Southport Matters is inviting people to nominate where you live for the Neighbourhood of the Year 2026.
This is the first year this new competition, sponsored by Anthony James Estate Agents, has taken place.
The closing date is 5pm on 1st August 2026, with people able to nominate here: Nomination Form | Southport Matters
If you consider yourself Southport, then you are warmly invited along on the Southport Matters journey. The sense of belonging to this place does not end at the beginning of the Moss Road or the old Plough Roundabout.
It is recognised that people living in neighbourhoods such as Banks, Shirdley Hill, Mere Brow, Halsall, Hesketh Bank, Jacksmere, Carr Cross, Ainsdale etc equally have an affinity to this place.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley said:
“Small actions can make a huge difference in the places we all call home.
“Every single day in our streets, neighbourhoods and villages people are doing extraordinary things which help make the place better for everyone. We all want to live in an environment that we can be proud of.
“Southport Matters is developing an idea put forward by a local resident, to recognise what often happens under the radar.
“We want to seek out the small, localised improvements, not always by formally constituted groups, but informally among fellow residents doing their bit.
“That is why Southport Matters has launched a project to reward, promote and protect the best of super-local action and accountability.
“In 2026 we are establishing a ‘Neighbourhood of the Year Award’ and we hope that this could become an annual celebration – adding new categories for future years!
“Our view is that there are many localities that have an identity and sense of belonging, not just those officially categorised as ‘villages’.
“The 2026 winner will be named ‘Neighbourhood of the Year’ and will receive a certificate, recognition in the media and a prize valued at up to £1,000. This will be discussed with the winner, basing it on local circumstances, but could include signage, street furniture or a community party.”
Examples of neighbourhood achievement which could be recognised, and this is not an exhaustive list:
- A number of residential dwellings which share a patch of grass or unadopted highway where individuals volunteer to cut grass or take responsibility for keeping sections of the street scene tidy.
- A local community which organises events together, with little external support and little fanfare.
- A parade of shops where together the businesses and residents have cooperated to have planters and seasonal events.
- A community which marks key moments together in inclusive and creative ways
- A school, church or voluntary organisation which goes above and beyond care for their own people and make their immediate environment more friendly for the general community.
- A neighbourhood which pulls together on a seasonal or on-off occasion to tidy up or support one another through challenging times.
- A local area which has built a culture of dialogue and kindness. The building of understanding within and between the generations, among various faiths, backgrounds and traditions.
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