Storm Eunice means Southport parks and Marine Drive section remain closed with Storm Franklin due

Parks across Sefton remain closed today (Saturday 19th February) as Storm Eunice continues to bring wintry weather to Southport. 

Hesketh Park in Southport and Botanic Gardens in Churchtown are among those which have been closed by Sefton Council due to concerns over falling trees and branches. 

A number of trees were felled in the parks during Storm Arwen at the end of last year, with Victoria Park in Southport also suffering badly. 

Cambrigde Arcade in Southport has now partially reopened after storm damage yesterday – although the Chapel Street entrance is still closed. 

Sefton Council said: “The Chapel Street entrance remains closed due to the risk of falling debris from a privately owned property.”

Sefton Council issued a warning this morning saying: “Disruptions are still likely. 

“Please bear with us as there may still be some disruption to services, including parks and roads.” 

Marine Drive in Southport is temporarily closed today (Saturday 19th February) after gale force winds during Storm Eunice ripped cladding from buildings at the Ocean Plaza retail park, leaving three cars damaged. 

The winds were so fierce yesterday that cladding from the seaward side of the facility was blown over the top of the roof and into the car park over the other side. 

Owners of Ocean Plaza were on the scene at the time and have pictures of the damage and the registration numbers of the cars damaged, and will liaise with them over insurance purposes. 

Officers from Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Sefton Council’s Highways team were quickly on the scene at Ocean Plaza when the damage happened, at around 3.45pm on Friday afternoon. 

Contractors are currently on site assessing and repairing the damaged building.

Good news for shops and businesses in Cambridge Arcade #Southport

The complex has partially reopened and access can be made via the Lord Street entrance.

Chapel Street entrance remains closed due to the risk of falling debris from a privately owned property#StormEunice pic.twitter.com/bL6LwSC3yj

— Sefton Council (@seftoncouncil) February 19, 2022

Officers from Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Sefton Council’s Highways team were quickly on the scene at Ocean Plaza when the damage happened, at around 3.45pm on Friday afternoon. 

Contractors are currently on site assessing and repairing the damaged building. 

There is disruption on Merseyrail services today, please check before you travel.

A new storm, Storm Franklin, is due to arrive tomorrow (Sunday), causing more disruption. 

Sefton Police reported a tree down on Albert Road outside Southport Police Station on Saturday during Storm, Eunice

The Met Office has issued a Yellow Weather Warning for Wind for both Sunday and Monday. 

The Met Office said: “Very strong winds may cause disruption across Northern Ireland, southwest Scotland and Irish Sea coasts, particularly on Sunday night.”

They said to expect: 

• There is a slight chance of some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs
• There is a small chance that injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties
• There is a chance of longer journey times or cancellations as road, rail, air and ferry services are affected
• There is a slight chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage

Ocean Plaza Centre Manager Tracey Johnson said: “We are doing everything we can to make sure that the buildings at Ocean Plaza are secure and safe. 

“The businesses at Ocean Plaza are open today – we are aware it is half term and that town may be busy – but we are asking anyone who does come down to please proceed with caution. 

“The weather is still windy and Storm Franklin is due to come in tomorrow. 

“Parts of the car park are coned off, so please be aware of reduced capacity for parking. 

“Contractors are back on site today to rivet down the damaged cladding ahead of full repairs being made, which is not an easy task during this spell of very bad weather. 

“Marine Drive is closed and will remain closed until the buildings have been made fully safe. 

“We are working closely with Merseyside Police and Sefton Council’s Highways team to do all we can to get everything secure as fast as we can.

“For anyone coming to Ocean Plaza, please proceed with caution. 

“We were on site when the damage happened. We have photos of all the damage and registration details of the cars that were damaged and will get that situation sorted out.” 

Storm Eunice caused substantial damage across Southport yesterday, despite a number of precautions being put into place. 

Sefton Council closed a number of parks, including Hesketh Park and Botanic Gardens in Southport, and urged people to stay away from the coastline. 

Merseyseyail urged people not to travel during Friday afternoon. 

Northern suspended tail services between Southport and Manchester. 

A number of trees were brought down yesterday, including a large one outside Southport Police Station. 

A number of homes were left without power. 

Sefton Council has issued a warning that Storm Eunice will continue to bring a period of very strong and disruptive winds today.

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