired for free; a recording studio; an arts and crafts shop; space for classes; and wellbeing and yoga events. The owners said: “There is nothing else like this in the whole area, and so many talented musicians, artists, and creatives in Southport who are looking forward to what we’re building. We need to put Southport back on the map as the cultural centre for the North West, where things are going on all the time and we’re attracting people into our town from all over.

Agencies told ‘take action now, not tomorrow’ as inquiry exposes countless failings

By Jamie Lopez

From schools and social services to police, Prevent and the killer’s parents, almost everyone who dealt with Axel Rudakubana missed opportunities to identify, address or intervene is his escalating and terrifying behaviour.

Those missed opportunities comprise a significant amount of the findings of Phase One of the Southport Inquiry. There are so many that its chair, Sir Adrian Fulford, did not even give a numbered list of the dozens of missed opportunities in the years between the killer first being reported to the national anti-terror agency and committing his heinous crimes in July 2024.

The words fail, failed, failing and failure appear almost 300 times across Sir Adrian’s 700 page report outlining his findings and recommendations from a year spent examining how the teenager was able to carry out the attack which took the lives of three young girls and injured and traumatised many more.

Prevent failed to take him seriously due to an apparent lack of clear ideology; his family allowed weapons to be delivered to his home and withheld information; agencies failed to take sole responsibility or share information with each other; his behaviour was linked to, and seemingly excused by, his autism and therefore not properly addressed; and his deeply disturbing online activities were not examined.

These are just a few of the themes of the damning report.

Speaking as it was published, Sir Adrian said: “Putting out of mind, the so called benefits of hindsight, I have no doubt that if appropriate procedures had been in place, and if sensible steps had been taken by the agencies and AR’s parents, this dreadful event would not have happened.

“It could have been, and it should have been, prevented.”

Along with 67 detailed recommendations for what should change to avoid another atrocity like the one which occurred at the Hart Space two years ago, Sir Adrian issued a warning that, unlike after similar previous inquiries, action must be taken and must be evidenced.

A similar message was delivered by the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie who have made it a clear mission that changes are made to prevent any other family suffering the same loss as them.

The families’ lawyer Chris Walker, of Bond Turner, said on their behalf: “For our families, this has always been about honouring their girls and ensuring no one else endures what they face every day. Their participation in the inquiry took immense courage, and seeing the extent of the failures in black and white is devastating.

“On behalf of our clients we welcome the report’s clear, though deeply distressing, findings on the profound systemic failures and individual failures, that preceded this attack and the responsibility borne by AR’s parents.

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Nothing says there’s an election coming like a party leader visiting town and this week it was Reform UK’s Nigel Farage who came to Southport. Farage posed for photographs at Adventure Coast Theme Park (formerly Pleasureland) as part of a whistle-stop tour which also took in Formby and Wigan. Huge credit to Ben Haslam from The Liverpool Echo for stopping Farage to question him about his comments in 2024 about the Southport attack which preceeded riots in the town - the answer was unsurprisingly dismissive. Lib Dem councillor Mike Sammon is among those who saw the disorder happen by his own home and he posted: “In my view, Farage inflamed tensions that led to the riots. His visit to Southport today is shameful.”

The deadline for nominations for the local elections has now passed and you can find a list of candidates for every ward at the bottom of this newsletter. Two of those named by Reform UK - one in Southport and one in Bootle - have since withdrawn but remain on the lists published by Sefton Council.

Away from elections, today’s main story looks away from politics as the financial crisis worsens at Queenscourt Hospice. Beds are now being closed and new pleas are issued to help plug the shortfall amid warnings the much needed facility could close entirely if more money is not found.

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Southport briefing

🍝 An Ainsdale restaurant has launched a new bid to keep its outdoor serving hatch. The extra facility was installed outside Dolce Vita to enable outdoor dining and to provide additional storage space and is described by the business as essential for its viability. However, it was realised after installation that the structure needed planning permission and despite support from residents and MP Bill Esterson, the application was rejected by Sefton Council on the grounds of harming the appearance and character of the area and an appeal was then dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate. The new application includes a time limit and a report submitted with it states: “This application is for the installed facility but restricted to a temporary permission for 2 years as it is vital to the viability of the restaurant and this time period will give the applicant time to explore other options. It is essential that support is given to hospitality businesses in these difficult times.” It adds: “The village has changed form a local retail centre to one predominantly of bars and restaurants, with this being the longest standing restaurant business and one the people of Ainsdale have clearly demonstrated they are keen to support and retain.”

🛏️ A town centre unit which has seen a succession of bars come and go in recent years may be converted into housing. A planning application has been submitted requesting permission to turn the ground floor of 1 Bath Street into a studio apartment and describes the change as providing accommodation for “young professionals looking for a home in the local area”. Once home to The Brass Pig restaurant, the unit is located next to the former Leo’s bar which is currently undergoing a major restoration project. Among the previous bars to occupy it are Bar 1, Gigi’s, Nolls and No.1 Bar.The application states: “Although this is a residential unit in a primarily commercial area, the proposal is not in prime position for a commercial premises, hence why it has not worked long term for any previous businesses”

📢 Former Southport MP Damien Moore has finally announced his long-rumoured defection to Reform and will stand as a candidate for Westminster City Council. The former Conservative was twice elected as Southport MP before losing his seat in 2024 and since then has been working for lobbying firm Fullbrook Strategies. His long awaited announcement was greeted positively by fellow Reform member and former MP Nadine Dorries, who welcomed him to the party and described him as a “great man”.

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Queenscourt Hospice announces bed closures as financial crisis worsens

By Jamie Lopez

Queenscourt Hospice will close half of its beds among other service cuts as it faces a financial crisis.

The service is only part-funded by the NHS and relies on fundraising for upwards of two-thirds of its income and leaders say it has become unsustainable. Now, cuts are being made amid warnings of a potential closure within two years which would see all jobs lost and its work returned to already overstretched local NHS services.

Just weeks after issuing a plea for support amid an annual £2m funding deficit, Queenscourt announced this week that it will reduce its inpatient ward from ten beds to five. In addition, it will also reduce some of its wider core clinical services including Queenscourt at Home Shifts and Outpatient Therapy Services in addition to Housekeeping and Catering Services.

Dr Clare Finnegan, Executive Medical Director, said: “Queenscourt has been operating with an annual deficit of approximately £2 million for the past two years, and we face a similar shortfall for 2026/27. We have been drawing on our reserves to ensure we can continue to sustain our current services whilst we have been liaising with the Integrated Care Boards to obtain further funding.

“However we have been advised that we will not receive this level of funding until 2029, and if we do not take measures to cut our costs, Queenscourt will be forced to close.”

“This is not an outcome the charity is willing to accept, and we must now take urgent action if Queenscourt is to survive.”

Last year just 24% of Queenscourt’s funding came from the NHS, with the hospice relying on short-term grants, fundraising and personal donations to meet the remaining cost of its services.

Leaders cited higher salaries, a National Insurance increase and energy bills among the causes of pressure on its budget. Meanwhile, its accounts show that a 80% fall in legacy donations - money given in wills - resulted in £1m less income in 2024/25 than the previous year.

Queenscourt says it continues to hold ‘proactive discussions’ with the Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) of Lancashire and South Cumbria and Cheshire and Merseyside, the organisations which provide Queenscourt with 24% of its annual core costs, with the aim of increasing this contribution to 35-40%. However, they warn it is looking unlikely that Queenscourt will receive this level of funding until at least 2029 and the hospice simply cannot sustain its current services until that time.

In a statement to The Southport Lead, a spokesperson for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria said: “We are concerned about the financial pressures highlighted by Queenscourt Hospice and are currently working closely with the hospice leadership team to fully understand the impact that the Hospice’s financial position could have on palliative and end of life care services for our local populations.

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If you’ve any interest in sport, you’ll likely have heard of padel, the fastest growing sport in the UK. Similar to tennis but on a smaller court with glass walls included in the playing area, it is enjoying a rapid rise in popularity with new courts popping up in parks, city and town centres, and industrial estates to name just a few.

They’re also finally coming to Southport through a new development at Victoria Park which will see half of the tennis courts replaced. Today, we focus on promises that that those remaining courts - which have been closed to allow development to take place - will remain available to the public free of charge when once the new facility opens.

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🚓 A dog was shot by police officers after biting a man and leaving him needing hospital treatment. Merseyside Police officers were called to Lynton Road, near Hillside Golf Course at 10.45am on Tuesday when two dogs were on the loose. The victim, in his 30s, suffered injuries to his stomach and arm and a second man, in his 70s, was approached by the dogs but not harmed. A police spokesperson said: “Armed police officers attended the scene, together with specialist dog officers. To prevent further harm, and stop the threat to the public, a decision was made to destroy one of the dogs at scene. A police firearm was discharged during the incident.”

💃 Sefton Council says is hoping to bring back some elements of the Cristal Palace exhibition which fell foul of weather conditions last weekend. The two-day event, which was due to involve artists performing from a giant chandelier suspended from a crane, was unable to take place as a result of high winds. Large crowds waited around an hour before a cancellation decision was made on Friday night, while the impending Storm Dave meant that Saturday’s performance was called off in the morning. The event was the second in the Elegantly Eccentric series taking place throughout 2026 and had involved performers travelling from France and months of preparation, including with local dancers and volunteers. A council spokesperson said: “Your support for Southport and its local businesses is invaluable. We are already working hard to bring some aspects of the show back later this year and further details will be provided in due course.”

👷 Southport’s colleges are to benefit from £900,000 of extra government funding. Southport Education Group - which is responsible for both Southport College and KGV College - has been allocated the money as part of a £307 million pot awared for repairs and maintenances of colleges across the country. The Department for Education says the funding will allow colleges “to fix leaking roofs, broken windows and worn-out facilities”. Recipients will be given the flexibility to decide how the funding is spent so it can be directed where it is needed most. Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: “The young people in these colleges are the engineers, bricklayers and designers of the future, and they and the dedicated staff teaching them deserve the best possible environment to learn and succeed. This £307 million investment will repair and modernise facilities across all 175 colleges in England, giving young people the spaces they need to build the skills they need for good careers, helping to drive economic growth.”

🏗️ The main contractor chosen to build the Marine Lake Events Centre is set to be formally appointed next month. Earlier this year, VINCI Building was announced as Sefton Council’s preferred choice for to lead development on the flagship development which is to replace Southport Theatre and Convention Centre. The troubled development has seen two lead developers pull out of the works amid concerns it could not be delivered on budget at a time when inflation is causing significant increases in building costs. VINCI signed a Pre-Construction Services Agreement in January and in the meantime works have been ongoing at the site in preparation for the main construction.

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Free tennis access promise as padel development begins at Victoria Park

By Jamie Lopez

Tennis courts at Victoria Park will remain free for public use after the creation of a new padel facility.

Work has now begun which will see padel courts built on the site of the park’s existing tennis area, replacing three of the six tennis courts while restoring the remaining ones to a better standard.

The development includes the creation of five padel courts and a coffee kiosk with outdoor seating as the facility aims to meet demand for a sport which is enjoying a huge growth in popularity nationwide.

Combining elements of tennis and squash, the sport is played inside glass walls and part of its attraction is it can be learnt very quickly and therefore enjoyed by beginners as well as more experienced players. The number of courts has grown from fewer than 40 in 2016 to 710 by the end of 2024 and the rate of growth only appears to have increased in the year which followed.

Plans for the site have been met with plenty of excitement, with some 2,500 people on the waiting list for memberships. Promises have been made for discounts for under 18s and emergency workers as well as free introductory lessons for schoolchildren but so far prices have not been revealed.

Across the North West, court hire can range from £15 an hour off-peak to up to £60 an hour at peak times in the busiest courts on top of monthly membership fees.

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Hello and welcome to The Southport Lead.

I write today not with a regular newsletter but instead to ask for your help. Since launching last year, we’ve been very grateful to receive fantastic support and feedback and we’ve seen subscriber numbers consistently grow - but the reality is we need more people to be willing to pay for their news to ensure our future.

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In the first few months of 2026, this newsletter has been the only place you could read regular coverage of the process of moving the children’s A&E to Southport - unlike any other publisher, I’ve been at every meeting to bring the latest updates and that continued this week as we focused on the efforts in Lancashire to have the decision overturned.

We have also been the only outlet to examine claims made during the election campaign, starting with questionable promises from Reform UK about cost-cutting and then again as the party was accused of dishonesty and ‘disgusting smears’ in its claims over a non-existent contract.

Elsewhere, our reporting that Pontins was being used a police dog training facility was picked up elsewhere without credit and we’ve also been the only place you could read about shops in the former BHS site being forced to close over safety concerns within the building.

But all of this is only possible with your support. The journalism industry is broken - inadequate funding models mean a focus on non-local news, misleading headlines, and websites with so many adverts you can’t actually read the text. Experienced journalists have left newsrooms in huge numbers and the talents of those who remain are often underutilised or impossible to read.

The result of all of this is that the public is less informed which is why we’re trying to do something different here. That was recognised at last year’s Press Gazette Future of Journalism Awards and in the feedback from readers which is always incredibly important to us.

As we progress into unchartered waters politically, scrutiny has never been more important and we want to be there every step of the way to provide it. Please help us to do that.

The Southport Lead is independent, ad-free and written in the town - please help that to continue by taking a paid subscription. A monthly subscription costs just £4.99 and an annual subscription works out at less than £1 week.

In March, the decision to move Children’s A&E from Ormskirk to Southport was confirmed in news which was welcomed after 20 years with the town having no such facility. But, we warned, Ormskirk’s loss was never going to be accepted easily in Lancashire and the fightback is well under way.

Today’s edition looks at an early move to challenge the decision as Health Secretary Wes Streeting faces calls to overturn it amid complaints over both the decision and the process through which it was reached.

Southport briefing

📚 Plans have been submitted to convert the historic former Broadhurst’s bookshop in Southport town centre into a 8-bedroom HMO (House in Multiple Occupation). The first, second and third floors of the Market Street building would be turned into housing while the ground floor would be retained for commercial use. Broadhurst’s was one of Southport’s oldest businesses, having traded since it was opened by Charles Kenyon Broadhurst in 1920, until its sudden closure two years ago. Broadhurst’s bookshop was owned by Laurie Hardman, who tragically died in 2024 after 55 years in post. The application states: “The proposal seeks to bring vacant and underutilised upper floors back into productive residential use while maintaining the vitality and viability of the town centre [...] While the proposal is not an affordable housing scheme, HMOs form an important part of the housing mix by providing lower-cost shared accommodation. This assists in meeting housing needs across different income groups.”

🚓 Three suspected drug dealers were arrested after a police raid on Lathom Road. A large police presence was involved in the operation last Wednesday and officers seized cash, mobiles phones and what was described as a "significant quantity” of cannabis. Three men were arrested at the scene, including a 31‑year‑old man on suspicion of possession of a firearm, being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, possession of a controlled Class A drug and false imprisonment. Two men, aged 35 and 26 and also from Southport, were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs. Detective Inspector Sam Davies said: “These latest arrests is a proactive approach to tackling drug dealing to keep our streets safe. This is an on-going disruption to target criminals involved in serious and organised crime in the area which is a blight to our communities. Serious organised crime gangs are closely linked to serious violence, involving firearm and knife crime, and they have no thought for anyone other than themselves and greed. Stop searches, warrants, land searches and arrests take place all year round, and in many instances it is thanks to the public who tell us where there are issues in the community. If you have information on drug dealing and criminality in your area let us know and we will take action.”

🥧 Greggs is refusing to publicly confirm its plans to re-open in Southport - despite submitting a planning application for a Chapel Street site and being part-way through transforming the site. The bakery chain plans to open in the former H&M shop on Chapel Street and has submitted plans requesting permission to install new signage on the shopfront. But while its application makes clear Greggs plans to open the shop by repeatedly naming the business and including sketches, it is publicly refusing to say when it plans to open or even acknowledge it is doing so. A spokesperson said: “Greggs is always looking into new shop locations. While we are unable to confirm anything at the moment, we will share any information in due course.”

Inside the fightback against plan to bring Children’s A&E back to Southport

By Paul Faulkner and Jamie Lopez

Councillors in Lancashire will try to argue both the process and decision were flawed as they fight the decision to move Children’s A&E services to Southport.

An emergency meeting of Lancashire County Council’s health scrutiny committee convened on Monday to formalise plans to ask the government to overturn the decision reached last month.

After long-running planning to locate all A&E services in one location and a consultation which took place last year, leaders from the Shaping Care Together (SCT) programme - a joint committee of the NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) for Lancashire and South Cumbria, and Cheshire and Merseyside - concluded in March that Southport should be the place for this instead of Ormskirk.

It means that Ormskirk’s department will be closed and moved to Southport in a £33m development - around one third of the forecast cost had Ormskirk been chosen instead.

The current split-site A&E arrangement for children and adults in Ormskirk and Southport is the only such set-up between any two district general hospitals in the country, according to local health leaders. Meanwhile, the decision to co-locate will also mean the return of 24 hour operation for the children’s emergency unit, with Ormskirk’s having closed from midnight-8am since the height of the pandemic in 2020.

The Southport option can also be completed two years faster and SCT leaders concluded it should be chosen on clinical and financial grounds. The move was widely celebrated in Southport but faces intense opposition in West Lancashire, with promises of a fightback launched within moments of the decision being finalised.

West Lancashire MP Ashley Dalton has requested the decision be reviewed by Heath Secretary Wes Streeting and borough and county councillors promised to do the same. More details of that have now emerged at the hastily conveyed meeting at County Hall in Preston.

Streeting has the power to reverse the change and those in Lancashire are moving forward with plans to convince him to do so. The cross-party group – made up of both county and district councillors – unanimously backed the move seeking his intervention on Monday.

Members cited concerns over the process surrounding the NHS decision and questioned whether the shake-up was in “the best interests” of health services in West Lancashire.

A 13-week public consultation was carried out between July and October last year but health scrutiny committee member County Cllr Shaun Crimmins condemned the fact that a “preferred option” – to move the children’s A&E to Southport, as opposed to the adult emergency unit to Ormskirk – had been set out by health officials before residents were asked for their opinion. SCT leaders have repeatedly defended this, saying it is the recommended way to run such consultations.

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Back in August, this newsletter focused on Southport FC as the club hosted its first league fixture under new management and new ownership. It came just months after the previous owners - the Peter Mitchell-led Big Help Project - had left the club on the precipice of disater. Unable to pay the bills, the club faced a winding up petition and genuine threat of closure.

Six months later, Haig Ave yesterday hosted its biggest crowd in half a century as the Sandgrounder found themselves in an FA Trophy semi-final and potentially just 90 minutes away from a trip to Wembley.

A 3-1 defeat ended an unlikely cup run which has been filled with upsets and and the task for the club is how to use this renewed interest and hope to build a more positive future as part of the community.

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Southport briefing

⛱️ The main phase of long-running works at Formby’s National Trust is now complete. The Victoria Road car park to the beach and pinewoods has been closed for around a year to allow for a major project which has involved removing dangerous rubble and restoring rare sand dune habitats. Laura Michelangeli, Community, Participation & Volunteering Manager at the National Trust, said: “With around 80,000 tonnes of rubble removed, we’ll soon see the dunes starting to move naturally again, creating a healthier habitat for wildlife, a more resilient sea defence and a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy. Most of the rubble has been reused to create a more sustainable car park further inland, safely positioned away from the area where the dunes will continue to naturally roll back over time.” Bosses hope the changes will also ease congestion issues at peak times but concede capacity problems will continue. Other changes include the installation of new digital entrance parking capacity signs which will be regularly updated with a full or spaces message, marked parking bays on an improved car park surface, and a better layout with a proper turning circle to help traffic flow more efficiently on and off site.

❌ A scrap metal dealer from Southport has been named and shamed in the government’s latest list of deliberate tax defaulters. Dean James Reece, formerly of Leyland Road, was hit with a penalty of almost £57,000 after failing to pay a £97,000 tax bill. The 49-year-old was among around 140 companies and individuals publicly named by HMRC for deliberate not paying taxes. Kevin Hubbard, HMRC’s Director of Individuals and Small Business Compliance, said: “We are actively tackling tax non-compliance among high street businesses across the UK, and today’s namings show we will act wherever we find it. Everyone on this list had the opportunity to come forward to make a full disclosure – and didn’t. HMRC will always pursue those who deliberately refuse to pay what they owe.”

🏠 Dozens of homes could soon be built on Ainsdale farmland. North Liverpool-based developer Oakwook Homes has applied for planning permission to build a new development of 72 homes on land off New Cut Lane, near its junction with Guildford Road. The site is located just beyond the border of Sefton and West Lancashire and it is the latter’s council which will determine the application. Oakwood’s plans include eight properties which will classes as ‘affordable’ including five one-bedroom homes, while almost half of the proposed homes will be four-bedroom houses.

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Wembley dreams fall flat but hopes rise for Southport FC

By Jamie Lopez

A non-league record crowd saw Southport FC fall short of a dream Wembley final but hopes now turn to finally seeing a brighter future for the club.

At half-time, the Sandgrounders were 1-0 up and theoretically just 45 minutes away from a dream day out which would have seen a return to the national team stadium for the first time since 1998.

Two goals in quick succession early in the second saw full-time visitors Southend United take the lead against their part-time host and quality and fitness showed as Southport were unable to force a way back into the tie.

A third goal, finished with class by Charley Kendall, dampened hopes of a comeback and aside from one snatched Danny Lloyd chance, Southport were unable to create any more big opportunities against a side who play one division above and are chasing promotion to the Football League. Southport goalkeeper Chris Renshaw would be sent off in the dying moments for a professional foul committed after he was left in danger by a weak Jordan Slew backpass.

The Yellows went into the match as underdogs and while the drama of a late equaliser and penalty shootout win in the quarter finals had raised belief, there had always been a belief that reaching this stage had been an achievement in itself. More than that, though, the achievement and the target has been reconnecting the club with a disillusioned fanbase and disconnected town.

To give some perspective of the club’s underperformance, narrowly avoiding relegation in recent years still involved its lowest ever positions in the football pyramid. Meanwhile, Southport have failed to finish in the top half of any league since 2012 while a succession of owners have been unable to achieve any tangible success.

Matter hit a nadir last summer when a club with more than 125 years of history sat on the precipice of closure, unable to pay its bills and with owners desperate to end their responsibilities in the face of personal bankruptcy and investigations into their non-footballing responsibilities.

As reported by The Southport Lead after the first home game of the season, David Cunningham and Kieran Malone were effectively handed control of the club and with it huge debts, little infrastructure, and the added complication of the previous owners being investigated by The Charity Commission.

In the weeks and months that followed, a manager was appointed - but only confirmed once that investigation allowed - and a squad of young players and little experience assembled. Despite the green shoots seen in that first home win, more struggles followed.

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Much of the focus in recent newsletters has been on Southport Hospital and the multi-million pound plan to bring Children’s A&E services back to the town.

Today, we look a little further down the road to its neighbour Queenscourt Hospice, where leaders have warned there is an immediate financial crisis and that services may have to be cut.

To help support Queenscourt during this immediate funding crisis, Queenscourt is urgently asking for donations to be made via queenscourt.org.uk/KeepQueenscourtInService or by calling its Fundraising Team on 01704 517420 to make a donation over the phone.

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Southport briefing

🌼 Volunteers from Ainsdale In Bloom have been awarded the King’s Award For Voluntary Service (KAVS). The special accolade was presented by Merseyside Lord Lieutenant Peter Oliver OBE on behalf of King Charles III at the FPC Financial offices in Ainsdale Village. Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life. Under the leadership of Brenda Porter, the group has helped to transform Ainsdale in recent years, bringing real civic pride and attracting new local businesses to invest and open. Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE said: “Ainsdale in Bloom received their King’s Award for Voluntary Service, on a beautiful spring day with ample evidence of their beautiful planters. But Ainsdale in Bloom does much more than planting beautiful flowers which lift people’s spirits; they work with local institutions specialising in mental health and those with SEND, helping everyone to flourish and value living in Ainsdale. This small group of 12 volunteers has worked for ten years to reach their current position and this award is truly deserved. Many congratulations to Brenda Porter and all of the volunteers and the organisations who were here who have helped them along the way.”

🎨 Sefton Council has been awarded £475k funding from Arts Council England towards the growth of the cultural sector over the next two years. The local authority was sucessful in an application for Place Partnership funding and the money will be used to support Southport’s Elegantly Eccentric programme which began with Lightport and will include Cristal Palace, Big Top and Books Alive. The council says the momentum of these major cultural events will be ‘continued through an aspirational programme developed by local cultural partners’ throughout 2027. Jennifer Cleary, Director, North West, Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to support Southport through our Place Partnership programme, recognising the scale and strength of the town’s cultural ambition. This investment will help build on the fantastic work already underway, bringing partners together to create more opportunities for people to take part in high-quality cultural activity on their doorsteps.”

🚓 A man in his 50s was punched and stabbed in his hand in Southport town centre on Friday night. Another man, 49, has been arrested on suspicion of wounding and police are continuing to appeal for information. Officers were called to the scene, where Lord Street meets Waverley Street, at around 7.30pm and the victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Detective Inspector Edward Barr said: “The victim in this incident has been left distressed and with a serious injury to his hand as a result of the offender’s actions, and is getting the care he needs in hospital. I know the Southport community too will be shocked and saddened to hear a serious assault has taken place on Lord Street. At the time of this incident, it would have been busy with people enjoying their Friday night in the many bars and restaurants along the street – they should be able to enjoy their Friday night without having to witness an attack such as this. Our enquiries are already progressing well, and we appeal to anyone who was on Lord Street at around 7.30pm on Friday and might have seen any part of this incident to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook quoting reference 26000224348. You can also report online, call 101, or contact Crimstoppers anonymously.

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Queenscourt Hospice considers service cuts as it faces immediate funding crisis

By Jamie Lopez

Queenscourt Hospice could be forced to cut services as bosses warn it faces the most challenging time in its history.

The much-needed facility receives only around a quarter of its core costs through the NHS with the rest entirely reliant on fundraising. It has regularly faced an annual deficit and this has reached almost £2m last year, contributed to by an 80% fall in legacy donations.

These are donations from wills and are therefore seen as entirely unpredictable in terms of budgeting but play a significant role in the hospice’s finances. In 2023/24, legacy donations totalled £1.1m but this dropped to £196k the following year.

Hospice leaders pointed to factors including rising salaries, National Insurance and energy bills which have added cost pressures and left Queenscourt in an “untenable” financial position.

The government says it has increased hospice funding since coming to power and is working on a fairer framework for long-term settlements but Queenscourt leaders say that its situation is already perilous and have launched a Keep Queenscourt in Service Campaign in a bid to raise much needed funds.

Dr Clare Finnegan, Executive Medical Director said: “Queenscourt is working tirelessly with our hospice collaboratives and NHS Integrated Care Boards to secure fairer, more sustainable funding - the kind that would finally bring us closer to the national average of between 35–40% contribution towards hospice costs. This process takes time, and time is something that our financial position does not afford us.

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“Right now, our situation is unsustainable, and we are being forced to consider the possibility of reducing vital services. This is a step we never imagined we might have to contemplate”.

The hospice opened its doors 35 years ago and took its name from a house which was donated to the charity when it first fundraising for the building. The property was on Queens Road and because it would have been an inappropriate building for a hospice the executors agreed that it be sold and a condition of this was that the name would be kept for the new building, which would open off Town Lane.

Contrary to what some believe, its treatments range far beyond end-of-life care, with palliative support comprising a minority of its work across its In-Patient Unit, Queenscourt Connect, and Queenscourt at Home services.

All of this helps to significantly ease pressure on other NHS services and across 2024-25, the average stay for inpatients was 10 days, while hospice staff visited more than 650 patients in hospital and 1,300 patients in the community. The added to giving bereavement support for 700 people and providing clinical placements for 47 medical students and check-in training for 120 carers.

All of this adds up though, with a team of more than 100 professional staff and daily running costs which reached almost £15,000 per day last year.

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On Wednesday, our edition focused on questionable promises and inflammatory allegations which formed a key part of Reform UK’s election campaigning for Southport.

In the days that followed, we’ve seen more of the same so we return to the subjects today as the party claims to have found a way to save £500,000 by tearing up a contract which doesn’t even exist and hasn’t been put out for tender.

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Southport briefing

🤝 The government has formally approved the business case which will unlock the £20m needed to repair and reopen Southport Pier. The decision was confirmed this week and means major works to restore the long-closed attraction can now begin. Works will include a full replacement of decking boards and timber joists, repair and replacement of corroded steelworks, installation of new gates and CCTV, and the introduction of a robust long-term maintenance regime. HListed building consent is already in place, and the two‑stage design and build procurement process has been completed, allowing works to begin swiftly. Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “As I have said many times, we were ready to begin works the moment funding was confirmed—and now we can. This is a vital milestone in safeguarding one of our most cherished heritage assets[...] Our business case sets out not only the current construction costs but also a long-term plan for maintaining the pier. We have never given up on Southport Pier. It is a symbol of our town’s identity and heritage, and this funding secures its future for generations to come.”

🛤️ Rail fares to Southport will be slashed in a bid to encourage more visitors to attend this year’s major events. Following the success of Lightport, Merseyrail tickets will be reduced to £2 return for adults and £1 for children during the other three ‘Elegantly Eccentric’ events and the town’s other major events. These are Cristal Palace (3-4 April), Big Top Festival (2-3 May), Southport Food & Drink Festival (29-31 May), Southport Flower Show (20-23 August), Southport Airshow (29-30 August), British Musical Fireworks Championship (26-27 September) and Books Alive (24-31 October). The offer was announced by Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and is being funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority from funds recovered from train manufacturer Stadler. Rotheram said: “Southport is one of the jewels in our region’s cultural crown. But for too long it hasn’t had the attention, or ambition, it deserved. Thanks to devolution, and determined leadership from [Sefton Council leader] Cllr Marion Atkinson, we’re now working better across all levels of government to change that.”

🧑‍⚖️ A thug who knocked a man unconscious and broke his ankle has been jailed for 15 months. Jacob Hutchingson, of Nineveh Gardens, Leeds, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning grievous bodily harm and wounding with intent after attacking the man during a night out in Southport town centre last April. The 30-year-old was identified after a CCTV appeal and returned to Liverpool Crown Court on Friday to face sentencing. In a Victim Personal Statement, the man who was assaulted said: “I was not confident going out by myself when I was on crutches and it took several months to try and get that confidence back. I was scared to bump into my attacker, unable to remember their face so every male that looked at me I thought it was him. I am still worried going out with my friends into Southport day and night.” Detective Constable Immy Mahmood said: “This was a nasty assault that left a man in hospital with serious injuries. It’s only right that Hutchingson is now spending time in prison when I hope he will reflect on his appalling actions during this night.”

Reform UK accused of misleading public and disgraceful smears in Southport campaign

By Jamie Lopez

Reform UK’s Southport branch has been accused of ‘misleading’ the public with its latest stunt.

The party’s local chair Larry Sweeney this week shared a video claiming to have exposed an example of profligate spending by Sefton Council through its planned demolition of Toad Hall in Ainsdale.

The historic venue by Ainsdale beach is set to be demolished and replaced at first with a temporary car park in a project for which the council has budgeted £1.5m. Sweeney said Reform had obtained a cheaper quote which would save £500,000 but the claim has been dismissed as “simply untrue”.

Council sources were left baffled by the claims, not least because Reform has not accessed the building to complete any survey. Neither has any tender process taken place, meaning there is no contract with which the quote could be compared.

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “The contract for the demolition of Toad Hall hasn’t been tendered yet – the £1.5 million is an estimate based on surveys of the building and the specific requirements for this project – not the actual amount that will be spent.

“Once it goes out to tender businesses will be welcome to quote for the work and we will always look to get best value for residents.”

The party also claimed to be in “advanced negotiations” for a quote to restore Southport Pier just hours before the Government-funding for the works was formally signed off.

Meanwhile comments made by Sweeney have again come under scrutiny over unfounded allegations seemingly aimed at councillors.

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In exactly 50 days, voters will go to the ballot boxes for local elections which will see every single seat contested on Sefton Council. All out elections are rare here but boundary changes mean 2026 is the first year in more than two decades to see such an event.

It comes at a very unusual time in national politics where the two main parties are both polling badly , with Reform UK boasting significant support, the Green Party enjoyed renewed confidence after winning the Gorton and Denton by-election, and the Lib Dems having picked up plenty of council seats.

In Sefton, Labour currently has a large majority but the other parties will sense an opportunity. In particular, Reform UK hope to make big gains and, if their campaign talk is to be believed, have serious hopes of taking control of the council as in nearby Lancashire.

Today’s edition focuses on one of the party’s big promises - to bring in DOGE to examine the council’s finances - and how this has played out at the other authorities it controls.

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Southport briefing

☕ Planning permission has been granted for a drive-through Starbucks to be built in Scarisbrick. The American coffee giant will redevelop the Southport Road site which was last occupied by Ormsby Memorials. As previously reported by The Southport Lead, the family business used the site for more than 50 years with the memorial manufacturing being an addition to the main income which came from making and selling church supplies such as pews, altars and lecterns. The family downsized to a site in Southport as demand reduced and now local firm Crompton Property Developments has gained planning approval for the Starbucks plan. The application says the plan will create 20 jobs with opening hours of 6.30am-11pm include a car park with 28 spaces.

🏌️ Community and voluntary groups will be able to apply for grants of up to £20k from the organisers of The Open. The major golf event returns to the Royal Birkdale this summer and The R&A is giving away money in a scheme which it says aims to create a lasting, positive legacy. Applicants will need to address one of four areas identified by Greenlinks, the sustainability programme for The Open, which include low carbon solutions, moving towards a circular economy, protecting and enhancing nature, and delivering meaningful social value for local people. Applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel including representatives from The R&A, Sefton Council and other local stakeholders. Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said: “The Open Legacy Fund is about ensuring that hosting The Open delivers tangible, long-term benefits for the local communities in which it is staged each year. In Southport, we want to support projects that reflect local priorities, strengthen communities and contribute to a more sustainable future.” Beneficiaries in 2017 included improvements to Southport Pier, a training pathway scheme providing opportunities in the leisure and sports sector for residents not in work, and improvements made to Birkdale Common.

🚯 Sefton Council has supported government’s proposals to give motorists penalty points on their driving licences if caught fly-tipping as part of its forthcoming Waste Crime Action Plan. According to the local authority, clearing illegally dumped waste cost it £350,000 last year and leaders say they would welcome further tools to deter fly-tipping and strengthen enforcement. Cllr Peter Harvey, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Cleansing, said: “This is exactly the sort of practical, powerful approach that many of our residents are telling me they want. Linking offences to driving licences has the potential to be a strong deterrent, particularly for repeat offenders who rely on vehicles to dump waste illegally. In Sefton, we have significantly stepped up our enforcement action, raising penalties to up to £1,000, doubling the size of our enforcement team, and deploying CCTV to catch offenders in the act. In the last month alone, we have issued seven fixed penalty notices and secured a successful prosecution for a man who committed a fly-tipping offence, here in Sefton. We also know that rogue waste operators in white vans, often tempt residents with cheap deals on social media, only to dump household waste across Sefton. These proposed measures will help clamp down on this behaviour.”

🏎️ The centenary of Sir Henry Segrave’s record breaking drive on Ainsdale beach was marked by his Sunbeam Tiger recreating the journey. Sir Henry set the world land speed record to 152.33mph on March 16, 1923 and 100 years later a weekend of celebrations culminated with the original car returning to the beach. This time it was current land speed record holder and Segrave Trophy recipient Wing Commander Andy Green at the wheel of the bright red Sunbeam Tiger and at a much reduced speed.

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Reform UK’s DOGE promises amounted to little elsewhere - so why will Southport be different?

By Jamie Lopez

Reform UK’s plans for Sefton Council have been questioned amid promises to bring in cost-cutters who have failed to find savings in any other area.

Reform’s Southport branch has named bringing in ‘DOGE’ among its key priorities if it enjoys success in the upcoming local elections despite the idea having either proving unsuccessful or non-existent in councils already run by the party.

Styled on the Department of Government Efficiency which was brought in by Elon Musk to find savings in the US government but achieved only a tiny fraction of its promises while devastating vital services, the Department of Local Government Efficiency (DOLGE) was a centrepoint of Reform’s promises before last year’s elections.

Then, the party saw huge success to take control of 10 councils, including neighbouring Lancashire County Council where it now holds 53 of the 84 seats available. However, despite repeated promises about DOLGE visits being imminent, no visit ever took place. It had since raised council tax by 3.8%, a level lower than many other councils but in contradiction with some of its election materials which promised tax cuts.

In Kent County Council, seen as Reform’s flagship council, party officials did make a visit and gain access to council accounts and documents but councillors later conceded that no significant savings were found.

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From banners warning about ‘murder’ to walkouts and cries of shame, it’s fair to say the meeting in which the return of Children’s A&E to Southport was confirmed went less smoothly than the decision makers would have liked.

The Southport Lead has been covered the process throughout and I was again there on Friday as the TV cameras and other reporters arrived for the final moment. The decision was always an expected one and within moments of its announcement, the fightback begun.

Just as Southport protested the loss of its department in 2003, those in West Lancashire are making clear they will not accept losing one in Ormskirk without a fight.

Southport briefing

🏗️ An Ainsdale man says he fears he will be made homeless when his home is demolished to make way for a new Aldi. The discount retailer will build its latest store when eyesore buildings off Sandbrook are demolished in a £7m development which promises to bring 40 new jobs. While most of the buildings there are empty and have been bought by Sefton Council, some remain occupied and the John Gretton fears has now been served with a Section 21 eviction notice. The 58-year-old told the LDRS he fears he will end up on the streets, adding: “They can’t make people homeless just to build a shop. I have been looking at flats and even with money, it’s impossible. If I do not find somewhere else, I am homeless unless the council do something but you know how quick they are. I did not think I would be in this position, not this quick. They could have given us a year and that would have been fine.” The council says it is giving priority housing status to those remaining there and has already helped affected tenants. Council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson added that contact has been made with tenants last week.

🏫 Churchtown Primary School has been honoured at the 2026 Youth Sport Trust Awards after opening a new playground in memory of two pupils who tragically died. Through a wide range of pupil-driven fundraising activities, Churchtown managed to raise £380,000, with the money going towards building a new playground to honour Alice da Silva Aguia and Bebe King and support unstructured, child-led play. The school was awarded the Inspiring Play Award. Deputy head Tom Dowd said: “The school community and the wider community have all come together and we’ve now got something at the school that the children are so proud to be part of. They had their part in raising the money that went towards it, so they will see it as their playground, and it has just transformed our playtimes.”

🏠 Plans to convert an Ainsdale house for use as a children’s home have been approved. As previously reported by The Southport Lead, care company faced opposition from neighbours over their plans for a property on Unit Road. However, Sefton’s planning committee this week granted approval for the plan meaning the home can be used by as a home for to four people aged 16 or over.

📢 The Coroner of Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens has issued an appeal for information to find the next of kin for a man from Southport. Steven Shaw, 65, of Avondale Road, died on Tuesday 10 March at his home address. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. Anyone with any information is asked to call 0151 934 2399 or email Coronerreferrals@sefton.gov.uk

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Anger and delight contrast as Children’s A&E move confirmed

By Jamie Lopez

Southport has been officially chosen as the location to host both adult and children’s A&E departments at a public meeting which saw public discontent and walkouts.

Southport Hospital was confirmed as the chosen facility to host both departments when the Shaping Care Together (SCT) programme concluded they should be based in one single location rather than split across Southport and Ormskirk in their current arrangement.

A public consultation on this plan was launched last year and it was clear from the outset that the SCT believed Southport was the better option, being much quicker to implement and significantly cheaper at £33m compared to £90m for Ormskirk.

Some 5,000 responses were received during the consultation and campaigning from politicians and the public in West Lancashire was ultimately unable to persuade a change of direction. On Friday, members of the SCT committee - made up of members of the integrated care boards of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria - met at Ormskirk Civic Hall to reach a final decision.

As expected, and to the anger and dismay of many of those who attended from West Lancashire, Southport was confirmed as the choice in a move which will see the return of 24-hour emergency care for children and the creation of a new department and 350 additional car parking spaces through a multi-storey facility.

While only around half of the 100 members of the public who’d requested to attend the meeting did show up, the meeting was disturbed on multiple occasions. A first walkout occurred within 30 minutes and vocal interruptions would soon follow. The meeting’s chair, Hilary Garratt of NHS Cheshire & Merseyside ICB, repeatedly warned that if the interruptions continued, the meeting would be adjourned and continued in private.

At one stage, a banner was lifted at the back of the room bearing a message which warned that “closing hospitals is murder”, though there are no plans to close any hospital as part of this change.

Moments later, Professor Garratt announced the meeting was being paused in a bid to control the interruptions. The committee members left the room for around 10 minutes before returning to complete the presentation stage of the meeting.

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Last week at Liverpool Crown Court, a teenager who idolised and spoke about plans to emulate the Southport killer was sentenced for possessing terrorist material. The details of the case are every bit as shocking as you might expect, from the nature of his discussions and plans to the failure to address his behaviour at an earlier stage.

Now, the families of the three girls killed in Southport have spoken of their disgust that the boy was allowed to walk free and raised concerns over whether the lessons learned from the losses of the children are truly being heeded.

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Southport Briefing

🎂 A former Royal Marine was inundated with cards, presents and visitors as he celebrated his 100th birthday. Stan Woolley celebrated his big day at Ivy Gate Lodge Care Home on Saturday and received visits from those involved in the Royal British Legion as well as members of the community from local schools and nurseries. In response to an appeal from care home worker Rave Wilson, Stan also received more than 600 cards, including some from as far as Canada and New Zealand. A spokesperson for the home said: ““We would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who turned up for Stan on Saturday! We couldn’t be more proud of all of our staff at Ivy Gate Lodge Care Home, you have done us all so proud! Thank you to everyone else who has made this day special for Stan on his big achievement [...] We can’t believe the turnout, it really was amazing! We are glad to say that Stan has thoroughly enjoyed himself.”

⚽ An indoor football skills park will open at Ocean Plaza this spring. Footy Nation is a first of its kind attraction in the UK and will offer football challenge games including Match Ball, Curve Ball, Score Ball, Kick Ball, Spin Ball and Pin Ball. It had been due to open last year leading to questions about whether it was still being developed but its owners now say it will open this year. Operations manager Steve Allen said: “We’ve reimagined the world’s most popular sport and brought it indoors to create a next-level football skills park like no other. We’re so excited to bring this new soccer gaming zone to life in Southport. No more training on rainy pitches, this is a purpose-built centre designed to develop essential footy skills in a way that’s dynamic, competitive and, most importantly, fun.”

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Families of Southport attack victims fear lessons not learned as terror teen walks free

The parents of the three girls killed in the Southport attack say they are “extremely alarmed” after a wannabe copycat was not imprisoned.

The families of Elsie, Bebe and Alice released a joint statement through their legal team this week following the sentence of a 17-year-old boy who idolised the killer and had also been referred to the Government’s anti-terror Prevent programme without any action being taken.

They said they were left “aghast” after learning that someone who confessed to similar plans and beliefs as the killer of their children was not intercepted earlier and was then allowed to walk free from court. Their legal team is now planning to contact the chair of The Southport Inquiry, which is looking into how the attack was able to happen, about their concerns over this case.

The teenager, also from Merseyside, cannot be named due to his age but was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court last week having told police he wanted to emulate the Southport killer Axel Rudakubana. He pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing information likely to be useful to a person planning or committing an act of terrorism.

Police attended his home in August 2025 after he called 999 and explained that he was contemplating carrying out a terror attack but could not leave due to being locked in the house. During this visit, officers found a bag containing kitchen knives and an investigation was carried out by North West Counter Terrorism Police.

In notes found on his phone, he described the killer as a “hero” and declared that loved and looked up to him. Online, he spoke of plans to carry out his own attack on children and was also said to have researched other mass killers and bragged about watching videos of ISIS killings online. Like the Southport killer, he was found to have illegally downloaded an Al Qaeda training manual and instructions for preparing ricin.

In January, he pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing a document or record for terrorist purposes after downloading handbooks and other documentation related to terrorism. During his sentencing, it was found that the boy had twice been referred to Prevent

As reported by the BBC, the first referral came in 2021 when his school raised concerns about his admiration for ISIS but it was concluded that his behaviour was driven by autism rather than ideology and that there were no ongoing counter-terrorism concerns. A second referral followed in May last year in relation to him discussing the Southport attack and the Manchester Arena bombing and was still being considered at the time of the 999 call.

A month after the referral, he had told a friend online that he hoped his case would be closed like Rudakubana’s with “no clear ideology”.

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In a joint statement, the three families expressed their horror at hearing the case had not been taken more seriously by the authorities earlier. They said: “Elsie, Bebe and Alice were failed at every possible point - failed by the very professionals and agencies who should have protected them. Had they acted decisively, our children would still be alive.

“Yet we now face the reality that a 17‑year‑old boy has admitted these offences, expressed ideologies aligned with AR - and still walks free. This is about repeated failures by agencies and professionals who knew better, and still did nothing.

“Our only hope through the inquiry was that no other families would have to endure what we have. But, the events relating to this teenager give us real concerns that changes that we were told have occurred, appear to fail again.”

Prosecutors said they acknowledged that the boy’s motivation for calling 999 in August may have been, in part, to alert the authorities to his desire to harm others, and to seek assistance for a significant deterioration of his mental health, while the judge in the case described it as a “difficult decision” and said a youth rehabilitation order (YRO) would better protect the public than a custodial sentence.

He was sentenced to a YRO with a supervision requirement for three years, a programme requirement for 60 days, an extended activity requirement for 91 days, a residence requirement for six months, and an electronically monitored curfew requirement for four months.

Chris Walker, the families’ legal representative and director of serious injury at Bond Turner, said the decision could not be understood and raised concerns over whether lessons have indeed been learned from the Southport case.

“A number of details regarding this teenager and his background are seriously alarming and we felt it was only right that we commented given the focus of the Southport Inquiry and the numerous agencies that were involved with AR prior to the events of July 2024.

“The Prime Minister himself commented following the Southport attack that the institutional failings ‘leap off the page’ – and it would appear the same can be said here.”

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Next week, health bosses will meet to reach a final decision on whether Southport or Ormskirk should be chosen to host both Adult’s and Children’s A&E Services when both are moved to one site.

On Thursday, a scrutiny committee meeting of Sefton and Lancashire County Councillors met to grill the NHS chiefs about the plans and hear feedback from the consultation - once again The Southport Lead was the news only outlet to attend and cover what happened.

You can read all about that in today’s meeting - including questions about the consultation process, an angry walkout from a member of the public, and the call for a delay from a prominent West Lancashire councillor.

As well as being the first to report on the proposals, we’ve been there at each stage of the process and will be again when the decision is reached on Friday - but we can only do this with your support. To enable us to keep publishing in-depth, independent, local journalism free of ads and clickbait, please consider a paid subscription.

Southport briefing

💔 A Southport man who died in a car crash in North Lincolnshire has been remembered as a beloved son, brother, uncle and boyfriend. Dean Corbett, 34 suffered fatal injuries when his Ford Transit crash with a HGV and a car transporter on the A15 pm Wednesday. In a tribute, his family said: “Dean always had a smile on his face, had the funniest jokes to make people laugh, and would always have time for anyone no matter where he was in life. Dean was kind, caring and funny with a big heart. His passing has left a massive void in all of us. He will be extremely missed.”

🍎 Aldi has announced plans to build a supermarket in Ainsdale. The budget retailer has outlined a £7m plan to build its latest store off Sandbrook Road on a site which has long faced calls for regeneration. The proposed site is currently occupied by a mixture of housing and retail units which are largely vacant and in poor condition. Sefton Council has now acquired most of these properties and is working with Aldi to redevelop the site. Aldi has launched an online consultation on its plans and says it will create 40 jobs at the new store. A spokesperson said: “This is an ideal site for a new Aldi food store, which would significantly improve the local retail options available to residents in the community and transform this brownfield site. We’d like to encourage all those in the local area to let us know what they think about our plans and look forward to working with residents and stakeholders to deliver a new Aldi food store for the area.”

🧑‍⚖️ A drug dealer who was spotted selling to a vulnerable missing person has been jailed for 40 months. Nathan Slemen, of Newby Street, Liverpool, was spotted by officers from Merseyside’s County Lines Taskforce on February 3 as they targeted drug dealing in Southport. The 48-year-old was seen carrying out a suspected drug deal and was detained by officers before a search uncovered crack cocaine and heroin packaged and prepared for supply. Following an investigation as part of Operation Toxic, Slemen was charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and has now been convicted. The person buying the drugs was also detained and identified as a vulnerable missing person and was returned to staffed accommodation with appropriate drug referrals made. Inspector Stephen Morris from Project Medusa said: “Slemen believed he could supply drugs within our communities, but thanks to the vigilance and proactive work of our officers he was quickly stopped and brought to justice. This case demonstrates our continued commitment through both the County Lines Taskforce and Operation Toxic to disrupting organised criminal networks, protecting vulnerable people, and reducing the harm that drugs cause in our communities.”

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Southport expected to be A&E choice - but opposition will be strong

By Jamie Lopez

Southport is expected to be confirmed as the choice to host both children and adults A&E services next week - but opposition is likely to be loud and defiant in West Lancashire.

The Shaping Care Together (SCT) programme has been reviewing emergency care in Southport and West Lancs and decided A&E departments for all ages should be located in a single site - either Southport or Ormskirk.

Southport has been named as the preferred option - being significantly cheaper and quicker to implement - since the start of a consultation and a final decision is due to be announced at a public meeting on Friday (March 13).

Pending approval of the decision, a £33m expansion programme will take place to help support the moving of children’s services and ensure improvements to existing adult care services as well. In addition to this, up to 350 new car parking spaces are set to be announced to help accommodate new visitors to the hospital.

However, one West Lancashire councillor is calling for that meeting, and more crucially the decision, to be delayed amid concerns over the consultation process. Cllr Adrian Owens, who represents Our West Lancashire at borough and county council level, believes there are questions over whether people in West Lancashire were adequately consulted and whether feedback showing a preference for Ormskirk among clinical staff was properly considered.

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Cllr Owens made the call after a meeting in which health bosses presented the outcome of the consultation and a scrutiny committee of Sefton and Lancashire County Council councillors were given one last chance to ask questions. The scrutiny committee is not involved in any decision making but gives elected officials an opportunity to inspect and query the process in detail.

The SCT programme - which is being overseen by a joint committee made up of the integrated care boards (ICB) of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria - has defended its engagement and pointed to high response rates as well as its own extensive efforts across different media and public sessions.

Reporting on the consultation, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Rob Cooper said responses had been received from more than 7,800 people equating to 3% of the population in the catchment area, a figure welcomed in comparison to the 1% considered a good response rate under national guidance.

Mr Cooper said that, unsurprisingly, the feedback showed a clear geographical preference with those from Southport and Formby wanting to see the Southport option chosen and those in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale favouring Ormskirk.

He also explained that a far greater number of responses came from Lancashire, likely in response to the number of campaigns which were launched once Southport was named as the preferred option. On the point, he noted that purely in terms of numbers, the Southport population was underrepresented and Ormskirk’s overrepresented.

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The majority of children living in care have experienced abuse or neglect and statistically have below average outcomes across a range of measures. However, efforts to integrate such children into communities through the use of traditional family homes often face opposition - with stigma-inducing remarks over anti-social behaviour and impact on quality of life often used in attempts to block such plans.

Today’s newsletter focuses on one such example where neighbours have used such reasons in an attempt to convince Sefton Council not to allow a house to be used as supported accommodation which could help set cared for children up for living independently as adults.

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Southport briefing

🏖️ Southport MP Patrick Hurley has welcome a government decision to launch Mission Coastal, an initiative aimed at tackling entrenched disadvantage in seaside towns and boosting educational opportunity for children growing up by the coast. Hurley was one of 67 Labour MPs representing coastal areas whoc campaigned for national action to improve outcomes for those living in seaside locations. The group hope to see the appointment of a Minister for Coastal Communities with the responsibility for driving a coastal communities strategy across government, increased investment in public transport infrastructure around the coast; and sustained investment in post-16 education, apprenticeships, and non-graduate jobs in deprived coastal towns. Hurley said: “I was proud to back this campaign from the very beginning, because young people across Southport and its Northern Parishes deserve the same focus, ambition and support from government as those growing up in our major cities. The Government’s decision to launch Mission Coastal is a huge step forward for our young people. It is exactly the kind of bold, targeted intervention local schools and families have been calling for, with the potential to deliver the same lasting, transformative impact for coastal communities as New Labour’s London Challenge did for young people in the capital.”

🏅 Sergio Aguiar completed the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday - the fourth of his challenge to complete the six World Marathon Majors. Sergio is completing the marathons in honour of daughter Alice and to raise funds for the WonderDance Foundation which was founded in memory of the nine-year-old. He said: “Tokyo thank you! For me, this marathon held a different atmosphere compared to the others. I think this was due to the culture of this beautiful city. A different world to anything I’ve experienced. This was my best time recorded.... but also the hardest one of the majors so far. Unexpected warm weather. Of course Alice sent the sunshine, as she always does.” Sergio will next take on the Boston Marathon in the USA on Monday 20th April 2026 before his finale at the London Marathon on Sunday 26th April 2026.

🔥 Sefton Council has been awarded £17,250 in compensation after a building at one of its park buildings was seriously damaged by fire. An outbuilding at Coronation Park in Crosby was damaged in March 2025 and a court has now ordered the payment as part of Joe Henderson’s sentencing. Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “It is important that the Council follow up cases such as this where public property, which belongs to the people of Sefton, has been damaged or destroyed intentionally and unlawfully. I also hope this will act as a reminder to others, that we will not tolerate this kind of vandalism and that it you commit it, we will pursue you through the courts.”

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Councillors told to allow children’s home as neighbours complain about quality of life

By Jamie Lopez

An Ainsdale home looks set to be allowed to be used by children in care despite neighbours rallying to block the attempted use.

Supported accommodation provider Kilter Care has asked for permission to use a family home on Unit Road as home for up to four people aged 16 or over.

Children in care, the majority of whom have suffered trauma, abuse or neglect before entering the system, statistically have worse outcomes in adulthood than other children and being able to transition to living as a safe part of a community is considered a vital aspect in countering this.

The extent of the problem is such that national data shows that nearly one in 10 young people leaving care become homeless in the two years after they turn 18 and Stephen Hulme, Development Manager at young people’s charity Break, says that “a significant contributing factor to the cliff edge young people experience when leaving care is access to safe, comfortable, and aspirational housing”.

Semi-independent living accommodation such as the type proposed here involve 24/7 support and are designed to help young people in care develop their independence skills to help them gain their own tenancy once they turn 18 and it is seen essential that such homes mirror a normal household environment in touch with the wider community.

However, as is often the case with such applications, several of those living near the property, have sought to prevent them from being given the opportunity to live in the neighbourhood by issuing objections against the planning application.

In total, 13 individual letters of objection have been submitted ahead of the matter going before Sefton Council’s planning committee next week, along with a further letter signed by 25 people.

Among the reasons cited, many of which tie into the stigma experienced by cared-for children, are concerns over anti-social behaviour, security risks, and an impact on the quality of life for elderly and vulnerable residents. In its response to the application, Merseyside Police raised no such concerns.

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In recent editions, we have focused on efforts to set a new Sefton Council budget which follow a £30m overspend in the current year and have required special government permission. We return to the issue once more as councillors from all parties met on Thursday and voted on a plan which will involve a 4.99% rise in council tax for residents.

In reality, Labour’s large majority means that as long as its own councillors agree with its plan, it does not need the support of other parties but the meeting gave those in opposition the chance to put forward their own suggestions and to scrutinise the proposals on offer.

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Southport briefing

🏫 Greenbank High School leaders have announced plans to rebuild the facility. The all-girls school has been selected for redevelopment as part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) national School Rebuilding Programme. BAM Construction has been appointed by the DfE as the building contractor to deliver the project and a public consultation on its proposals will take place on Thursday from 2pm-7.30pm at the school. The plans will see a new single school building replace all existing buildings and the development would be phased to allow for the school to remain open using the majority of the existing buildings during construction Community use sporting facilities will also remain available throughout the construction period and it is intended that a planning application for the redevelopment proposals will be submitted to Sefton Council following the consultation period in March-April , with work starting on site late this yea, the new building in use for autumn 2028 and of autumn 2029 and the final works completed a year later.

🏉 Tributes have been paid to a former captain of Southport Rugby Club and Head of PE at KGV College. Roger Stichbury, known to many as Stitch, was described by his former club as “a man whose dedication, spirit, and service have shaped our club for more than forty years.” Roger spent decades volunteering at the club and working at working at the club, giving a love of sport to generations of youngsters. Paying tribute, the club said: “If you were to design the perfect volunteer, mentor, and club man, the template would be Roger. His commitment was matched only by his kindness, his humour, and the quiet strength that made him so widely respected across the town. A devoted family man, Roger was held in the highest regard by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Roger leaves behind a legacy that will live on in every team sheet, every junior session, every match day, and every young player who found their way into rugby because of him.” Roger’s funeral will take place at 1pm on Friday, March 20 at Southport Crematorium.

🪴 The historic conservatory at Hesketh Park is to undergo a refurbishment thanks to a bequest of £862,000 by Louis and Anita Marks, long-term neighbours and supporters of the park. The generous gift has already seen the park’s fountain completely restored to its ornate former glory and the bed replanted at its base and the latest plans will go on show at a public information session from 10am-1pm on Wednesday. The event will include a talk on the plans by the architect along with a chance for the public to ask questions and provide feedback. Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Thanks to Louis and Anita Marks generosity, we are carrying out their wish to ensure its best possible future. The fountain and its surroundings are looking glorious and the plans for the conservatory look exciting.I recommend anyone with an interest in Hesketh Park and its heritage go along on Wednesday and find out more about the proposals.”

👕 The Free Clothes Store, which provides clothing, shoes, toiletries and hygiene products from a base at Lakeside Church, has been handed an £8,000 funding boost from Merseyside Police. The charity received the money through the force’s Operation Payback which reinvests money seized from criminals back into the community. The store also supplies clothing bundles to mental health facilities and the probation service and provides prom dresses and tuxedos for young people who may otherwise struggle to access formalwear. Offering thanks for the donation, Assistant Pastor Georgina Vernon said it will make an immediate difference to those in need. She said: “The Free Clothes Store exists to ensure that no one has to go without essential clothing. We provide good quality, free clothing for adults and children, along with shoes, coats, toiletries, underwear and seasonal essentials, all in a safe, welcoming and dignified environment. For many people, this support is not just practical but deeply encouraging, a reminder that they are seen, valued, and not alone. The Free Clothes Store is about more than clothes, it’s about restoring hope and showing people that their community cares. Support like this enables us to continue meeting real needs at a critical time.”

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Council tax rise approved in budget plan described as ‘ambitious’ and ‘dangerous’

A 4.99% council tax increase has been passed by Sefton Council - the maximum allowed without a public referendum.

The council describes its budget, which has been approved following a full council vote, as an ambitious one which will “create new jobs, provide more quality homes for local people and attract more visitors to support the local economy”.

The current year has seen a £30m overspend amid ballooning costs in social care but council bosses are confident that 2026/7 will run more smoothly. To achieve the balanced budget, they have received special permission from the government to factor in £12m of land and property sales and will use surplus money from the Merseyside Pension Fund to build back depleted reserves.

Ahead of the budget vote, Labour council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said the budget had been a detailed process and criticised opposition parties for not putting forward alternatives, slamming “absurd comparisons of this council’s complex budget to sales on eBay and other nonsense” and accusing them of a “lack of any understanding of local government finance”.

She said past government austerity policies “took away the hope of a better future for our communities”, adding: “We will demonstrate robust financial responsibility on behalf of the residents of Sefton and set a balanced and legal budget which continues to protect the most vulnerable and improve services.”

Cllr Atkinson said the local authority had also seen an 18% increase in people needing statutory services which have to be provided by law, adding: “Local authorities have become a cash cow for the private sector and our children and young people are the victims.”

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On Sunday, we brought you the news that Sefton Council had requested special permission to sell off land and property as part of its 2026/27 budget - today’s edition revisits that issue following a response from the local government minister Alison McGovern.

On top of that, we also have an editorial from Southport MP Patrick Hurley as he takes hope from the positive start seen to Southport’s cultural calendar this month. Given some of the discussion around higher education funding, his comments on the important of the arts and creative industries are particularly timely.

Southport briefing

🚓 A second man has been charged in connection with an assault and kidnap in Southport. On Sunday, February 15, two people forced their way into a property on Ash Street and assaulted the occupant, leaving him with injuries described by police as “non-life threatening”. A woman was reported to have been taken from the address and was later found safe and well in Skelmersdale. Last week, 34-year-old Lee Jevons was charged with kidnap and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and Merseyside Police now says that 54-year-old Trevor Jevons, of no fixed address, has been charged with the same offences.

♻️ Weekly food waste collections will begin across Sefton later this year and a call has gone out for help naming the council’s new fleet of waste collection trucks. Under government rules, councils in England must provide weekly food waste collections from April, though Sefton is among those granted a later starting date and will instead begin in the autumn. This week, the council issued a plea for creative, family-friendly names for its new fleet - with suggestions including , Kate Binslet, Peels on Wheels and Ada Lovewaste - and is offering the winners al photo opportunity with their named truck. The council said: “Sefton Council is calling on local school pupils and residents to help it name a brand-new fleet of food waste collection vehicles. These shiny new trucks will hit the road when weekly food waste collections begin across Sefton in Autumn 2026. And they want each one to have its own unique name and personality.” You can enter here.

Government approves exceptional financial support for Sefton Council to pass balanced budget

By Jamie Lopez

The government has approved Sefton Council’s request for special allowances to enable it to set balanced 2026/27 budget.

Sefton is one of 37 local authorities to be granted exceptional financial support which does not include extra funding from central government.

Instead, it gives the council permission to factor in proposed asset sales into its budget - something which would not ordinarily be allowed.

Local authorities are legally required to set a balanced budget and, as The Southport Lead reported on Sunday, the council says it needs to sell of £12m worth of assets in order to achieve this against a huge social care bill, rising costs, and a need to rebuild depleted reserves.

Among the properties which are currently earmarked to be sold off this year are lodges at the cemeteries in Southport and Ainsdale as well as the former public toilets on Lord Street West.

On Monday (23 February), the government agreed requests from Sefton and dozens of other councils and, while announcing this, local government minister Alison McGovern attacked the austerity-era funding cuts which devastated local councils and led to tax rises and cut services.

Among the others to receive support, Warrington and Trafford have been allowed to raise council tax by 7.5%, well above the rate normally allowed without a referendum. In addition, Warrington has also been granted £92m of exceptional financial support following on from £87.5m in 2025/26.

Tomorrow sees a full council meeting in which the budget will be discussed and councillors given their chance to have a say on the proposals. Opposition group leader Cllr John Pugh this week questioned the lack of detail to councillors, raising the example of an increase in the amount spent of Highways staffing.

Cllr. Pugh said: “There has been a sharp and dramatic deterioration on many key roads. These roads and the public patience are wearing thin, but the answer to every council stress cannot be an automatic ’we need more staff’ and even if, at times, that is the right answer there ought to be a closely scrutinised case presented to councillors in advance”.

Elsewhere, the cost of council services will rise broadly in line with inflation and one change which will be felt by residents in an increase to parking costs. In Southport town centre, the cheapest fare for on-street parking will now be £1.

Announcing the agreements with the 37 councils, McGovern said: “We have been clear we will continue to support councils in the most difficult positions and I have today agreed in principle Exceptional Financial Support for councils where I have been assured that there is a need in 2026-27 or in relation to previous years. In some cases, these agreements reflect a reprofiling of existing support.

“Under the previous government, increasing numbers of councils seeking Exceptional Financial Support became an accepted part of the finance system. This should clearly not be the case, and I am determined that we begin to break this cycle as part of our reforms to the system – but we cannot undo 14 years of damage overnight.”

She continued: “Our reforms have allowed some councils to move away from a long-term reliance on government support. The total figure is significantly lower than some of the extreme numbers speculated in the media.

The in-principle support agreed today is necessary to enable councils to get on with their budget processes, protecting services for residents in the context of the deep fragility left by the previous government. But I am clear that this sort of flexibility is designed to be temporary […] And we will continue to reduce pressure on councils in receipt of Exceptional Financial Support by removing the pay-day loan premium imposed by the previous government, which made it more expensive for such councils to borrow to get out of crisis situations.”

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“The arts and creative industries are not an afterthought; they are central to the future of towns like ours”

By Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport

February felt like a real turning point for Southport.

The month marked the beginning of Southport’s long-awaited year of culture, and it began in exactly the right way, with our landmarks across Lord Street lit up in technicolour, with a rainbow shining across the street.

The Elegantly Eccentric, Southport 2026 programme, delivered through partnership between local, regional and national government, is about so much more than just the events. What we’re trying to do is also increase footfall, back our local economy, and restore pride in our town centre.

And what a start we had.

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While it seemingly never stops raining, the days are getting longer and spring is finally on the horizon. As well as (hopefully) meaning I will stop complaining about the miserable weather, this time of year for a local news reporter also means attention will be drawn to council tax and budgets.

It is more or less inevitable we will see the maximum allowed council tax increase but even with that, Sefton Council is struggling to achieve a balanced budget while also restoring its reserves and now wants permission to sell off buildings and factor those proceeds into its plans. Today’s edition looks more closely at that and the war of words that has already broken out before the issue can be discussed at a full council meeting.

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Southport briefing

🚧 Snagging and maintenance works will see fresh road closures on King Street next month. The work is part of the Les Transformations de Southport Phase 1 and is described by Sefton Council as “part of a normal process”. Those works will take place over two weeks from March 3, and include up to five days of King Street being closed during off-peak hours. The council has also addressed concerns over water pooling on the newly completed areas during rainfall, stating: “Rain gardens and tree pits add to the landscaping of the area and are a key part of the sustainability and water management of the scheme. The gaps in the edging of the rain gardens ensure that water from the hard surface of the pavement and road drain into the plant bed and then slowly drain into a tank underneath. This then slowly releases water into the sewage system. This helps prevent the sewer overflowing and reduces pollution of watercourses from sewer overflows. As the trees and plants grow, these will also help absorb water, helping with surface run off and adding greenery to our streets. During periods of very heavy rain, some puddles may form until it soaks through the soil.”

🚔 Former Southport FC player Paddy Lacey has been charged in connection for the shooting of a man in Huyton. The victim, in his 20s, suffered serious injuries when he was shot in the leg on the driveway of a property on Radway Road last November. Raids were carried out across Sefton, Liverpool and Knowsley this week and the 32-year-old ex-footballer and boxer is one of four men to be charged. They are all accused of attempted murder; conspiracy to murder; possession of shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life; assault occasioning GBH; and conspiracy to cause GBH. Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

🦸🏻‍♂️ A car park attendant has been hailed as a hero after saving the life of a much-loved grandfather. Liam Howard was on duty at the NCP car park on London Street when he spotted the injured and distressed man attempting to take his own life inside a parked car and rushed in to provide support and first aid until police and paramedics could take over. Four months on, the man is said to be doing much better and his daughter shared the story to ensure Liam received the credit he deserved. She said: “Liam was incredible from start to finish. He was a real hero and so professional. What a credit to NCP for such a wonderful, beautiful human being. A lovely man who will be a close friend for life. Thanks to Liam, we owe him everything and he needs to be known because he's incredible.”

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Council plots £12m property sales as budget pressures mount

By Elliot Jessett and Jamie Lopez

Sefton Council is to ask the government for permission to sell £12m worth of assets before approving its 2026/27 budget.

The setting of the budget could be delayed pending that decision, with council chiefs concluding that they are currently unable to set a balanced budget and restore depleted reserves without factoring in the proceeds of those potential sales.

The Southport Lead has already reported on the planned sales of lodges outside cemeteries and schools and the latest list of proposed disposals include the former public toilets on Lord Street West. Others elsewhere in the borough include a Bootle car park and plots of land in Bootle, Thornton and Seaforth.

Sefton Council’s cabinet met at Southport Town Hall on February 12, where elected members voted to recommend the local authority’s Budget Plan for 2026/27, including the Revenue Budget, the allocation of specific grants, and its Capital Programme.

Part of that plan is to bolster the council’s general balances through those asset sales - known as a capitalisation direction - but as this will require the permission of central government, it may delay further decision making until a definitive decision is reached.

Although not yet publicly discussed, a maximum-permitted rise in council tax of 4.99% is expected in Sefton. While this is the case in most councils across the country, Lancashire County Council has proposed a 3.8% rise and Hyndburn Borough Council has frozen its tax rates after receiving an additional government settlement.

At the cabinet meeting, leaders acknowledged the council is facing a ‘challenging financial position’ but maintained their commitment to delivering ‘ambitious plans’, which they believe will create new jobs, provide more quality homes for local people, and attract more visitors to support the local economy.

The current year’s budget has seen a huge overspend which is currently forecast to be around £30m, with almost all of that relating to social care. Explaining this, a council report on the current and forecasted budget states: “The most significant pressure has arisen within the Children’s Social Care budget. Despite including growth in the 2025/26 budget, this has not been enough to cover off existing placements within the financial year.

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Last weekend saw the first ever Lightport event take place in the town centre, attracting tens of thousands of visitors across three days, a huge influx in what is effectively an out-of-season time of the year.

As one visitor in front of me repeatedly expressed, it was also a stunning spectacle. Today’s edition looks at the success of this event amid a concentrated effort to increase visitor numbers to the town.

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Southport briefing

🏖️ Southport is set to benefit from a £1m advertising campaign from VisitEngland. The tourism body is launching a marketing campaign to drive breaks to seaside destinations on England’s North West coast, putting the spotlight on destinations, attractions, experiences and accommodation providers to build back demand for domestic breaks. The digital campaign, which will cover all seaside resorts along the North West coast, will target social media with content ranging from short films, articles, interactive guides and coastal ‘show reels’ to encourage visitors to discover more and explore further. It comes as VisitEngland research shows that England’s coastal destinations have seen an 11% year-on-year drop in visitor numbers and the pilot campaign aims to support VisitEngland to make the case to the government for similar marketing activity in the future. Minister for Tourism Stephanie Peacock MP said: “The government is committed to championing our regions and reminding people of the great destinations right on their doorstep. We are proud to shine a light on the stunning coastal resorts of the North West. These places have their own rich story to tell and deserve the jobs, investment and the pride that a thriving visitor economy brings. VisitEngland’s campaign is a key example of the necessary innovation and partnership needed to ensure the success of our domestic tourism sector.”

🚓 A man has been accused of kidnap and assault after an incident at a Southport home led to an arrest on the M6. Police were called to a property on Ash Street on Sunday after reports two people had forced their way in, assaulted a man in his 40s and taken a woman in her 30s. Later that day, a car was stopped on the motorway and a man and a woman were arrested, while the woman who was reported to have been taken was found safe and well in Skelmersdale. On Tuesday, Merseyside Police said that 34-year-old Lee Jevons had been charged with kidnap and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The woman who had been arrested in connection with the incident has been released with no further action.

⛳ Golfers are being given a chance to play a round at the Royal Birkdale for a heavily discounted price ahead of the return of The Open Championship. The elite competition returns to Southport this summer for the first time since 2018 and is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of spectators. To mark the occasion, the club has created The Birkdale Ballot – a limited ballot offering UK golfers the chance to play a fourball for £396 or £99 each. That compares to a normal cost of £450 for a single round for one person and demand has been so great that a second ballot has already been created with additional times available.

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Tens of thousands descend on town centre for first cultural event of year

By Jamie Lopez

An estimated 40,000 people visited the Lightport attraction in just two days as the new event took over the town centre.

The illumination spectacle, which was spread over three zones along Lord Street, kicked off a year of cultural events in Southport last weekend and proved to be a hugely effective way to attract visitors.

As well seemingly taking over social media, Lightport saw a constant stream of people visiting over three days, with a strong crowd still present even in bitterly cold weather near to its closing time on Monday evening.

According to figures shared with The Southport Lead, around 40,000 are believed to have attended across Saturday and Sunday, with Monday’s attendance not included in that. Meanwhile, Southport Market saw trade increase by 60% compared to the same timeframe in 2025 and others reported a 50% rise.

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Regular readers will have seen that on Wednesday’s edition brought the news that the old Pontins site is being used as a training ground for police dogs. As sure as night follows day, the story was picked up by the Liverpool Echo a day later, whose report said:

“Earlier this week, the ECHO was made aware of reports of police officers and police dogs seen navigating their way around the Pontins Southport site, with suggestions the area was being used for training exercises”

I’ve enough experience to know not to expect big news outlets to credit where they got their information from but I will use it as a reminder that if you want well-sourced stories written by someone living in Southport, The Southport Lead is the best place to go. And that to ensure such work can continue, the best way to support us is by taking a paid subscription.

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Almost exactly a year ago, we reported on Network Rail’s failure to keep its promise to improve safety at a level crossing in Southport where two people have died. Today’s edition looks at a crossing in Formby, where the company has been told to make changes after another tragic death.

While one might assume deaths on train lines are acts of suicide, Sam Dudley’s death was instead a tragic accident and one which raises concerns about people’s awareness when wearing headphones.

Southport briefing

🏥 A decision on plans for the future location of Southport and Ormskirk A&E services will be presented at a public meeting next month. The joint committee made up of the integrated care boards (ICB) of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria are meeting on Friday, 13 March to make a final decision on where A&E services should be located in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire. The meeting will take place from 10am Ormskirk Civic Hall and follows a consultation which proposed either moving the Children’s A&E Department to Southport or the Adults’ to Ormskirk.

📢 Southport MP Patrick Hurley has repeated calls for the creation of a National Pier Service or ‘National Piers Trust’. Hurley believes the creation of a dedicated body which would manage, preserve and regenerate piers would allow benefits such as economies of scale. By centralising key functions such as procurement and maintenance through bulk purchasing and shared contracts as well as providing better access to specialist expertise and pooling insurance risks. He also argues it could lead to further improvements in terms of branding, marketing and events. Writing in Politics Home, the MPs said: “This Labour government’s core mission is a decade of renewal, and Britain’s iconic piers are a national symbol of our identity – after 14 years of Tory mismanagement, they should be treated as such. Coastal towns have long been left behind through the austerity of consecutive Conservative governments, but Labour is now working to tackle regional inequality. To combine the history and aesthetic of piers with a modern regeneration of coastal economies, let’s invest in rebuilding and refurbishing these iconic British monuments.”

🏗️ A growing Southport firm has officially submitted plans to develop new headquarters on vacant land at Southport Business Park. The EFT Group, which specialises in life safety, security and construction services, wants to create new headquarters at the Wight Moss Way site as the company enjoys rapid growth. The firm, which employs a large local workforce and supports school-based apprenticeship schemes, has been working with Sefton Council to develop the site after effectively being given the land to redevelop it. The Southport Lead has previously reported how poor ground conditions and the loss of EU funding has made the park unattractive to developers. Jordan Duggan, Co-Director of EFT Group, said: “As a local family company, we are proud of our roots in Southport. This development reflects our commitment to the area and our belief in its future, with this investment EFT Group is firmly bedding our roots into Southport for the next 50 years, creating a lasting base for our business, our employees and the next generation of workers across Sefton. We look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders, the local authority and the community as this exciting project progresses.”

Coroner’s warning after death of runner of train tracks

By Jamie Lopez

Network Rail has been ordered to improve its signage after a runner was struck by a train and died.

Sam Dudley suffered fatal injuries when he was hit by the train on a level crossing in Formby last August. An inquest into his death took place last week and heard that the volume of music on his headphones meant he did not hear the train coming.

While it was concluded by Anita Bhardwaj, Senior Coroner for Sefton, St. Helens and Knowsley, that the crossing was “safe, compliant, and operating as designed”, she also said that more signage is needed closer to the tracks given that people are increasingly wearing headphones and less aware of their surroundings.

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Today’s edition looks to the Ainsdale beach gateway - a truly stunning place with an approach which is rather less impressive. Between The Sands, Pontins and Toad Hall, lots of work is needed to transform the surrounding area into something which fitting of the natural beauty on offer at the beach.

That is the council’s long term vision for the area but it won’t come easily. Or cheaply. This newsletter looks at short term happenings for two of those sites - a temporary use for Pontins and the hefty demolition bill for Toad Hall.

Southport briefing

🏗️ Requirements to include affordable housing are to be dropped from the redevelopment of the former BHS building. The upper three floors are currently being transformed to house 30 apartments and the original planning permission required that nine of those be made available for rent with a social housing provider. However, owner and developer Accelerate Property Group has successfully argued that rising costs mean that inclusion is no longer viable and also said that no local housing firm had shown an interest in managing the properties. Part of the increased costs relate to the building being in a “considerable state of disrepair” and as The Southport Lead reported on Sunday, the unsafe state of the building has led to two shops being ordered to close until repairs are carried out. In lieu of the affordable housing, the developer will pay £40,000 to the public which can only be used for public needs.

🚓 A schoolboy has been arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images and voyeurism offences. Merseyside Police said officers seized devices belonging to the 16-year-old and discovered a number of inappropriate images that appeared to have been taken of female victims including children. Following subsequent enquiries, a number of girls photographed have been identified and their families have been informed. The boy was conditionally bailed and has been suspended by his school, where some of the offences are alleged to have occurred. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Parry said: “I know this news will bring shock to the community in Southport and cause concern for parents and guardians in the area. I want to reassure the community that we have conducted, and will continue to progress, extensive and thorough enquiries into this matter. We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to secure justice for victims and put offenders behind bars. We are working with partners in the local authority with all those affected, and are providing sensitive and specialist support throughout the legal process.”

📣 Southport MP Patrick Hurley has called on the government to rethink its proposals to change settlement rules for foreign workers. Speaking in a Westminster debate on proposals which would effectively double the qualifying period needed for skilled workers to be allowed to remain in the country, Hurley argued it is unfair to change the rules for those already in the UK. He said: “The government can change the system for the future. That is fine, governments do that all the time. But they should not change the rules for people who have already come here under one set of conditions and are now being told, part way through, that the deal has changed. A lot of the people affected are doing the jobs that this country relies on. They are in hospitals. They are in care homes. They are in kitchens and warehouses. They came here legally. They were told that if they worked for five years, paid the taxes and followed the rules, they could apply to settle, so they made decisions on that basis. Now they are being told that it will not be five years after all. It might be 10; it might be 15. That is a whole extra chunk of someone’s life left in limbo.” He added: “New rules for new arrivals are fine, but do not move the goalposts for the people who are already here doing their bit for this country.”

🚑 A cyclist suffered a fractured cheek bone in a collision with a hit and run driver. The cyclist suffered the serious injury when his bike and a vehicle crashed on Town Lane, near the Rivermeade junction, at around 12.30 on Monday, February 2. Police are now asking for help to trace the driver. Roads Policing Inspector Carl McNulty said: “This was a serious incident that has left a man with several injuries to his face. It is important that we speak to the driver and establish the circumstances. If you are involved in a road traffic collision, you are required by law to stop at the scene and a failure to do so can lead to significant penalties. If you live on Town Lane near the junction of Rivermeade and have any CCTV or doorbell footage from Monday 2 February please check your systems from around 12.30pm as it could have captured the collision and provide us with vital information that could help our investigations. We will continue our enquiries until we identify the vehicle and the driver so if it was you or you have any information, please come forward now.” Anyone with footage or information is asked to contact Merseyside Police with reference 26000091325.

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Training exercise brings police dogs to Pontins and Toad Hall’s seven figure demolition bill revealed

By Jamie Lopez

The former Pontins site has been brought back into use - as a training ground for police dogs.

The holiday park was closed by hotel chain Britannia in January 2024 and has long been the subject of speculation over its long-term future.

Plans to use the site as accommodation for asylum seekers were very briefly considered under the then-Conservative government but opposed by Sefton Council and dropped before any actual progress could be made. Since then, suggestions of this kind of use have frequently circulated on social media, usually linked to far-right accounts and with no basis in fact.

Britannia, which has been voted the country’s worst hotel chain by Which? Magazine for the past 12 years, retains the lease on the site for another century and has offered little engagement with the council over what could happen to the site.

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