Government to help support pier reopening

SOUTHPORT has emerged from a 'very bleak tunnel,' according to local residents who are celebrating a huge announcement.

- BY ELLIOT JESSETT Local Democracy Reporter

That announcement saw Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announce Government support to fund the reopening of Southport Pier.

Southport Pier is the second longest in the UK and is a renowned historical asset.

It was closed by Sefton Council in 2022 on the advice of structural engineers after a period of extreme weather.

The closure of the pier has had a significant impact on the town’s leisure and tourism offer, with many residents and local business owners keen to see the pier reopened.

However, due to the financial costs of the refurbishment, any possible re-opening had been placed in limbo.

Colin Jamieson has a family business which runs stalls at Southport Pier and also operates the trains which run up and down the boarding.

Like many businesses around the pier, Colin’s family business took a significant hit when the pier closed and it has been a frustrating two years waiting on an update.

However, the news about the pier’s reopening has been positively received and Colin said he is grateful for the public support he’s had, adding: “As a family, the Jamiesons have endured a harrowing nightmare for over two years.

“Our business of more than two decades was shut down with very little notice, leaving our entire workforce without jobs in an instant.

“We are absolutely elated to hear the positive news and that there is some light at the end of what has been a very bleak tunnel.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the public and businesses of Southport and surrounding areas for really rallying behind us in recent months.