Liberal Democrat Candidate Promises Southport Pier Renovation

City  Region Mayoral Candidate, Rob McAllister-Bell believes the City Region can find substantial funds to help fix Southport’s ailing Pier, and if elected in May, would make that a key priority.

Liberal Democrat, McAllister-Bell (pictured here with pier campaigner, Erin Harvey) said the City Region runs a £633m annual budget with additional access to significant capital funds and has the flexibility to do so.

He stated,  "The cancellation of HS2 has led to a windfalll for the City Region with the government offering over a billion pounds to city regions. Most of that is earmarked for transport, but oddly Southport Pier would qualify as it’s both a tourist destination and technically a route to the sea controlled by a public body.

 Sefton, I understand, are reluctant to stump up the cash for a full repair which could rise to £12M and they should really make some contribution as it’s their asset and maintenance is their business. However, a substantial injection of City Region money could move things along rapidly.”

The City Region has already made a contribution to the building of a new events centre in Southport , following the demolition of the Floral Hall and Theatre. Sefton are currently engaging in new price discussions over that project which was originally budgeted for at £72M.

“People have to remember,” says McAllister-Bell, “ that local tax payers in areas like Southport are stumping up the money via the council tax that City Region bosses spend.They need to know that they are getting their fair share in return. People in Southport clearly care about their assets and heritage.”