Conservatives Welcome Progress on Returning Children's A&E to Southport

COUNCILLOR Mike Prendergast, Leader of the Conservative Group, on Sefton Council, and Spokesperson for Southport Conservatives, has welcomed the growing likelihood that Children's Accident and Emergency Services will return to Southport after more than 2 decades.

Last week, local representatives from both Sefton and West Lancashire had their final joint meeting to raise questions and hear the results of the consultation. Many local people have submitted their views and signed petitions supporting the return of vital services to Southport Hospital.

The local NHS have made it clear that their preferred option is for full emergency services to be returned to Southport Hospital, including:- Children's A&E, with �33 million of investment and around 350 new parking facilities being created.

Commenting Mike Prendergast said:- "It's looking increasingly likely that Southport Hospital is going to see Children's A&E return, over 20 years since it was taken away. It's vital for local families that we see this service return. This is incredibly positive news for families across Southport and the wider area. For more than 2 decades families have had to travel to Ormskirk, or even further after midnight, for urgent care for their children. The return of Children's A&E services would be a hugely important milestone for our town. We are a town of over 90,000 people with thousands visiting everyday, we need to see this service back in Southport. As a father to 2 young children, I know how important it is for local families to have a fully functioning A&E department, including:- a Children's A&E service, here in Southport. The current journey to Ormskirk can easily take around 30 minutes and after midnight, you're looking at a 45 minute drive to the nearest Children's A&E service from Southport."

He also paid tribute to the many local residents, campaigners, healthcare professionals and community groups who have worked tirelessly to keep the issue on the agenda.

Mike Prendergast added:- "At a local Government level, Councillors from all parties on Sefton Council have supported calls to bring children's A&E back to Southport. That cross-party backing shows just how important this service is to our community, This progress is a testament to the persistence and determination of the many people who have campaigned for years to see these services restored. Their voices have been heard."

The final decision on local emergency care services will be announced on:- Friday, 13 March 2026.

UK Coastal flypast to mark 90 years of the Spitfire

A Historic circumnavigation of the United Kingdom is currently underway to celebrate the:- 90th Anniversary of the 1st flight of the Supermarine Spitfire.

The mission, a joint venture between the:- Royal Air Force and Spitfires.com, involves a restored wartime Spitfire, BS410, which has been specially repainted in the distinctive High Gloss Cerulean Blue livery of the original K5054 prototype.

On Monday, 13 April 2026, the aircraft will perform Leg 5 of the tour, flying from:- Glasgow Prestwick Airport to RAF Valley, on Anglesey.

The flight is scheduled to travel South along the coast, with a significant overflight planned for RAF Woodvale.

While all timings remain subject to coastal weather and air navigation requirements, the aircraft is expected to arrive in the Woodvale and Southport area between:- 14:00 and 15:30.

Following the salute at:- RAF Woodvale, the Spitfire will track South along the Mersey corridor. It is expected to fly over the vicinity of:- Liverpool John Lennon Airport, before crossing the estuary to follow the North Wales Coastline toward RAF Valley.

This leg of the journey will showcase a unique formation, as a:- BAE Systems Hawk T2 jet from RAF Valley is expected to intercept and escort the Spitfire into the RAF Station.

As Southport Peir is currently closed, aviation enthusiasts are encouraged to seek alternative vantage points along the coast, like on the Beach itself. These locations are provided as suggestions based on the likely coastal corridor, as the exact flight path cannot be confirmed until the day of the event.

Freshfield Beach is a prime location near the RAF Woodvale approach and can be found at what3words:- ///bench.faded.human.

Fisherman's Path offers a view across the dunes towards the airfield at:- what3words ///silk.force.dozed. Crosby Beach allows for a view of the flight passing the iconic Iron Men statues at what3words:- ///spout.fears.brands.

For those in Liverpool, the Pier Head near the Museum of Liverpool (what3words:- ///gazed.simply.exists) or the promenade at:- Otterspool (what3words:- ///mops.stays.squad) are suggested spots for views as the aircraft crosses the Mersey.

Please be aware that parking is likely to be a significant issue at these suggested locations due to high demand. Visitors are urged to use designated car parks and ensure they do not cause an obstruction to residents, emergency vehicles, or other road users. Local authorities have reminded the public that the Formby Bypass and the Coastal Road are strict clearway areas; anyone found parking on these verges or clearways will be issued a fine. It is essential to park responsibly to ensure the safety of all attendees and to maintain traffic flow throughout the afternoon.

The aircraft performing the flypast, BS410, is a genuine veteran of the 2nd World War with a remarkable survival story. Originally built in:- 1942, it served with the 315 Deblin Polish Squadron. On 13 May 1943, during a combat mission over France, the aircraft was damaged and its pilot:- Piotr Kuryllowicz, was forced to bail out. The wreckage was excavated in:- 2005, and following a:- 15 year restoration, it returned to the skies in 2022.

For this tour, BS410's paintwork mimics the prototype finish used in:- 1936 to reduce skin friction during high speed trials.

The choice of route pays tribute to the Spitfire's long association with the North West. A lesser known fact id that RAF Woodvale was the final operational home of the Spitfire in the Royal Air Force. The Temperature and Humidity flight remained at Woodvale to conduct daily meteorological climbs until:- 10 June 1957, when the final mission was flown by a:- Civilian Pilot John Formby, in Spitfire PR.XIX PM631. As detailed by our feature item on our Mersey Reporter History Page . These final Woodvale aircraft formed the foundation of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The Spitfire remains a masterpiece of British engineering, designed by R. J. Mitchell. Between:- 1938 and 1948, a total of:- 20,351 Spitfires were built across:- 24 different variants. Despite these vast numbers, it is estimated that only:- 240 Spitfires remain in existence globally today. Of these survivors, only:- 60 to 70 are in airworthy condition, making this 90th Anniversary tour a rare opportunity to see a historic example in flight. Seats in the rear cockpit for these Anniversary flights are being auctioned to the public, with all proceeds donated to the Mark Long Trust and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

If you miss this, do not forget you will have another chance to see this amazing aircraft at the Southport Air Show scheduled for:- 29 August to 30 August 2026, on Southport Seafront, featuring both military and civilian flying displays, including a display by both the Spitfire and the Hurricane. Head to:- VisitSouthport.Com.

More information can be found at:- Visit Spitfires.Com. For the latest updates on the:- 13 April 2026 flight path, please monitor the Ministry of Defence news portal at:-RAF.MOD.UK/News.

What are your thoughts on this news topic? Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....

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Conservatives Welcome Progress on Returning Children's A&E to Southport

UK Coastal flypast to mark 90 years of the Spitfire