Eye on Southport
Southport Local Briefing — 2 October 2026
Here’s a concise look at the latest community, council, transport, business and public safety updates affecting Southport and the wider area.
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Police issue 47 warnings over antisocial behaviour across Sefton
Merseyside Police has used preventative orders and enforcement powers across Sefton to address persistent nuisance and offending. Officers secured 26 Criminal Behaviour Orders and issued 47 Community Protection Warnings, followed by 10 formal notices. A dedicated team and regional partnership are coordinating action, while residents are encouraged to report incidents.
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Lifeways starts 32-week refurbishment of Abingdon in Southport
Lifeways has started a 32-week, £500,000 refurbishment of its Abingdon residential care service in Southport. The improvements will support residents with complex needs, including autism, mental health conditions and learning disabilities. Residents are helping choose bedroom finishes and will return from holidays to newly refurbished rooms and individual ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
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Sefton council press office criticised over Promenade cycle row
Sefton’s press office has been criticised over its involvement in a political dispute about a planned cycle route along part of Southport Promenade. Opposition leader John Pugh questions the scheme’s cycling benefits, disruption and relationship to Active Travel Fund support, while acknowledging wider improvements planned around the Conference Centre.
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Applications open for on-call firefighters in Lancashire
Applications are open for on-call firefighter roles with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. The positions are designed to fit around existing work and commitments, with full training provided. Applicants living or working near an on-call station may receive a yearly retainer of £4,255.36, plus payments for attending incidents.
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Network Rail sends seven leaf-busting trains across the North West
Network Rail has deployed seven specialist trains across the North West for a ten-week autumn operation clearing leaves from tracks. High-powered water jets remove leaf matter, while traction gel helps trains brake and accelerate safely. The fleet is expected to cover just over 100,000 miles and support reliable passenger and freight services.
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Sefton Council begins early leaf clearance programme after dry summer
Sefton Council’s annual leaf collection began earlier than usual after a dry summer prompted trees to shed leaves sooner. Street Cleansing teams are working systematically across roads and footpaths, collecting around 1,000 tonnes during the season. Material is composted and reused for planting and landscaping, with no exact street dates available.
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Commissioner backs stronger e-scooter rules after 1,100 vehicles seized
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is backing stronger regulation of e-scooters and urging forces to crush, rather than resell, illegally used e-bikes and e-scooters. Lancashire Constabulary seized and crushed more than 1,100 vehicles in 12 months. Proposed measures would make seizure and destruction easier while clarifying permitted use.
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