Channel 4 'sorry' for use of Southport killer in Facebook ads
Plus: The return of Greggs to Southport? And traders speak out over town centre works
Hello and welcome to the midweek edition of The Southport Lead.
Today’s edition focuses on anger over the inappropriate use of Axel Rudakubana’s mugshot in a Facebook advertising campaign which had the potential to push his face into the feeds of those affected by his crimes. MP Patrick Hurley is leading calls for Channel 4 to reflect on how this came to be.
We also have news of the possible return of Greggs to Southport, some 10 years after the chain closed its previous bakery in the town, and we hear from businesses affected by ongoing works in the town centre.
Channel 4 apologises for ‘sick joke’ Facebook ad using Southport killer’s mugshot
By Jamie Lopez
Channel 4 has apologised after using the Southport killer’s mugshot as part of an advertising campaign on Facebook.
The broadcaster had been accused of making a “sick joke” with its inappropriate use of the Axel Rudakubana custody image. In response, it told The Southport Lead it had been used in error and taken down.
The photograph was being used in Facebook ads among a collection of different images which were fed directly into users’ feeds, regardless of whether they followed the page.
That meant the families of the victims of Rudakubana’s actions could have been served the adverts and been forced to see his face while scrolling on Facebook without any warning.
Alongside the image, the advert’s text reads: “More of the shows you love ❤️, more of the shows you will love. Stream now on Channel 4 📺”
The show linked to this advert was a 20 minute news special named ‘Southport Killer Sentenced’ which had been broadcast after he was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court.
It was one of around half a dozen such programmes linked on the ‘carousel’ advert which delivered the same text and a choice of the images into people’s feeds. None of the other shows using this text had any news aspect.
While other programmes linked to the same advert could still be seen when The Southport Lead approached Channel 4 on Monday, the entire campaign now appears to have been removed.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley has previously contacted regulator Ofcom to ask broadcasters to stop using the image for “the sake of those already traumatised” and was outraged to see it being shared as part of promotional material.
In an X post, he said: “I’m really disappointed to see @Channel4 actively promote this image to Southport residents on Facebook, by buying ads targeting them. Please stop this, @Channel4.”
Referring to the text accompanying the image, he added: “Is this some sort of joke?”
Ofcom confirmed that it had received a letter from the Labour MP and while it was sympathetic to his concerns, said that “decisions on how news is covered, including the choice of images, is an editorial matter for broadcasters”.
A spokesperson added: “Ofcom’s role is to consider complaints about individual programmes – we assess every complaint we receive against our broadcasting rules before we decide whether or not to investigate.
“As a post-broadcast regulator, our rules preserve the right to freedom of expression of both broadcasters and their audiences. Our Broadcasting Code sets standards in programmes which all licensed broadcasters must comply with.
A Channel 4 spokesperson said: "This image was used in error and has been removed. We apologise for any offence or upset this has caused.”
Could petrol station plans see Greggs return to Southport?
A planned redesign at a petrol station could see Greggs return to Southport for the first time since 2015.
The popular bakery chain previously operated a store on Lord Street but has had no presence in the town since it closed 10 years ago.
Now, a planning application from Motor Fuel Ltd suggests that could change. The company, which has more than 100 Greggs stores within its portfolio, is planning to revamp its petrol station on Scarisbrick New Road near to Meols Cop field and Town Lane.
The application, which has been approved by Sefton Council, will see the existing car wash demolished and replaced with a pod housing a take-away bakery which is forecast to create 10 jobs. It is not specified who will operate the 24/7 facility but the company’s relationship with Greggs makes it a likely option.
Neither Greggs or Motor Fuel Ltd responded to a request for comment when approached by The Southport Lead.
The application explains that the proposed development would be primarily designed to “meet the needs of the motorist who expects extended food offers to be available at petrol filling stations” but would also be targeted at residents and nearby employees.
It adds: “The facility will enhance the existing offer to provide the facilities motorists expect, making best use of an underused parcel of land that currently contains an outdated car wash.
“The proposal would maximise the effective use of land, whilst also providing valuable jobs on the site.”
Traders fear businesses won’t survive to see benefits of town centre improvements
By Elliot Jessett
A corner of Southport said to be one of the town’s most desirable areas is currently undergoing extensive roadworks as part of an ongoing regeneration project. However, residents and local businesses have said the construction works have turned the place into a ‘no go zone’.
The plans for Market Street are broadly supported by everyone in the vicinity. The artist impressions of the completed scheme show a highly attractive and popular destination for both local residents and tourists.
Nonetheless, business owners are now worried about the financial impacts of the roadworks and whether they’ll still be open to enjoy the benefits when work is finished.
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