Jamie Lopez
@jamielopez.bsky.social
Editor, Southport Lead. Writer, everywhere
Administrators say it could take years to fully unpick the 79th Group’s financial affairs. One discovery so far is that two developments which attracted up to £70m of investments were never even bought by the business | @theleaduk.bsky.social
Collapsed investment firm 79th Group never owned Loch Ness and Anglesey development sites
The company's directors have had their assets frozen
southport.thelead.uk
November 2, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Administrators say it could take years to fully unpick the 79th Group’s financial affairs. One discovery so far is that two developments which attracted up to £70m of investments were never even bought by the business | @theleaduk.bsky.social
In place of Pontins, @seftoncouncil.bsky.social wants to see a ‘world class visitor experience and accommodation offer’
For @theleaduk.bsky.social, with details you won't have read anywhere else
For @theleaduk.bsky.social, with details you won't have read anywhere else
Toad Hall demolition and Pontins replacement in new Ainsdale ambitions
Plus: Drug driving arrest after man left in critical condition, Southport Inquiry latest and battle for GP appointments
open.substack.com
September 14, 2025 at 8:16 PM
In place of Pontins, @seftoncouncil.bsky.social wants to see a ‘world class visitor experience and accommodation offer’
For @theleaduk.bsky.social, with details you won't have read anywhere else
For @theleaduk.bsky.social, with details you won't have read anywhere else
I wonder how much this is going to cost the council when it loses the appeal
British NIMBYism is truly a sight to behold.
“We are rejecting this solar farm, because one time I saw an electric vehicle on fire, which reminded me that decades ago a coal mining disaster killed lots of children”.
“We are rejecting this solar farm, because one time I saw an electric vehicle on fire, which reminded me that decades ago a coal mining disaster killed lots of children”.
September 9, 2025 at 6:18 PM
I wonder how much this is going to cost the council when it loses the appeal
Sefton Council is facing "unprecedented" levels of homelessness. Here is one way it is trying to help those in need @theleaduk.bsky.social
(Note: this is NOT about asylum seekers)
(Note: this is NOT about asylum seekers)
Hotel purchase planned as council faces unprecedented homelessness
Plus: Andrew Brown's guide to what's happening this week
open.substack.com
August 31, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Sefton Council is facing "unprecedented" levels of homelessness. Here is one way it is trying to help those in need @theleaduk.bsky.social
(Note: this is NOT about asylum seekers)
(Note: this is NOT about asylum seekers)
Competitive football returned to Haig Ave yesterday - but it very nearly didn’t.
I wrote about returning to the club for the first time in 10 months, since when there’s been near disaster behind the scenes. Now, hopefully, recovery is coming
@theleaduk.bsky.social
I wrote about returning to the club for the first time in 10 months, since when there’s been near disaster behind the scenes. Now, hopefully, recovery is coming
@theleaduk.bsky.social
For Southport FC, dawn breaks
Plus: Is it the end of the 'big stink'?
open.substack.com
August 17, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Competitive football returned to Haig Ave yesterday - but it very nearly didn’t.
I wrote about returning to the club for the first time in 10 months, since when there’s been near disaster behind the scenes. Now, hopefully, recovery is coming
@theleaduk.bsky.social
I wrote about returning to the club for the first time in 10 months, since when there’s been near disaster behind the scenes. Now, hopefully, recovery is coming
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Overgrown and under-maintained: The cycle lane problem
Overgrown and under-maintained: The cycle lane problem
Plus: Andrew Brown's guide to What's On This Week
southport.thelead.uk
August 10, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Overgrown and under-maintained: The cycle lane problem
A much-loved war memorial is at risk of being removed after trustees of a village hall raised concerns about public safety - but it won't happen without a battle | @theleaduk.bsky.social
War memorial could be removed as safety fears spark bitter row
Plus: Restaurant forced to lose outdoor service unit and revamp planned for historic pub
southport.thelead.uk
August 6, 2025 at 8:03 AM
A much-loved war memorial is at risk of being removed after trustees of a village hall raised concerns about public safety - but it won't happen without a battle | @theleaduk.bsky.social
In today's Southport @theleaduk.bsky.social:
❌ Failed appeal for riot organiser who called for war and told people how to make molotov cocktails
🙌 Funding boost for Queenscourt Hospice
🔥 Police appeal over mindless arson attack
🗓️ Andrew Brown's events guide to the week ahead
❌ Failed appeal for riot organiser who called for war and told people how to make molotov cocktails
🙌 Funding boost for Queenscourt Hospice
🔥 Police appeal over mindless arson attack
🗓️ Andrew Brown's events guide to the week ahead
Riot organiser who said "all mosques must burn" loses appeal
Plus: Arson attack on century old shelter; funding boost for Queenscourt Hospice; and What's On This Week
open.substack.com
August 3, 2025 at 8:44 AM
In today's Southport @theleaduk.bsky.social:
❌ Failed appeal for riot organiser who called for war and told people how to make molotov cocktails
🙌 Funding boost for Queenscourt Hospice
🔥 Police appeal over mindless arson attack
🗓️ Andrew Brown's events guide to the week ahead
❌ Failed appeal for riot organiser who called for war and told people how to make molotov cocktails
🙌 Funding boost for Queenscourt Hospice
🔥 Police appeal over mindless arson attack
🗓️ Andrew Brown's events guide to the week ahead
Reposted by Jamie Lopez
More than two decades after children's A&E was removed from Southport, local NHS leaders will this week push forward with plans for a single emergency care centre in the town.
For the why and how, read the Southport Lead: southport.thelead.uk/p/childrens-...
For the why and how, read the Southport Lead: southport.thelead.uk/p/childrens-...
Children's A&E could return to Southport within five years
Plus: Golf ball rows stalls plan for dozens of new homes
southport.thelead.uk
July 3, 2025 at 8:52 AM
More than two decades after children's A&E was removed from Southport, local NHS leaders will this week push forward with plans for a single emergency care centre in the town.
For the why and how, read the Southport Lead: southport.thelead.uk/p/childrens-...
For the why and how, read the Southport Lead: southport.thelead.uk/p/childrens-...
A landlord conspired to have his tenant's power supply cut off, leaving him with no heating or lighting in sub-zero temperatures. Shameful behaviour, rightfully punished | @theleaduk.bsky.social
Landlord left man in sub-zero flat after illegally cutting off power
Plus: Southport Imam on the legacy of fear caused by mosque attack
southport.thelead.uk
June 29, 2025 at 9:02 AM
A landlord conspired to have his tenant's power supply cut off, leaving him with no heating or lighting in sub-zero temperatures. Shameful behaviour, rightfully punished | @theleaduk.bsky.social
Patrick Hurley is among more than 100 Labour MPs rebelling against the Government's planned cuts to disability benefits | @theleaduk.bsky.social
Southport MP Patrick Hurley joins rebellion against welfare reforms
Plus: 'Jungle' fears for pensioners losing grass cutting service
southport.thelead.uk
June 25, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Patrick Hurley is among more than 100 Labour MPs rebelling against the Government's planned cuts to disability benefits | @theleaduk.bsky.social
Sefton Council is considering bringing in new rules which would ban new takeaways from opening in "walking distance" of schools
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Sefton Council to crackdown on takeaways opening near schools
Plus: Martial arts centre to open in former car showroom
open.substack.com
June 18, 2025 at 8:25 AM
Sefton Council is considering bringing in new rules which would ban new takeaways from opening in "walking distance" of schools
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Couples hoping to use IVF to conceive are currently offered up to three rounds funded by the NHS - that could soon be reduced to just one @theleaduk.bsky.social
IVF options slashed for couples in £1.3m money-saving plan
PLUS: Southport Pier SAVED and tributes paid to much loved teacher
open.substack.com
June 15, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Couples hoping to use IVF to conceive are currently offered up to three rounds funded by the NHS - that could soon be reduced to just one @theleaduk.bsky.social
Plans to open a residential children's home were greeted by fears of crime and falling house values. If we treat kids in care as something to be afraid of who should be kept away from the rest of the society, how will they ever get a chance?
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Residential home objections fuel stigma against children in care
Plus: £10m Town Hall Gardens revamp honours Alice, Bebe and Elsie and BBC Radio Merseyside comes to Southport
southport.thelead.uk
June 11, 2025 at 7:47 AM
Plans to open a residential children's home were greeted by fears of crime and falling house values. If we treat kids in care as something to be afraid of who should be kept away from the rest of the society, how will they ever get a chance?
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Today's Southport @theleaduk.bsky.social:
🏥 £3m given for Southport Hospital repairs
⛳ Plan to expand golf course onto public land moves forward
🚓 Why were police called to a peaceful social services protest?
🗓️ Andrew Brown's What's On guide to the week ahead
🏥 £3m given for Southport Hospital repairs
⛳ Plan to expand golf course onto public land moves forward
🚓 Why were police called to a peaceful social services protest?
🗓️ Andrew Brown's What's On guide to the week ahead
Southport Hospital to receive £3m fund for maintenance backlog
Plus: Golf bosses press on with Birkdale Common plan and why were police called to peaceful protest outside council offices?
southport.thelead.uk
June 8, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Today's Southport @theleaduk.bsky.social:
🏥 £3m given for Southport Hospital repairs
⛳ Plan to expand golf course onto public land moves forward
🚓 Why were police called to a peaceful social services protest?
🗓️ Andrew Brown's What's On guide to the week ahead
🏥 £3m given for Southport Hospital repairs
⛳ Plan to expand golf course onto public land moves forward
🚓 Why were police called to a peaceful social services protest?
🗓️ Andrew Brown's What's On guide to the week ahead
Today’s newsletter also gave me a chance to highlight how the main story from last week’s edition was lifted without credit by The S*n, including some blatant copy and pasting. That was then picked up by Mail Online… who linked back to The S*n (1/2)
June 4, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Today’s newsletter also gave me a chance to highlight how the main story from last week’s edition was lifted without credit by The S*n, including some blatant copy and pasting. That was then picked up by Mail Online… who linked back to The S*n (1/2)
Reposted by Jamie Lopez
Thank you to @blogpreston.co.uk for sponsoring our Gentry Tifo. 💙
Businesses can support the campaign like they have.
Individuals can donate, add a loved one’s name, or play the scratchcard to help fund the tribute.
Donate: donate.stripe.com/28o7vN1W98d8...
Play: pne-online.net/scratchcard
Businesses can support the campaign like they have.
Individuals can donate, add a loved one’s name, or play the scratchcard to help fund the tribute.
Donate: donate.stripe.com/28o7vN1W98d8...
Play: pne-online.net/scratchcard
June 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Thank you to @blogpreston.co.uk for sponsoring our Gentry Tifo. 💙
Businesses can support the campaign like they have.
Individuals can donate, add a loved one’s name, or play the scratchcard to help fund the tribute.
Donate: donate.stripe.com/28o7vN1W98d8...
Play: pne-online.net/scratchcard
Businesses can support the campaign like they have.
Individuals can donate, add a loved one’s name, or play the scratchcard to help fund the tribute.
Donate: donate.stripe.com/28o7vN1W98d8...
Play: pne-online.net/scratchcard
Channel 4 has apologised for the use of the Southport killer in a Facebook ad. His mugshot was used alongside the caption: “More of the shows you love ❤️, more of the shows you will love. Stream now on Channel 4 📺” (1/2)
Channel 4 'sorry' for use of Southport killer in Facebook ads
Plus: The return of Greggs to Southport? And traders speak out over town centre works
open.substack.com
May 29, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Channel 4 has apologised for the use of the Southport killer in a Facebook ad. His mugshot was used alongside the caption: “More of the shows you love ❤️, more of the shows you will love. Stream now on Channel 4 📺” (1/2)
"This development is a cornerstone of our commitment to regeneration with purpose where growth is not just measured in pounds and pence, but in lives transformed.”
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
"Lives to be transformed" by Marine Lake Events Centre and Southport regeneration
Plus: The ultimate What's On guide for this May half-term
southport.thelead.uk
May 26, 2025 at 3:31 PM
"This development is a cornerstone of our commitment to regeneration with purpose where growth is not just measured in pounds and pence, but in lives transformed.”
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
The first meeting of Lancashire County Council is under way and, as expected, Stephen Atkinson is elected as leader.
After some discussion over whether a vote was actually needed (none was taken), Reform UK's first cabinet is in place and made entirely of white men
@theleaduk.bsky.social
After some discussion over whether a vote was actually needed (none was taken), Reform UK's first cabinet is in place and made entirely of white men
@theleaduk.bsky.social
May 22, 2025 at 12:54 PM
The first meeting of Lancashire County Council is under way and, as expected, Stephen Atkinson is elected as leader.
After some discussion over whether a vote was actually needed (none was taken), Reform UK's first cabinet is in place and made entirely of white men
@theleaduk.bsky.social
After some discussion over whether a vote was actually needed (none was taken), Reform UK's first cabinet is in place and made entirely of white men
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Council plots land giveaway after EU funding loss halts Southport Business Park development
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Council plots land giveaway after EU funding loss halts Southport Business Park development
Plus: Pub closes doors as roadworks keep customers away
southport.thelead.uk
May 21, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Council plots land giveaway after EU funding loss halts Southport Business Park development
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Having lost his wife to cancer, Patrick Hurley has very personal experience in the issue of assisted dying. Here, he explains why even though he “felt the natural urge to spare her further pain” he can’t support the assisted dying bill
open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
Patrick Hurley MP: Why I won't support assisted dying bill
Plus: Anger as United Utilities profits double and Andrew Brown's What's On guide to the week ahead
open.substack.com
May 18, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Having lost his wife to cancer, Patrick Hurley has very personal experience in the issue of assisted dying. Here, he explains why even though he “felt the natural urge to spare her further pain” he can’t support the assisted dying bill
open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
"Some of the main reasons for the widespread disorder were social deprivation, austerity and the economic downturn, political policies and decisions on migration and asylum, and decreasing trust and confidence in policing"
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
"No single issue" led to Southport riot, police review finds
PLUS: Man's journey from homeowner to sleeping on Southport Pier to being safe again
open.substack.com
May 14, 2025 at 9:54 AM
"Some of the main reasons for the widespread disorder were social deprivation, austerity and the economic downturn, political policies and decisions on migration and asylum, and decreasing trust and confidence in policing"
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
@theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
According to independent analysis, net zero is worth £47m and 632 jobs to Southport alone. Could this be under threat were Reform to win power here?
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
What Reform's net zero fight could mean for Southport
PLUS: Sefton Council leader survives rebellion from fellow Labour councillor
open.substack.com
May 12, 2025 at 5:47 AM
According to independent analysis, net zero is worth £47m and 632 jobs to Southport alone. Could this be under threat were Reform to win power here?
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Sefton Council will have a rare all-out vote next year - Reform has high hopes after last week's successes in Lancashire. But they're not the only ones hoping to wrestle control from the dominant Labour group
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social
Reform target Sefton Council control in first all-out vote in more than two decades
Plus: Traders plead for help during Southport Market roadworks
open.substack.com
May 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Sefton Council will have a rare all-out vote next year - Reform has high hopes after last week's successes in Lancashire. But they're not the only ones hoping to wrestle control from the dominant Labour group
@theleaduk.bsky.social
@theleaduk.bsky.social