Southport's Indoor Market

Refurbishment programme starts in June 2010 with completion date August 2011. It has been approved that current stallholders remain in the Market Hall rather than be relocated during the refurbishment programme, this was their requested choice. The Councils Capital Programme was recently reassessed because of the financial climate. It was agreed that the original decision to include Southport's Indoor Market in a refurbishment project be confirmed.  This decision was supported by the Conservatives and Labour Councillors. It was not supported by the Liberal Democrats of which 3 of 4 Cabinet Members were from Southport.

•1)    The decision to refurbish the Market was to give Southport retailers support.

•2)    It is recognised that Indoor Markets are popular and will encourage further trade to the town,

•3)    Local residents wanted their Market saved, it was part of their heritage and could be a viable concern.

•4)    A petition with over 8000 signatures was secured in 3 weeks, and gave further support to the project.

Children's Walk in Centre

The latest meeting with the PCT on Monday 21^st December ended in chaos as the promised Children's Centre, for an early 2010 opening, was not supported by the PCT because of issues raised by their clinicians.

Southport has been without a Children's Unit for nearly 7 years when the Children's A & E and Women's Services transferred to Ormskirk, why has Ormskirk, Skelmersdale and South of Sefton has established Walk in Centres but not Southport!!

The initial decision to transfer services was a Government decision. Why after nearly 7 years has MP John Pugh only just admitted little he can do?

Why has Southport with John Pugh as MP been forgotten?

Cultural Centre - Library Service

The Liberal Democrats forgot to ensure funding for a relocated library service was put in place.

The responsibility for the library service comes under Cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn and special responsibility for the Cultural Centre project under Cllr Tony Robinson Leader of the Council..........both Liberal Democrats.

The Liberal Democrats demanded unallocated funding when they realised funding a relocated library had not been included in the final cost of the redeveloped Cultural Centre!!!

To have supported this request would have put services at risk and encouraged further job losses.

The Council to keep a 3% Council Tax need savings of £!2 million over the next year with £25 million over the next 3 years. Their demand was irresponsible and did not consider the welfare of local residents.

It is not understood how Southport Liberal Democrat Members knowing the Liberal Democrats did not provide for a relocated library could also vote against a programme of regeneration, to develop a Market Quarter, that would help Southport and retain part of its heritage.

To blame others is not to be admired.

Politics

I am standing for Parliament because I care about my town and my country. I know I will be conscientious, caring and do a good job if elected as the MP for Southport. I am not in the business of sound bites, inaccuracies with information or slagging off the opposition to try and win a vote....not for me.

75^th Anniversary Bath Street Conservative Club

Helping to celebrate with committee and friends. Keith Mitchell from Mitchell & Wright was the guest speaker, his memories took you back in time and were most enjoyable.

The Arts

Having attended many exhibitions recently I am so impressed with local talent. The proposed involvement of Southport College with local businesses, helping to provide something different and encouraging trade, has been one of the most satisfying on jobs I have done. Our young people need our support and they want to help Southport so bringing together the appropriate people had been a joy.

The exhibition of the Southport Contemporary Arts Network was excellent. The aim of the group is to galvanise talents and to provide regular showcase exhibitions. They are hoping local businesses may be able to offer space for exhibitions and PR events...Anyone interested can contact via This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Again knowing local talent visited the Gallery on Eastbank Street bridge and was again impressed  -  Southport as a Classic Resort has the artists for sure. For more information on the work contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .