Council pours cold water on businessman's claim as row continues

Fun park 'could close' over dispute

- By BEN HASLAM

A ROW has erupted between a major Merseyside company and the local council as the owner considers closing the business.

Norman Wallis, the owner of Adventure Coast Southport, which was previously named Southport Pleasureland up until last year, is contemplating shutting the doors to the amusement park, which has been a prominent fixture in the town for decades.

Mr Wallis told the ECHO that he is now involved in a dispute with Sefton Council over his water bill, with the council accused of using the water meter at the amusement park to supply Princes Park, the former Princes Park toilets, and the bowling green in King Edward Gardens.

A council spokesman disputed the claims, stating that there was a leak which falls under Sefton’s responsibility, with the council making Adventure Coast a “generous settlement offer” to pay for the water used in the leak.

What has followed is a bitter row between the influential Southport businessman and the governing local authority, resulting in a back-and-forth that adds uncertainty to the town at a time when the business typically see a rise in footfall as warmer weather arrives.