Lack of Co-ordination and Unity Undermining Efforts to Restore Southport's Lord Street

Lord Street is Southport’s greatest asset and biggest problem but does anyone have the surefire solution to return it to its former glory ?  

Cllr. John Pugh ( Liberal Democrat)  in whose ward Lord St sits describes this as a massive challenge the community must face but believes that one essential part of any solution is missing - the collaboration and co-ordination of efforts.

“It’s a brave person who claims to have a magic wand that can turn Lord St back into a boulevard of thriving and prestigious shops.The problems besetting Lord Street are found in most British high streets. 

However, there have been a number of  attempts to address the decline and no shortage of improvement suggestions from groups and individuals. We have a Southport Bid (Business Improvement District) , a Southport Civic Society,  a Hoteliers Association , a Southport Operational Group and sundry volunteer groups (including the wonderful volunteer gardeners) - all working along with the Council and councillors for the same aims. The local police have shown a commendable interest in supporting the wider social agenda  

What we don’t have is the level of collaboration, communication and unity needed for such a difficult task.There are too many silos as well as too many unheard voices. It is unfortunate that we no longer have a Chamber of Commerce. Great initiatives like 'Homes above Shops’  are likely to flounder simply because there are not enough bodies behind them. 

There are those in the Council betting on the new Conference and events Centre when its built dramatically transforming all and have been relaxed about giving the go-ahead to retail expansion at Meols Cop, but many of us feel the revival of Lord St will still be a hard slog, demanding consistent collaborative effort over time and many hands to the pump.

 My view and worry is that we’re not seeing much of that. Sefton officers don't even discuss the Southport events programme aimed at boosting Lord St with Southport councillors. There is no lack of excellent initiatives and ideas, but the more competing saviours Lord St has, the less the chance of it actually being saved. Unity, and a good plan, is strength.  “