Business 'isn't what it used to be' on the apocalyptic pier left in limbo

More than seven months ago, Sefton Council announced the sudden but short term closure of its iconic Southport Pier.

“Some friends had told us to go to the end of the pier because there’s old arcades there. It’s a shame. It’s everywhere, things are struggling. I don't know it's closed but we were hoping to walk down there." However, the elephant in the room remains the pier, dominating the focus among residents and visitors. Another visitor, David Stonehouse, said he was in town to visit his daughter and had been left unimpressed.

He said: “For over 160 years, Southport pier has been at the centre of our visitor economy, welcoming visitors from far and wide. It has stood the test of time, but the mismanagement of Labour-controlled Sefton Council has closed our pier. While the war of words and background activity continue, those whose livelihoods depend on the pier’s footfall are left counting the costs. Tony Kennedy has run the Marine Lake Cafe & Bar for 17 years. Located in the shadow of the pier and next to attractions including mini golf, the lake and King’s Garden Play Area, it is regularly packed with diners and drinkers enjoying the outdoor seating and live music during the summer.

Speaking after the much longer closure was confirmed, he said: “It feels like an apocalypse. It is so empty. It's not just the void of people. It's the landscape, as far as the eye can see it is sea and sand.” At that meeting, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Skills Cllr Marion Atkinson detailed what she said had been a series of errors that had been made by contractors including using the wrong screws, using wood that was too thin, and defects with the paint. The former pier train had also caused damage to the structure, she said.

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