Missing pensioner found dead on Southport beach
Plus: Garrick Theatre renovation next step and community cohesion calls
Hello and welcome to the midweek edition of The Southport Lead. Due to various factors, this issue comes a day later than usual and normal service will be resumed on Sunday.
The rush of emergency services to the beach on Monday suggested something serious occurred and that sadly proved to be the tragic death of a missing pensioner.
He is the focus of our main story and our thoughts remain with his loved ones at this deeply distressing time.
Tragedy of missing pensioner found dead on beach
The body of a missing pensioner was found at Southport beach after a two day search.
George Norwell, 77, was reported missing by his family on the weekend having last been seen in the Swift Close area of Whittle-le-Woods, near Chorley, on Saturday morning. His car was found near the River Ribble at the Boulevard area of Preston around one hour later but he was not present.
A frantic search followed with the coastguard spending several hours searching above the river throughout Sunday. Boats were also deployed in the search with sonar equipment used in efforts to search the water as Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service joined the rescue effort.
On Monday, Merseyside Police were called to the Southport beach when a body was discovered at around 10.30am. The Weld Road entrance was taped during the emergency response and the force said it was treating the death as unexplained.
On the same day, the force informed its Lancashire counterpart of the discovery and yesterday it was confirmed the body was that of George.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokesperson said: “George’s family have been informed of the tragic development and are being given support.
“This is not the outcome that anyone wanted, and our thoughts are with George’s family at this distressing time.”
Recommended reading
Coffee King a step closer to new venture on Lord Street in Southport as plans approved (Stand Up For Southport)
New dog-friendly micro pub to open in Southport (Liverpool Business News)
Work on one-of-a-kind theatre and spare venue will start next year
By Elliot Jessett
Work on one of Southport’s most iconic buildings will start in May 2026, according to developers.
The project will transform the former Garrick Theatre building on Lord Street into a one-of-a-kind destination described as being unlike anything available in the country.
The redevelopment of the historic Art Deco building on Lord Street is one of the most ambitious projects taking place in the town.
Planning permission has been granted by Sefton Council for Garrick Southport Ltd. to provide residential, hotel, spa and retail units, along with a new theatre and events space.
The local authority approved that application in April and approved plans to convert the Grade II-listed property into a mixed-use facility. The proposals included 137 hotel rooms, 11 residential apartments including a terrace and pool, various commercial units, a gym, a spa, a bar and a restaurant.
The refurbishment also includes the existing event auditorium, a rooftop extension to provide five additional floors and a new canopy to the front.
The Garrick was most recently utilised as a Mecca Bingo hall until its closure in March 2020. Its revitalisation will bring one of Southport’s most iconic landmarks back to life.
Garrick Southport Ltd director Gary MacArthur said: “We are excited to be putting together plans to carry out building work at The Garrick, starting in May next year.
“We will be creating new commercial units on the ground floor, adding to the already successful PWR Box Studio and Raw. They will be completed to the same high standard.
“We will be installing new windows and working on the facade of the building. By the end of next year, the front of The Garrick will look how it does in the concept images which we previously released.
“We have an excellent track record of delivering high quality developments, having just completed the Globe House scheme in the Strangeways area of Manchester city centre. We are very proficient at what we do.
“We have been working very closely with Sefton Council on this scheme and are very grateful for their ongoing support.
“These are exciting times for Southport with £20m government support to restore Southport Pier, the creation of the £73m new Marine Lake Events Centre, the £10m Town Hall Gardens vision and The Open golf championship coming to Royal Birkdale Golf Club in 2026.”
Southport Inquiry latest
The inquiry at Liverpool Town Hall has heard more about the killer’s past in recent days, including intervention efforts and difficulties involving his parents. Here are some of the headlines from the week so far:
Southport killer’s parents stopped school visiting home due to ‘mental health’ (Liverpool Echo)
Parents of killer struggled to deal with his violent outbursts as he grew older, inquiry told (Sky News)
Senior police officer fears Southport attack will happen again due to ‘really wicked problem’ (Liverpool Echo)
And one final story on a very different note:
Rebuilt playground ‘honours Bebe with her colours and her joy woven into a space when laughter can grow again’ (Stand Up For Southport)
Open day celebration shows ‘we must build bridges, not walls’
By Elliot Jessett
The Southport Mosque opened up its door on Sunday to welcome local residents, council officials and faith leaders from Muslim, Jewish and Christian places of worship. The mosque was packed with local families who enjoyed a look around the facility, chatted with people and enjoyed some delicious food.
Organisers said: “We were delighted to welcome people to come and join us for a special ‘thank you’ open day to show appreciation for your support during a challenging year for our communities. It was an afternoon of friendship, good conversations, and gratitude, while celebrating the strength of being ‘one community’, as we continue to collectively work towards building a kind and united society.”
The event prompted Sefton Council leaders to make a call to “build bridges, not walls,” urging all members of the community to come together and support a shared vision for Southport’s future.
Local Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders joined Southport MP Patrick Hurley and leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson, in calling for unity, urging the public to reject hatred, stand against misinformation, and support each other through difficult times.
Cllr Atkinson said: “It is a true privilege to be at this mosque for a true celebration not only of faith, but of friendship, understanding, and a shared purpose.
“We gather to learn not just about the rich traditions and values of Islam,. But to re-affirm something even deeper – our commitment to building a society where every person feels seen, respected, and valued.
“A society where diversity is not just tolerated, but embraced as a source of strength. In our borough we are proud of the diverse tapestry of cultures, languages and beliefs that make up our community.
“But cohesion does not happen by accident. It is built day by day, conversation by conversation, handshake by handshake.
“It is built when we open our doors as you have done today and invite others in with warmth and generosity.
“Community cohesion means recognising that while we may come from different backgrounds we share common hopes – safe streets, good schools, opportunity for our children and dignity for our elders.
“It means standing together in times of celebration and in times of challenge. It means rejecting division and choosing unity.
“The role of places of worship like this mosque is vital in that journey. They are not just centres of faith but centres of service, compassion and leadership.
“Whether it’s supporting the vulnerable, feeding the hungry or offering a space for reflection and peace, your contribution to our borough is immeasurable.
“As a council we are committed to working hand in hand with all communities to ensure that every voice is heard and every resident feels that they belong. We know that when we build bridges, not walls, we create a future that is brighter for everyone.
“The awful and unimaginable anti-Semitic attack in Manchester this week brings home to us all how much work there is still to do to unite communities, to bring together people of all backgrounds and faiths.
“We must stand together in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish communities, our Muslim communities, our Christian communities, all parts of our community. This is a town and a borough of many faiths and we should be proud of our rich history of diversity and inclusivity.
“This should be the basis on which we work together now and in the future. Here is my call today for all of us. Let’s not let this be a one-off event. Let’s take what we’ve learned, the conversations we’ve had, and the connections that we’ve made and build on them.
“Attend a community event you’ve never been to before, invite someone from a different background for a coffee and a chat, volunteer your time, share your story, and listen to others.
“Unity is not just an ideal, it is a choice. And it is one we must make together, again, and again.
“Thank you for welcoming us so warmly today, and thank you for your commitment to peace, understanding and community and thank you for being part of the journey towards a more united society.”