'Pleasureland Memories'

THE author of 'Pleasureland Memories', Stephen Copnall, who wrote the 2005 book on the history of Southport's Pleasureland Amusement Park, contacted us on 6 September 2006 and told us that Pleasureland's shock closure will be a “devastating blow to Southport's tourism economy and heritage”.

Stephen's book, released in August 2005, celebrated the long history of the park which first opened on Southport's foreshore in the 1920s.

Stephen when on to tell us that:- “The sudden closure of Southport Pleasureland on Tuesday 5 September 2006, before the season had even run its course, has come as a tremendous shock to the town and the Northwest. The move appears to be be a complete u-turn on policies of renewal and expansion pursued by the late Geoffrey Thompson.

“After signing a 60 year lease in 1982 with Sefton Council, he set about transforming the grounds year on year until his tragic death in June 2004. A few months earlier, he had signed a new lease incorporating the adjoining Zoo site onto which he intended to extend Pleasureland and install a major new ride advertised as ready for 2005.

“Unfortunately after Geoffrey's untimely death there was an inexplicable change of plans. The zoo was not developed and in 2005 a £2 admission charge was introduced This was unpopular with Pleasureland's loyal customer base and resulted in a drastic reduction in visitor numbers.”

Stephen is calling on the Council to intervene and ensure the retention of this popular and hugely successful attraction:- "Can Southport really allow the park to close or are there plans to revive it as a seaside family attraction? No one seems to know, but Sefton Council has a moral duty to defend the interests of Southport. The public deserves a straight answer."

'Pleasureland Memories:- A History of Southport's Amusement Park' by Stephen Copnall is published by Skelter Publishing  LLP. ISBN Number: 0-9544573-3-1.

Email us your views on the closure and also with any memories you have about Pleasureland or leave a voice-mail by calling us on Skype at liverpool-reporter or calling (+44) 0 20 7871 25 13.

Meningitis UK welcomes the introduction of the Pneumococcal vaccine

MENINGITIS UK is delighted about the introduction of a vaccine to protect against pneumococcal meningitis which will undoubtedly save countless lives and is another significant step towards the charity's goal. Meningitis UK's vision is a vaccine to eradicate meningitis altogether.

Although successful vaccines exist to protect against certain strains of meningitis, there is still no vaccine to protect against the most common form of the disease - meningococcal group B, which also causes septicaemia. Therefore, finding a vaccine is still as urgent as ever and it is still important that people are aware of the symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia and act fast if they suspect something is wrong.

Chief Executive of Meningitis UK Steve Dayman, who lost his 14 month-old son Spencer to meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, said:- 'We are really pleased that from 4 September 2006 this vaccine will be part of the Child Immunisation Programme. This is a big step, but there is still more work to be done. We have thousands of friends and supporters throughout the country, many of whom have experienced the devastation meningitis can cause. Together we strive towards a better understanding of the disease and to find a vaccine to prevent the heartache and suffering it can cause. Through dogged persistent research and with the support of the general public, we are confident that a vaccine can be developed to protect against all forms of the disease.'

If you would like a free wallet-sized symptoms card or would like to help Meningitis UK in their search for a vaccine, please phone on 0117 373 7373

Letters To The Editor:- "Pleasureland. Great sadness!"

"I am sure most MEN readers would have greeted the news that the Pleasureland attraction in Southport closed today, Wednesday 6 September 2006, with great sadness.

I remember some very found days out in Southport in the 60s/70s especially a ride on the oldest wooden collercoaster in Great Britain. But still to this day Sefton borough council excels itself in keeping the gardens looking beautiful and the streets clean of litter a far cry then its sister resort of Blackpool.

However when the ‘Thompson’ family purchased Pleasureland and started to apply the mentality which they have done at Blackpool pleasure beach in charging for admission to the complex. I had some reservations as to the viability for Southport’s Pleasureland future. Surely common sense must prevail that when it was free to walk around families that did not partake in any of the attractions may sit down for a cuppa or even a meal so thus still making a contribution.

It seems that once again greed seems to have won the day.

I really do hope that someone would be able to continue running Pleasureland and I am sure making a better go of it than the Thompson clan!!" Stephen Holt, North Manchester.