“Lack of care, effective security and urgency has led To Hesketh Centre fire” – Southport Lib Dems

“Lack of care, effective security and urgency has led To Hesketh Centre fire” – Southport Lib Dems

Commenting on the fire that has engulfed the former Hesketh Centre, Leo Evans, Councillor for Cambridge Ward where the building is, said: “I was deeply saddened this morning to wake up to the news of the former Hesketh Centre on Albert Road on fire. I’d like to thank the emergency services who have been working since early this morning to combat the fire. The site has been empty since the NHS left the facility in December 2020 and has been an eyesore ever since, though it was recently purchased at auction. Sadly, this was somewhat predictable.

“A lack of effective security, a lack of care for the building and a lack of urgency has led to a position where something like this was becoming more and more likely. I first warned the former owners about the risk that the site was posing in January 2022 when some 'urban explorers' broke into the site to create online content, showing that medical equipment and furniture was still present. Security had been increased, though whether that was continued after the purchase at auction I am unable to comment.

“Regardless, it is a sad day for Southport as we lose another beautiful Victorian building in the town. The site was once one of the countries premier 'Hydro-Hotels' and photos from a century ago show a stunning facility just across the road from Hesketh Park, it is a real shame to lose such history in our town.”