When Stephen Molloy went missing earlier this year, the 60-year-old was described as being very vulnerable owing to his learning disabilities and difficulties in communicating.

He was tragically found dead almost two weeks later.

It can now be reported that Stephen should not have been able to leave the hospital and internal and coronial investigations are now ongoing.

That is the focus of today’s newsletter.

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Southport briefing

🦜 Sefton Council is facing a legal challenge over its attempt to close the aviary at Botanic Gardens. The hugely unpopular decision was made as part of this year’s budget setting and the authority has faced backlash over the lack of consultation and an apparent refusal to engage with those opposed to a move which is said is based on welfare grounds. Council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson was revealed it has received notice of a legal challenge when she appeared on BBC Radio Merseyside this week and, promising to learn any lessons, appeared to adopt a conciliatory tone. She said: “All I will say is our priority remains protecting the Sefton Council taxpayers. I don’t want to be accused of predetermining or prejudging that challenge. If I do that could come at a cost to council tax payers across Sefton which isn’t fair. We will respond accordingly when we receive the challenge, await the outcome and ensure we learn any lessons that we need to.” In a joint statement, the Save Botanic Gardens Community Association (BGCA) and Save Our Aviary campaign confirmed they were behind the challenge and said they hoped to find an easier resolution. They said: “Taking legal action was not a step we wanted to take, and it has not been taken lightly. However, after our efforts to engage with the Council, we ultimately felt that we had been left with no other option but to issue a claim. Both the BGCA and Save Our Aviary campaign remain committed to finding a constructive resolution. We sincerely hope that mediation will provide an opportunity for the parties to come together, discuss the issues and resolve matters without the need for the proceedings to go any further than necessary.”

🚓 Merseyside Police is asking for help after a man was injured in an unprovoked attack in Southport town centre. At around 4.50am on Saturday 26 September, a report was received of a man being approached by a man unknown to the victim when walking on Coronation Walk. The victim was then struck to the head with a metal helium canister, causing a head injury before the suspect made off on foot in the direction of Lord Street and Eastbank Street. CCTV enquiries have been ongoing and detectives have shared an image of a man they hope to speak with as part of the investigation. Detective Inspector Edward Barr said: “This appears to have been a completely unprovoked assault, which has led to the victim sustaining permanent injuries. We are continuing to support him as enquiries continue. We believe that the man pictured may be able to assist our investigation, so if you recognise him, please come forward.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police’s social media desk via X or Facebook, use the online form, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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💷 More than £13m of council tax was unpaid in Sefton for the 2025/26 financial year but the council still recorded the highest council tax collection rate in the Liverpool City Region. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed an £13,890,124 of unpaid council tax for the 2025/26 financial year, following on from £11,421,582 in 2024/25 and £10,984,850 for 2023/24. Over the last three financial years, the council also wrote off £1,354,405 as ‘bad debt’, referring to money that they deemed unrecoverable as the cost of effort of collection outweighs the amount owed or all legal avenues have been exhausted. In response, the council pointed out that in percentage terms, this is better than other nearby authorities. Cllr Christine Howard, cabinet member for corporate services, said: “Our performance also compares favourably with similar authorities nationally. Sefton’s 2025/26 in-year collection rate was 1.1% above the metropolitan borough average, placing the council amongst the strongest-performing metropolitan authorities in England. While some balances remain outstanding at the end of a financial year, these amounts continue to be subject to recovery action, and many are subsequently collected. It would therefore be wrong to suggest that year-end outstanding balances represent money that has been permanently lost to the council.”

🙏 Sefton, St Helens & Knowsley Coroners office is appealing for help in finding the next of kin of a woman who died in Southport. Louise Holland, 55, died at her home on Lord Street on Monday 7 September. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Anyone who can help the Coroner identify or trace any potential next of kin is asked to call Emma at Sefton, St Helens & Knowsley Coroner’s Office on 0151 934 4584 or email Coronerreferrals@sefton.gov.uk

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Vulnerable man who died after walking out of Southport Hospital should not have been allowed to leave

By Jamie Lopez

A vulnerable man who died 13 days after going missing should not have been able to leave Southport Hospital, an inquest has heard.

Stephen Molloy was subject to a missing person search when he disappeared in June and was tragically found dead in Halsall - some three miles away - almost two weeks later.

Appeals from Merseyside Police at the time stated he had last been seen on Town Lane Kew but did not refer to the hospital itself. However, a pre-inquest review heard that the 60-year-old was subject of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) - meaning he was effectively supposed to be detained at the hospital.

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Earlier this year, we brought news that proposed budget cuts threated the future of cancer navigator services at Southport Macmillan Centre.

Despite concerns being raised over the proposals, they were voted through and will see the number of cancer navigators reduced from six to two.

It’s a decision no-one is happy with - including the decision makers who say their hands are tied.

Fresh scrutiny was brought on the matter at a council meeting last night in which the impact of the potential loss was made clear.

Southport briefing

🛣️ Highways bosses are being urged to extend the safety barrier on a busy bridge that forms part of the main route between Southport and Preston after the side of the structure was struck three times in the space of six weeks. Concrete blocks had to be put in place to plug a gap that was left in Bank Bridge, on the A59 in Tarleton, after the most serious of the incidents in July. Before the month was out, the blocks themselves had been hit – and there was a further minor collision just a few weeks later. County Cllr Thomas de Freitas, who represents the West Lancashire North division on Lancashire County Council, says it is “an absolute miracle” that a vehicle has not so far fallen into the River Douglas, which the crossing spans. County Cllr de Freitas has called on Lancashire County Council to take short-term safety measures to reduce the risk level on the key route – and investigate a more substantial long-term solution, such as building a brand new bridge. He says the most sensible immediate step would be to lengthen the metal safety barrier on the westbound side of the road, which currently comes to a stop just before the point at which the bridge wall is being repeatedly bashed.

“It’s a couple of meters further up [that the accidents are happening] so the crash barrier itself barely ever gets hit. Extending the barrier would make it safer, because vehicles wouldn’t risk going into the water and it would protect pedestrians as well, [especially with there being] a kindergarten just a couple of hundred yards away. However, after being told following the first of the July accidents that a review by County Hall road chiefs would be completed within four weeks, the Conservative politician has now been advised by the Reform UK-run authority that the outcome will not be known until just before Christmas. Any recommended changes may then be considered for inclusion in the highway works programme for the 2027/28 financial year, meaning they could be up to 18 months away from implementation. County Cllr de Freitas said the issue was not solely one of safety, but that it also had economic implications because of the disruption to the local road network when repairs to the bridge have to be carried out. Last year, temporary traffic lights installed during one such job caused “multiple-hour delays”, he said.

🙏 Two Southport-based professionals have launched a £10,000 crowdfunding appeal to bring early therapeutic support to local children and families, challenging the idea that help should only become available when difficulties reach crisis point. Lynne Callaghan and Ruth Kinsella-Tate, co-founders of Growing Hearts and Minds CIC, have drawn on their experience of supporting children and families to develop a community-focused approach that looks beyond a child’s immediate difficulties and considers the relationships and experiences around them. Having seen families struggle to access timely help, they also believe that support focused solely on a child, or on short-term solutions, may miss the underlying emotional and relational needs that influence long-term wellbeing. Lynne said: “Over the years, we’ve seen children and families struggling, often having to reach crisis point before meaningful support becomes available. Children don’t exist in isolation. Their emotional wellbeing is shaped by their experiences, relationships and the world around them. We want to understand what is happening beneath the behaviour and support the important adults around each child, too.”

The first pilot will support four children in one Southport school, alongside their families and the school staff working with them. The programme will combine play therapy, family support and reflective guidance for school professionals, aiming to strengthen relationships and create changes that can last beyond the sessions themselves. “Parents, carers and teachers want the best for children, but sometimes they need support too,” said Ruth. “We want families to feel understood rather than judged. By working together, we hope to build confidence, connection and a stronger network of support around every child.” The non-profit organisation hopes to use learning and outcomes from its initial £10,000 pilot to demonstrate its impact, secure further funding and extend its work to more children, families and schools across Southport. “We know we can’t change everything overnight,” Lynne added. “But if we can make a meaningful difference to four children and their families, and use that learning to reach many more, that’s a wonderful place to start.” Residents, businesses and community organisations are invited to donate and share the appeal.

🤝 People supporting the third Interfaith Walk in Southport heard how “the need to express our solidarity publicly is as important now as it has ever been”. People of various faiths walked together from Southport & District Reform Synagogue to Christ Church and then to Southport Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre on Sunday just over two years since riot saw a mob of people launch missiles against the mosque. The Walk Of Unity was created to promote friendship, understanding and co-operation between faith communities working together for peace, social cohesion and the wellbeing of Southport. In a speech at Southport Mosque, The Revd Graham Turner, Christian Minister, and member of the Southport Interfaith Group, said: “This is our third Interfaith Walk, and the need to express our solidarity publicly is as important now as it has ever been. Some of our faith communities continue to be under real pressure. For instance, the people of this Mosque continue to receive threats, even though they have opened their doors and their hearts to the people of Southport.

“It beggars belief that they have to pay for security simply to come together to pray in safety. It is now just a year since the Heaton Park Synagogue was attacked on Yom Kippur, of all days – two people were killed and three others were seriously injured. Crumpsall, north Manchester, is not a million miles from here – physically or emotionally. The shockwaves from that violence are felt here in our two synagogues. As we repeatedly assert: An attack on one of us is an attack on us all [...] Solidarity is not about pretending that we believe the same things. We don’t. We have different histories, different traditions, different understandings of God (if you have one at all), and different perceptions of what it means to live a good life. But what we do have is our shared common humanity, and it is up to us to prove that it is possible to be one community without turning ‘difference into hostility’.”

Cancer support services face being destroyed by budget cuts

By Jamie Lopez

Budget cuts will “destroy” the services offered by Southport Macmillan Centre, its medical director has warned.

The cancer centre is set to lose four of its six cancer navigators after losing funding from the Southport and Formby Primary Care Network (PCN) which itself has seen its funding reformulated by NHS England.

The Cancer Navigator Service is run by Southport Macmillan Centre from its base on Wright Street and offers a combination of emotional and practical support, factoring in counselling, group sessions and signposting patients and families to other services.

Earlier this year, the PCN - which is a collection of 14 GP practices and other local providers - was told its funding would be cut by £600k with the money instead sent directly to GP practices with stricter limits on how it can be spent. As a result, it had to find savings from the services it provides collectively and has sought to defend against criticism for its decision by saying it was left with no alternative and that its members also did not want to see the service cut.

The change will see £200k of existing funding for Macmillan withdrawn and the number of cancer navigators cut from six to two. The matter was brought before Sefton Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee last night amid concerns from local councillors about the impact of the changes and the lack of democratic oversight in the decision

At that meeting, Dr Graeme Allan Medical Director and Primary Care Cancer Lead & Macmillan GP, warned the cuts would have a significant impact on its services which would not be addressed by any of the proposed mitigations being put in place by GP practices.

Before the discussion was opened, committee chair Cllr Daniel McKee referenced incorrect reporting from the BBC and Liverpool Echo which suggested the decision was a council one when it was made by the PCN. Instead, he explained, the matter had been raised for council discussion so that its reasoning and effect could be explained to committee members and scrutinised.

Introducing the discussion, the PCN’s clinical director Dr Rob Caudwell explained that the PCN was given six weeks’ notice by NHS England that its funding would be reduced by £600,000 for this financial year, with the money instead paid straight to individual practices with more limits on how it can be spent.

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After the year-long process which was Phase One of The Southport Inquiry, chair Sir Adrian Fulford handed down 67 recommendations of what should be done to prevent future tragedies of the same kind.

They were all accepted by the government but the the proof of the pudding will be in whether changes are actually made. Today’s edition focuses on some of those changes and the pleas of survivor Leanne Lucas who has been campaigning on the issue of safer knife use.

Southport briefing

🗓️ The new target date for the completion of works on Southport Pier is during 2028. While Sefton Council had originally forecast work would last 14 months, the actual project will take longer than that and include a winter shutdown on site. Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, Dale Cunniffe, project manager from A E Yates, the project construction and engineering company, said the expected completion date was mid-2028 and that this will be brought forward if possible. He explained said 40% of the main structure had been removed and they would be starting to replace the steel within the next few weeks. The pier has been closed since 2022 and its refurbishment was made possible through £20m of government funding. A council spokesperson told The Southport Lead: “An incredible amount of work has gone into getting to where we are today, which is tangible restoration and refurbishment works taking place on Southport Pier. Lots of factors can affect the timeline of any major restoration project such as weather and health and safety requirements. We are delighted that work is well underway and we want to take this opportunity to thank our contractors AE Yates for their ongoing work. We look forward to updating residents on how the works progress over the coming months.”

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🎖️ A World War II veteran who served as an auxiliary sergeant alongside the Royal Corps of Signals was finally given a medal recognising her service as she celebrated her 100th. Irene Cavanagh, who celebrated her century on Wednesday, served during the Second World War and spent her wartime service at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire. Her War Medal 1939–45 arrived just in time for her landmark birthday, following work by her family, supported by SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, to clarify her medal entitlement and help progress the application. Irene said: ‘It’s been such a wonderful surprise. I never expected all this fuss for my birthday. I’m very proud of my wartime service and delighted to have my medal. It’s been lovely to have everyone here celebrating with me.” Irene marked her centenary at Locharwoods of Birkdale care home in Southport, surrounded by family, representatives from SSAFA, serving military personnel, veterans and members of the Royal Signals Association. Her medal was presented by Captain Royston Smith-Straney, MBE (retired) and SSAFA volunteer with the Merseyside Branch. Captain Smith-Straney said: “As a veteran and SSAFA volunteer, it is a real privilege to present Irene with her medal on such a special day. Her service deserves to be recognised, and to do so on her 100th birthday makes it particularly poignant.” The celebrations also included a surprise appearance by a WWII Jeep, decorated for Irene’s birthday, together with flowers, cards and a certificate recognising her wartime service. Irene’s granddaughter-in-law Melissa Walmsley added: “We’re incredibly proud of Irene. To see her reach her 100th birthday and finally receive recognition for her wartime service makes this an especially wonderful day for all the family.”

🤔 Patrick Hurley says he has “profound concerns” for the future direction of the BBC amid the first changes brought in by new director general Matt Brittin. The Southport MP raised the issue in an open letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in which he warned the purpose of the BBC is being diminished as its focus shifts during efforts to modernise and dramatically cut costs. The director general Matt Brittin, who previously worked as one of Google’s most senior executives, has talked about introducing more AI and warned that TV channels and radio stations may be forced to close due to changing audience habits. Reflecting on the decision to axe Radio 4 programmes such as Thinking Allowed, Free Thinking, and You and Yours, Hurley said: “These are precisely the kinds of programmes that distinguish the BBC from commercial broadcasters. They inform, educate, challenge and enrich our national life. Their value cannot simply be measured by audience figures, podcast downloads or engagement metrics. He added: “There is a fundamental distinction between efficiency and public value. A programme may attract a relatively small audience and still make an extraordinary contribution to our intellectual, cultural and democratic life. Indeed, providing things that the commercial market would otherwise neglect is one of the principal reasons the BBC exists. I am also concerned that these changes form part of a wider pattern. I have increasing concerns about the continuing erosion of BBC local journalism, including reductions in regional news and political coverage. As you know, these services are essential for communities across the country. Bearing all this in mind, there are obviously serious questions about whether the BBC’s new leadership fully understands the institution it has been entrusted to protest. Hurley said he was not asking the government to intervene but instead use the licence renewal process as a way to implement measures which protected the BBC’s obligations.

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🎤 A Southport band is releasing a new single this month which features the voice of Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Bobhowla will release ‘Tainted: Revisited’, a song inspired by the infected blood scandal, on Friday 30th October. The single incorporates the Prime Minister’s voice, which they secured with his personal backing, describing what happened as ‘a criminal cover-up on an industrial scale.’ Singer-songwriter Howard Doupe has haemophilia and has been campaigning for justice for victims of the scandal since the 1980s. He first wrote Tainted in 2022 and the new single reworks that and retains Burnham’s vocals. Howard said: “Andy’s contribution remains exactly where it was. The rather remarkable difference is that the voice on the recording now belongs to the Prime Minister. It’s an unexpected twist to a song that remains hugely important to me, particularly because the infected blood community’s fight for justice and compensation is still continuing.” He added: “Since the inquiry was announced by Theresa May’s Government, after years of pressure from campaign groups and a change in political will, campaigning turned to getting wider public knowledge out there. Now, its final hurdle really is the actual distribution of the allocated entitled compensation to all infected and affected groups within society. It’s a process that has sadly stalled over the past 12 months - despite funds being allocated by the Government.”

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Southport attack survivor makes safer knife plea in meeting with government and retailers

By Jamie Lopez

The yoga teacher who survived the Southport attack pressed the need to make changes to knife sales in a summit of government and retail leaders.

Leanne Lucas launched Let’s Be Blunt CIC with the aim of reducing knife harm. Rather than focusing solely on responses after incidents, the non-profit aims to lead a proactive, prevention-led approach.

As well as encouraging people to use safer, blunt-tipped knives in the likes of homes, schools and businesses, it also seeks to encourage safer knife designs and to raise awareness about the dangers and alternative options.

Leanne was among the attendees of summits hosted this week by Policing and Crime Minister Sarah Jones. Focused on identifying practical steps to strengthen safeguards around the sale and online marketing of knives, the meeting involved members of law enforcement, major retailers, online marketplaces, trade associations, Trading Standards, the Advertising Standards Authority and campaigners.

The irresponsible advertising of knives and sales was a major theme in the report published after Phase One of the Southport Inquiry and concerns surrounding this were sufficient for it to be explored further in Phase Two.

In his recommendations, inquiry chair Sir Adrian Fulford said Phase Two would consider further measures relating to knives/bladed items sales, including restrictions on sharp‑tipped knives, prohibiting some online sales and strengthening online age‑verification and age verified delivery standards.

Speaking after the summits, Leanne said: “Having survived the Southport attack, I live with the consequences of knife harm every day, and I founded Let’s Be Blunt to help prevent others from experiencing that devastation.

“Every knife has a lifecycle - from design and manufacture to marketing, display, sale, storage and access - with opportunities for prevention at every stage. Everyday pointed-tip kitchen knives must be part of the discussion about stronger safeguards.

“Retailers must take responsibility for what they stock and how knives are marketed, stored, displayed and sold, giving staff the education, training and support to put policies into practice. We need businesses to make bold commitments, follow them through and become role models across the sector. We cannot wait for the next tragedy to make simple, practical changes, whether knives are sold in shops or online.”

In his report, Sir Adrian noted that the Home Office had launched a public consultation last December 2025 on proposals to introduce a licensing system for the sale and importation of knives and bladed articles and requested that the inquiry be updated on its progress and any emerging proposals.

In the first summit, the minister challenged online retailers and marketplaces on how they will ensure knife listings comply with the law and what further action they will take to prevent irresponsible marketing. At a second summit, businesses with physical shops were pressed to strengthen standards for displaying and selling knives in stores and support a renewed Responsible Retailers’ Scheme, a voluntary code that promotes best practice in the sale and display of knives.

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Last year, Liam Howard was working his regular shift manning the NCP car park by Southport train station. Soon, he was thrust into an unimaginable situation as he witnessed someone in the process of trying to take their own life inside the car.

We won’t go into the details but, suffice to say, it was a harrowing and difficult scene. During the summer, he was handed one of the country’s highest bravery awards and he has also shared conversations with people about their own experiences - among those are a reader of The Southport Lead who wanted to pass on their thanks and admiration.

Don’t suffer in silence. If you’re struggling with your mental health, you are not alone and there is a range of free-to-access services ready and waiting to help you.

• You can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year online, by email jo@samaritans.org or phone 116 123

• You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you’re affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts or use its webchat service

• If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, text SHOUT to 85258 for a confidential 24/7 text service providing crisis support

• If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (24 hours, 7 days a week), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697

More information and support is available from the MIND mental health charity and from the NHS.

Southport briefing

🌺 The conservatory at Hesketh Park, the former Ainsdale Library building and a disused public toilet block at Formby’s Duke Street Park will be handed over to community groups. Sefton Council’s cabinet has approved a Community Assets Policy which will allow the underused facilities to be taken on by non-profit groups for the benefit of those living nearby. Expressions of Interest are now being sought, with the council hoping a community-led approach can unlock new opportunities for the historic conservatory which is being restored thanks to a six-figure legacy donation. In Ainsdale, community organisations will be invited to consider how the library and the adjacent toilet block could serve local people through a sustainable, community-focused model that supports learning, inclusion and access to services and in Formby it is hoped to find a proposal that supports and adds value to the wide range of recreational activities already taking place across the park. Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “This policy means community organisations, charities and social enterprises can take on the management of Council-owned buildings and facilities for operation in ways that will deliver long-term benefits for local people. It supports the enhancement of places and assets with untapped potential, and it supports community partners with the provision of facilities that enable them to deliver positive outputs and outcomes for communities.”

🟢 One of Sefton’s three Green councillors has resigned from the party after it voted to adopt a policy that equates Zionism with racism and calls for Israel to be replaced by a single Palestinian state. A motion expressing that belief was passed at the party’s conference this weekend but is likely to face a legal challenge under equality laws. In May’s local elections, Cllr Kieran Dam was elected as a Green candidate as the party took all three seats in Waterloo ward but he said he will sit as an independent, having voted against the motion and seen Jewish members in tears afterwards. He said: “I came back to Waterloo knowing I couldn’t look residents in the face and defend something I believe is wrong. I will always stand up for Palestinian freedom and speak out against the actions of the Israeli Government. But I can do that while standing with our Jewish community against antisemitism. We must be able to do both. I fear the Green Party is heading to a very dark place. I cannot follow it there. If that means my political career ends at 23, so be it. Morals come first. I’ll still be here, taking up your casework, fighting your corner and doing everything I can for the community I love.”

🚏 Sefton Council’s leader claimed that interest in the former Esplanade Park and Ride site showed the authority’s regeneration plans were working even though a two year exclusivity period did not lead to any development. GSL Developments was given the opportunity to bring forward its ambitious plans for a £75m Cove Resort but was unable to do so in the allotted timeframe. Stephen Watson, executive director of regeneration, economy and assets, explained that the Cove Resort could still progress but that other options would now be considered as well before the matter returns to a cabinet. He also explained that Southport was seeing plenty of interest from potential investors. In response, council leader Cllr Marion Atkinson said: “That was always the ambition, we said this was going to happen and now it’s happening. Sefton is a place where we know people want to come and work with us. They want to come and invest with us, they want to do business with us.” She added: “I hate to say I told you so but I told you so when we started this really ambitious programme across the whole borough. I’m really pleased, very comfortable with the recommendations in the site and exciting times ahead for every postcode in the borough.”

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Lifesaving car park attendant continuing to make a difference one year on

By Jamie Lopez

A car park attendant who helped save a suicidal man after spotting him trying to end his life has been recognised with one of the country’s top life saving honours.

Liam Howard was on duty at the NCP car park next to Southport Train Station last October when he spotted a man who was in distress and trying to take his own life. Liam reacted quickly to provide first aid while waiting for paramedics to arrive and helped ensure his privacy while the emergency response continued.

He was later thanked by the man’s daughter for saving his life and ensuring he could remain in the lives of her, her own daughter and other family and friends.

Liam was also recognised with a Sefton Courage Award at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards earlier this year and he has continued to speak about the experience in a bid to encourage those who may be struggling to seek help.

He has now received further recognition through the awarding of a Royal Humane Society Certificate of Commendation and later this year will attend the Heroes Awards at the London Hilton.

Andrew Chapman, Secretary of the Royal Humane Society, said: “When Liam opened the car door he was confronted by an horrific scenario. However, he stayed calm and used his initiative to do the best he could for the man. Thankfully it worked and the man went on to survive. He did a wonderful job and richly deserves the award he is to receive.”

While Liam has been grateful to receive such recognition, he has been most deeply affected by and grateful to those who have offered kind words and explained how they have been helped in moments of difficulty.

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Speaking to The Southport Lead about those who have spoken to him, he explained: “I see it as an honour and a responsibility to respect their wishes and help others who may be struggling too.”

Among those to have reached out to Liam is a reader of this newsletter who said she was inspired by his story.

In a message she asked to be shared with Liam and publicly, she said: “Reading and hearing his stories changed something in me. After struggling with my mental health and surviving a suicide attempt, I felt like an outsider. His courage, kindness and the way he carries himself gave me hope that things could get better. And did!

“Since then, I’ve sorted my wellbeing, worked through personal challenges, and have been going to the gym for the last few months. I genuinely don’t think I’d be where I am today without the inspiration his stories gave me.”

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If you spend much time on social media, you may already have some idea of today’s main story - a tale of greed, delusion, and huge quantities of illicit money which led to a mum being sent to prison.

You haven’t heard the full story though, far from it. For that, I spent two days at Liverpool Crown Court as Megan Carney-Borrowman was sentenced alongside her husband, her mum, and her mum’s business partner for their roles in a counterfeit good and money laundering conspiracy.

Their roles were varied and confusing - one was in jail for drug dealing when it started; two had previously never committed crime but seemingly needed little persuasion to aid and abet huge-scale fraud while not making much money themselves. One, Adam Yaffé, even declared his income from the illegal operation on his tax return.

Coverage like this - relying on more than just a press release - is only possible by having qualified, experienced reporters sat in court for long periods of time. If you value that work, consider a paid subscription to ensure we can keep reporting in this way.

Southport briefing

🎱 A sports bar offering pool, darts and golf simulators could soon open in Southport town centre. Under plans from James Rae of Pitch and Pot Limited, the former indoor football pitches off Tulketh Street would be converted into a new attraction which would also include two martial arts studios. Plans for the bar show it offering 10 darts lanes, a darts stage, 16 pool tables, four golf simulators and a large screen viewing area. A planning application states: “The proposal would provide a high-quality, purpose-designed sports-themed leisure destination, centred principally upon the communal viewing of televised sporting events together with a complementary range of indoor recreational and social activities. The proposed venue would incorporate a central feature bar supported by a variety of customer seating and dedicated viewing areas, television screens positioned throughout the premises to provide coverage of live sporting events.” If approved, it is proposed the venue would open 9am-11pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am-12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and it is forecast it would create six full-time and 14 part-time jobs.

🍂 Sefton Council’s annual leaf fall clearance programme has started earlier than usual this year as a result of the unusually dry summer causing trees to shed their leaves sooner than expected. Throughout the autumn and winter months, the council’s Street Cleansing teams will focus on clearing fallen leaves from adopted roads and footpaths across Sefton to help keep routes clean and safe for residents. Each year, the council collects around 1,000 tonnes of leaves from roads and footpaths across the borough and all leaves collected through the programme are sent for composting and reused to help support planting and landscaping across the borough. Councillor Peter Harvey, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Street Scene, said: “Teams work systematically across Sefton, but the volume of leaves can change significantly throughout the season and is often influenced by weather conditions. This means we cannot provide exact dates for when individual streets will be cleared.”

🎇 More than 13,000 people attended the opening night of this year’s British Musical Fireworks Championship, making it the busiest Saturday on record. A total of 20,000 attended over the weekend, helped in part by a special Merseyrail travel offer which has offered return journeys at £2 for adults and £1 for children during all of this year’s major Southport events. For the first time this year, the event offered a dedicated sensory quiet zone, providing a calm space for visitors who needed time away from the busier areas of the event. Monumental Fireworks, which displayed on the Saturday, was crowned 2026 British Musical Fireworks Champion. Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “We love to see record breaking crowds just as much as we love to see those incredible displays and it shows just how much families from across the region value this amazing weekend. The British Musical Fireworks Championships continue to be one of the highlights of our events calendar and it really is nothing short of spectacular. The atmosphere throughout Victoria Park across both evenings was incredible. If you have never been before I wholly encourage you to make sure you’re first in the queue for 2027. Events like this play a vital role in supporting Southport’s visitor economy, generating greater footfall for local businesses and showcasing everything our Borough has to offer.”

💷 A man has been charged after a gold chain, engagement ring and £400 cash were stolen from a Southport home. Police were called on Thursday, September 24 to a report that a man entered a house speaking with the owner of the property outside. He is accused of taking the items from a bedroom before driving away. Following an arrest by an off duty police officer Peter Warren Wright, of Albert Road, was charged with theft from a person and theft from a house yesterday. The 54-year-old was remanded into custody and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 29 October.

🚫 Chemicals which could be used to create deadly poisons will be placed under stricter controls as a direct response to the Southport Inquiry. During searches of the Southport attacker’s home, police found evidence that he had bought castor beans online to make ricin, leading to his conviction under the Biological Weapons Act 1974. In response, the government is proposing to add castor beans containing ricin and rosary peas containing abrin to the list of regulated poisons under UK law. This will make it a criminal offence to sell them to members of the public who do not hold a valid licence. Security Minister, Dan Jarvis said: “Protecting the public is our first duty. While these substances can have legitimate uses, we must stop them from being weaponised by those who want to cause harm. We will close the gaps exposed by the Southport attack and tighten the law to stop these dangerous chemicals falling into the wrong hands.” Ricin and abrin are already strictly controlled under UK law because of their extreme toxicity, but the seeds which can be used to produce these dangerous chemicals can be purchased for use in gardening and decoration.

Pure greed: Downfall of fraudsters’ fake clothes scam that brought in millions

A woman who sold counterfeit goods worth millions of pounds was described as “a stranger to the truth” who was unable to understand her downfall was her own fault as she was jailed.

More than £4m passed through the bank accounts of a Megan Carney-Borrowman over years of selling faking designer clothes and handbags - but it remains unknown what proportion of that sum was earned legitimately and how much illegally.

The 35-year-old sold fake Chanel and Burberry items after building an online following by selling legal weight loss products. When police raided her home, she attempted to hide her phone in the curtains and tried to dissuade police from looking in her baby son’s bedroom - when they did, they found more than £150,000 in cash.

The illegal money had been raked in through a conspiracy which involved her partner Jordan Borrowman, her mum Sandra Carney, and Carney’s business partner Adam Yaffé.

At the same time, with seemingly no limits to the greed, a further £68,000 was claimed in undeserved benefits as Carney-Borrowman failed to disclose that she had huge income, had bought a house, and was living with her husband. That money was paid into her mum’s bank account to avoid detection. Borrowman was also complicit in this crime, repeatedly lying in declarations to the DWP.

On top of that, the two mother and daughter conspired to claim £8,000 for a Rolex watch they claimed had been lost on a night out in Blackpool but was still on her wrist when police arrested her for fraud.

Yaffé, known around Southport for his involvement in the Yaffé Photography business which is now in its third generation of family ownership, helped advise on attempts to avoid the dirty money being investigated and by forging fake invoices and documents. He also allowed an existing company of his to be used by Carney-Borrowman and in messages with Carney spoke about wanting to make the scams into “a huge income for all of us”.

All four have now been sentenced for their role in an operation of which Carney-Borrowman was described as the architect and central figure. While the other three avoided jail, she was sentenced to four years and three months.

Liverpool Crown Court heard the operation involved two Instagram pages and a series of WhatsApp chats used to process orders in which customers were advised to put no more than their postcode as payment reference in one of many efforts made to avoid detection.

Investigation

Investigations into the dodgy goods began in January 2022 when an unhappy customer complained to Chanel about a handbag they had bought from Carney-Borrowman via the dollies_closetx21x Instagram account. Prosecuting, James Rae said: “The author is clearly a dissatisfied customer who was complaining that she had been duped when she bought a Chanel bag from a website that would not let her return it.

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This week I took the train down to Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference where the headlines were grabbed by Andy Burnham’s speech which effectively ends the triple lock and proposes a National Care Service.

Conferences like this are always a strange experience, starting with protestors outside competing for attention on conflicting causes - this year also saw dozens arrested for showing support for proscribed group Palestine Action and, somehow, the continued presence of Steve Bray and his loudspeaker.

Inside, trade unions lobbied for support near spaces sponsored by the likes of Uber; mobile studios were set up by Sky News, Times Radio and GB News while BBC Radio 5 Live operated from trestle tables in a hallway.

Away from all of that, a packed line up of fringe events saw discussions on dozens of subjects relating to the current state of the country and its future. It is from those where today’s main story is sourced.

Southport briefing

⚽ The playing fields at Sandbrook Road will get a six-figure investment including new changing rooms and improved football pitches. Funding for the works will come from the Football Foundation’s Home Advantage programme and will also result in new toilets and catering options being created. The funding is only obtainable if a league or club assumes the management responsibility for a site and as such Sefton Council is set to grant the Hightown Junior Football League a 25 year lease. While Sandbrook Road, known locally as Bods, was previously a busy site for adult and junior teams, it no longer has any football teams regularly hiring pitches there. Meanwhile, the Hightown League has enjoyed significant growth in recent years, particularly in girls’ football and currently uses pitches at Carr Lane and Meols Cop Park as well as its original site in Hightown.

👂 A public consultation on plans to redesign Town Hall Gardens will end next week. People are being urged to have their say on the plans which will see the area outside Southport Town Hall and The Atkinson transformed into a botanical garden and performance space. A £10 million regeneration project for the site was announced after the gardens became a key focal point for the community since the tragic events of July 2024. Funded by Central Government, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Sefton Council, the regeneration of the gardens is the shared hope of the families of Alice Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Stancombe as their way of saying ‘thank you’ to the town who support those directly impacted throughout an unimaginably difficult time. The plans include four connected areas named The Performance Plaza, The Mega Ripples, Celebration Dunes and The Botanical Garden. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said: “Southport has shown incredible strength and solidarity over the last two years, and the Town Hall Gardens have become a place where that spirit is felt every day. These plans give us the opportunity to create something that reflects the character of Southport and gives people a beautiful, welcoming place to come together for generations to come. I’m really pleased that, along with our partners, we in the Combined Authority have been able to play our part in making this vision a reality, and I’d encourage everyone in Southport to have their say on the proposals.” The consultation is open until October 5th and people can view the designs and complete the consultation online or give feedback via 0800 080 3263 or FreePost DEVCOMMS.

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Private equity-backed children’s homes are ‘rinsing council budgets dry’

By Jamie Lopez

Care companies owned by private equity firms have been accused of “rinsing council budgets dry”.

Southport MP Patrick Hurley made the claim as he called for the funding responsibility for social care to be removed from local authorities. Currently, councils are legally required to cover the costs of adult and children’s social care and in Sefton that accounts for 66% of its overall budget this year.

Speaking at a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Hurley said the strain on council resources meant that other services were left “competing with potholes” for limited funding pools. Hurley, who has been MP since 2024, took aim at some private care companies, effectively accusing them of profiteering off the social care crisis.

As part of a discussion of how to support community groups and whether it was realistic for lost services such as libraries and youth clubs to return, he raised the issue of council funds being spent on for-profit care companies. He said: “What we need to see is the removal of statutory designation of some services. Private equity-backed children’s homes are absolutely rinsing the budgets of local authorities.”

While it was not claimed by Hurley that all privately owned children’s homes are culpable, research has shown that the industry is a significant growth area for investors. According to research from the thinktank Common Wealth, 11 of the 20 largest providers of fostering and children’s homes in England are at least partly owned by private equity companies and sovereign wealth funds.

It also found that the four largest independent fostering agencies have paid out more than £200m in interest to shareholders and investors since 2020 - with that money ultimately coming from taxpayers.

In Common Wealth’s report on the crisis facing children’s social care, data analyst Sophie Flinders wrote: “The progressive dismantling of public capacity and the creation of a quasi-market have not produced efficiency and choice, but a system optimised for financial extraction where the state is implicated as an architect of these extractive practices.

“Paying for-profit companies to run these services channels taxpayer money to private hands, while the risks of poor service delivery are borne by children in care and local authorities.”

Common Wealth has called for a ban on for-profit providers in children’s social care but naturally faces opposition from those involved. The National Fostering Group is the biggest independent provider of fostering places across the country and is currently under the ownership of a second private equity firm. Its chief executive Tim Barclay has defended its operations, saying: “We support about 3,600 children across the UK through a network of fostering agencies, all of which are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by regulators.

“Every pound the group receives is focused on frontline care: recruiting and training foster carers, therapeutic support for children, safeguarding and the 24/7 professional support that helps placements succeed. The costs of fostering reflect the increasingly complex needs of children coming into care and the specialist, wraparound support they require.”

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In the year-and-a-half since we launched this title, giving me the privilege of once again writing about my home town, the feedback and response has been fantastic. Plenty of you have chosen to subscribe and the newsletter continues to grow. Alongside our fellow The Lead North title, we’ve also seen recognition with a Press Gazette Future of Media Award and nominations elsewhere. It is also no coincidence that having seen the response to our work, Reach PLC - which has underfunded news titles across the country - has chosen the Southport Visiter as one of two titles which will receive a paywalled website.

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It’s a strange time for news in Southport. Social media activity is incredibly high but it frequently descends into inaccuracy, agendas and abuse - we filter through all of that to bring you what you actually need to know, written by a qualified and experienced reporter who lives in and care about the town. Like all genuinely independent titles, we’re also happy to give praise when it’s deserved and criticism when it is needed - regardless of who the recipient is.

In recent months, we’ve covered issues such as the shambles of the decision to close the Botanic Gardens Aviary, highlighted and effectively ended plans for dynamic pricing at public toilets, and raised the issues of cuts to Smedley jobs and cancer services.

We’ve de-bunked lies about asylum seekers staying at Pontins, provided balanced political reporting of the local election, and focused on both the positivity of major developments and the precarious state of council funds behind them.

We’ve looked at issues including the Burscough Curves and The 79th Group, and provided full explanations of how our MP voted on key issues such as assisted dying.

We were also the only outlet to fully tell the story of the bomb threat hoax which targeted Greenbank High School.

The reality is that we need to keep growing to ensure this financial model - which takes away a reliance on clickbait and adverts which block most of the screen - can be sustainable long-term. If you appreciate the work we’re doing, please consider backing us financially at the cost of less than a fiver a month.

In the coming weeks and months, I’ll be attending the Labour Party Conference, sitting in court cases and covering council meetings to uncover the news affecting Southport. Just as importantly, I’ll also be speaking with people across the town - residents, business owners, community groups - for a series of features on issues and groups which previously haven’t received the coverage or attention they deserve. All of this is only possible with your support.

I’m also keen to hear from you so if there’s something you’d like to see highlighted or examined, please get in touch at southport@thelead.uk

For those who do already take a paid subscription, your support is, as always, hugely appreciated. While there is no main article, read on for an extended briefing and I hope you have a fantastic end to your weekend.

Southport briefing

🛤️ The Southport Labour Party has called for the reinstatement of the Burscough Curves to be included as a priority infrastructure development in the borough’s new Local Plan. Sefton Council is currently holding a public consultation as part of the preparation of the important document, which identifies what developments are needed across the borough and where these should, or shouldn’t, happen. Councils are obliged to have such plans in place and without one, developers have much greater control in the planning process. In its own submission, Southport Labour argued that reopening the curves - a small stretch of railway lines which was removed in the Beeching cuts but never redeveloped - would enable a “straightforward extension of the Merseyrail system” which improves access for the whole borough to education, health work and leisure. It adds that it “would be a quicker route to an important Liverpool corridor, Preston and further north thus supporting travel from Southport and central Sefton, and our visitor economy”. While Labour controls the council, its Southport branch no longer has any sitting councillors since the May local elections. In its submission, the local party also calls for a strong focus on affordable housing and measures to address climate change through policies which have requirements for energy efficient homes, renewable energy generation, low carbon heating systems and climate resilient development. Southport Labour chair Trevor Vaughan said: “The next Local Plan is a great opportunity to shape the future of Southport and Sefton. We want to see a plan that delivers genuinely affordable homes, protects our environment, improves public transport links and ensures that economic growth benefits local people rather than simply creating profits for developers and investors. We’re interested to see the consultation responses from other local political parties”.

🎾 Planning permission has been granted to replace one of Victoria Park’s remaining tennis courts with car parking spaces. A total of 17 spaces will be created on the court, with the owners of neighbouring padel facility saying it is essential to ensure it remains operation when parking restrictions are in place during major events on the park. Three of the six courts have been removed to enable to creation of the popular padel facility and as part of the agreement for the land, Birkdale Padel Ltd must improve the remaining courts and ensure they remain open for free, public use - the new agreement means just two tennis courts will remain. As part of the agreed permission, former public toilets at the park will be converted and extended to provide changing facilities, a disabled toilet, and a food and drink kiosk with an associated terrace. There will also be the installation of a “wellness area” which included a sauna, cold plunge pools and changing rooms to be used in association with the padel facility.

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🎄 Southport BID has announced details of this year’s ‘Southport Christmas Spectacular’ which will officially launch the festive season in the town. The free event, which runs 11am-4pm on November 14, will include live entertainment at the Lord Street Bandstand alongside a lineup of festive activities outside The Vincent Hotel. The line up for on-stage performances and family-friendly shows includes Toy Story, K-Pop Vs Saja, superhero shows, local dance schools, Christmas choirs and the Marshside Brass Band. Other activities include meet and greets with Paddington and Buzz Lightyear, Christmas crafts and facepainting, a giant snowglobe photo opportunity, and children’s Christmas wellbeing sessions. Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said: “Christmas is a magical time in Southport and we’re looking forward to launching the season in style with our Southport Christmas Spectacular. It’s a day when the community comes together with some fantastic performances and lots happening that families will love throughout the day. It’s the perfect day to come into town and explore all the shops, restaurants, cafes, attractions and other local businesses. Events like this one are made possible through the investment of the Southport BID business community. We have more exciting news about new Christmas initiatives to announce over the coming weeks.”

🚌 The future of Southport’s Esplanade Park & Ride site will be reopened to interested parties after a period of exclusivity for a developer which wanted to create a £75m surfing resort ended. Sefton Council’s cabinet will receive an update on efforts to secure a prosperous future for the site at a meeting next week and a report says The Cove plan remains a “credible potential option” but that others should also now be considered amid growing investor interest in the local area. It states: “Market engagement and discussions with potential partners demonstrates wide interest in a range of assets and opportunities both in Southport and across Sefton. This includes, but is not limited to, the Esplanade site, and it is therefore proposed to fully consider this potential interest and these options, to ensure that best value is secured for the site, for the public purse, and for Sefton’s community and economy.” Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “This is an important site and we have a responsibility to make sure its future use delivers the best possible outcomes for Southport and its residents. Our investment in the town, alongside that of our partners in the private sector, is generating undeniable interest in what comes next. We want to turn that interest into tangible benefits for Sefton.The Open Golf Championship this summer brought the eyes of the world to our borough, and our events programme continues to bring footfall and profile to Sefton. We will therefore be robustly testing options before committing to any particular proposal. Public consultation and engagement will also take place as part of any future proposals.”  

🚓 Adults and teenagers from across Southport and beyond were arrested during a police operation launched to detain wanted suspects. Merseyside Police carried out the action last week as part of Operation Sprint, which targets offenders suspected of posing a risk to victims and communities, supporting wider efforts to reduce crime, and brought in a total of nine people. Among those, a 55-year-old man from Banks in Southport was arrested on suspicion of breaching a restraining order, a 47-year-old woman from Southport, was arrested on suspicion of theft, a 15-year-old boy from Ainsdale was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, and two 15-year-old boys from Southport were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery. The operation was delivered using resources from Proactive Teams, Neighbourhood Policing, CID, the Public Protection Unit and Response Policing. Inspector Graeme Chalinor, Sefton Proactive Team said: “Today’s results reflect the proactive work taking place across Sefton to identify and disrupt those involved in criminality. Keeping our communities safe is a priority, and we will continue to take robust action against offenders while supporting victims and those most at risk of harm. The activity carried out today builds on the ongoing efforts of officers and partners across the borough. We will continue to work together to prevent crime and make Sefton a safer place for everyone.”

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Given the many delays and issues which have hit major developments across Southport and beyond, it’s easy to adopt an attitude of ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’.

It’s a statement which has become commonplace in discussions about future works - especially in Facebook comments where people seemingly take glee in the suggestion of failure.

Today’s edition looks at three biggest developments which are ongoing in the town - and all funded by public money - as progress becomes tangible in all three.

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Southport briefing

🚓 A Southport man has been charged after an apparent bomb hoax sparked a police response in the town centre. Police were called on Friday afternoon to reports a man was carrying a knife and a black bag with a reported bomb inside on Eastbank Street and Lord Street and it was also said that he raised his fists to hit a member of the public as he walked past a shop in the area. Adnel Mateus, of Alexandra Road, was soon arrested outside Caffe Nero on Chapel Street and police have now confirmed that no suspicious items were found. The 47-year-old was later charged with breach of a community protection notice and common assault and released on conditional bail.

⛔ A property associated with drug, noise problems and public urination has been repossessed. The force has been repeatedly called over issues of antisocial behaviour associated with the flat at Grosvenor Court over a period of months, including drug deliveries and people drinking and urinating in communal areas. The occupants have now been removed from the property after it was repossessed by the bank following work by the Southport Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Merseyside Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership. Sefton Area Commander Karl Baldwin said: “I hope this result reassures residents in the community who endured considerable fear, distress and anxiety as a result of this ongoing anti-social behaviour. The launch of the Merseyside Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership this year is evidence of our commitment to such crimes. Merseyside Police recently implemented our new operating model, and we are already seeing the benefits on the frontline. Having additional neighbourhood policing officers across the force allows us to provide a faster and more effective response, serving local needs. The repossession of this address demonstrates the power of greater local knowledge, and the availability of our officers to tackle these issues.”

🕛 The McDonald’s at Central 12 Retail Park is requesting permission to operate 24 hours a day - two years after agreeing shorter hours to achieve planning permission. The fast food giant opened on the retail park in 2024 and had originally wanted to open all day but modified its proposals to opening hours of 6am-11pm when neighbours objected. It has now submitted a request to remove that time limit, arguing the increased hours will allow them to meet customer demand, create additional jobs and provide more hours for existing employees. The application states: “The applicant is not aware of any complaints relating to plant noise or other operational noise from the premises, nor of any significant anti-social behaviour associated with the current operation of the restaurant. The extension of hours is intended to enable the restaurant to better meet customer demand during the late night and early morning periods and to improve overall operational efficiency.”

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£10m Town Hall Gardens plans mark hat trick of progress on major developments

By Jamie Lopez

The announcement of a new consultation phase for the £10m redevelopment of Town Hall Gardens marked a hat trick of progress on major Southport projects.

New drawings have been published showing the latest design of how the space outside Southport Town Hall and The Atkinson could look after a transformation into a botanical garden and performance space

The area is being redeveloped through £10m of funding - £5m from the government and £2.5m each from Sefton Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority - in a regeneration project inspired by its role as a focal point for the community after the 2024 attack.

It came a week before the next stage of construction began for the proposed Marine Lake Events Centre and amid progress on the refurbishment of Southport Pier.

While the latter two developments have been plagued by issues including delays and soaring costs, they remain firmly on track and represent investments totalling more than £120m.

Andrew Brown, founder of Stand Up For Southport and vocal advocate of the town’s offering, said: “Southport has an incredibly exciting future with all the major projects taking shape. You don’t have to walk far without seeing builders busy at work in our town, and it’s a sign of real progress.

“During my time living and working in Southport, I’ve seen big developments happen before - the £20 million The Atkinson redevelopment, the much-heralded four star Ramada Plaza Hotel, the brand new Vincent Hotel, Ocean Plaza and others. All of these, while significant, were one-offs.

“This time it’s different - we’re seeing work to create the £106 million Marine Lake Events Centre; the innovative new Light Fantastic in the Marine Lake; the £20 million Southport Pier restoration; and the £10 million Town Hall Gardens transformation, which will have such a positive impact on the town centre.

“When Southport secured its vital £37.5 million Town Deal funding, the expectation was that it would ultimately act as a catalyst to attract a further £400 million in investment.

“We’re now seeing concrete evidence of that taking shape. Momentum is happening. Wetherspoon has committed £5 million, and its own building team, to creating Southport’s own Wetherspoon Hotel. Proposals for the new Cove Resort continue.

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The previous edition of this newsletter focused on a council meeting in which efforts to convince Sefton Council to reconsider its plans to close Botanic Gardens Aviary and I hadn’t intended to return to the issue so soon. However, it was raised again at a full council meeting on Thursday by both councillors and the public and some important issues were raised - including the misogyny faced by councillors.

It’s very easy to find example of this is certain quarters of Facebook, with abusive names, insults, and suggestions of ambushing surgeries commonplace. The fact that some have responding to these concerns by dismissing it as people being upset by ‘hurty words’ is telling in itself.

At the same time, those who are approaching the issue in a more valid manner remain frustrated at the stonewalling they are receiving in response. It all seems to be moving in a direction where no-one wins - discourse is more broken, collaboration is reduced, the public is more disenfranchised, and abuse gets worse.

One hopes that at some point, things will improve on all fronts. Whether that is likely is anyone’s guess.

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🏫 Christ the King High School will be rebuilt thanks to the awarding of funding from the Department for Education. The aging facility will be rebuilt on the same site and the existing building is to remain in use until the new one is ready. No start date has yet been announced but it is hoped the project could be completed within a three-year timespan. The news was announced one day after planning permission was granted for a similar government-funded rebuild of Greenbank High School. Southport MP Patrick Hurley “These are major investments in two of our town’s schools and, most importantly, in generations of Southport children who deserve to learn in modern, first-class buildings. I’ve been pushing particularly hard for action at Christ the King, including taking the case directly to ministers, because I’ve seen for myself just how urgently investment is needed. So to see that work now bearing fruit is enormously welcome.”

🧑‍⚖️ A man who tried to rape a woman in a block of flats was arrested the following day at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Klintis Duarta, 28, followed a woman into a the building and sexually assaulted her in a communal hallway in “relentless and sustained” attack. In a victim personal statement, the woman said: “I have previously suffered with nightmares anyway however since the incident I often have nightmares about the incident whereby I find I wake up feeling panicked with a sense of anxiety that last for hours. Since the incident I now take extra caution and care when entering any building. I ensure that I have checked the area first before opening the door and making sure that this has closed behind me and no one else has come through. I am aware that these things happen however you don’t usually believe that it would be on your doorstep let alone happen to yourself.” Duarta, who is originally from Mozambique and visiting the country from Portugal, pleaded guilty to attempted rape and sexual assault and was jailed for six years and eight months.

🙅 A disgraced teacher who sent naked pictures of himself to girls as young as 12 has been banned from teaching for life. Robert Collins, from Banks, was the head of art at Formby High School when he sent perverted messages to several young girls over a period of four years. His offending was discovered in June 2023 when Collins sent online messages to what he believed was a 12-year-old girl. He told the youngster – who was really an undercover police officer – he was a teacher and asked her “what’s the naughtiest thing you’ve done?”. The 39-year-old also asked if she wanted to be in detention with him and repeatedly asked her to send him pictures of her body, telling her: “I’m only asking because I like you a lot.” He also sent the “girl” a close-up picture of an erect penis and a man’s torso along with the message: “Here’s my d*** X”. Collins was sentenced to two years and six months in prison back in 2024. A Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) panel has now taken further action to ensure Collins can never work around children ever again. As a result, he is prohibited from teaching indefinitely in any school, sixth form college, relevant youth accommodation or children’s home in England.

🏃 A courageous fundraiser is taking on a 70.3-mile Iron Man challenge today after losing three members of his own family to suicide. Daniel Cardwell, who lives in Southport, is going to swim, cycle and run the Ironman 70.3 Weymouth as he aims to raise £10,000 for The Jordan Legacy. He has been in training for the past 18 months for an event which will include a 1.3m swim in the sea followed by a 56m bike ride and then a 13.2m run. Daniel was devastated at losing his brother Craig to suicide along with his two cousins, Jacqueline Cardwell and Jason Cardwell and has been inspired to raise funds for the The Jordan Legacy, which exists to raise awareness about suicide and the practical actions schools, workplaces and communities can take to prevent one of the most preventable deaths in the UK and globally. The Jordan Legacy CIC was formed in August 2020 following the death of the founder’s son, Jordan Phillip, on 4th December 2019. Daniel said: “Steve, who was Jordan’s Dad, and Steve’s daughter, Danielle, are a small team who do what they do day in and day out. Their mission is to do everything they can to prevent other families experiencing the devastation of suicide [..] So first and foremost I’d like to give a shout out to Steve and Danielle for everything they do because I can swim, I can run, I can cycle, but I could not do what they do day in, day out - thank you, because people need what you do for them. For everyone else out there - what they are doing could be for you. It could be for a friend, it could be for a loved one, who needs that help and support.” Daniel’s efforts can be supported via JustGiving.

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Misogyny and failed democracy claims as aviary row gets increasingly toxic

By David Humphreys, additional reporting by Jamie Lopez

A bid to pause the closure of the Botanic Gardens Aviary has been rejected by Sefton Council at a heated meeting which raised issues of questionable decision making and misogynistic abuse.

The council confirmed in July it plans to close the aviary in March next year, arguing it is not keeping up with modern animal welfare standards expected for the birds in its care and that the costs associated with upgrading its infrastructure would be too great. PETA, the world’s largest animal rights group, was among the organisations to offer public support in response to requests from the council when the decision was greeted by a major backlash. come forward to support Sefton’s move to close down the 87-year-old site.

Efforts were made a decade ago to transfer the site off the borough’s books before they fell through. This included attempts made in 2016/17 regarding proposals from Botanic Gardens Community Association (BGCA) to manage both the fernery and aviary on site and a more recent discussion with a Wales-based group which had been keen but ultimately found the plan unviable. BGCA has since helped support the running costs of the site

The closure decision was ultimately made at the 2026/27 budget approval earlier this year where a £60k Green Sefton saving was referenced as ‘close aviary’. Those opposed to the decision have been frustrated by the council’s unwillingness to reconsider and its repeated answers that it is a welfare issue but wasn’t consulted on as it was an operational decision.

At a full council meeting on Thursday evening, a petition from a BGCA member Hannah Melling and a motion put forward by the opposition Liberal Democrats called for the decision to be reexamined but both were defeated by the controlling Labour group whose members raised another issue of personal abuse aimed at the leaders by a very vocal minority online.

Efforts will now continue towards the site’s closure next Spring. This will include the rehoming of the birds.

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Presenting his motion, Cllr Daniel Lewis said “significant concern” has been expressed by residents, volunteers and community organisations about both the proposed closure and how the decision was communicated. Announcing the move, Sefton Council said efforts will be made to rehome the animals with suitably equipped organisations and euthanasia will not be considered.

The motion called on cabinet members to acknowledge the concern raised by campaigners and hold off on closing the aviary. This included a pause of demolition and rehoming pending an independent assessment covering welfare needs and whether the site can be adapted to modern standards.

Cllr Lewis’ motion asked councillors to back calls for the cabinet to invite expressions of interest from suitably qualified charities, sanctuaries, educational organisations, community groups, social enterprises and other potential partners for a future welfare-led use of the site.

Ms Melling, on behalf of Botanic Gardens Community Association (BGCA), submitted a petition of more than 500 signatures calling for the aviary to be saved. She said the public “deserves better” than the response they had received from Sefton Council.

Ms Melling said welfare reasons being cited were not valid and the owners of the birds in the aviary were yet to be contacted on the decision. She added how 35% of smaller birds would die and parrots could “psychologically collapse” and may not survive a relocation.

She said: “That’s not welfare improvement, that’s welfare harm.” Ms Melling said a “viable charitable solution” was ready to step in, “all we are asking for is a review”.

Support for the motion came from Reform UK councillor Charles Denton who called on the authority to reverse the decision as it would be “good for the birds and good for the council”.

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Cllr Denton also called on Sefton Council to give campaigners the opportunity to raise the money needed to keep the aviary open. However, Labour Cllr Catie Page said she had visited the aviary prior to its proposed closure and “didn’t like it at all”. She said: “I thought the birds were in an appalling state.

“The reality is there are an awful lot of people who don’t want it and think that £60,000 could be better spent elsewhere. It’s £60,000 every year to keep birds in conditions that are not good.”

Cllr Lewis’ motion had asked the borough to publish a costed options appraisal comparing a reduced or redesigned council-operated facility against the proposed closure. Cllr Joanne McCall, Maghull Community Independents, had asked the council to think again, describing the aviary as “too much of a public asset” to let it go.

Amid concerns over transparency, Cllr Joanne Williams, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said the decision was first raised in February ahead of the council setting its annual budget and provided ample opportunity for the closure to be scrutinised. Cllr Leo Evans said documents were delivered too late for members to properly assess the plans.

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I’ve sat through an awful lot of council meetings in my time as a reporter and one thing I’ve become accustomed to is hearing processes and procedures described in unbearably great detail.

Last night’s meeting - in which answers were sought on the decision to close the aviary - fell at the other end of the spectrum. Barely 10 minutes passed between the subject being raised and voted on but some of the discussion was nonetheless very revealing.

Today’s main story focuses on that meeting as the battle to save the aviary continues. It continues at such frequently that it will again be discussed in Bootle tomorrow evening.

Southport briefing

🎢 Adventure Coast owner Norman Wallis promised to keep investing in and improving the theme park after being shortlisted for a national award. Norman was nominated for Theme Park Personality of the Year at the UK Theme Park Awards in recognition of his work at the seafront attraction which was formerly known as Pleasureland. After the ceremony, he said: “Of course, you always hope to win when you’re nominated but to be recognised nationally and to be standing alongside such strong competition is something I’m incredibly proud of. Adventure Coast is about giving families a fantastic day out here in Southport. We’re proud to be independent, proud to be local and proud of what we’re building.” Commenting that he was pleased to see a national spotlight put on the attraction and the town, he added: “We didn’t win this time but we’re not going anywhere. We’ll keep improving, keep investing and keep giving families a reason to visit Adventure Coast and Southport.”

🏫 The demolition of Greenbank High School is expected to be signed off ahead of a three-year rebuild. The 60-year-old girls school is to be constructed on the same site across a four phase plan which is expected to be completed in 2029. The construction of the majority of the existing buildings is thought to date to the 1960s and 1970s and the buildings are therefore considered to be approaching the end of their lifecycle. In recognition of the ageing existing school facilities, the redevelopment project is being funded as part of the Department for Education’s school rebuilding programme. The matter will go before Sefton Council’s planning committee tonight and subject to approval, work is due to begin by the end of this year with some remaining school buildings in use alongside the existing car park, all-weather pitch and the grass sports pitches. The existing school car park will need to be closed during the final phase, with a temporary school staff and visitor car parking area created. Temporary buildings are expected to be in use from spring next year with demolition work beginning by next summer. The new buildings are expected to be open by autumn 2028 and all works finalised a year later.

🙅 Plans to install a eight-foot tall digital advertising screen in Southport town centre have been refused by Sefton Council. In Focus Public Networks Ltd wanted to erect a ‘communication hub’ on pavement at the corner of Chapel Street and London Street but has been refused planning permission. A planning officer’s report described it as adding a “tall, bulky, prominent, illuminated and strikingly modern element” to the area which would add unwelcome clutter to the pavement and negatively the impact on views of the Grade II listed obelisk/war memorial, Grade II listed Hoghton Arms and the Lord Street Conservation Area. Such installations were originally rolled out to replace disused phoneboxes but parent company JCDecaux has looked to target extra locations and argues they come with community benefits through the inclusions of the likes of internet access and defibrillators. The officer’s report noted: “There are currently a number of defibrillators within the immediate vicinity, with three in the adjacent Chapel Street and more in the immediate area, therefore the need for this part of the installation could be questioned. The internally lit digital display would be prominent at all times of the day and particularly at night. Whilst there may be a degree of community content, this is a display largely for the purposes of commercial advertising.”

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Aviary response described as “insulting” as scrutiny request defeated in 10 minutes

By Jamie Lopez

The latest attempt to encourage Sefton Council to open up on its decision to close the Botanic Gardens Aviary was defeated in just 10 minutes.

Cllr Mike Sammon brought the matter to the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee last night as the battle for a rethink rumbles on. So far, two public meetings have been held to discuss how to save the aviary and petitions against the closure have received more than 16,000 signatures.

In this case, the Liberal Democrat representative for Cambridge ward was calling for “proper scrutiny” on the decision - something he said has been lacking so far - and requested formal reports on how it was reached.

The decision to close the aviary was included as part of the 2026/27 budget which was agreed earlier this year, with a single line attributed to a saving of £60k from the Green Sefton budget the only reference. It was missed by opposition councillors but they have argued that far greater consultation should have taken place.

Sefton has subsequently said it did not carry out a consultation on the decision as it was an operational decision relating to the budget but then faced questions it has so far been unable to answer as to how this is consistent with its explanation that the closure is necessary for animal welfare reasons.

In raising the matter at the scrutiny meeting, Cllr Sammon referenced this mixed messaging as he sought to attain greater insight into the decision making. When the agenda was published for the meeting, however, he was left disappointed to see no officer’s report had been prepared.

Addressing the committee, he said the designation of the closure as a “non-key decision” highlighted the gap in opinion between those behind it and those against it.

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He said: “I think that has led to where we are with people understandably angry about the lack of reports and consultations and transparency behind the decision and how an aviary that matters to so many people can be closed seemingly on a budget line which did not even mention the Botanic Gardens. It said ‘Green Sefton - close aviary.

“I understand that the £60k is not a lot of money in the grand scheme of a council budget, around about 0.0017%. When it comes to the council’s decision making process and what is a key decision, it’s not just about the financial impact, it’s also about the community impact.

“The impact of closing Botanic Gardens Aviary goes far beyond one ward or just the people who live in that immediate area. There are people all over Sefton and beyond who care deeply about this.

“What I can see on this agenda in front of me is there is not an officer’s report on that decision and how it was made. Therefore I struggle to see how tonight we can have proper scrutiny without a report in front of us on how the decision was declared an operational decision. 

“Was there a community impact test and how can it be that a decision which is having a huge amount of concern, giving worry about the welfare of the birds which are in captivity - there could be an impact on moving those birds which again I see as a key decision in its own right.

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On Friday, MPs voted on the latest effort to legalise assisted dying and the result means it is not likely to happen any time in the next few years. It is one of very few matters in which MPs are not instructed to vote along party lines but instead to consider it a matter of conscience.

Over the past couple of years, two debates have raged simultaneously, one on the principle of assisted dying and another on the particular process by which it was being attempted. Without going too much into the detail of what is a technical Parliamentary process, many felt it was being rushed through in a manner which lacked proper oversight and scrutiny.

Among those who voted against it was Southport MP Patrick Hurley, someone whose own experiences of losing his wife and father to cancer informed his views. Writing in today’s edition, he says this does not gives him greater authority on the subject and acknowledges that others have had similar experiences and come to the opposite conclusion.

Crucially, he says this vote should not be seen as a moment of triumph and instead reflects on the need for unity - both in people’s most desperate moments and in the search of a viable future for properly addressing the problems facing adult social care and palliative care. Read on to hear from Hurley in his own words.

Southport briefing

🚜 The first ever Southport Agriculutral Show will take place at Victoria Park next year. Described as elebration of farming, food, livestock and rural life, the event will take place on April 17-18 and showcase agriculture, animals, local producers and independent businesses. It is scheduled to offer livestock and animal displays including a ‘Llamapalooza’ contest among other entertainment and activities. Announcing the event, the organisers said: “Whether you’re passionate about farming, interested in where your food comes from, looking to support local businesses, or simply searching for a great family day out, the Southport Agricultural Show promises something for everyone.”

☕ A highly regarded Liverpool coffee shop is set to open in Southport as part of the regeneration and modernisation of a town centre building. Crosby Coffee Roasters is set to move into the ground floor of Eastbank - formerly known as the Eastbank Enterprise Arcade - and will be available to both the public and the businesses based above it. The redevelopment of the historic building is one of the major schemes of Southport Town Deal and is designed to offer a hub for digital and creative businesses as the town looks to adapt to the shift from retail careers to meet more modern, professional needs. A state-of-the-art podcast studio recently opened inside the building which is also home to a marketing agency and hosts frequent networking events.

🔔 The annual Heritage Open Days Festival is now under way with Southport’s biggest ever number of events. More than 40 venues are hosting talks, tours, exhibitions and displays as the free festival returns with this year’s theme of ‘Everyday Histories’. celebrating not just the buildings but also the people who worked or lived in them. Among the locations available to visit are churches, Marshside Fogbell, a little-known ballroom inside Southport & District Temperance institute while talks include those on the the history of Southport’s railways, Silcock’s Stories of Southport. The popular Lost Street display which offers Victorian-era Nevill Street also returns. Full listings are here.

🦜 Sefton councillors will be asked to support pausing the closure of the Botanic Gardens Aviary to conduct further assessments over its future. At a full council meeting on Thursday, a motion will be put forward by Meols ward councillor Dan Lewis which raises the strength of opposition to the proposed closure and seeks more details and evidence to explain the decision. The Liberal Democrat councillor warns “significant concern” has been expressed by residents, volunteers and community organisations about both the proposed closure and how the decision was communicated. As reported in the previous edition of The Southport Lead, the council’s overview and scrutiny committee will also be asked to review the decision on Tuesday.

🙏 Sefton, St Helens & Knowsley Coroners office is appealing for help in finding the next of kin of a woman who died in Southport. Louise Holland, 55, died at her home address on Lord Street on Monday 7 September and police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Anyone who can help the Coroner identify or trace any potential next of kin is asked call Emma at the coroner’s office on 0151 934 4584 or email Coronerreferrals@sefton.gov.uk

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‘Why I helped vote down the Assisted Dying Bill’ - Southport’s MP

By Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport

On Friday, I voted against the Assisted Dying Bill.

After a long debate, a great deal of thought on all sides, and a protracted Parliamentary process played out over two years, the House of Commons decided not to change the law. I know there will be people who are relieved at that result, just as there will be people who are deeply disappointed by it.

I don’t think this is an issue on which anybody should be particularly triumphalist.

I’ve listened over the last few months to colleagues on both sides of the argument talk about some incredibly difficult and personal experiences. I understand the arguments made by supporters of the Bill. I understand why somebody facing a terminal illness might want the certainty that the Bill sought to provide. And I know that colleagues who voted for it did so, overwhelmingly, because they thought it was the compassionate thing to do.

But I came to a different conclusion.

Earlier this week I wrote on the PoliticsHome website about the Government’s own Equality Impact Assessment, which reinforced a lot of the concerns I already had. In particular, I was worried about the implications for disabled people, older people, ethnic minorities and other groups who can already find themselves disadvantaged when dealing with health and social care.

If this Bill had passed, vulnerable people would have been offered choice but without the agency to properly inform that choice. Because the difficulty with talking about “choice” is that none of us make choices in a vacuum.

People make decisions when they’re lying in hospital beds, or living in care homes. They make them when their husband or wife is exhausted from looking after them. They make them when somebody has had to give up work to care for them, or when they’re worried about how much their care is costing, or about the effect their illness is having on their family.

In those circumstances, sometimes people start to think things like: “I don’t want to be a burden.”

That worried me a lot during the passage of this Bill. When somebody we love starts thinking that way, surely one of the questions we should ask is why they have been made to feel like a burden in the first place.

And there was also a bigger reason why I couldn’t support the Bill.

For me, it came down to what sort of society we believe ourselves to be.

Our new Prime Minister has talked a lot about restoring optimism to the country. During the Makerfield by-election, Labour activists were posting leaflets through people’s doors. On the back was a phrase which has stuck with me:

“Things will get better if we stick together.”

I think there’s something beautiful in those words. More than that, I think they beautifully encapsulate the underpinnings of the Labour Movement, with respect to other political traditions.

The Labour tradition I grew up with is based on the idea that we’re stronger when we stick together, and that we have obligations to one another which go beyond simply respecting each other’s individual choices.

Your situation in life isn’t simply your responsibility. Your illness isn’t something you should have to face alone. Your suffering isn’t simply your problem.

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Last month, we reported on planned cuts which would see funding withdrawn from the highly valued Cancer Navigator Service which is run by Southport Macmillan Centre.

Today’s main story revisits that issue now a decision had been made - along with separate concerns about cancer care.

Southport briefing

👏 A documentary which allowed the families of the three girls killed in the Southport attack to tell their stories was named a winner at the National Television Awards. Our Girls: The Southport Families followed the families’ plans to create lasting legacies in their daughters’ names - Alice’s Wonderdance, Bebe’s Hive and Elsie’s Story - and featured interviews with the three sets of parents as well as previously unshared family footage. When the show was announced as winner in the Authored Documentary category, Elsie’s mum Jenni Stancombe said: “We never expected to be stood up here so I don’t know what to say. We know you didn’t vote for us, you voted for our three girls.” The awards were held on the same day that public hearings began for Phase Two of The Southport Inquiry. In a statement released beforehand, Nicola Ryan-Donnelly of Fletchers Solicitors, representing families of children who survived the attack, said: “The families fully appreciate that the issues and the problems that we saw in phase one were not localised problems. They know that this isn’t just something that went wrong here. The only way that we can get proper change that is going to be meaningful is if we look across the country and we look at where things are at nationally. They want that exercise to be as detailed as possible, so the chair can make really strong changes that are actually going to work.”

🟡 A three-times former Mayor of Sefton and long-serving Southport councillor died after falling and banging her head, an inquest has heard. Maureen Fearn fell in the bathroom of her Southport care home in August and died in hospital shortly after. An inquest at Bootle Town Hall heard that she was not in pain from the injury but had no recollection of it. Senior coroner Anita Bhardwaj explained that Mrs Fearn’s nephew had no concerns about the care she had received and noted that she was instructed to wait for help but was “independent and stubborn”. Mrs Fearn represented the Liberal Democrats on both Sefton Council and its predecessor the Southport Coporation during four decades of public service. Paying tribute, Cllr John Pugh said: “Cllr Pugh said: “Maureen Fearn’s life of community service is well understood and appreciated - particularly in her own beloved Kew ward. Anyone who met her seldom forgot her. She personified traditional, down to earth, no nonsense, Lancastrian commonsense and values, delivered without fear, favour or affectation, and often with considerable insight. If ever there was a politician who told it to you straight, it was Maureen Fearn, though always coupled with an amused affection for humanity and its foibles.”

🦜 The decision to close the Botanic Gardens Aviary will be reviewed at a meeting of Sefton Council’s Overview and Scrutiny meeting next week. Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Sammon has requested the review, pointing to mixed messaging from the council over the reasoning behind the move and a lack of scrutiny on the process so far. The decision, which comes into effect next year, was effectively taken in March when a new budget was agreed which included a £60,000 saving through closure. The council subsequently said no consultation was held as it was a budget decision while also stating the decision was based on animal welfare concerns. Cllr Sammon’s request for a review states that “the decision to close the Botanic Gardens Aviary has proved to be highly controversial with more than 15,000 people signing a petition opposing the closure, and the decision affects residents and communities across more than one ward.” It adds: “There have been numerous demonstrations of public disquiet about the decision, including two very well attended public meetings as well as numerous residents attending in the public gallery to watch a debate at the last Council meeting in July 2026. Given the significant level of public interest and the wider community impact, together with the mixed messages concerning the decision coming from the Council over recent months, this decision warrants proper scrutiny – something that hasn’t been available so far.”

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Cuts and concern put spotlight on cancer care

By Jamie Lopez

Concerns over waiting times and the future loss of a much valued service have brought the spotlight onto cancer care in Southport.

Southport MP Patrick Hurley has called for action to be taken to bring down cancer waiting times as national and local performances fell below targets. Meanwhile, proposes cuts to a cancer support service previously reported by The Southport Lead have now been confirmed.

After meeting with Radiotherapy UK in Parliament, Hurley highlighted NHS figures which show that in June, 76.2% of cancer patients treated by Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust received their first treatment within 62 days, 8.8 percentage points below the NHS standard of 85%.

While that means that almost one in four patients covered by the measure waited longer than the 62-day standard, the national average is actually worse, with an average of 69.9% in June

Radiotherapy is running #CatchUpWithCancer campaign, which calls on the government and NHS to boost cancer services so patients can receive faster and better treatment, alongside Craig and Mandy Russell who lost their daughter Kelly, 31, to bowel cancer after she failed to receive the treatment she needed.

The charity estimates that only 33.5% of cancer patients in the North West receive radiotherapy, compared with a recommended benchmark of around 53%, highlighting continuing regional inequalities in access to treatment.

Hurley, who is a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Less Survivable Cancers, has previously spoken about his own experiences of losing his wife and father to esophageal cancer within months of each other in 2006. Calling for greater efforts to bring down waiting times, he also urged people to have their symptoms checked as early as possible.

He said: “We have to keep bringing cancer waiting times down, increase capacity and make sure that, wherever somebody lives, they can access the treatment they need as quickly as possible.

“The Government’s National Cancer Plan rightly puts earlier diagnosis, faster treatment and reducing inequalities at the heart of improving cancer survival. The challenge now is making sure patients everywhere feel the benefit.

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“But there is also something all of us can do. If you notice any symptoms, please don’t put off speaking to your GP because you don’t want to make a fuss or because you hope it will simply go away.

“That is especially important for less survivable cancers such as oesophageal, pancreatic and stomach cancer, where diagnosing the disease earlier can make an enormous difference.

“My message is simple: the NHS needs to get people through the system faster, and we need to get ourselves into that system sooner when something isn’t right.”

Earlier this year, the government released its National Cancer Plan which sets out what the next decade of care and support will look like and, among other targets, aims to meet all cancer waiting-time standards by 2029. In turn, it wants to improve early diagnosis and tackle inequalities in cancer outcomes across the country.

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We know there is more to do to ensure that people in Southport and everywhere else in the country are getting the care they deserve.

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Last weekend saw the return of the Southport Air Show as big crowds braved changeable weather conditions for an annual event which is one of the most important parts of the town’s tourism calendar.

Next year, the air show will run as part of Armed Forces Day when Southport will host the national event - with that comes a crucial change for visitors.

Southport briefing

💔 A man who died when his van was hit by a train on a Burscough level crossing has been named as Simon Gettings from Southport. The 55-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services were called to the crash last weekend and his family have now paid tribute to the much-loved former teacher. In a statement released through British Transport Police, they said: “Simon was a devoted husband, a loving father of two, and a much-loved member of our family. His family meant everything to him, and he was at the centre of our world, someone we could always turn to, rely on, and share life’s happiest moments with. The love Simon had for his wife and children was at the heart of everything he did, and the bond he shared with them was truly special. As an only child, Simon had recently cared for both his mother and father through dementia until their passing. Simon was a well-known and valued member of his community in Southport, where he was known as an incredible neighbour and friend. He was also a hugely accomplished and respected teacher in Southport, Liverpool and Blackpool. He was an inspiring teacher who went the extra mile again and again. The impact of his loss will be felt by the countless families he supported and advocated for over the years. After 25 years in teaching, he took early retirement so he could spend more time with his family.”

💔 Tributes have been paid to long-serving councillor and three times Sefton mayor Maureen Fearn who died aged 97. Mrs Fearn spent more than four decades serving at both Sefton Council and the Southport Corporation. Cllr John Pugh, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, of which Maureen represented as a Kew Ward councillor, said: “Maureen Fearn’s life of community service is well understood and appreciated - particularly in her own beloved Kew ward. Anyone who met her seldom forgot her. She personified traditional, down to earth, no nonsense, Lancastrian commonsense and values, delivered without fear, favour or affectation, and often with considerable insight. If ever there was a politician who told it to you straight, it was Maureen Fearn , though always coupled with an amused affection for humanity and its foibles”. Flags at Sefton Council buildings are being flown at half mast.

🍻 Wetherspoons says its plans to open a hotel in the town centre will involve a £5m investment. The pub chain is transforming the Pavillion Building on Lord Street, where it already has the Henry Segrave pub on the ground floor, to house 29 hotel rooms. After planning permission for the new hotel was approved in September 2024, Wetherspoon has now submitted further plans to incorporate and improve the existing grass verge to the front of the pub into an outdoor dining area, characterised by free-standing furniture and planters. In its application, it states that “the project represents a £5 million investment in Southport town centre, delivering high-quality hotel accommodation and improved hospitality facilities”. Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “Wetherspoon is always keen to add to the facilities for customers at its pubs. We aim to redevelop the existing pub and add a 29 bedroom hotel, which we believe will be a great benefit to the pub, the town, customers and staff. We have planning approved for the redevelopment of the pub and the addition of 29 hotel rooms on the upper floors. This project has been approved internally, and we are pulling together the timeline for the development.”

🫵 Two Southport firms have been included on a ‘name and shame’ list of companies which failed to pay the minimum wage. The government regularly releases lists of companies which have breached the law and been ordered to repay the money owed and an additional financial penalty. Among the latest list, Southport-based Community Care Direct Limited, failed to pay £3,735.76 to 18 workers and Hoghton Street Dental Care Limited failed to pay £1,449.52 to seven employees. B&Q, which has a store in Kew, was the biggest underpayer on the list having shortchanged 4,530 staff members by a total of £456,934.72. Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden said: “Underpaying your staff is illegal, and we will not let workers foot the bill for their boss failing to follow the rules. We’re making sure workers get the hard-earned pay they deserve, and where employers fall short, they will be held to account. Every employer should check their payroll now and reach out to Acas if they need further support.”

🚓 Residents had to leave their flats after a man was seen acting erratically, making threats and at one stage carried a large kitchen knife in a communal area. Police were called to a property on Avondale Road after paramedics raised concern on Thursday evening and a cordon was put in place with residents evacuated as a precaution. Officers forced their way into the flat and a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray. He was initially taken to hospital to be checked over under police supervision. Superintendent Col Rooney said: “I want to commend the officers who were involved after they were faced with an incredibly challenging incident. Thanks to their decisive and brave actions, the suspect was detained and no one was harmed. Our officers were able to protect both residents and paramedics who attended the flat. I would also like to thank residents who were asked to leave their flat while we dealt with the individual. Your patience was appreciated while officers brought the incident to a safe conclusion.”

🔎 An appeal has been launched to help find the next of kin of a man who died in Southport. John Hyland, 88, formerly of Liverpool, died in Lakeside View nursing home and police say there were suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. It is believed his father’s name was Richard James Hyland and he may have family in the Merseyside area. Anyone who can help is asked to email anneli.billingham@sefton.gov.uk

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Free entry planned for 2027 Southport Air Show as part of Armed Forces Day celebrations

By Jamie Lopez

Free entry is being planned for the 2027 Southport Air Show when the event forms part of national Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Southport has been chosen as the host for next year’s national military festival and as such a much wider selection of events will take place.

In a press release celebrating this year’s air show, Sefton Council this week stated that the 2027 Air Show would form part of Armed Forces Day celebrations and The Southport Lead can reveal that as part of that entry fees are to be waived for the show.

The air show runs at a loss each year but is considered a worthwhile expenditure due to the wider economic benefits of attracting large numbers of visitors to the town.

Armed Forces Day events are always free to attend for serving personnel, veterans, cadets and their families but this is typically extended to the wider public. While Sefton Council has not publicly confirmed the decision, sources have told The Southport Lead that free entry will apply for next year’s Southport Air Show.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “Some of the most cherished aspects of the Southport Air Show, such as the military village and displays, will be incorporated into the 2027 Armed Forces Day celebrations.

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You’ll likely have heard at some point of Natural England’s role in preventing action being taken to tackle growth on Southport’s beach. The public body believes that interfering with natural processes here is inappropriate and ineffective and that nature should be allowed to take its course.

The approach in Ainsdale’s sand dunes is different however as it seeks to ensure that one of the country’s rarest species can thrive and has suitable breeding sites to do so. Today’s main story focuses on those efforts and a new project which will support that work.

Southport briefing

💮 A living legacy to Elsie Dot Stancombe has been opened in Ainsdale. Named ‘Elsie’s place at St John’s’, the garden is located adjacent to Ainsdale St John’s Church – a place that held deep significance for Elsie who attended the nursery which uses its church hall. Designed as a peaceful space, the garden will provide a private space where Elsie’s friends and family can reflect and remember her. It will also be open to the wider community on special occasions, as well as being utilised by the church, school, nursery, guiding groups and the local community, allowing others to pay their respects and share in her memory. For more than 30 years, the church garden had been a barren, unusable space, impacted by antisocial behaviour and in need of regeneration but an extraordinary community effort involving volunteers, individuals completing court-ordered unpaid work, and local businesses. The garden also includes a community vegetable patch. Fresh produce grown in the garden will be sold through the church and within the village, with all proceeds donated to Compassion Acts to support the local food bank. Reverend Jackie Vasquez, Vicar at Ainsdale St John’s Church, said: “Elsie’s place at St John’s’ is a place of love, hope and remembrance. It has been created not only to honour Elsie’s life, but also a reflection of the extraordinary kindness and generosity shown by our community. We pray that it will be a peaceful sanctuary where Elsie’s family and friends can remember her and where, on special occasions, others can come together to reflect and celebrate her life.”

🎭 Ambitious plans to transform the Garrick building into the UK’s first spa theatre hotel will now include more hotel rooms instead of apartments. The building, which most recently housed Mecca Bingo, is being converted into a unique venue which will also include a fourth floor terrace and pool, commercial units and a bar and restaurant. The scheme would also involve the refurbishment of the existing event auditorium and rooftop extensions including three additional floors and fears had grown over the future of the project as development appeared to have stalled. However, owners Garrick Southport Ltd have now requested permission to modify the plans to increase the number of hotel rooms from 109 to 133, with the extra rooms replacing apartments which were originally to be included.

☕ A home in Tarleton village will be partially turned into a coffee shop after highways officials withdrew their objections over parking issues. The venture, to be known as Nestled Coffee, will revolve around a menu of drinks and (literally) homemade cakes, will operate from a house on Church Road with no more than 20 seats available across the interior and exterior. Planning permission for the change of use has now been approved and the business will trade between 7am and 5pm on weekdays and 9am and 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Planning documents submitted on behalf of the applicant, Katherine Moen, stressed that the venue was designed to encourage visits on foot, as well as “linked” trips from people already coming into the village for other reasons. As a result, it was claimed the outlet would generate “a limited number of additional vehicle movements” each day, which could be accommodated by existing unrestricted parking spaces “within very close walking distance of the site”. Amongst the letters of support received by West Lancashire Borough Council in relation to the venture, it was suggested that it would be “a positive community asset, providing a social meeting space and enhancing village life”.

💷 Sefton Council is set to write off debts totalling more than £2.5m from unpaid council tax and business rates. The authority’s Audit and Governance Committee will soon be asked to agree the move which relates to debts stretching back more than a decade and will not affect the current budget. According to a report prepared for the committee, the vast majority of that debt is from unpaid business rates and all has been subject to extensive recovery efforts. It adds that Sefton’s collection rates for the council tax and business rates “consistently compare favourably to all metropolitan local authorities nationally and neighbouring Liverpool City Region authorities”.

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£35k plan to excavate Ainsdale sand dunes and improve habitats for natterjack toads

By Jamie Lopez

Excavators will be used to manage Ainsdale Sand Dunes as part of a £35k plan from Natural England to improve habitats for the natterjack toad.

In contrast to the public body’s approach to Southport beach, it is the lookout for a company or social enterprise which can alter the natural landscape. This will involve enhancing existing dune slacks to create new breeding opportunities for the rare species.

Natterjack toads are very rare and found in just a handful of coastal locations across the country, making Ainsdale of particular importance for the species. They breed in warm, shallow pools on sand dunes and sandy heaths and typically grow to be a maximum of 8cm long.

Natural England is currently tendering for what it describes as a species recovery project at Ainsdale sand dunes and is targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) or voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE) to award a total of £35k available.

Documents seen by The Southport Lead state: “This project aims to enhance existing dune slacks, providing new breeding opportunities for Natterjack toad. This essential habitat creation and enhancement is considered key to achieving favourable condition for the species and the project will help restore this site to conditions that support natterjack toads and encourage thriving populations within the Sefton Coast area.”

It goes on to explain that the winning bidder will need to use an excavator in multiple locations to remove surface vegetation such as scrub, roots, topsoil and creeping willow to create shallow sandy pools.

In total, around 8,000sqm of land across up to eight locations are included in the project. Once the contract is awarded, work is expected to last five months starting from October 2027.

The tender states: “This project aims to enhance existing dune slacks at Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve (Ainsdale NNR), providing new breeding opportunities for Natterjack toad.

“This essential habitat creation and enhancement is considered key to achieving favourable condition for the species and the project will help restore this site to conditions that support natterjack toads and encourage thriving populations within the Sefton Coast area.

“Whilst this is a locally focussed project, it will benefit the national population by building future resilience through improved habitat quality and connectivity to adjacent sites, contributing significantly to overall national population numbers.

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The Methodist Church had a central role in Southport from the very formation of the town and its buildings can be seen across it.

Among the first of those is Cornerstone Methodist Church, a grand and imposing building in Churchtown Village - but one which is in need of significant structural repairs.

It is no longer thought to be cost effective or even feasible to repair it and the site has listed for sale for a long time.

Now, plans for its demolition have been formally submitted. Today’s main story looks at that issue.

Southport briefing

💳 A woman and a man have been arrested after credit cards from a stolen purse were used around Southport. On the night of July 25th, it was reported that a purse had been taken from a taxi on Cross Street which had the victim’s credit cards and driving license inside. Shortly after the purse was stolen three transactions totalling over £64 were made from the victim’s credit cards. Officers investigating the incident gathered CCTV footage from supermarkets in the area which showed a man and a woman using the card. Officers arrested a 37-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man from Southport on suspicion of theft. They were taken to a police station in Merseyside for questioning and have since been bailed with conditions. Sefton Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Dave Uren said: “To fraudulently use someone’s credit cards is a serious offence and can have lasting consequences, with criminals able to make money transfers and steal personal information. Our officers contacted several supermarkets in the area and successfully reviewed CCTV footage from each store to make these arrests in Southport. If you have been a victim of fraud, theft or a similar crime please contact police so we can continue to take action.”

📷 The Southport Photographic Society has opened its Annual Members Photography Exhibition in Wayfarers Arcade in Southport town centre, showcasing a fantastic collection of images captured by its talented members. The exhibition opened on Thursday and runs until Thursday, September 3rd and admission is free with the group raising funds for Queenscourt Hospice. Southport Photographic Society Exhibition Co-ordinator Bill Gray said: “We are delighted to be hosting our exhibition at Wayfarers Arcade in Southport. We’d love to invite people to come and take a look. There are over 100 photographs on display, all taken by our members. We’re looking forward to a busy August Bank Holiday Weekend, while we’ll also be here into next week. We have people from Southport Photographic Society present throughout the event, who will be happy to chat with anyone interested in joining our group, or who is interested in learning more about photography.”

🔍 Police have launched an appeal after a £2,000 e-bike was stolen at Ainsdale railway station. The vehicle was taken from a platform at the station, with the owner assaulted as he attempted to confront the man who stole it from one of the platforms. British Transport Police has shared images of a man they wish to speak to and officers say they believe he could have information that may assist their enquiries. Anyone who recognises him is asked to text BTP on 61016, or call 0800 40 50 40, using the reference 265 of 13 August. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Demolition plans moves forward for Cornerstone Methodist Church

By Jamie Lopez

One of Southport’s oldest churches is facing demolition amid significant structural problems.

An application has been submitted to knock down Cornerstone Methodist Church - but church leaders say it is only an option at this stage.

The church is located on Marshside Road near Churchtown Lights and is used for a range of community activities as well as being home to Cornerstone Library. While some sections of the current buildings are more modern, the original place of worship was first used in 1876.

Back then, the church could host 700 people but such was the dominance of Methodism in emerging Southport the building was expanded to house an increased capacity 18 years later.

The site has been listed for sale for more than a year-and-a-half with hopes it could be bought by a developer who would include religious space as part of a new housing estate. Given the church includes unusually large grounds, this was considered a plausible prospect with suggested drawings included with marketing materials showing 10 houses on the plot.

No buyer has yet been found however and the property and land remains available for sale with the church in ever worsening condition. With that in mind, the church’s trustees have requested permission to demolish the buildings.

Citing a structural investigation carried out in 2018, they argue it is technically possible to repair and refurbish the building but not financially or logistically viable. That investigation found structural defects affecting in particular the front gable and roof structure together with a programme of substantial structural intervention required to stabilise the entire building.

The report proposed solving the wide-ranging issues with the introduction of an entirely new structural support system involving new structural steel beams, new reinforced beam supports, new structural beam-to-beam connection, new concrete padstones and rebuilding of the masonry panels among other issues.

In its planning application, the trustees’ group argues that attempting these repairs would not be the best option. It states: “Whilst Keskin’s Report demonstrates that repair is theoretically achievable, it moreover demonstrates that such a repair would require major structural reconstruction.

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For those not fully familiar with it, it can come as a surprise to know just how extensive the history of the Smedley Hydro is. Once a school and then a major Victorian-era attraction, it was taken over by the government during World War II for use in birth and death registrations.

Almost 80 years on, it is home to some 1,200 jobs and is Southport’s second biggest employer. But that is under threat and staff there face years of uncertainty over a potential closure and what may come next.

Southport Briefing

🚓 A Merseyside Police officer who accessed computer records to snoop on criminal friends has been banned from policing for life. Christopher Hughes was given a suspended jail sentence earlier this month after being found guilty of unauthorised access to computer material and knowingly disclosing personal data without consent. The trial at Manchester Crown Court heard he maintained friendships with serious criminal gang members involved in drugs and guns offences for a decade while serving in the police and failed to disclose any such relationships. This included WhatsApp groups, social activities and trips abroad. After sentencing, Olivia Travis, a Specialist Prosecutor with CPS Mersey-Cheshire’s Complex Casework Unit, said: “Daniel Hughes is a former police officer who is now a convicted criminal. He abused his position to access sensitive information. He maintained longstanding relationships with offenders involved in drugs and firearms, which he deliberately concealed despite a clear duty to declare them. Hughes received training on the proper handling of police information but chose to ignore it. His actions demonstrate a complete disregard for the trust placed in him and for the integrity of the criminal justice system.” He was suspended by Merseyside Police after being arrested and after being found guilty he was sacked and added to the College of Policing Barred list.

👷 A café with remote control diggers in a specially made sandpit will open in the town centre next week. Named Digz’n Lidz, the new venture is having its finishing touches applied within the former Debenhams unit on Lord Street and has already attracted plenty of interest. Lorry drivers Danny Melia and Mark Gaudie, who are long-term friends and both dads-of-two, are behind the venture and have completed most of the renovation work inside the building. They said: “We’ve had no financial support, no grants. This is our own investment, plus a business loan, and our own time invested. We have real belief in what we’re creating here as somewhere that’s going to be very special. We’ve both been carrying on with our full-time jobs driving HGV wagons and then coming in here to work on building this place. Our families have been really supportive.” Digz’n Lidz is due to open on Wednesday 2nd September and talks are understood to be ongoing for potential tenants to move into other units within the building.

🌊 A restaurant has been forced to close by flooding for the second time in three years. Nellie’s was among the properties affected when a water main burst at Southport Road in Scarisbrick in the early hours of Tuesday. Fire crews joined United Utilities in responding to the incident and the road has to be closed off during while repairs and draining took place. In a post of Facebook, the restaurant’s owners said: “We honestly don’t know what to say. Following the devastating flooding last night, we are heartbroken to find ourselves facing this situation once again. After everything we have already been through, seeing our restaurant flooded again because of another burst pipe has been incredibly difficult. Nellie means so much to us, and the thought of everything we have built being affected like this is truly heartbreaking.” Thanking people for their messages of the support they ey added that they are still assessing the damage and their other restaurant in Much Hoole remains open and would welcome the extra customers during the closure. Nellie’s was forced to close when a burst main caused significant flooding in the summer of 2023 and it took almost a full year before it reopened.

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Smedley closure could force staff into redundancy or retirement

By Jamie Lopez

Workers from Smedley Hydro will hold a rally amid fears for the closure of one of the town’s biggest employers.

Around 1,200 employees are based at the historic Birkdale building but face being relocated out of town under cost-saving proposals. It is feared that hundreds of staff with childcare or other commitments would be forced to give up their jobs and the town left without a pathway for skilled workers.

Having previously been both an educational facility and a hotel, Smedley was requisitioned by the government in 1939 and has remained in use by the civil service ever since. Having first been earmarked for closure in the 1950s, it was kept in use for the rollout of NHS numbers and is now home to employees from departments including General Register Office, HM Passport Office, the Home Office and NHS Digital.

On Sunday, September 6 the PCS Union will hold a rally in Birkdale Village to raise awareness of the situation and seek support from the local community. Although the Cabinet Office says no changes will take place until at least 2030, the uncertainty is causing alarm and distress among those working there.

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Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a PCS rep told The Southport Lead that members feared for their futures and had doubts over the merits of the plan.

They said: “Our members’ primary concern is the impact any relocation could have on staff, particularly those with disabilities, health conditions, or caring responsibilities. Many employees rely on the site’s accessibility features, including disabled parking, onsite parking, and local transport arrangements, to enable them to work.

“We are concerned that reasonable adjustments may not be fully considered in any relocation plans and that increased travel times could make it difficult for some colleagues to continue working their contracted hours.

“There are also concerns about the wider personal and financial impact on employees. Some staff accepted Southport-based roles specifically because of the location and made career decisions based on working close to home. Others left previous employment to join the organisation without any indication that the site’s future was uncertain.

“For many, longer commutes would create significant challenges around childcare, caring responsibilities, transport costs, and work-life balance. Some members have indicated they may have no option but to leave employment, seek voluntary redundancy, or take early retirement if work is moved away from Southport.”

Staff at Smedley argue that despite its age it remains a “suitable, well-maintained building” where recent investment has included a new roof, new heating system and double glazing. They also pointed to its ability to provide an accessible environment for disabled employees.

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The rep added: “While many members believe the proposal may be driven by the value of the land, we do not believe the full costs of relocation have been adequately assessed. These costs could include excess fares, redundancy payments, recruitment and training of replacement staff, reasonable adjustments for employees unable to use public transport, and the loss of experienced and specialist colleagues. Any business case should fully recognise these financial and operational impacts.

“There are also serious practical questions about relocating specialist equipment, services, and secure records from a site that has supported this work for decades. The potential loss of skilled and experienced staff presents a significant risk to business continuity and service delivery.

“Beyond the direct impact on employees, closure of the site would have a significant effect on the local economy. Southport has already experienced the loss of major public sector employers, including jobs from the Town Hall and the Tax Office.

“Many residents feel the town has been in decline for a number of years, and the loss of Smedley Hydro would represent another significant blow to local employment, local businesses, and the wider community. Staff contribute to the local economy every day by using shops, cafés, and services in Southport and Birkdale, and that spending would be at risk if jobs were relocated elsewhere.

“Members remain hopeful that the site can remain open in the long term. The building is fit for purpose, the workforce is highly skilled and experienced, and the site plays an important role within both the organisation and the local economy. We believe all options should be thoroughly explored, with meaningful consultation and transparency throughout the process, before any final decision is made.”

Built as Birkdale College, the building was extended to accommodate 140 visitors when John Smefley formed the Birkdale Park Smedley Hydropathic Company in 1876. It reopened as a spa the following year with Dr Barnado as the resident physician.

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When a deal for a developer to demolish the former Sands pub by Ainsdale beach and build a hotel in its place the reaction was largely positive. The contrast between the glory of the beach and its miserable surroundings is quite stark and redevelopment of those buildings is to be welcomed.

However, concerns were raised over key details of the agreement and, as always seems to be the case, frustrations were raised over the level of detail made available to councillors or the public.

The deal was given more scrutiny this week in an hour long meeting during questions were raised and previously unheard details were made shared - I watched that so that you don’t have to.

Southport briefing

⚰️ A funeral director who has supported thousands of families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives has celebrated 40 years in the profession. Michael Rushton, of M Rushton Funeral Directors, has spent all his life in the Southport area, growing up in Banks and beginning his career as a trainee in 1986 at a small family business. Shortly after, he joined Tony Jolly, the original owner of Moisters Funeral Directors in Southport, who he credits for much of his own professional work ethics, before opening his own business. He was this week presented with a commemorative plaque to mark his extraordinary landmark. Reflecting on his 40 years, Michael said: “It means everything to me that I am still caring for families, visiting families and conducting funerals regularly after all these years. I’m looking forward to seeing my 50th year in the profession that I care so much about.” Now part of the Funeral Partners network of family funeral homes, Michael has been able to spend more time supporting his family. He said: “I have gone from being on call 24/7 to working more part-time hours, which allows me to help care for my disabled children who need me, while still being able to work with my team and care for my community. That means so much to me.” There was another surprise waiting outside the funeral home to mark his anniversary – a specially created knitted postbox topper from Southport Hookers. Michael has personally thanked the group and is making a donation in recognition of their gesture.

🍻 A pub whose landlords left after 11 years will see new management take over next week. Seb Lang and Lesley Curtin left Blue Anchor, on Tithebarn Road, earlier this year in what they described was not an easy decision.. Owners Star Pubs have since recruited new landlords and are planning to refurbish the exterior of the building. As part of this, it has submitted a planning application for new signage. A spokesperson said: “We are redecorating the exterior of The Anchor, which includes new signage, to give the pub a smarter, fresher look. A new landlord will be taking on the lease of the pub on Monday and intends to continue to run it as a popular community focused local. The darts, pool and the children’s play facilities will all be kept with plans to introduce quiz and bingo nights.”

🎙️ People are invited to shout about all the things they love about Southport with the launch of the new ‘Speak Up For Southport’ campaign. The initiative is led by SoPodio, the new podcast studio which was officially opened at Eastbank enterprise arcade by former world champion boxer Tony Bellew in June, and by Stand Up For Southport. They are asking those living or working in Southport, or who love visiting, to share your videos letting the world know ‘Why I Love Southport’. Geoff White, of SoPodio, and Stand Up For Southport’s Andrew Brown said: “We want Southport to be seen for the amazing place it is and through the launch of ‘Speak Up For Southport’ you can join us in doing just that! We’d love to hear from people sharing what is great in this town. This campaign aims to promote pride, positivity and potential for Southport, which is seeing impactful changes happening in many different areas. It’s time to negate negativity and nebulise the nay-sayers!” You can read more on how to get involved here.

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The Sands deal defended as council concedes it doesn’t know if developer can afford it

By Jamie Lopez

Sefton Council leaders conceded they have no way of knowing if the developer chosen to redevelop The Sands pub can finance its plan - but it insisted the deal is a good one.

Earlier this summer, the council agreed a contract which would see GSL Developments given an initial five year lease during which it must get planning permission and complete a development which involves demolishing the pub and building a hotel and leisure offering in its place.

If this is achieved within the agreed timeframe, the company will then be awarded a 250 year lease for the site. It is hoped that building on The Sands site will play a part in the regeneration of the Ainsdale beach gateway, which also includes replacing Toad Hall and redeveloping the Pontins site.

The agreement raised eyebrows over not just the length of the contract - which is double what Pontins has for the neighbouring site which remains disused - but also because of concerns over whether the developer is actually capable of delivering the project.

The company, under this name and a previous one, has twice been given exclusivity deals for Southport land to build a surf-based attraction but on both occasions no development ever occurred.

Sefton’s Liberal Democrats have regularly clashed with the council’s administration over what it perceives to be a lack of willingness to share information and the group was again unhappy about little information being shared with councillors over this deal. They called in the decision to award the lease, meaning it was reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday evening.

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At that meeting, Lib Dem leader Cllr John Pugh introduced the call in request by stating he welcomed the redevelopment of the site but said questions needed to be answered about the structure of the deal and the developer’s track record.

Referencing the previous agreements for the surfing projects, he said: “I accept that The Sands is a less demanding project and I actually applaud the ambition of developers and their forbearance and tolerance of the council. Development’s tough and finance is hard to find.

“But I put it to the committee that there must be at least a fair question to be asked as to whether finance can be found by GSL or anyone to accomplish this particular project. It seems to me that the council needs to know that.”

Cllr Pugh cited a press release from the council in 2022 when the site was marketed in which Cllr Marian Atkinson, then cabinet member for regeneration and skills and now council leader, stated: “The site is ripe for regeneration and has incredible potential and we know from stringent market testing over the past year that there is wide scale interest from local and national organisations, keen to invest in it.”

However, the meeting heard that while discussions with GSL have been ongoing for four years, no other developer has come forward with a viable proposal. Stephen Watson, the council Executive Director for Place who advised that the deal be approved, explained that marketing of the site has continued throughout the last four years and that he regularly raised it when talking with developers.

The meeting also heard that no premium will be paid by the developer during the initial five year lease, though Mr Watson said there would be savings instead as GSL would take over liability and therefore be responsible for insurance and maintenance which is currently paid for by the council.

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Visitors to Ainsdale beach were this week greeted with a very unpleasant surprise as piles of faeces were found along the shore. Initially feared to be a sewage spill, the truth was somewhat different… but not significantly less unpleasant. And apparently not enough to warrant a clean up operation.

Today’s main story looks at that incident where, unusually, it was dry weather which contributed to a contamination issue.

Southport briefing

🚧 Work to upgrade Kew Roundabout and open Foul Lane to traffic has begun. Roadworks are expected to last up to nine months and will include traffic lights and new crossings which are designed to make the busy area safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Access to the retail park for motorists is also being improved. Sefton Council said the project, which is Phase two of work on the Southport Eastern Access scheme, will make the roundabout easier to enter and use, improving traffic flow and enhancing the safety and appearance of a key route into the town. The safety and overall appearance of this key route into Southport will also be enhanced. The first part of the works are along Foul Lane and Meols Cop Park, where preloading will take place involving adding a stone base to where the future pavement will be. Due to the ground condition, the stones will be given time to settle before being surfaced later in the scheme, to even out the surface. After the preloading works, the installation of new crossings and remaining works is anticipated to take around 9 months to complete. Cllr Phil Hart, Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways said: “There are schools, shopping and leisure opportunities located near to the Kew Roundabout and these improvements will make it easier for everyone who uses it. Young people especially will benefit from a safer way to cross the roundabout, whether by walking, wheeling or cycling. This area is a key route for Southport and currently has limited active travel links. The scheme aims to make safe walking and cycling routes for those who want to leave the car at home for short journeys and help more people to choose sustainable modes of travel.”

🏏 The president of Fleetwood Hesketh Cricket Club has died after decades of service to his beloved club. Dave Rimmer, known to generations as Mr Cricket, served as first team captain, committee member and club president as well as giving his time as a coach, supporter and proud representative. He was remembered as not just a part of the club, but as being the club himself and someone who inspired countless others to love the sport. Paying tribute, Fleetwood Hesketh said: “There are people who play for a club, people who serve a club and people who come to embody everything that club stands for. Dave was one of those very special people.His loss will be felt enormously throughout Fleetwood Hesketh and across the wider local cricket community. However, his influence will live on in the generations he coached, the players he inspired and the club he dedicated so much of his life to.”

📺 A documentary telling the story of the three girls who died in the Southport attack and their families’ experiences after the tragedy has been nominated for a National Television Award. Produced by the BBC, Our Girls: The Southport Families allowed the three sets of parents to tell their stories in their own words and is nominated for best authored documentary. A post on Elsie’s Story Instagram page said: “Making this programme was so important to us. We wanted to tell our girls’ story in the way we wanted them to be known and remembered, and we will always be so grateful to the amazing team at @bbcbreakfast for giving us the opportunity to do that. Thank you so much to every single person who has voted already. Your votes have got Our Girls to the shortlist and that means so much to all of us. We now have one final round of voting. If you would like to vote for Our Girls, we would be so grateful for your support. 🩷” Voting is now open and the event will take place at London’s O2 arena and will be broadcast live on ITV1 from 8pm on September 8.Fleetwood Hesketh CC

🤬 Southport MP Patrick Hurley has urged residents not to veer into abuse during their campaign to keep the Botanic Gardens Aviary open. The Labour MP warned that online abuse directed at councillors and council staff risks making it harder to find a constructive solution and said such behaviour was unacceptable. Hurley has so far hosted two public meetings on the issue and says he is continuing to work with various stakeholders in an attempt to find a resolution. He said: “The vast majority of people who want to see the aviary remain open have been completely civil and reasonable. They care deeply about its future and have every right to challenge the council’s decision. But there is a clear line between robust criticism and personal abuse. Online abuse is unacceptable, and it risks making it harder for residents, councillors and the council to work together constructively to find a way forward. I will continue to work with residents, councillors and the Council to explore every possible option for the aviary. I would encourage everyone who cares about its future to continue making their voices heard.”

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Public warned to stay out of sea after manure washes up at Ainsdale

By Jamie Lopez

Faeces found washed up at Ainsdale Beach and feared to be a sewage leak was actually from nearby sheep.

Visitors to the coast this week were greeted by the deeply unpleasant site of manure and suggestions were made online that it may have been released by United Utilities.

However, discharge records showed no sewage has been released in the area recently. Instead, the waste has washed up from the nearby salt marshes where sheep are currently grazing, with the extended dry weather making the conditions for such an occurrence more favourable.

After investigating the matter Green Sefton, the service which manages Sefton’s coast, has concluded the waste does not need to be removed. Instead, signs have been displayed warning against swimming in the water.

Cllr Lynne Thompson, who represents Ainsdale ward, said she was alerted by the matter on Monday and, like many others, feared it was sewage which had been washed up.

She said: “Someone sent me a video, they were absolutely horrified. Someone else phoned me and I sent all the details to the coastal rangers and lifeguards and to Environmental Health.

“I was advised it was actually sheep droppings from the salt marshes. The high tides bring debris and it washes up on the beach.”

To Cllr Thompson’s surprise, that outcome meant that no clean-up operation would be carried out.

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The decision to close down the aviary at Botanic Gardens has sparked a level of public reaction which in recent years is second only to the plight of Southport Pier.

Packed public meetings and online opprobrium have been the backdrop to petitions attracting some 15,000 signatures. Volunteers feel betrayed, visitors disappointed and residents angered.

Today’s newsletter takes a different format as I instead share an opinion piece of how a difficult situation has been compounded to become much, much worse thanks to its handling by Sefton Council.

Southport briefing

⛔ The law firm which represented an adult survivor of the Southport attack has become the first legal business to sign up to her safety campaign. Leanne Lucas launched her Let’s Be Blunt campaign after the attack and wants to see kitchen knives across the country with round-tip blades to prevent harm and spark a national conversation. Leanne has been represented by Broudie Jackson Canter during the public inquiry and, as first reported by Law Gazette, visited the firm to give a seminar about the evidence behind safer knife design and practical steps that can be taken to help reduce knife crime. The group which manages the firm has now replaced knives across its 15 offices. It says it hopes the move will create a ripple effect across the legal sector by encouraging other firms to follow suit. Esther Leach, managing director of Jackson Lees Group, said: ‘Through our work representing the three adult survivors of the Southport attack at the independent Inquiry chaired by Adrian Fulford, as well as other victims of knife crime, we know first-hand the importance of prevention and education and hope other firms will follow our lead. Leanne is an inspiration, taking her horrendous experience and turning it into something that can help countless others.’ Leanne added: ‘Law firms understand better than most businesses the truly devastating impact of knife crime and the ripple effect it has on the many innocent victims across the country. We need to change the way we view our pointed kitchen knives as just another harmless kitchen tool and embrace this simple safety measure to protect communities.’

🔥 Fresh warnings have been issued to the public after a huge fire broke out on sand dunes at Formby. Fire crews from Merseyside and Lancashire battled the flames as a fire broke out on Wednesday evening and initially was estimated to cover a space 300m by 300m before spreading as wide as 500m. It caused extensive damage, though rangers from the National Trust site so it is too early to understand the full extent of its impact on what it an ecologically significant habitat and the species which live there. A spokesperson for the NT said: “While the fire is now out, the scorched ground will remain hot for several days, so we ask visitors to avoid the area for their own safety. We can all help to reduce further fire risk during this period of hot, dry weather by ensuring cigarettes are fully extinguished and barbeques and fires are never lit, not just at National Trust Formby, but anywhere along the Sefton Coast. We’d like to thank Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service for their quick response and hard work in containing and extinguishing the fire.”

🔨 The historic conservatory at Hesketh Park is to undergo major repair, restoration and conservation works. The conservatory was bought and moved to the park almost 150 years ago and has stood there ever since but now needs extensive work to address structural deterioration, corrosion, drainage failures and building fabric defects that currently threaten the long-term survival. A planning application has been submitted for the works and say it provide benefits by securing the long-term future and continued public use of the listed building, providing a safe and well-maintained heritage asset, improving the quality of the visitor environment, and supporting continued public enjoyment of Hesketh Park. The restoration project, along with other improvements at the park, is being funded through an £850,000 legacy gifted by Louis and Anita Marks.

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Council communication has turned aviary closure into political catastrophe

Analysis by Jamie Lopez

Sefton Council’s efforts to gain support from animal rights groups served only to fan the flames as it faces huge backlash over its decision to close the Botanic Gardens Aviary.

The council either underestimated or simply did not understand the public reaction when it quietly made the decision to close the historic facility earlier this year and its efforts to counter that mood have so far proved deeply unsuccessful.

On Wednesday, a public meeting led by Southport MP Patrick Hurley and long-serving Botanic Gardens volunteers David and Ann Cobham was attended by around 250 people and heard that a paper petition circulated by Botanic Gardens Community Association has attracted more than 11,000 signatures in addition to a few thousand more online.

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The meeting heard plenty of anger directed at the council and once again it was a reminder of how ill-conceived it was that this decision might ever pass quietly. Amid an awful lot of frustration - and not inconsiderable misunderstanding of how local democracy operates - there were shoots of optimism from the meeting, with Hurley suggesting he had cause to believe there could be a positive outcome, even if he was unable to give more detail.

Many of those present were on board with his suggestion that a lot of people making a small financial contribution would add up to a total which could be used to unlock significantly more funding. Ann Cobham also requested that people willing to commit their time do so to help the aviary and the wider park - one hopes both of these suggestions will be heeded by a good number of those who have variously expressed support and outrage.

Those willing to read between the lines could see Hurley had genuine hopes of a route for the aviary remaining open even if he wasn’t willing to disclose every element of the discussions he has had so with council officers and other organisations.

What followed just a day later was a new press release from the council doubling down on its belief that the aviary could not accord with animal welfare needs. Comments from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Born Free Foundation, the International Animal Protection Organisation In Defence of Animals and the Freedom for Animals organisation - all sought directly by the council once the backlash had started - supported its decision.

Among those, Dr Carys Bennett, Senior Corporate Projects Manager, said: “PETA applauds Sefton Council for its decision to close the Botanic Gardens aviary and rehome the animals to facilities better able to meet their needs.

“Birds are not ornaments to be displayed. The aviary’s parrots, for example, are highly social animals who, in nature, live in flocks, fly long distances, forage for food, and make their own choices.

“Confining them with little stimulation does not respect animals’ best interests, or meet their social, psychological or physical needs. In the 80 years since the aviary was set up, our understanding of animals as individuals has advanced tremendously, and the urgency to protect wildlife, in the wild, has never been greater.”

Chris Lewis, Captivity Research and Policy Manager at international wildlife charity Born Free, added: “While we recognise the nostalgia and fond memories that local residents may have about the aviary, Born Free feels strongly that tradition should never be used as justification or a barrier for improving animal welfare or ending poor welfare practices which may once have been considered socially acceptable.”

It was indicative that the supportive letters only arrived this late and it is worth noting that it followed an FOI request from a member of the public which revealed that no investigations, analysis or enquiries were carried out into the financial or welfare aspects before the decision was made.

Through just a few short questions, the council’s limited authority on the matter was further diminished and its leaders, who had previously spoken so confidently on the matter, looked completely inept.

The council forced itself into a defensive position and remains stuck on the back foot entirely through its own poor handling of the decision. The fact it only now sought out this information has added to the frustration of opponents of the decision.

Communication from the authority, notably its senior councillors, has been bewilderingly poor from the start and has only served to undermine its own decision making. The fact it did not even announce the decision itself but instead allowed volunteers to do so - having not even informed them for several months after it was decided - meant it lost control of the narrative and it has never come close to winning anyone back over.

The claim that the lack of public consultation was due to it being a budget decision simply cannot sit alongside its insistence that the decision is being made out of animal welfare concerns. The inconsistent answers treat the public as fools and it is extremely naive to think the dual-narrative would ever be tolerated.

For those unaware, the decision to close the aviary had actually been passed as part of the budget setting in March - a single line in a long document which I’ve no doubt at all the opposition Lib Dem councillors are kicking themselves for missing.

The manner in which the decision was first not announced and then brushed aside with such churlish responses strikes of a leadership which chooses to hide behind process and avoid scrutiny - a criticism which is frequently aimed at the cabinet in relation to a wide range of issues.

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This newsletter has previously focused on the difficulties for children in care which can be seen when residents oppose homes near them being used by care companies. Today’s editions looks at issues facing child social care, namely that a shortage of suitable places means that children are being either moved away to another borough or into unregistered homes.

In Sunday’s newsletter, we reported that Sefton Council is considering the introduction of dynamic pricing for its public toilets, allowing it to increase the cost during major events. Not unusually, this was picked up by nationals titles with no reference or credit to where the story originally came from. It is only with your support that we can continue breaking news so please consider taking a paid subscription - and as always, thank you to those who have already done so.

Southport briefing

👏 Sefton Council’s free employment, training and recruitment service, Sefton@Work, has retained its full Customer Service Excellence rating and achieved five new Compliance Plus ratings. The service offers confidential and impartial information, advice and guidance to Sefton residents over 16 years on all aspects of jobs, education and training including self-employment and having first achieved Customer Service Excellence in 2010 has shown year on year improvements ever since. In the most recent assessment, the team gained a further five Compliance Plus ratings, something which can only be achieved when an organisation exceeds the standard required in a particular area. Sefton@Work now has 33 Compliance Plus ratings overall putting them among the top performing organisations in the country for Customer Service. Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills said: “The Sefton@Work team work tirelessly across the Borough to ensure there are opportunities for everyone and help our companies grow. Congratulations to them on another year of top quality service and improvements that have led to them retaining their Customer Service Excellence status and achieving new Compliance Plus ratings.”

🗑️ New rules for Southport Household Waste and Recycling Centre could see residents required to use a booking system and face an annual limit on the number of visits. The changes, which would affect all tips across Merseyside, would also limit their use to those living in the county - potentially meaning those living closest to Southport’s tip but past the Lancashire border would no longer be admitted. Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) has launched a consultation on the plans which runs until September 22nd. Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of MRWA, said: “Our Recycling Centres are used more than three million times each year and provide an important service for households across Merseyside. As we plan for the future, we want to understand what people think about the proposals, what benefits they see and what concerns they may have. This is an opportunity for residents to inform decision making, and the feedback we receive will help inform the next stage of our review.”

🚓 A man has been charged after several attempts were made to break into cars on Falkland Road. Police were called at around 1.20am on Friday when a man was seen looking in car windows and trying to open doors. Officers searched the area and found and detained a man wearing a balaclava and gloves on the driveway of a property along the street. Michael Edwardson, aged 61, of Balfour Road in Southport was later charged with going equipped for theft and three counts of vehicle interference. He was remanded to court and bailed to appear at Sefton Magistrates Court on Wednesday 30 September.

🗼 Southport MP Patrick Hurley has given his backing to Blackpool’s attempt to become UK City of Culture 2029. Blackpool’s bid was formally submitted to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) this week and Hurley joined every other Lancashire MP in supporting the effort. Blackpool was longlisted for the title earlier this year alongside eight other places from across the UK and submission follows four months of bid development. The winning bid will receive £10 million in guaranteed government funding to deliver its programme, with £125,000 resource grants awarded to each of the three runners-up. A letter jointly signed by Hurley and the 15 other Lancashire MPs states: “With tourism on the rise and world-class infrastructure in place, City of Culture status would provide the prestige to boost Blackpool’s visitor economy, create new jobs, and strengthen its identity across the town and the wider region for years to come. The benefits would ripple outward, drawing visitors who will explore further – along Lancashire’s coastline, into its towns and countryside, and giving our whole county a platform to showcase its culture, heritage and talent to the world. Blackpool has the ambition and creativity to make the most of this opportunity, and this recognition would allow the town and wider county to unlock its full potential.” The bid now goes before DCMS’s independent expert advisory panel, which will assess all nine longlisted applications against the competition’s criteria. The panel will recommend a shortlist of up to four places to DCMS ministers, who will make the final decision on which places progress.

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Out of town, over-budget and unregistered homes: The challenges facing children’s social care

By Emma Morgan

Around £120m was spent by local authorities across Merseyside in the last year on private children’s homes with some of that money being paid to house children in unregistered, illegal settings.

The expenditure was revealed after Ofsted announced in July that councils that place children in unregistered homes could see their children’s services performance ratings downgraded, and after the inspectorate carried out its first successful prosecution against this type of provider.

Collectively, Sefton, Liverpool, Knowsley and Wirral Councils spent £119.6m on funding private services in 2025/6, according to responses to Freedom of Information requests. St Helens Council did not respond, but as of 2024 had 34 private homes across the borough.

Costs have risen significantly over the past couple of years, with Sefton for example spending £35.6m in the past year, compared to £23.4 in 2023/4.

Private care homes make up over 80% of the mix in England, with the remainder being run by local authorities and charities. The number of this type of home has skyrocketed in recent years, nearly doubling from 2,209 to over 4,000 since 2018, according to Ofsted.

In that same period, the number of children in care only increased by 9%. It is thought that the rise in the number of homes is the result of new providers including private equity and property investors who do not require prior experience or qualifications to set up services, according to charity Become.

Ofsted warned last year that firms were increasingly putting profit over the needs of children, partly by setting up homes in areas of the country where housing is cheaper.

The sharp rise in the number of children’s homes has also resulted in an increase in the number of unregistered providers.

All services are legally obliged to register with Ofsted, which is required to inspect them twice a year. However, when councils with a shortage of homes in their area cannot find any other way to place children in care, they sometimes have to resort to using these settings, sometimes costing up to £2m per year per child, the BBC has reported.

Firms lodging applications with Merseyside councils’ planning departments often do not show up on Ofsted records. These settings may be waiting to register with the inspectorate, or they may not have submitted an application at all.

Ofsted’s successful prosecution of an unregistered provider related to Catalyst Care Limited, whose directors were fined £92,400 after pleading guilty to managing illegal homes in Kent. The directors had been sent repeated warnings by Ofsted that they were breaking the law, while receiving over £1.7m from local authorities.

Ofsted said that children placed in unregistered homes have no assurance of safe or suitable care, adding: “There are no guaranteed checks on staff or living conditions, or accountability when things go wrong. Worryingly, many children placed in illegal homes are often those with the most complex needs.”

Sefton Council said that it knows of 65 unregistered homes within its boundaries, but none of its young people are housed in one. It added that it does interact with the providers for safeguarding processes and due diligence measures, as well as to clarify whether the home is pursuing Ofsted registration.

Sefton Cabinet member for children, schools, and families Diane Roscoe said: “It is a trend we are aware of but our position in Sefton is that children who need to come into our care are best placed within their home communities and our priority is to recruit foster carers so children live in stable, loving homes.”

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