Standing room only as meeting that was expected to attract 40 sees huge turnout.
When Serena Silcock-Prince, head of operations at Silcock Leisure Group, organised an open meeting to discuss the future of Southport Pier, she was hoping that maybe around 40 people would turn up. Instead, more than 300 people – plus the BBC – came along!
Taking part were Southport MP Patrick Hurley, Andrew Brown of Stand Up for Southport and Dr Anya Chapman who heads up the National Pier Society. Dr Chapman’s research at the University of Bournemouth aims to raise awareness of piers and how they can rejuvenate seaside communities. She joined the meeting by video link. Lib Dem council leader Cllr John Pugh and Conservative leader Cllr Mike Prendergast also attended.
The meeting was called to try and come up with ideas for financing the restoration of the pier so that it can be opened to the public again. Built in 1860, Southport Pier is the oldest iron pier in the country and despite previous restoration work in 2000-2002, it had to be closed in 2022 when the decking was found to be unstable.
Silcock’s Funland huge amusement centre stands on the pier forecourt at the entrance to the pier, so Serena, the sixth generation of the Silcock family, has long had an interest in the pier. Her great great grandmother ran a café on the pier and the Silcock family are well known in the town.
For many years now she has also been involved in different initiatives promoting Southport and looking at ways to increase visitors to this once very popular North West seaside resort.
After the meeting, which took place in Silcock’s restaurant, Serena Silcock-Prince told World’s Fair that they would be starting a pier charitable trust to seek funding for the work, which is estimated at around £13m. Watch this space!
