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 Lifeboat crews rescue children from drowning at Southport Beach
Southport Lifeboat volunteers saw another busy day yesterday as they dealt with multiple incidents along the Sefton Coast. A spokesman said: “These incidents included three separate children in difficulty in the water, a number of missing person searches, people getting cut off by the incoming tide. “We also removed a number of inflatables that had begun drifting out to sea. […]
McDonalds drive-thru restaurants in Southport and Formby get ready to reopen
McDonald’s drive-thrus in Southport and Formby are due to reopen next week. The chain today announced that 1,000 more restaurants will reopen for drive-thrus or deliveries under new lockdown friendly measures with a £25 cap on orders. They include stores at Marine Parade, on the seafront in Southport; on Scarisbrick New Road, by Kew Roundabout in Southport; and on Altcar […]
Join Online Comedy Bingo night and raise money for Queenscourt Hospice
A trip to your favourite bingo hall might be out of the question at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the thrill of the game. Why not sign up for an Online Comedy Bingo night this week and help raise some much-needed funds for Queenscourt Hospice? Hosted by Brendan Riley through Zoom, the event, which will […]
Bold Hotel to close Essential Items store after providing food for thousands of families
The Bold Hotel in Southport and their sister business the Eccleston Arms in St Helens have supplied thousands of items of food to key workers and vulnerable people in our communities. They have even been supported by comedian Johnny Vegas as they delivered essential supplies to those in need. Now their Essential Items store is coming to an end this […]
Southport FC welcomes fans back with new ‘Walkabout Wednesday’
Southport FC fans who are missing their usual fix of visits to Haig Avenue can enjoy a return to the ground with a new ‘Walkabout Wednesday’ initiative. The club will be open this Wednesday (May 27) allowing supporters the chance to walk around, and have a sit down to admire the beautiful pitch. Matches have been suspended since the coronavirus […]
Pleasureland boss joins calls to create new bank holiday after Covid-19 recedes
Leisure and attractions expert Norman Wallis today welcomed calls to create a new bank holiday this October. The move is being proposed by official tourist agency VisitBritain to help extend the tourist season for leisure and hospitality businesses and make up for lost earnings from two bank holiday weekends in May lost to the coronavirus shutdown. VisitBritain believes the new […]
Fashion and celebrity photographer starts new life in France and Switzerland
A brilliant photographer who has been a pioneer in showcasing Southport’s excellent nightlife scene is enjoying a new chapter as a fashion photographer in France. Zackary Downey, owner of ZEDPhotography and ZED studios, is a man who will be recognised by tens of thousands of people who have enjoyed nights out in our resort. He has spent the past few […]
Our shops are reopening! Now’s the time to be kind – and help each other
We have missed our wonderful shops in Southport and Formby! But as they finally get ready to reopen, they need our support now more than ever. They will also deserve our patience – and our kindness. It has been a long time coming. After nine weeks in lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night announced that more businesses will be […]
Artist, 8, sold pictures worldwide to raise money for Southport and Ormskirk hospitals
A budding young artist has raised more than £1,500 for Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals after selling her pictures around the globe. Running out of things to draw while on lockdown; Seren Farrington started to ask friends and relatives for inspiration via Facebook and over the phone. This led to her having the idea of selling her “commissioned” work to help […]
Reopening High Streets Safely Fund awards cash for towns in Sefton
Sefton Council is being awarded nearly a quarter of a million pounds to help get local high streets safely back into business. The local authority was awarded the cash boost yesterday by High Streets Minister Simon Clarke. It was followed by the news tonight that car showrooms and outdoor markets will be allowed to reopen next Monday (June 1), with […]
Non-essential shops, car showrooms and outdoor markets given dates to reopen
Shops and other businesses in Southport and Formby are making a much-anticipated comeback. Boris Johnson tonight announced that thousands of UK businesses will be allowed to reopen soon. This time next week, on Monday, June 1, car showrooms and outdoor markets will be allowed to welcome back customers, as long as they adhere to strict social distancing guidelines. The Prime […]
Restaurant launches Pizza In A Pan so families can cook their favourite meal at home
Ever since food and drink businesses across the UK were ordered to close by the Government at the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis in March, people have been missing their favourite pizza fix. But now a family restaurant in Southport has come up with the perfect idea – Pizza in a Pan! As well as recreating the taste of your […]
Spot this Southport College University Centre bus and you could win £50
Southport College is working with local company PSV media to raise awareness of its University Centre. The college has wrapped a full side of one of PSV’s Cumfy Buses, showcasing that you can study for a Degree, right here in Southport. And if you spot the bus and take a photo of it, you could win a £50 voucher to […]
Boosting our children’s mental health is so important in these tough times
Guest Blog By Lisa Lowery I am a teaching assistant in Farnborough Road Junior School as well as a Relax Kids coach. I have over 15 years’ experience of working with children. As a Relax Kids coach, I offer classes and products to help children manage anxiety and stress whilst boosting self-esteem and confidence. It is so important at these […]
14,000 Council Tax bills in Sefton reduced due to coronavirus hardship fund
Almost 14,400 households in Sefton have had their Council Tax bills reduced thanks to a hardship fund designed to help them through the coronavirus crisis. This fund can be applied for by anyone responsible for paying the monthly bills to the local authority who may be suffering financial difficulties due to the outbreak. In March, Sefton Council was awarded a […]
Coronavirus Mobile Test Centre returns to Southport this week
Sefton Council’s next military-run Mobile Test Centre is scheduled to take place at Southport Eco Centre from Bank Holiday Monday (May 25) through to Wednesday (May 27). Test are available to everyone aged over five years old although essential workers, as well as other eligible groups and members of their households, may be prioritised. The tests provide a clinical diagnosis […]
‘I hope this pivotal moment for congregational life brings out the best in believers’
By Revd Canon Dr Rod Garner, Hon Fellow at Liverpool Hope University How churches and places of worship are coping is a good way of putting the problem. At one level the show goes on. The buildings still stand but are closed and therefore unavailable for people to gather, talk, pray, receive communion, share problems, light candles or just keep […]
Taxi driver praised after couple told of three hour wait for ambulance
A Southport man has praised a taxi driver who took his injured wife to hospital after being told there was a three hour wait for an ambulance. Former Mayor of Sefton chauffeur Fred McCann called an ambulance after his wife, Margaret, fell down the stairs and injured herself this morning. But after he was told there would be a long […]
Botanic Gardens appeal launched to help our swans and make park bloom
A campaign has been launched to get our beautiful Botanic Gardens in Southport blooming again and to help the park’s wildlife. People are being urged to support the fundraiser for the landmark gardens in Churchtown with funding and support hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Local resident Gemma Briscoe has now started a campaign to buy more flowers for the park, […]
Litter Angels clear beach of 10 bags of rubbish left behind by Covidiots
Formby’s very own guardian angels stepped in to clean our beaches after they were swamped by Covidiots. Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far and despite pleas to stay away, thousands of people descended on Formby Beach and Freshfield Beach. When they left, a trail of rubbish was visible on the golden sands and strewn over sand […]
Supermarket where workers faced ‘aggressive behaviour’ blessed by church
A Southport supermarket which has seen staff suffer aggressive behaviour from some customers has been blessed by a local church. The Sainsbury’s store on Bispham Road in High Park was visited by The Community Church , based on Ash Street, in a bid to try and ensure some more pleasant days ahead for the unsung heroes working there. Staff have […]
Meet the youngsters making us proud during Mental Health Awareness Week
Kindness. That is the motto for Mental Health Awareness Week 2020. And kindness is something we have seen displayed by some remarkable young people living through remarkable times. Youngsters sometimes, unfairly, get a bad press in some media. But at Stand Up For Southport we want to celebrate the inspirational children who are going out of their way during the […]
Schoolboy cyclist smashes £1,000 mark in Southport Hospital ICU appeal
A kind-hearted schoolboy determined to cycle 200 miles during May to raise money for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU Unit) at Southport Hospital has already raised over £1,000! Determined youngster Harry Wareing started his mission three weeks ago and has since attracted the backing of 75 well-wishers who have kindly donated £1,042. The 11-year-old pupil at Farnborough Road Junior School […]
Southport Rugby Club launches appeal after impact of coronavirus
Southport Rugby Football Club has launched a fundraising appeal to help them through the impact of the coronavirus crisis. The club, based on Waterloo Road in Hillside, has seen some of its big events cancelled since the outbreak hit the UK in March. As they look ahead with high hopes of playing again next season, they are now trying to […]
Tommy Cooper and Dave Allen didn’t disappoint but I regret turning down Marvin Gaye
By Derek Webster One of the questions I often get asked about the many years I worked in radio is have I met anyone famous? Sadly, many of the people I interviewed have since passed away, including Marvin Gaye, who I almost got to interview but turned him down – more about that later. Most of the famous stars I […]
Arriva buses reveals new ‘bus full’ and face covering measures for passengers
Arriva buses will be operating new social distancing measures on all of its buses with immediate effect. In line with government guidance, all Arriva buses will have a revised capacity to help keep passengers and bus travel safe. Seats within two metres of the driver are taped off, however wheelchair spaces will always remain available. A no standing policy will […]
Clapping Hands in pictures as Southport and Bootle lit up for NHS tribute
The iconic Clapping Hands art animation which has been beamed across buildings around the world has now appeared on landmark buildings in Southport and Bootle. A huge pair of clapping hands, created by denim artist Ian Berry, celebrated NHS staff and other key workers on the frontline against coronavirus during Clap For Carers night last night. The stunning visual image […]
Southport Air Show and British Musical Fireworks 2020 cancelled due to Covid-19 crisis
Due to the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in the UK and the impact that it is having, Sefton Council has been forced to take the difficult decision to cancel the Southport Air Show (12 – 13 September) and the British Musical Fireworks Championship (25 – 27 September). The events will return next year (2021). Each year these flagship events attract […]
Southport stages stunning Clapping Hands projection with Town Hall as you’ve never seen it before
Take a look at Southport Town Hall as you’ve NEVER seen it before. The historic building on Lord Street was transformed into a superb tribute to all those who work in the NHS and other key workers in the fight against coronavirus thanks to renowned textile artist Ian Berry. Ian’s huge denim-inspired clapping hands art was projected onto the front […]
Clapping Hands illumination will light up iconic buildings to mark Clap For Carers
Two of the most iconic buildings in Southport and Bootle will tonight be illuminated in a stunning tribute to everyone in the NHS and other key workers. ‘Clapping Hands’ by acclaimed British textile artist Ian Berry will be projected onto Southport Town Hall and Bootle Town Hall to tie in with #clapforcarers The powerful projection, which “shines like a Batman […]
‘It is not right Formby people must risk a Covid-19 surge due to visitors’
An MP says “it is not right that people in Formby must risk another surge in Covid 19” cases due to the numbers of sunseekers swamping the area yesterday. Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson said he was contacted by numerous concerned residents yesterday after crowds of visitors made their way to Formby Beach and pinewoods on the hottest day of […]
‘Wish You Weren’t Here’ plea to keep visitors away from Southport and Formby
Crowds flocking to beaches in Southport, Ainsdale, Formby and Crosby are being told: ‘Wish you weren’t here!’ Earlier today Stand Up For Southport reported how huge numbers of visitors had flocked to our coastline during the hottest day of the year yesterday. And after seeing the shocking images, Sefton Council has now launched a new campaign ahead of the forthcoming […]
‘I’ve seen the huge positive effect fostering has had on my mother’s life – everyone should consider it’
At a time when many people are facing huge changes in their lives, would you consider becoming a foster parent? Sefton Council Chief Executive Dwayne Johnson, whose own mother was fostered, is urging people to consider a carting role which he says is “varied and challenging”, while also being “very rewarding and satisfying”. Speaking as Fostering Fortnight draws to a […]
Southport Lifeboat urges motorists to stop blocking vital slipway
Southport Lifeboat volunteers are urging selfish motorists not to park on the slipway at Southport Beach and prevent their lifeboat from being launched. There are no lifeguard patrols available during the coronavirus crisis, even more reason why Southport Lifeboat has to remain on high alert. With yesterday becoming the hottest day of the year so far, crowds of people flocked […]
Despair on hottest day of the year as crowds descend on Southport and Formby
Crowds of people flocked to Southport and Formby on Wednesday during the hottest day of the year so far. People reported chaotic scenes with motorists descending on sites including Southport Beach, Ainsdale Beach, Formby Beach and Southport Promenade. Traffic was brought to a standstill in Formby with large queues keen to enjoy the sunshine. Around five miles of queues were […]
‘Together, while apart’ – how church is staying united while helping others during Covid-19 crisis
By Debbie Sayers Fullwood As Churches across the world made history by temporarily suspending services to limit contact in large groups, because of the spread of coronavirus, many faithful people have found creative ways to continue to worship and stay connected with their congregation. One of these is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where families are encouraged […]
Southport mum launches appeal to feed and say thanks to NHS staff and other key workers
A Southport mum who owns a catering business is on a mission to provide free meals to NHS staff and other key workers. Laura Walker launched her Laura’s Lunchbox catering van in February – just before the coronavirus pandemic struck the UK. She has been a carer in disabled care for over 10 years, and is still a part-time carer […]
Southport Hospital video reveals how coronavirus patients are being treated in ICU
Families unable to visit loved-ones in intensive care in Southport can now access a video showing where their relatives are being treated. In a bid to help families better understand the treatment being given to isolated critical Covid-19 patients, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has uploaded the video online. Angela Westwood, Matron for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at […]
Metro Mayor launches Recovery Panel to help businesses survive after coronavirus pandemic
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced the creation of a Liverpool City Region Economic Recovery Panel, to help steer the city region through the economic recovery following the coronavirus crisis. Made up of local business leaders, representatives of central government and national bodies, council leaders and members of the Local Enterprise Partnership Board, and chaired by the Metro Mayor, the […]
Matalan Southport reopens as an ‘essential’ store after 8 weeks in lockdown
The Matalan store in Southport has reopened to customers with safety measures which “go above and beyond the guidance provided” by the Government and Public Health England. The store, at Ocean Plaza, is among 12 being opened by the firm after being shut for the past eight weeks during the coronavirus pandemic. The decision comes as Matalan has been classed […]
Sefton reveals delayed date for schools reopening and won’t fine absent pupils
Schools in Sefton will not reopen on June 1, despite a pledge from Prime Minister Boris Johnson for them to return. Instead, parents in Southport, Formby and elsewhere are looking at a return date of June 15. The council praised the “commitment and hard work” of teachers and support staff who have been keeping schools open and teaching children of […]
Bowling greens damaged as people urged to keep watch for vandals
People are being urged to be on the lookout after damage was caused to bowling greens in Southport. Police have been informed of the incident with witnesses being sought and local residents being asked to report any incidents they might see at Kings Gardens. Kenny Baxter, who runs Bowls Membership Development at Southport Flat Green Bowls Club in the park, […]
Sports marketing firm donates water, snacks and lip balm to Southport Hospital staff
A leading sports marketing firm called into Southport Hospital with a van full of essential supplies. Magnetic Activation is usually enjoying its busiest period at this time of year, delivering stand-out sponsorship and strategy and activation across a world-leading portfolio of assets including West Ham United, Premier League Darts and Cheltenham Festival. They are among dozens of sports marketing firms […]
Pilates instructor gains new customers from around the world with her virtual classes
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on many lives and businesses. But this situation has spurred some businesses into looking for alternative services they can offer and this has certainly been the case for local business woman Sophie Hatton. Southport resident Sophie, a highly trained Pilates teacher set up the first Classical Pilates studio in Southport in February […]
‘Don’t burn garden waste’ warning as man, 82, dies in blaze tragedy
People are being warned against the dangers of burning waste in their gardens after a man died last week. Firefighters were called out to a blaze at around 6pm last Wednesday (May 13). They took just six minutes to arrive but by the time they did they were faced with a “well-developed fire” at the rear of the elderly man’s […]
Municipal golf fees maintained as under 16s enjoy four weeks of free golf
Municipal Golf Courses in Southport and Bootle have held fees at 2019/20 levels. Southport Golf Links and Bootle Golf Course prepare to re-open this Wednesday (20 May) at 9am, after Coronavirus restrictions were partially lifted. Under 16s who sign up as members will also be able to enjoy free golf for the first four weeks of the re-opening. There will […]
Queenscourt volunteers enjoy vital help thanks to £10,000 Medicash donation
During Dying Matters Week, which this year had the theme of Dying to be Heard, Queenscourt Hospice in Southport highlighted an innovative communications course that it created and ran for its volunteers just before the pandemic struck. Queenscourt has over 600 volunteers, who are a core part of its Compassionate Community. It is vital that its volunteers feel confident in […]
How we travel is changing dramatically and that may not be so bad
Train services across the North West are increasing their numbers today as coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease. But don’t expect to board one any time soon – and get ready for some big changes as to how we travel and how we work. And not just for the next couple of weeks, but long-term too. In the short term expect to […]
Sefton pay and display and council car parking charges back in force today
Pay and display and council car parking charges come back into force in Southport, Formby and across Sefton from today onwards (Monday May 18). The charges at Sefton car parks and on-street pay and display areas had been suspended since March, when the coronavirus outbreak broke. The local authority also made certain car parks available for use by key workers. […]
Brave schoolgirl, 9, runs ‘marathon’ to raise money for our NHS
A Southport schoolgirl is making a marathon effort to raise money for the NHS. Sienna Aldred, a pupil at Farnborough Road Junior School in Birkdale, has just turned nine years old. But she has pledged to run the equivalent of a marathon – 26.2 miles – in order to raise money for the Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust Charitable […]
