Conservative Leader on Sefton Council, Mike Prendergast, is once again calling for a review of how Southport beach is managed following further reports in local media.
Councillor Prendergast said, “As a seaside town, it’s vital we have an area of beach, near the seawall designated as a leisure/amenity beach for local people and visitors to enjoy as a traditional beach.”
“Sefton Conservatives recently suggested a public consultation on Southport Beach and our own preference would be for the area between the Pier and Weld Road roundabout to be designated as the leisure/amenity beach and over time, with proper maintenance, reclaimed as such.”
“The response from Labour councillors was it’s all natural processes and if people want a sandy beach they should go somewhere else.”
“Plenty of other seaside towns maintain their beaches and there is no reason why Southport can’t do the same. Thousands of local jobs and businesses depend on our seaside economy and this should be a priority for Sefton Council.”
“Recent suggestions about access to the beach from the Pier is an idea worth considering once Sefton Council agree to fund it’s repair, which still seems a long way off. Though this should be in addition to having a usable beach area near the sea wall, near local attractions, not at the expense of it.”
“It’s clear to everyone in Southport though that it’s Labour who are the beach blockers here. They simply will not even consider alternatives to letting the beach become overgrown.”
“Virtually all other Southport councillors can see the benefit of changing our strategy in relation to our beach. As with our Pier, the state of our beach is a direct consequence of choices made by Labour.”
“Southport is a fantastic seaside town and deserves so much better. We are one of the economic drivers of the Sefton economy and we rely on tourism. It is a worthwhile investment preserving an area of beach for people to use and enjoy and we can’t afford to carry on with status quo.”