The Local Briefing: Southport updates for 29 September 2026

Police renew appeal to identify woman with no teeth found dead in Stanley Park

Police are renewing their appeal to identify a woman whose body was found in a black bin bag in Stanley Park on 28 August. She may have been around 70, was white, approximately 5ft 2in and of slight build, and suffered from osteoporosis, COPD and arthritis. Enquiries continue.

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Police appeal for help to find missing Southport teenager Holly Dickinson

Police are seeking information about 14-year-old Holly Dickinson, who has been missing from home since Sunday morning. She may have been seen near Southport Promenade and is known to visit the waterfront, retail parks, Meols Cop playing field and play areas around Town Lane and Janes Brook Road.

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WWT Martin Mere launches scare-free SUPER Natural Halloween adventure

WWT Martin Mere will offer families a scare-free Halloween adventure from 24 October to 1 November. Visitors can follow a nature-themed logbook, explore autumn wildlife and join activities including willow wand-making, marshland potions, owl pellet investigations and fungi hunts. The programme is included with admission and free for members.

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Sefton Council climate team to host four public drop-in sessions

Sefton Council’s Climate team will hold four public drop-in sessions between 1 October and 1 December at Crosby Library, Bootle Library, The Atkinson and The Meadows. Residents can discuss environmental projects, energy efficiency, available support and the council’s 2025/26 Annual Report. No booking is required.

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Avanti West Coast services to enter public ownership on 7 March 2027

Avanti West Coast services are due to enter public ownership on 7 March 2027. The government says planned improvements include additional power and signalling maintenance, timetable changes, station upgrades, better onboard connectivity and closer coordination between track and train to reduce disruption on the West Coast Main Line.

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Southport held to 2-2 draw after Spennymoor’s late penalty

Southport surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Spennymoor Town at Haig Avenue. Malakai McKenzie and Adam Moseley scored before Glen Taylor pulled one back in the second half. Taylor then converted a stoppage-time penalty to complete the visitors’ comeback in front of 1,638 spectators.

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Hocus Pocus, Verity and The Others headline Vue Southport’s October line-up

Vue Southport’s October programme combines new releases with returning favourites, including Hocus Pocus, Verity, The Others, The Craft, Scream, Ghosts: The Possession of Button House and anniversary screenings of Donnie Darko and Pan’s Labyrinth. Other releases include Other Mommy, Clayface and Crawlers, with Ultra Lux seating also available.

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