Shoppers can save money parking in Southport as Town looks ahead to busy Easter and summer of big events

RIGHT in the middle of Southport Town Centre are 2 well-placed NCP car parks with hundreds of spaces available; where drivers can save money through using the NCP App.

Shoppers nipping into Town can also park for under a pound.

Employees of the NCP car parks on London Street and the Promenade are proud of how safe they keep the area for drivers, with 2 well-known attendants on duty for most of the day, and investment being made into new lighting.

They are keen to let motorists know about the money they can save by downloading the NCP App, which not only helps them use these sites; 1 of which is right next to Southport Train Station; but also at other NCP car parks around the UK too.

An NCP North West spokesperson said:- "We have a number of NCP car parks available for people to use with 2 in Southport along with several in Liverpool City Centre. We are proud that these car parks are manned, to ensure our customers feel safe. We have high standards right across our estate. We have 2 excellent car park attendants, Liam Howard and Steve Farrington, who are on hand to watch over the sites and to help people with any issues they may have."

In addition to being safe, there is a substantial number of car parking spaces available at all times of day and night; and at superb value.

An NCP North West spokesperson said:- "The car park on London Street particularly has lots of room, with 419 car parking spaces, and no barriers any more. It's very accessible. It is right next to the train Station so perfect for anyone who wants to park up and take the train into Liverpool or Manchester. Both are car parks in Southport are right next to all the shops, restaurants and attractions in the Town Centre. The 2 car parks are very busy when Southport hosts its many popular annual events, such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show, Southport Armed Forces Day, and others. Southport BID plays an important role in attracting people into Town through its Christmas events, its Bear Hunt Trail, Beer Week, and other initiatives. We enjoy working with them on what's happening locally. We have pay machines available at our car parks in Southport, giving people alternative options on how to pay. We understand that some people still prefer to pay at the machine via card. For anyone who does download the NCP App it can save you money, save you time and make your life easier. When you park, rather than waiting to pay at the machine, you can just click and pay while you're walking, or you can sit in comfort and pay while you are on the train. When you pay by app, it costs just 95p for up to an hour; less than a quid for anyone who just wants to nip into Town (£1.95 standard tariff). With the app it costs just £1.90 for up to 2 hours (£3.90 standard tariff) and only £3.95 for up to 24 hours (£4.95 standard tariff). It makes car parking in Southport affordable and we are keen to see more people take advantage of these savings. We looked at the car parking rates locally and wanted to make our sites really competitive."

NCP is looking all the time to improve what is available for people.

They have 2 lockers at London Street where people can send, return or collect online deliveries, either while in Town or on their way to or from a train journey, through InPost and Yelp! facilities.

Money is being invested into improving lighting, while Martin is open to other new ideas too.

He said:- "London Street in particular is a big site! We have some land towards the Central 12 section of the car park which we could utilise for events such as setting up markets, or car boot sales. I am open to ideas and happy for anyone to get in touch who would like to progress any opportunities. We would be open to the idea of renting out some space for events to be held. They would help to bring more footfall into Southport Town Centre and support other businesses already here. We are happy to consider the possibility of contract parking with local businesses in the Town Centre for anyone who may be interested. We already offer different types of season tickets, which can be annual (£656.88), quarterly or monthly, which can save money for employees and businesses. We are really open to engaging in discussions with people."

For more details about the NCP car parks and how to download the NCP App please visit: National Car Parks; Find Car Parking for Cities, Airports and Events

Thousands of families have completed Bear Hunt trail in Southport as Easter holidays begin

FAMILIES are looking forward to enjoying the free Bear Hunt trail in Southport throughout the School Easter holidays.

The bears have become a firm favourite with people of all ages from across the country since they arrived at 10 different locations across the Town Centre on 1st February 2025, inspired by the iconic:- 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' children's picture book.

Thousands of people have submitted their completed trail entries so far, with the chance to win prizes including:- a trip to Legoland Windsor or a Nintendo Switch with games from GAME Southport.

The Bear Hunt trail is a fun activity which enables visitors to explore different parts of the Town.

It's a free day out, perfect when combined with a visit to local shops, restaurants, cafes or attractions.

Southport BID and Sefton Council have teamed up with Wild in Art and Walker Books to bring the much-loved children's book to life.

You can discover the individually hand painted sculptures, which feature unique designs from talented artists and illustrators from around the UK, until 27 April 2025.

The trail has encouraged visitors from Southport and across the Liverpool City Region, as well as from places such as:- Manchester, Yorkshire, Wigan, Chesire, Wales, London and others.

Ed Lamb the Manager at Waterstones bookshop on Chapel Street in Southport Town Centre said:- "The Bear Hunt trail has been absolutely fantastic! It has given the Town a real boost in footfall. Customers have really enjoyed doing the trail and finding all the bears. Children in particular have been so excited to see them. We have seen an increase in sales here as a result. It has been a superb reaction. We stock We're Going On A Bear Hunt story books and activity books. It's an iconic children's book that we would normally sell throughout the year anyway. But since the Bear Hunt trail started, the sales have been going really well. Lots of people have called into Waterstones to collect Bear Hunt trail maps; we are also a drop off point for completed responses. We're expecting it to get even busier over the School Easter holidays as more families come into Southport to enjoy it. I love the bears! They are brilliant; so colourful, and all very different. Having the Bear Hunt trail is an extra draw for Southport and even more reason for families to come and enjoy spending time in Southport this Easter."

The Bear Hunt is a free family-friendly activity perfect for all ages. Those looking for a fun day out can follow the trail map and use clues at each location to answer bear-themed questions.

Visitors have the choice of completing a shorter trail which includes:- 7 sculptures, or the full trail, which features all 10 bears.

Southport BID Head of Operations Luke Randles said:- "We do lots of initiatives like this across the year to encourage people into Southport and to explore the Town Centre. We had this opportunity to host these amazing giant bears designed by individual artists. They are here until 27 April and across the Easter holidays. We have had people from all across the country coming and visiting the Town Centre and loving the trail. The bears are really impressive. They are in some lovely locations around the Town Centre; outside The Atkinson; outside Silcock's Funland and Carousel; inside Wayfarers Arcade. There are some brilliant selfie opportunities and we have seen plenty of those pictures on social media! We love to see people sharing pictures of them. The bears are all very different from each other. We have been working with a company called Wild In Art which specialises in these events. Artists from across the country have designed these 10 unique bears. People can collect the trail maps in different locations in Southport Town Centre or they can download the maps from the Southport BID website. It makes for a really fun day out and you could also win some great prizes. It's a free activity and can be the basis of a great free day out. It's a great opportunity to go hunting for these bears and to visit our superb shops and restaurants and cafes, pop up to Ocean Plaza, go to the cinema, go for a ride on Silcock's Carousel, take in some fresh air and enjoy an unforgettable day out in our great Town."

Printed maps can be downloaded from the Southport BID website or can be picked up at:- The Atkinson Library, ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Vue Cinema, Silcock's Funland, and Waterstones in Southport.

Completed maps can be dropped off at:- The Atkinson Library, Waterstones or you can enter your answers online.

2 lucky winners will be drawn at random after:- 27 April 2025.

There is a colouring competition available at Town Centre cafes and eateries, where children can design their own bear.

'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' was published in 1989 and was written by former Children's Laureate Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury.

Published by Walker Books, it has attained worldwide sales of more than 9 million copies.

For the latest information on We're Going on a Bear Hunt Southport, head to:- SouthportBID.Com and make sure to follow Your Southport on Facebook and Instagram.