David Barton welcomed the lower price for parking on the beach
Written by David Barton
A prominent Sefton heritage campaigner has praised his local authority for cutting admission fees by 20 per cent for parking at its Southport-based main beach as part of an ongoing strategy to improve economic growth.
The car park admission charge, previously issued at £10.00, is now £8.00 and the site is open from 07:00 to 22:00. The beach has been and continues to be popular with all age groups and social groups looking for a cool outdoor break. It is hoped that if car parks increase it will bring new events, entertainment attracting increased spending and visits migrated from other parts of the Sefton coast, such as Crosby and Formby.
David Barton, former Dukes Ward councilor covering the town center and West Birkdale, says parking should be fully explored and made available along the entire Sefton coastline with permission granted by Natural England. He believes the budget move is a prudent one that will secure additional revenue at longer times of the year in addition to the busier peak tourist season.
The community campaigner, whose ultimate goal has been and remains the restoration of Sefton, wants to see greater practical use of the natural landscape for parking cars to alleviate recurring congestion further south of the coast. He argues that the incentive to use the beach at more times during the calendar year will be viewed favorably by major granting agencies with respect to things like drainage, long-term economic and transportation infrastructure.
Mr Barton said: “I am pleased to see that the local authority has chosen to reduce parking rates at Southport Beach. Should this lead to increased use of the rest of the Sefton coast which has become overgrown since 2000, it will bring many benefits to everyone, especially Sefton Council.
He says: “At a time when people are being actively encouraged to spend more time outdoors whenever possible, this should be a key priority. Naturally, through a progression through all the appropriate channels, this should be done quickly, but in the meantime it is a big step forward in making the city and the borough more attractive to residents and visitors.
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