Eye on Southport
The Local Briefing: Southport news for 29 October 2026
Here’s your warm and concise Southport update, covering local policing, travel, support for households, community developments and the weekend’s football.
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Southport man arrested after reports of banging at Sussex Road shop
Police have arrested a 38-year-old Southport man after reports of banging at a Sussex Road shop around 3.20am on Wednesday. An 18-year-old from Netherton was also arrested in a separate burglary investigation and on suspicion of possessing MDMA and ketamine. Both men remain in police custody for questioning.
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Gas standing charges to be scrapped for millions of households from 2027
The Government says gas standing charges, currently averaging £108 a year for a typical household, will be removed in 2027 or as soon as possible afterwards. Fixed costs will instead be included in unit rates, potentially saving 60% of account-holding households an average of £45 annually, with targeted support planned for some households.
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New Belong village in Birkdale to open with independent living apartments
Belong Birkdale has released 30 independent living apartments for rent or purchase ahead of its January 2027 opening on Oxford Road. Ten apartments have already been reserved. Residents will have access to a bistro, salon, gym, gardens and entertainment venue, alongside optional home care and wider nursing, dementia and residential care services.
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New footage reveals progress on Merseyrail’s Victorian tunnel upgrades
Work is progressing on a £3.5m programme to strengthen and waterproof Victorian tunnels on the Merseyrail Northern Line. More than 50 workers have waterproofed 1,672 square metres of tunnel wall and drilled thousands of holes for injections and drainage. The line remains closed between Hunts Cross and Liverpool Central, with normal services due to return on Saturday 7 November.
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Southport FC host AFC Telford United after Macclesfield postponement
Southport FC will welcome AFC Telford United to Haig Avenue on Saturday 31 October, with kick-off at 3pm. The fixture follows Tuesday’s postponement against Macclesfield after storm damage at the stadium. Tickets are available online until kick-off, while supporters can also pay by cash or card at the Club Shop or turnstiles.
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Sefton Council launches free calculator to help households claim support
Sefton Council has launched a free, confidential online calculator to help households identify possible benefits, grants, discounts and other support. It can show how changes in work, income or family circumstances may affect finances. Residents without internet access can use computers and Wi-Fi at local libraries, while further cost-of-living advice is available through the council.
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Man sentenced after fleeing police through Merseyside stations and tunnels
Tyler Griffith has received a suspended 12-month prison sentence, 100 hours of unpaid work and an £800 fine after obstructing the railway while fleeing police. He ran through stations and tunnels, climbed onto a Merseyrail train roof and crossed tracks. The incident caused four and a half hours of disruption, affecting more than 20,000 passenger journeys and costing over £30,000.
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Households can borrow up to £35,000 for clean energy improvements
The Warm Homes Loan Scheme will offer no- and low-interest finance for energy improvements including solar panels, batteries and heat pumps, with loans available across the UK. Borrowing limits range up to £35,000, and some households may combine finance with grants. The scheme is intended to remove upfront costs and help reduce energy bills.
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