Southport local briefing — 26 August 2026

01 Transport

Southport Road closed after burst water main floods properties in Scarisbrick

Southport Road in Scarisbrick is closed in both directions after a burst water main flooded a small number of properties. United Utilities teams, specialist loss adjusters and emergency partners are responding. A diversion is being arranged, but motorists are advised to avoid the area. No reopening timetable has been given.
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02 Health

Virtual wards bring hospital care closer to thousands across the region

Virtual wards across Cheshire and Merseyside treated more than 5,000 additional patients at home during 2025-26, a 51 per cent increase. Patients receive hospital-level care under clinical supervision using technology and medical devices. Daily occupancy often exceeds 90 per cent, with feedback highlighting compassionate, coordinated treatment.
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03 Emergency Services

Southport rescue team helps find two missing people in early-morning beach search

Southport Offshore Rescue Trust supported Merseyside Police in locating two missing people during an early-morning search on Southport Beach. Its quad team and thermal-imaging drone found the individuals in separate locations, working with police to bring the incident safely to an end before returning to wash down equipment.
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04 Crime

Police appeal for footage after drivers use M6 slip road wrong way near Lancaster

Police are seeking dashcam and mobile phone footage after drivers turned around and travelled the wrong way up an M6 slip road near Lancaster following a collision. Nobody was seriously injured, but officers warned the manoeuvre could have been fatal. Information should be submitted by calling 101 and quoting log 0689.
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05 What's On

Southport’s Scarborough trip: ticket prices and entry details

Southport’s National League North match at Scarborough Athletic takes place at 3pm on Saturday 29 August. Tickets can be bought online until 10am that day or at the ground. The fixture is not segregated, with travelling supporters asked to use the Boro Gate turnstiles. Adult admission costs £18.
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06 Business

Vue Southport introduces audio streaming technology for hearing loss

Vue Southport has introduced Auri, an Auracast broadcast audio system across all screens. Compatible hearing aids, implants, headphones and earbuds can receive sound directly, while dedicated receivers are available. The system can also provide audio description and support people with neurodiversity who prefer a quieter cinema experience.
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07 Environment

Why thousands of pink-footed geese return to WWT Martin Mere each autumn

Tens of thousands of pink-footed geese are expected at WWT Martin Mere after migrating from Iceland and eastern Greenland. Up to 40,000 may gather at once. Goosefest runs from 5 September to 18 October, with guided walks, workshops, late openings, family activities and birdwatching events planned.
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08 Transport

Rail passengers urged to plan ahead for busy North West bank holiday weekend

Rail passengers are being urged to plan carefully over the bank holiday weekend, when Creamfields, Manchester Pride, football matches and the Southport Air Show will attract large crowds. Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street are expected to be particularly busy. Travellers should check services and last trains before setting out.
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