Liverpool 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.”

That pot sounds like a plan, or Pier could go down the pan!

Originally Posted by The PNP

That pot sounds like a plan, or Pier could go down the pan!

Business and Council personnel do not mix. It is obvious to business people that you prioritise money investments to where you can obtain the greatest gains, By doing so, you get a trickle-down effect where everyone in all districts benefits. For many years, the council has acted like kids in an open bank buying lollies and ice creams for all their friends and stocking up on virtual games.

Their activities have hardly won over the hearts and minds of the electorate in Southport.

Was this post written 27 days AFTER it should have been posted ?

Originally Posted by editor

Liverpool 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.”

The issue of the Pier has gone quiet, wait til after the elections next week then close down will resurface and before you know it it's done and dusted by Boothill. Shut, end of Pier

Reality, the pier is impossible to remain whilst in the hands of the council.
The council does not have any business acumen. The pier has to make a profit
irrespective of anyones opinion. The food hall( market) is losing money hand over fist. (
Your money. £1,000 PER WEEK)
So knock it down or sell/give it to a company. Then ratepayers don't have liability
and council will collect rates etc.

Originally Posted by ausard2

Reality, the pier is impossible to remain whilst in the hands of the council.
The council does not have any business acumen. The pier has to make a profit
irrespective of anyones opinion. The food hall( market) is losing money hand over fist. (
Your money. £1,000 PER WEEK)
So knock it down or sell/give it to a company. Then ratepayers don't have liability
and council will collect rates etc.

Name one pier that makes money or even breaks even.