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Help save Southport's 2nd biggest employer
By Newsroom
News  |  Fri - September 27, 2024 9:28 pm  |  Article Hits:1033  |  A+ | a-
Smedley Hydro  - Trafalgar Road, Birkdale
Smedley Hydro - Trafalgar Road, Birkdale
DESPITE the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer making a personal commitment to supporting the people of Southport to recover from the impact of the violent disorder and the stabbing tragedy, it looks like one of the largest employers in the Town might be closed by the Government!

A UK Government spokesperson has confirmed the information within the leaked report, that the building located on Trafalgar Road, Birkdale, houses the General Register Office, HMPO, Home Office, and NHS Digital Staff, is on a long list of sites the Government is looking at considering winding down the site. The site has over 500 employees working at the site which is the 2nd biggest workplace in town after the Hospital. If this happens, by 2030, it will have a devastating impact on the local economy which mostly runs on part-time and seasonal work. With the effects of the events of 2024 already it's after effects are having a huge impact, this is the very last thing the Town needs.

The newly elected Southport Labour MP Patrick Hurley was shocked to hear this and is now asking people to help save Save Smedley Hydro by signing a petition.

Currently, the Offices within the building handle the administration of the unique identification numbers (now known as NHS numbers) required by the National Health Service. Also since 1991, the General Register Office for births, deaths, and marriages was relocated from London to the site.

Southport's MP Patrick Hurley said:- "I have launched a petition against the proposed closure of the Smedley Hydro site by the Government Property Agency. The Smedley Hydro is one of the largest employers in our constituency, playing a crucial role in both our local community and economy. Most of the employees at this site are residents of Southport. The sudden announcement regarding the site’s potential closure has left staff in uncertainty about their futures. The Smedley Hydro currently houses important government offices, including The General Register Office, HMPO, Home Office, and NHS Digital. Losing this site would mean many local employees would be forced to leave their jobs. Furthermore, the Smedley Hydro has been a cornerstone of Government employment in Southport since the 2nd World War, holding significant historical value for our Town. We urge the Government Property Agency to explore all possible options to keep the Smedley Hydro site open and retain these vital jobs within Southport."

Please sign the online petition to show your support for preserving the Smedley Hydro site and protecting local jobs


Did you know that Smedley Hydro was known as the Smedley Hydro Hotel before the 2nd World War broke out in 1939 and the UK Government took over the site. After it was taken over it was then used by the UK Government for the registration of the population of England and Wales.

Also, please let us know your views on this below...  (Please use audio, not the picture to confirm you are human)

Southport Labour MP Patrick Hurley oustide Smedley Hydro

Extra information:- On 1 July 1837, every birth and death occurring in England and Wales had to be registered by the local registrar, with the 1st Registrar General being Thomas Lister. More information can be found on the .Gov.UK website and on Wikipedia.
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