Southport local briefing — 10 October 2026

Vehicle overturns in Hillside crash as Waterloo Road closes

A vehicle overturned at the Sandon Road and Waterloo Road junction in Hillside at about 1.30pm on Friday. Emergency crews attended, and at least one person was treated in an ambulance. Waterloo Road was closed over Hillside Bridge, while the extent of the person’s injuries remained unknown.

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RIP Gary Bates

Gary Bryan Bates, who served with the 29 Commando Unit before becoming an HGV driver, has died aged 55. Remembered as a devoted father, family man and enthusiast of cars, rugby and Everton, he was due to be commemorated at Southport Crematorium on Friday 9 October.

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Class 350 trains to bring air conditioning and more space to Northern services

Northern will introduce 37 refurbished Class 350 trains from early 2028, replacing its Class 323 fleet. The £25 million upgrade includes air conditioning, more carriages, luggage racks and at-seat power on many routes. New technology is also intended to improve stopping distances and reliability in slippery conditions.

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Southport to host Ashton Town in Liverpool Senior Cup preliminary round

Southport will welcome Ashton Town at Haig Avenue for a Liverpool Senior Cup preliminary-round tie on Tuesday 10 November, with a 7.45pm kick-off. Admission information will follow. The winning side will travel to Marine in the next round of the competition.

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Vue Southport announces family film line-up for October half-term

Vue Southport is preparing a family programme for the October half-term from Friday 23 October, including new animated films Monster Mia and Wildwood. The schedule also features Shaun the Sheep, PAW Patrol, Disney Junior screenings and relaxed Big Shorts sessions, alongside discounted Mighty Mornings and Ultra Lux seating.

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First whooper swans arrive at Martin Mere for winter

Around 40 whooper swans have arrived at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough, beginning their seasonal return from Iceland. Numbers are expected to grow through winter. Visitors can see them from the Discovery Hide, with daily wild bird feeding resuming during the North West Bird Watching Festival.

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Southport man arrested after nail salon burglary linked to three others

Police have arrested a 28-year-old Southport man after a Neville Street nail salon was burgled and its cash register stolen. Investigators believe the incident may be linked to three other nearby business burglaries involving two barber shops and an attempted gift shop break-in. He remains on conditional bail.

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Free NHS flu vaccinations extended to more people across Sefton

Sefton residents newly eligible for free NHS flu vaccination include people aged 65 and over, some adults with health conditions, carers, certain social care workers, care-home residents, people living with someone immunocompromised and people experiencing homelessness. Appointments are available through GP practices, pharmacies, the NHS App or 119.

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