Southport BID has appointed Luke Randles as its new Business Engagement Manager

LUKE started his role on Monday, 19 April 2021, and is looking forward to connecting with local businesses. His initial tasks will include helping with the further rollout of the Southport Gift Card, helping traders with the Savings Procurement Programme and liaising with the many local independent businesses in the Town.

Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald said:- "We are delighted to be able to appoint Luke to the new role of Business Engagement Manager. We are pleased that he will be the right person to support our local businesses expertly with everything they need. He will be a familiar face to many in the business community in Southport. He has worked as Manager at Tap and Bottles in Cambridge Arcade, and knows exactly what it needs to run a successful business in Southport. He is unique in that he has a great knowledge from being on the ground in Southport already, and he will be able to relate to everyday business issues in our town. One of his projects will be to continue the momentum of the Southport Gift Card campaign, encouraging more local businesses to sign up to this initiative and inviting more people to buy them for family, friends or colleagues. Southport Gift Card is all about reinforcing the message that unity of purpose is very important in Southport and that people need to support their local shops, restaurants and other businesses. With Luke's appointment, Southport BID is ensuring that our levy payers are receiving the levels of support they deserve."

While Manager at:- Tap and Bottles in Cambridge Arcade, Luke worked with owner Julian Burgess to create huge success for the business. During the past few years the venue was awarded the title of CAMRA Merseyside Pub of the Year twice, completed an expansion, created a new Beer Street Festival and launched a successful online delivery service when the Covid Pandemic struck.

Luke said:- "I am extremely proud of what we have achieved, and the community we've built up in the last six and a half years. I am hoping that my experience and understanding of what it's like to run a business in Southport Town Centre gives me a better knowledge of what we need to offer. Along with Julian, we organised Southport Beer Street, a successful yearly event that has brought people from the UK and beyond into Southport. I have experience working closely with small businesses to help with business development, web design, photography and other aspects. Looking forward I am excited for the challenge of working with businesses in Southport at such a vital time for them. I am keen to drive a sense of community within our town and to get us all working together for the same goal. My aim is to be approachable, to ensure that each business feels that their voice is always heard, and to keep an open mind to the variety of ways in which we as the BID can support Southport Town Centre. I am a staunch believer that Southport has a lot to offer for both residents and visitors. It has been great to see busy shops, bars, and restaurants in the last week, and I'm hoping we can build on that this summer and beyond."

Does Southport's Bold Street need to be 1 way?

SOUTHPORT Town Centre residents are asking if a 1 way system should be put in to place on Bold Street, due to many close calls on the section between Stanley Street and Lord Street, due to the parking and very narrow nature of the road. A resident on Bath Street said:- "It is an accident waiting to happen." A business owner on Lord Street added:- "We have seen lots so small accidents on the Lord Street junction and it will not be long before something worse happens." What are your thoughts on this issue,  please email then to us:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.
 

Checking for Natterjack Toads - Formby - Merseyside - 2021

THIS year, as the weather gets better and Covid19 Restrictions ease up, a reminder to all dog walkers and people with children visiting Formby Point, on the Merseyside Coastline, been asked to take extra care to help save the areas many protected species.

Devils Hole is just 1 of the many fantastic and unique breeding spots of the Natterjack Toad. The National Trust is reminding all visitors, locals, and tourists that it is a criminal offense to damage this delicate habitat of these amphibians.

Both people or dogs must not paddle or enter the water where spawn, tadpoles, and toadlets are located. Paddling or swimming can kill the toads and threaten their breeding success.

Take your litter home! Over the last year, a massive amount of dropped litter had to be collected, each time restrictions eased, letting people return to the area. Dropped litter can kill, or damage the habitat that the toads live in as well as the many other rare animals, birds, and plants that thrive on the Formby Dune system.

Please also remember that BBQs and fires are not allowed on the Beach, Dunes and land around the coastline, including the Pinewoods, as these can not only cause a hazard to other people, but also risk damaging the very delicate balance of this unique area. Plus, you can be heavily fined should you get spotted and also face worse penalties, if your actions result in a wild fire.

Together we can help these special creatures thrive. More information can be obtained by emailing:- Formby@NationalTrust.Org.UK.