Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has announced funding for Southport Pier in her speech, setting out UK's spending plans in the House of Commons today.

The Member of Parliament for Southport Patrick Hurley has publicly said:- "The condition and closure of the Pier has been a huge source of concern for everyone in Southport over the last two and a half years, and the whole community shares the desire for the Pier to be reopened. That is why I am thrilled to tell you that we now have Government backing for the restoration of Southport Pier, thanks to the Growth Mission Fund announced today in Labour's Spending Review. In the almost 12 months since my election as your MP, I have worked diligently behind the scenes to raise the issue of the Pier with Government ministers, Council officers, Councillors, business leaders, and other national bodies to ensure that the importance of the Pier’s restoration remained in full focus of everyone involved. It is clear how powerful an emblem the Pier is for our Town, and I could not be more pleased to know that it will now stand proud once again as the focal point of our coast."

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has added that:- "Today's announcement is great news for Southport, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I had some time with the Prime Minister during our meeting at Lancaster House to talk specifically about Southport, where he gave his word that he’d support the town, and it’s good to see him following through on this commitment, especially after the news earlier this week about Town Hall Gardens. This hasn’t happened by chance. It’s the result of tireless work by people who’ve never stopped fighting for the town’s future. Cllr Marion Atkinson and the Town’s MP Patrick Hurley have helped lead the charge locally, and the community has shown real determination to see Southport thrive. With the Marine Lake Events Centre taking shape, our new trains better connecting our community, and new investment on the way, there’s a real sense of momentum building. We’ll keep doing our bit, and we’re ready to work with the Government to make sure Southport gets the backing it’s long deserved."

Also, Silcock's Funland owners have added:- "This is amazing news. We did not expect it! The Pier is not just a structure; it forms part of the Town's identity and is part of the UK's heritage. This news is fantastic, as we have been overlooked for so long. It has been a massive effort by all parties and businesses to get the funding, and this announcement out of the blue is just... Well, sorry to use the word again, amazing!"

Conservative Leader on Sefton Council, Mike Prendergast said:- "Today's announcement has significantly increased the likelihood that funding for Southport Pier will be granted by Central Government, and regardless of political party, that is good news for Southport. Opposition Councillors and members of the public across Southport have consistently held the Labour council and Labour MP to account on the issue. We've written to cabinet ministers, and members of the public have signed petitions and attended public meetings. The work now looks like it might have paid off. Of course, the devil will be in the details, and even though the eligibility criteria for the new Growth Mission Fund haven’t been announced and won't be available till later in the year, apparently Southport's bid will definitely qualify. So, it’s good to know that Council Officers won't be putting together a bid that will be rejected, as happened with the Lottery funding expression of interest. It's also vitally important that control and responsibility for our Pier remain with local people. None of us wants to see one of our key heritage assets handed over to a quango as has previously been suggested. We have to hope that the funding we are going to receive does not come with those kinds of strings attached. In the knowledge that Sefton Council's bid will be accepted, the Council really needs to crack on with getting the work done. There is now no reason to delay, and all of Southport will expect Sefton Council to start the work as soon as."