The progress to repair Southport Pier has simply stalled. Not enough money and not enough action it seems – the seaside resort’s emblematic attraction is becoming a lame duck, largely due to governmental inertia, both locally and nationally. The authorities need to be shaken into action – Historic England, the National Lottery – surely someone can step up to repair the pier and revive economic fortunes in the proud town of Southport?

Southport Pier turns 165 this year, but with its gates remaining closed, the milestone is bittersweet.    
The Grade II listed structure has been shut since December 2022, when engineers deemed it unsafe following extreme weather. The closure has significantly impacted Southport’s leisure and tourism sector, with Colin Jamieson, owner of Southport Pier Pavilion, speaking to the Liverpool Echo about the challenges it has caused.

“The town is suffering without the pier being open and all the other businesses say so,” he said. “My businesses on the pier have been devastated by the closure with no help from the council to keep us afloat. All we can hope for is they get the money as soon as possible and get the pier reopened by next April.”

Despite ongoing efforts, Sefton Council has been unable to secure the funding necessary for repairs. 

“We continue to do everything we can so that when funding is secured to repair the pier we will be in a position to start work straight away,” commented councillor Paulette Lappin. “We continue to speak with various organisations about what support they may be able to provide but at the moment there is no further news on this.”

Plans submitted by the council to refurbish and repair the pier have been approved by Historic England, but without the necessary funding, progress remains stalled. As the pier’s future hangs in the balance, Southport residents and businesses wait anxiously for a resolution.