On The Spot News | OTS News - Southport

Supermarket safety message from Sefton Council’s public health director

Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health Margaret Jones, has written to managers of the Borough’s supermarkets to support their efforts to keep customers and staff safe from COVID-19. In her letter, Mrs

23rd January 2021

Bill Esterson MP responds to “unprecedented” flooding in Maghull

Bill Esterson MP responded to “unprecedented” flooding in Maghull, which was largely saved from “a disaster” due to the breach of an embankment. Sefton Central MP Mr Esterson has called on the

23rd January 2021

Formby HSBC branch to close

Formby’s Chapel Lane HSBC branch will permanently shut its doors in July. The move comes as part of HSBC’s closure of 82 branches nationwide before September. The banking giant is not expected

23rd January 2021

Fire Service praised for support towards community during pandemic

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS) has been praised for its response to COVID-19 and the way it stepped up to support the community throughout the pandemic. The recognition comes from Her

23rd January 2021

Merseyside Police’s Chief Constable to retire

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner has announced today that Andy Cooke QPM has informed her of his decision to retire as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police to take up a new appointment, details of

23rd January 2021

Storm uncovers historic baby gravestone on beach

A baby’s gravestone from over 80 years ago has been found among rubble on a local beach. The historic find has been uncovered after high tides and stormy conditions disturbed piles of

22nd January 2021

Leisure pioneer Herbert Silcock dies, aged 94

One of Southport’s most influential businessmen has died, aged 94. Herbert Silcock Snr, a pioneer of Southport’s leisure industry, sadly passed away earlier this week. Mr Silcock established himself with rides at

21st January 2021

Maghull residents advised to leave homes after severe floods

Heavy rain from Storm Christoph has led to raised water levels and flooding from the River Alt, that is set to increase significantly and means that some residents in the Maghull area

20th January 2021

Floods feared for Formby as river bursts banks

Train services have been cancelled and homes have been put on high alert after the River Alt burst its banks tonight. Merseyrail have cancelled their northern line services after significant flooding in

20th January 2021

Woodlands Animal Sanctuary launch fund raising lottery with £25,000 top prize

Have you signed up for Woodlands Animal Sanctuary lottery yet? Woodlands Animal Sanctuary are always looking for ways to help them raise enough money to fund the life changing work they do;

20th January 2021

Have they bin? major section of town miss out on rubbish collection

If you find your wheely bin and rubbish bags are still outside your home this evening, you aren’t alone. Sefton Council have admitted a ‘large area’ of the town has missed out

19th January 2021

Doctors say ‘don’t ask us’ to worried vaccine waiting list patients

Doctors in Southport have told patients not to bother them with panicked vaccine enquiries after a letter was issued to vulnerable residents in the town. Patients at St Mark’s Medical Centre in

19th January 2021

Vaccination letters “confusing” for older people who need their jab administered locally, says Bill Esterson MP

Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson has criticised the arrangements for the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine, saying his constituents should not have to travel up to 45 minutes to St Helens for

19th January 2021

Coronavirus test centres opening hours to extend from Wednesday

From Wednesday 20th January, Sefton Council is extending the opening hours of its three SMART coronavirus test sites to 8am to 8pm. SMART coronavirus testing for people with NO symptoms is now

18th January 2021

Multi-million-pound boost to support T Level students in Southport to succeed

Young people across Southport are set to benefit from a national multi-million-pound fund aimed at making sure those studying pioneering new T Level qualifications from 2022 have access to world class facilities

18th January 2021

New conspiracy graffiti highlights Meols Cop vandalism problem

This article contains imagery of offensive graffiti containing racial slurs and strong language. Conspiracy theory graffiti has been daubed over signage in front of ALDI on Meols Cop Road. An incomplete, misleading

17th January 2021

Emergency services respond to suspected heart attack in ASDA car park

Emergency services have rushed to the scene of a serious incident at a town centre supermarket tonight. Emergency first responders from Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance service were called to

16th January 2021

Sefton Council aiming to take the gloom out of Blue Monday

Although this Monday, the third in January, has been dubbed 2021’s Blue Monday, Sefton Council is highlighting a few way people can beat the blues. Blue Monday is rumoured to have got

16th January 2021

Police launch new witness appeal after Bold Street machete attack

Detectives investigating an assault in Southport are issuing a new appeal for witnesses to come forward. On Wednesday 13 January at around 5.10pm, officers were called to Lord Street to reports of

15th January 2021

Police Commissioner asks for views on 19p per week tax rise for 160 extra officers

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner is asking local people if they would be willing to pay a little extra through the police precept, which is collected alongside the council tax, to help protect Merseyside

15th January 2021

Botanic Gardens Aviary to undergo major repairs

Southport’s Botanic Gardens Aviaries – home to a range of exotic birds such as parrots and parakeets as well as rabbits and guinea pigs – are set to undergo further repair works

15th January 2021

Insurers must pay small Southport firms for Covid lockdown losses

Small businesses in Southport are set to receive insurance payouts covering losses from the first national lockdown, following a court ruling. The Supreme Court found in favour of small firms receiving payments

15th January 2021

Volunteer needed for rewarding hospital role

Southport and Ormskirk hospitals are looking to recruit a local person to fill a unique and fulfilling position as a patient discharge support volunteer. Volunteer manager Irene Gardner explains: “It is widely

15th January 2021

Friends and family invited to stream funeral of Southport businessman

Friends and family of popular Southport businessman John Sinclair are being invited to watch a special live stream of his funeral tomorrow. The Peaky Blinder’s Bar owner and prominent resort philanthropist will

14th January 2021

Bold Street ‘Business owner’ stabbed in violent knife assault

A Southport man is currently being treated for serious injuries after being attacked with a large knife in Southport tonight. Police have closed off Bold Street in Southport this evening after a

13th January 2021

Police close off Bold Street after ‘serious incident’

Officers have closed Bold Street in Southport Town Centre this evening (Wednesday) following what has been described as a ‘serious incident.’ Police have cordoned off the road between the former Casa Italia

13th January 2021

“Extreme pressure” forces North West Ambulance Service to declare highest alert level

North West Ambulance Service has moved to the top level of its Resource Escalation Action Plan amidst severe pressure being placed on the service. The service confirmed it had escalated to REAP

13th January 2021

Police warn Ainsdale residents to be aware of ‘porch poachers’

Police are asking residents to make sure their properties and cars are secure after reports of two men trying to target porch doors in Ainsdale. It follows an incident on Sunday evening

12th January 2021

MP wants VAT support extended to save struggling resort businesses

Hospitality businesses in the UK need “a clear road map” to help them emerge successfully from the Covid-19 pandemic says MP Damien Moore. The Southport Conservative MP is also calling for VAT

12th January 2021

Southport’s silver screen saviour passes away

The man credited with bringing a classic cinema experience back to the heart of Southport has sadly passed away. Michael Lockwood, the friendly faced film buff behind the rise of Bijou Cinema

12th January 2021