Hello and welcome to today’s edition of The Southport Lead.
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
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.
