Mayor Steve Rotheram today welcomed the Chancellor’s Spending Review announcement of funding for Southport Pier which is currently closed.

“Today’s announcement is great news for Southport – and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I had some time with the Prime Minister during our meeting at Lancaster House to talk specifically about Southport, where he gave his word that he’d support the town, and it’s good to see him following through on this commitment – especially after the news earlier this week about Town Hall Gardens.

“This hasn’t happened by chance. It’s the result of tireless work by people who’ve never stopped fighting for the town’s future. Cllr Marion Atkinson and the town’s MP Patrick Hurley have helped lead the charge locally, and the community has shown real determination to see Southport thrive.

“With the Marine Lake Events Centre taking shape, our new trains better connecting our community, and new investment on the way, there’s a real sense of momentum building. We’ll keep doing our bit – and we’re ready to work with government to make sure Southport gets the backing it’s long deserved.”

“We welcome the Chancellor referencing Southport Pier today as part of the spending review. As a council we have said we are ready to go as soon as funding is secured and we look forward to finding out more detail about the Growth Mission Fund in due course.”