Take a look at all the big stories for the Southport area! Stand Up For Southport aims to bring you the very latest local news in a way that is positive, balanced and honest, brought to you by experienced, qualified local journalists with many years within the local media industry. Please send us your stories, and please keep in touch with what is happening in our town.
Southport College welcomes grants to allow adult learners to study from home during Covid pandemic
Southport College has welcomed news that grants of nearly £1million have been made available to give adult learners the equipment they need to continue with their courses online. The grants, of between £15,000 and £40,000, are being made available by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. They will go to Adult Education Providers such as Southport College to ensure that…Read More→
Southport Cove – stunning aerial images show where £40m new water attraction will be
These stunning pictures show exactly where a brand new £40million world class water attraction will be built in Southport. These images were taken by Southport-based firm MS Photographic, which provides commercial drone photography and videography services across the Liverpool City Region and beyond. Owner Mark Stansfield said: “I think this will be a fantastic opportunity for Southport” as he enjoyed…Read More→
Southport’s multi million pound plans will finally give us the world class seafront we need
Wow. Just one word is needed to describe the reaction to exciting plans for the brand new Southport Cove Resort, with Southport’s seafront undergoing a spectacular transformation. The £40million scheme will be situated at Princes Park in Southport, surrounded by: Southport Pleasureland; Southport seafront; Ocean Plaza; and the Marine Lake, with Victoria Park and Dunes Leisure Centre close by. It…Read More→
£40m Southport Cove Resort will create 120 jobs with surf wave pool, beach and boardwalk
A world class water attraction is set to be built in Southport. Sefton Council has entered into an exclusivity agreement with Go Surf to create Southport Cove Resort, the development of an exciting, new, all year-round attraction with a world class surf wave pool at its heart at Princes Park. Situated on the seafront, this spectacular project will also include…Read More→
Lucky 13 Southport neighbours scoop £1,000 each on People’s Postcode Lottery
Neighbours on a Southport street celebrated this after each scooping a £1,000 win through the People’s Postcode Lottery. A total of 13 people bagged £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode. The neighbours on New Cut Lane netted the windfall when PR8 3DW was announced as a Daily Prize winner with People’s Postcode Lottery on Monday (October 26). People’s Postcode…Read More→
Wizard of Oz panto set for Atkinson in Southport as venue earns See It Safely Mark
The Atkinson can’t wait to pull up the curtain and welcome you back into their traditional theatre this Christmas. Behind the scenes, staff at the arts centre on Lord Street in Southport have been working hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all, receiving the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre’s See It Safely mark. LHK Productions…Read More→
Disused phone boxes in Southport removed after falling into poor state
Disused phone boxes in Southport have finally been taken away to be scrapped. Many in the mobile phone generations may look at these facilities as relics of the past – or even wonder what they are for. Years ago they were a lifeline, as a vital way of people keeping in touch with each other. Now phone boxes in the…Read More→
Culture and Creativity Awards open for entries as Sefton people and groups urged to take part
Sefton Council is encouraging the borough’s artists as well as arts organisations and other community groups to get their nominations in for the 2020 Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards. Due to be announced in February 2021, the Awards will celebrate Liverpool City Region’s thriving culture and creativity, even in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The 2020 Awards…Read More→
Praise for kind Southport Asda worker who paid for and delivered shopping for customer aged 80
A staff member at the Asda supermarket at Central 12 in Southport has been praised for helping an elderly customer who couldn’t get her shopping due to a computer problem. An Asda spokesperson said: “When a computer glitch meant that an 80-year-old vulnerable customer didn’t get her weekly groceries our Southport store’s home shopping colleague Stephen went out of his…Read More→
‘Please don’t ignore flu’ plea as people urged to get vaccines this winter
Health organisations in Sefton are encouraging everyone eligible for a flu vaccine this winter to make an appointment, particularly children aged 2-3, people aged over 65 and anyone who is a carer. Colette Page, practice nurse lead and influenza coordinator for NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “The flu kills thousands of…Read More→
Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals Charity raises £116,000 as first schemes revealed
The charity appeal to support staff, patients and volunteers at Southport Hospital and Ormskirk Hospital through the Covid-19 pandemic has raised more than £116,000. Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals Charity launched the appeal in April with a video from staff explaining what life was like at the height of the first wave of infection. Six months later big-hearted fundraisers have given…Read More→
Southport FC rise to second after 3-0 win over Blyth Spartans
Southport FC are up to second in the Vanarama National League North table after they returned from the North East with all three points after a comfortable win at Blyth Spartans on Saturday. It took 40 minutes to break the deadlock when George Newell coolly finished after a flick on by Marcus Carver. outhport totally dominated the play in the…Read More→
Healthcare recruitment agency Tezlom show their support for Southport FC
Southport-based healthcare and hospitality recruitment agency Tezlom is the latest local firm to shop its backing for Southport Football Club. The company, which is based on Hoghton Street, is the latest organisation to take out an advertising board at the ground. Established in 2008, Tezlom has grown to become the leading supplier of Nurses, Care Assistants and Support Workers across…Read More→
Bonfire Night warning over wheelie bins as Merseyside Fire issues safety advice
Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) is urging residents to help prevent their household wheelie bins becoming targets for arsonists over the Bonfire period. Arson attacks on wheelie bins and refuse containers in the Merseyside area have narly increased in the last five years around Bonfire night, with 79 incidents taking place over the bonfire period last year, almost double…Read More→
Free school meals – Sefton Council reveals details for October Half Term
Sefton Council has revealed hope it will be supporting families with free school meals during this October Half Term. The local authority is providing e-vouchers which can be spent in Asda supermarkets, including those in Southport and Bootle, or online. Printed vouchers are available from Family Wellbeing Centres in Southport, Netherton and Bootle. If your family currently receives free school…Read More→
Free counselling for young people aged 13 to 21 as anxiety levels grow during Covid pandemic
Young people aged between 13 and 21 years old are being offered free counselling through an innovative new campaign. Research released by the Office for National Statistics on Thursday (22nd October) reveals that 1 in 6 young people are struggling with their mental health through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. They are facing growing levels of anxiety and depression of worries…Read More→
Southport entrepreneur urges people to donate dry goods to help those in need
By Debbie Sayers Fullwood A Southport entrepreneur, who built her business from the ground up, is joining forces with a local charity to help people in need in our community. a Jennifer Scholes, pictured, is the founder and director of the Hart Space, in the Norwood Business Park on Hart Street in Southport. She is now working to help Compassion…Read More→
£1m work starts to convert former Victorian school in Southport into IT hub with 75 new jobs
Work has begun today on a £1million scheme to transform a landmark Victorian era location in Southport town centre. Builders are now on site at The Cloisters building, which was previously occupied by Taskers Sports. The site was originally built in 1898 to provide the Christ Church Higher Grade School, under the Hon Canon of Liverpool, The Revd JR Honeyburne. …Read More→
Southport teenager wins competition to write new work for Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
A Southport musician has been chosen as the winner of the Christopher Brooks Composition Prize 2020 in association with The Rushworth Foundation. Alex Papp, aged 19, will ultimately write a new work that will be premiered by Ensemble 10/10, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s new music group, in October 2021. Alex, currently studying at the Royal; Academy of Music and…Read More→
Disability friendly playground plan given boost with funding for Ainsdale Civic Society
Disabled children in Southport who have been unable to use their local playground have been given a huge boost after Ainsdale Civic Society was given vital funding. The organisation has been granted £14,058 from Sefton Council to transform Ainsdale Village Park. Ainsdale Civic Society, whose motto is ‘Caring for Ainsdale’, is trying to raise £27,058 for the scheme. This would…Read More→
‘I travelled on the final train from Preston to Southport in 1964’
A rail enthusiast and author has recalled the day he travelled on the last train from Preston to Southport. Keith Hick contacted Stand Up For Southport after reading about Graham Bridge’s memories of the historic final journey, as rail links between Southport and Preston were sadly severed as part of the infamous Beeching Cuts. A campaign has been taking place…Read More→
Marcus Rashford thanks Southport schoolboy who donated birthday money to local children
Marcus Rashford MBE has thanked a kind-hearted schoolboy from Southport who has donated his birthday money to help provide food for children in need over October Half term. The Manchester United and England striker thanked 11-year-old Max Wright, a pupil at St Philip’s School in Southport, for his amazing generosity. Max had heard about La Tabella restaurant in Churchtown in…Read More→
‘Worrying rise’ of Covid-19 fake news as Sefton health chief issues warning
Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health has revealed her concerns over the “worrying rise” of conspiracy theories and ignorance over Covid-19. They include the crazy claims that Coronavirus is caused by new 5G technology. Margaret Jones says the growing trend could cost people’s lives. She said: “I would like to address a worrying rise in the spread of misinformation about…Read More→
Southport railway graffiti cleared as vandals told to stay away
Unsightly graffiti in Southport is being removed as part of Network Rail’s war on railway vandalism. The clean-up of this stretch of the Merseyrail network supports Transport Secretary Grant Shapps’ recent commitment to improve the look and feel of the railway. Network Rail workers from the Liverpool team spent six hours painting over substations and electrical cabinets in Southport, which…Read More→
Free schools meals will be provided for Sefton families during October Half Term
To meet the needs of local children and their families during October Half Term, Sefton Council will be providing free school meals. The council will reveal more details about the scheme on Monday. A number of restaurants in the Southport area have also offered to provide free meals to local children in need. Cllr Trish Hardy, Cabinet Member – Communities…Read More→
Put Trick or Treating and Halloween parties on hold Sefton health chief urges
Families in Southport and across Sefton are being urged not to go trick or treating this Halloween. The advice was issued today by Director of Public Health for Sefton Council, Margaret Jones, who also advised people not to hold Halloween parties due to the current rate of Covid-19 infections in the area. She said: “Sadly, this year, in Sefton and…Read More→
Counsellors on hand to help people with mental health struggles in Covid pandemic
As a nation, have we ever had quite so much to be anxious about? It’s good to talk. And with 30 trained counsellors, JHD Counselling has been helping people across the UK with a huge array of issues from anxiety and depression to bereavement, grief and loss, home and work stress, relationships, sexuality and identity, self-harm, anger management, and many…Read More→
These Southport restaurants are offering children free meals this October Half Term
Southport restaurants are stepping up to help provide free meals to children who need help during this October Half Term. The venues offering to help are below, with places in Southport town centre, Birkdale, Burcough, Churchtown and Marshside. A number of local residents and companies have already offered to provide financial support for the restaurants which are supporting local families,…Read More→
Southport restaurant offers free meals to children in need this October Half Term
A restaurant in Southport is offering a free meal to any child who needs it this October Half Term. La Tabella, on Botanic Road in Churchtown Village, has been inspired by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford to step forward and help the local community. Owners Rob and Liza Smallman said: “We decided to offer the free meals for…Read More→
Play centres in Southport area plead to reopen as hundreds sign petition
Two soft play centres in the Southport area have encouraged hundreds of people to sign a petition asking for them to reopen. Jollies Barn, at The Gravel in Mere Brow, Tarleton, and Playtown, at Ocean Plaza in Southport, must both close their doors temporarily from tomorrow (Friday 22 October). It follows changes to the Tier 3 Covid restrictions in both…Read More→
Southport housing market ‘booming’ with gardens surging in popularity
Now is a great time to sell your home with the house market in Southport “booming”. Curlett Jones Estates, which opened on Lord Street in Southport in August this year, says that the recent cut in Stamp Duty has fuelled the housing market in the UK, pushing up house prices and increasing the demand for new homes. The Covid pandemic…Read More→
Healthcare professionals who care invited to join Tezlom agency
Experienced healthcare professionals are being offered work through a fast-growing, family-run firm. Tezlom Healthcare Recruitment Agency finds places for people who care for a variety of roles and specialises in Care Assistants, Support Workers and Registered Nurses. Their new Hospitality side of their business also finds roles for chefs, waiting on staff, managers and others both through care homes and…Read More→
Swans at Sunset wins Southport Foodbank and Stand Up For Southport photo competition
David Jones‘ stunning winning entry of Swans at Sunset beat over 180 other entries in the Compassion Acts photo competition, in association with Stand Up for Southport. The image will now join others in the 2021 Southport Foodbank Calendar – a great Christmas present or gift for people which will raise vital funds for the charity. David’s picture, from Southport,…Read More→
Southport Foodbank appeals for new volunteers
Compassion Acts, which runs Southport Foodbank, is appealing for volunteers who can help with Foodbank sessions, which are due to expand in the Autumn. As older volunteers were shielding early in the year, vacancies were taken by workers who were furloughed. Jess McGlynn, Poverty Reduction Manager, said: “We’re so thankful for those who volunteered during lockdown, but as they return…Read More→
New Race Equality Programme will tackle racial injustice in Liverpool City Region
A Race Equality Programme has today been announced for the Liverpool City Region. The new pan-city region programme will bring together leaders from the Liverpool Combined Authority, local government, community organisations, business and the public sector to tackle systemic injustice and inequality and drive forward positive change for the city region’s Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) residents and the…Read More→
Southport Golf Links set for improvements as people asked for their views
Southport Golf Links could undergo some exciting improvements – and people are being asked what they think. Changes could include a new driving range, a chipping and bunker area, a putting green and floodlights. People can also comment on improvements they would like to see to the current facilities, including the White House Café. Sefton Council’s Green Sefton team has…Read More→
New blue wheelie bins on way to Sefton homes after concerns rejected
New blue recycling bins will soon be wheeled out to homes across Sefton, meaning a fourth receptacle for households. Sefton Council proposed the introduction of new blue recycling bins for glass earlier this year. They will add to the existing grey (general waste), brown (general recycling) and green (garden waste), plus an optional food caddy service. Liberal Democrat councillors John…Read More→
Southport shop thanks NHS workers with picture for hospital A&E
A Southport shop has donated a work of art to thank NHS workers at Southport Hospital. Fabulous Furniture – Luxury At A Discount was delighted to give a framed picture showing a pair of silver wings over the top of a rainbow with the words Thank You to the hospital. Fabulous Furniture Sales Manager Andrew Byrne had the honour of…Read More→
Aiming High for Disabled Children Autumn 2020 newsletter is out now
The Autumn 2020 edition of Sefton Council’s Aiming High for Disabled Children newsletter is out now. Aiming High for Disabled Children is a service provided by Sefton Council to make sure disabled children, young people and their families have the same access to fun, fulfilling activities and life chances as those without disabilities. It provides specially tailored sessions during term-time…Read More→
Southport FC ‘delighted’ as emergency funding ensures 2020/21 season can continue
Southport FC has welcomed the £10million emergency Government funding which means the 2020/21 season can continue for the clubs in the National leagues. And they praised Southport fans for the huge support they have shown to their club in these difficult times. The Sandgrounders had been expecting to welcome a limited number of fans back into the Pure Stadium this…Read More→
Playtown Southport vows to return ‘bigger and better’ after temporary Tier 3 closure
A children’s centre in Southport which provided thousands of free meals to vulnerable people in the local community will temporarily close this Friday. After the Covid-19 pandemic arrived in March, Playtown owners Louie and Tanya Gaffney opened their kitchens so they could cook and deliver over 4,000 meals to elderly and vulnerable people across Southport. Last Wednesday (14 October) the…Read More→
Best places to work from home in UK 2020 sees Sefton in the top 20
Sefton has today been named among the top 20 places to work from home in the UK. Working from home is becoming the norm for millions of people since the Coronavirus pandemic hit the UK in March. The current Tier 3 restrictions in Southport and the Liverpool City Region have seen the Government urge people in our region to work…Read More→
Joy as gyms in Southport and Liverpool City Region allowed to reopen
Gyms owners in Southport and across the Liverpool City Region have revealed their delight after the Government revealed that gyms will now be allowed to reopen fully. Gyms, leisure centres and fitness studios had been ordered to close as part of the new Tier 3 Covid-19 safety restrictions which came into force in the Liverpool City Region last Wednesday (14…Read More→
Sefton Council opens two new Covid-19 walk-through testing sites
Sefton is benefiting from two new, walk-through Local Testing Sites, at Crosby Library and Netherton Activity Centre, for people who have the Coronavirus symptoms. Open from 8am to 8pm, they provide easy access to Covid-19 tests for people who do not have access to a car and for those who have coronavirus symptoms and should not travel by public transport….Read More→
Merseyrail reveals timetable changes and advice amid Tier 3 restrictions
Following on from the announcement that Southport and the Liverpool City Region has been placed in Tier 3 lockdown restrictions, Merseyrail has issued travel advice along with a timetable update. Due to the impact of Covid-19 and Tier 3 lockdown restrictions in the region, the Ormskirk and Kirkby lines will revert to a 30-minute service from Monday (26 October). Services…Read More→
New Southport gym opens as owner says great health is vital during pandemic
Gyms should be used to help in the fight against Covid-19 by keeping people fit and healthy. That’s the view of a determined Personal Trainer from Southport, who has invested her life savings into opening a brand new gym in Southport. Lisa Little opened From The Block Fitness underneath Bliss Hotel at The Waterfront Complex on the Promenade in Southport…Read More→
New artisan chocolate shop to open in Churchtown Village
An artisan chocolate maker is getting ready to open a new shop in Churchtown Village in Southport next month! RS Fine Chocolate is looking forward to welcoming customers to new premises on Botanic Road this November, as they look forward to a busy Christmas shopping season. Many people in the area will remember it as a former chocolate shop, made…Read More→
Curlett Jones Estates reveal why they’re supporting Queenscourt Hospice
Owners of Southport’s newest estate agents are giving a percentage of their fees to Queenscourt Hospice as one of their ways of supporting the local community. Curlett Jones Estates staff have also been taking part in Queenscourt’s ‘To The Moon And Back’ initiative, with staff members aiming to complete 10,000 steps each day to support the charity. It is part…Read More→
Pubs in Southport and West Lancs offer takeaway or delivery during Tier 3 lockdown
Pubs and bars in the Southport, Formby and West Lancashire area are now offering some great takeaway and delivery services. New Tier 3 Covid-19 restrictions came into force in Southport and across the Liverpool City Region last Wednesday, only to be followed by Lancashire. The rules saw many ‘wet’ pubs and bars have to temporarily close their doors. Some that…Read More→
Queenscourt Hospice 2020 Christmas cards revealed
This year Queenscourt Hospice in Southport has a great selection of Christmas cards with something to suit all tastes. There are 18 different designs which are sold in packs of 10 for between £3 and £3.50 a pack and all are standard letter size when it comes to posting. There are cards featuring local scenes, such as Ormskirk Parish Church…Read More→
