On The Spot News | OTS News - Southport

Sefton Council launches recruitment drive for school governors

To mark National School Governors Awareness Day, Sefton Council is launching a new recruitment drive to boost numbers of school governors across the borough. Sefton launched the #GiveBackGetAhead campaign today to

28th February 2023

Southport man captures stunning image of Northern Lights over Ainsdale

An amateur phone photographer from Southport has captured the northern lights over the resort. Craig Bayliff braved icy temperatures at 2am this morning to take a photo of the night sky over

27th February 2023

Swimmers evacuated from leisure centre pool after ‘accident’

People at a Southport baths got more than they bargained for this morning after one over excited swimmer contaminated the pool. Dunes Leisure Centre staff sounded the alarm and told people to

27th February 2023

Energy bills will soar by at least £500 next month

People will be paying at least £500 a year more for the gas and electric from April, with many not getting any direct financial support for it. Energy regulator Ofgem has set

27th February 2023

Riot cops seal off Shakespeare Street in huge incident

Riot cops and police dogs were called to a significant incident on Shakespeare Street this afternoon as officers attended to arrest a male who had breached a non-molestation order. The road is

25th February 2023

Police close off Ainsdale pub after man seriously assaulted

A Southport man is in a critical condition in hospital after an alleged assault in Ainsdale. The male, in his thirties, suffered serious head injuries after a reported altercation outside the Champs

25th February 2023

Council leader reaffirms support for Ukraine as anniversary approaches

As the world prepares to mark the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sefton Council Leader Cllr Ian Maher has reaffirmed the Borough’s support for “Ukrainians and Russians everywhere who

23rd February 2023

Lord Street bank safe from cuts as HSBC bosses lament profit drop

Bosses at HSBC bank have confirmed that the iconic Southport branch of its chain will remain open. It comes as banking bosses say they will close hundreds of branches of HSBC banks,

22nd February 2023

Edge Hill University reveals £35m development plan

Edge Hill University has unveiled plans for a further £35m development, significantly enhancing the student experience at its Ormskirk campus. The largest element of the new plans is for 232 residential rooms,

22nd February 2023

Police hunt Liverpool man on prison recall

Police are urgently appealing to find a man from Liverpool who is wanted on a recall to prison for breach of his license conditions. Anthony Earle, 36 years old, has breached his

22nd February 2023

Keith Brymer Jones to appear at Southport Flower Show

Potter, Ceramic Designer and Broadcaster Keith Brymer Jones will be making an appearance at this year’s show on Friday 18th August. The Great Pottery Show Down star will be taking a break

22nd February 2023

Council chief exec will get eye watering £170k salary

The next boss of Sefton Council will be on an eye watering salary higher than that of the UK’s Prime Minister. Outgoing Chief Executive Dwayne Johnson will see his replacement be paid

21st February 2023

John Pugh: Local A&E staff deserve recognition as handover stats show improvement

Cllr John Pugh, the Liberal Democrat leader in Sefton and member of Sefton’s Health Scrutiny Committee, believes that local NHS A&E staff deserve recognition and reward for maintaining a good standard of

19th February 2023

Will Ferrell gives seal of approval to Cake Corner

Hollywood superstar Will Ferrell has revealed his love of a popular Southport confectioner. The A List movie star, who is currently in the UK, was presented with a sweet treat made by

17th February 2023

Volunteer sought to help scrutinise council’s decisions

Are you passionate about local government and want to help make sure the right decisions are being made? Sefton Council is offering a unique opportunity for someone with the right professional background

16th February 2023

JustGiving campaign launched to repair vandalised RSPB Marshside Hide

One of the most important wetland sites for wildlife in the North-West has today launched a new campaign to ask nature lovers to show a little extra love for the reserve and

16th February 2023

Norwood disability improvements in full swing

A number of disability initiatives have begun in Norwood ward with the installation of two new access swings for disabled children. The work programme also includes installing drop kerbs and tactile paving

16th February 2023

Southport man caught after double robbery in resort

A Southport man has been arrested after being suspected of robbing two corner shops in the town. Police have charged a man in connection with two robberies of convenience stores in Southport.

16th February 2023

Council remain tight lipped on Splash World reopening

Splash World in Southport could be open by Spring, according to the council. No date was forthcoming when OTS News asked the council to say when the popular swimming baths would reopen.

15th February 2023

Race abuser forced into rehab after verbal assault on Southport pub drinker

Police are welcoming the sentencing of a man for a racially and religiously aggravated offence in Southport. Edward Ossian, 68, of Norwood Avenue, Southport, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday

15th February 2023

Biggest ever housing plan set for Crowland Street

More than 680 homes could be built in Southport, one of the largest developments the area has ever seen. Homes England owns the majority of the site, which is earmarked for development

14th February 2023

Family of Southport man stuck in Dubai coma in plea for help

A Southport ex-pat is currently stuck in a comatose state in a Dubai intensive care hospital ward. His family have now launched a desperate plea for help after his insurance company said

14th February 2023

Cow ‘died of exhaustion’ after dog chase say Birkdale rangers

Sefton Council, and coastal conservation partner, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, are dismayed to find one of the conservation cattle on the Birkdale Hills Local Nature Reserve has died after seemingly being chased down,

13th February 2023

Churchtown petrol station closed after suspected robbery

Forensic police officers are combing through a Churchtown petrol station after a suspected early morning robbery. The Tesco Express on Preston New Road is expected to remain closed throughout Monday as officers

13th February 2023

Council to raise awareness of voter ID changes ahead of May local elections

This year will be the ‘IDeal Time’ to make your voice heard and use your vote, say Sefton Council. The local authority has launched a campaign this week to raise awareness of

12th February 2023

Merseyside firefighters among those deployed to Türkiye following earthquakes

Specialist teams from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) are among those being deployed to the Republic of Türkiye to assist with search and rescue operations following the devastating earthquakes. The 77-strong

12th February 2023

Still time to renew energy pre-payment vouchers

Sefton households with pre-payment gas or electricity meters that have not used their October and November Energy Support Scheme vouchers to claim payments, can get them reissued even though they have expired.

12th February 2023

Council inviting applications to Household support fund

Sefton Council is inviting residents in need of financial help to apply to the Household Support Fund. Open to those who are struggling to afford energy, food and essential household bills, the

12th February 2023

Emergency crews scour Dunes for injured driver of smashed car

Emergency services remain on scene at the coastal road between Birkdale and Ainsdale this morning following a huge crash. Police were called just after 2am to a scene of devastation after a

9th February 2023

MP says council must confirm Pontins Asylum camp plan won’t go ahead

Southport’s MP says it is up to Sefton Council to decide whether or not an asylum seeker camp is set up in Ainsdale. The plans, which would see the huge Pontins holiday

7th February 2023