The Southport Lead

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If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it - our first year seen a LOT happen. Join us for a l...
31/12/2025

If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it - our first year seen a LOT happen. Join us for a look back at an eventful 2025

Looking back at our first year reporting on the town

Ever walked through the cemetery and wondered who is responsible for the very old gravestones? Well, the council is stru...
28/12/2025

Ever walked through the cemetery and wondered who is responsible for the very old gravestones? Well, the council is struggling to answer that and with thousands currently unsafe, the repair bill is looking very hefty

More than 2,000 headstones are unsafe in Southport and Ainsdale - but few owners have been found

Today’s edition brings something different as we open the newsletter to Compassion Acts - the locally-run charity which ...
24/12/2025

Today’s edition brings something different as we open the newsletter to Compassion Acts - the locally-run charity which is responsible for foodbanks, uniform hubs, welfare support, and much more

Read on to hear from Richard Owens, the charity’s CEO, on the challenges being experienced, the incredible work being done to support those in need, and his hope for 2026.

Merry Christmas from The Southport Lead 🎄💛

Richard Owens, CEO of Compassion Acts, writes directly to the town in today's newsletter

The new rules are being introduced in response to concerns over anti-social behaviour
22/12/2025

The new rules are being introduced in response to concerns over anti-social behaviour

New rules could also see people prosecuted for blocking pavements or gathering in groups

“It has really damaged our business for the past couple of years. It has been terrifying for me and my family. We never ...
17/12/2025

“It has really damaged our business for the past couple of years. It has been terrifying for me and my family. We never knew what attack was coming next, where or when, or just what he was capable of. The damage was relentless and it has cost us a fortune."

A pizzeria was hit by bricks, hammers and spray paint in addition to online abuse and damage outside the owner's home

It was previously earmarked to become a restaurant - now a very different use is planned
14/12/2025

It was previously earmarked to become a restaurant - now a very different use is planned

Plans had previously been put forward to create a restaurant in the disused 1950s building

“We know some customers on the Southport line haven’t been getting the level of service they should, and we’re sorry abo...
05/12/2025

“We know some customers on the Southport line haven’t been getting the level of service they should, and we’re sorry about that"

The train firm is facing pressure over costs, delays and cancellations

“We see families struggling every day. People do see Southport as quite affluent but there are huge pockets of deprivati...
30/11/2025

“We see families struggling every day. People do see Southport as quite affluent but there are huge pockets of deprivation behind that."

Whatever you think of the budget, the lives of huge numbers of children will change. But is it enough?

But charity boss warns of further need for reform to system as town battles major problem

You may have heard about a scrapyard being ordered to close but not the reasons why. Read today's newsletter for the ful...
23/11/2025

You may have heard about a scrapyard being ordered to close but not the reasons why. Read today's newsletter for the full story - plus details of the incident which saw a man break his arm while working at the site

Company was previously prosecuted after employee was trapped and broke an arm

"There are families that are going without and I know full well speaking to families there’s parents throughout the town...
19/11/2025

"There are families that are going without and I know full well speaking to families there’s parents throughout the town that go without meals to make sure that kids are fed and get what they need. We’ve got to do something to alleviate that.”

The government will make two key announcements next week which could change the lives of thousands in the town

One year ago today, the former Hesketh Centre was devastated by an arson attack. It is now said the building’s condition...
16/11/2025

One year ago today, the former Hesketh Centre was devastated by an arson attack. It is now said the building’s condition is so bad it must come down.

Today’s edition looks at the storied history of a site which links back to the development of the town and whose history includes hotel, military and hospital uses - plus what will come next and why it's important to remember what came before

Attention now turns to what comes next after historic building is razed

Over the course of a year, the CQC twice gave damning assessments of Assured Care Southport. Meanwhile, the company was ...
12/11/2025

Over the course of a year, the CQC twice gave damning assessments of Assured Care Southport. Meanwhile, the company was racking up large debts including almost £400,000 owed to HMRC

HMRC and pension contributions are unlikely to ever be repaid

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