The recent government white paper on devolution has brought into focus arrangements for local government and whether Southport would be better served staying as part of Sefton, or leaving to be part of a new unitary authority in Lancashire.
There are pros and cons to any changes to local government arrangements and no set up is perfect but, over the last few years, we have seen Southport become ever more isolated as a greater emphasis is placed on the Liverpool City Region. Southport is very much at the edge of this and whilst links with the Liverpool City Region have been strengthened by the current Sefton Labour administration, through transport changes for example, our links with other nearby areas, such as Manchester and Lancashire have arguably been weakened.
Important local issues like the closure of Southport Pier, the ongoing situation with Southport Beach, investment in Lord Street, town centre parking and unnecessary cycle lane schemes in our town have not been adequately addressed.
So, we want to know what you think, do you think Southport is better off remaining as part of Sefton or would you prefer Southport to leave Sefton and join a new unitary authority in Lancashire.
Let us know by completing our survey.