Vol 28 l Issue 31
Stolen defibrillator is returned after story was highlighted in Champ A LIFE-SAVING defibrillator worth more than £850 which was believed to have been stolen from a Public Access Box in Tarleton Village has been returned with the help of the Champion. A Douglas Cardiac Trust trustee was placing a replacement defibrillator in the box on the wall at Holistic Health, at 100 Church Road, when he noticed the original unit was back – with no explanation. Bernard Sparkes, secretary of Douglas Cardiac Trust said: “The Trustees of the Douglas Cardiac Trust would like to register their thanks to the Champion and their readers for publishing the details of the missing – believed stolen – defibrillator from Tarleton. “As a result of this publicity the defibrillator was returned to the box from which it was removed. One of our trustees was putting a replacement defibrillator in the box when he noticed the original unit had been returned – with no explanation. “The trustees would also like to thank those people involved in the huge fund raising effort – mounted to buy a replacement defibrillator, which cost more than £850 each. “The Just Giving site had raised more than £1,100 by Thursday evening August 19 and a local couple gave a very generous anonymous donation. “A very generous donation from Southport Lions International has made a huge difference. “Now that the original defibrillator has been returned the trustees would like to make clear that all the
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Report by Henry James money raised will be invested in replacing outdated defibrillators as well as providing batteries and pads to local schools, churches, local sports facilities and the public access defibrillators. “Part of the money raised will be shared with the First Responders in the local area of Tarleton, Hesketh Bank and Banks.”
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5m VISITORS FLOCK TO SOUTHPORT! MORE than five million people have visited Southport already this year, according to new figures released last week. The total number of visitors for the year to date is 5,065,024, which is 5.1% higher than 2019, which is the last normal trading year before the Covid pandemic. The impressive footfall figures have been compiled by Springboard Research Ltd. Southport BID Business Engagement Manager Luke Randles, has welcomed the figures. He said: “After the difficulties that businesses have faced over the last 18 months, it’s fantastic to see how our town centre is emerging stronger than ever.
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Bernard Sparkes is shown by the box where the defibrillator was returned. Left: The Champion’s front page appeal published earlier this month
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“These footfall figures reaffirm the recent feedback we have received from both Southport businesses and residents, and show just how important high-quality retail is to our high streets. “This data, coupled with the recent streak of news regarding investment, shows that Southport has the infrastructure in place to continue with a positive trend.” The increased footfall comes after the new Beales department store opened earlier this month as well as the new Southport Market food, drink and events venue. Southport has also been
buoyed by the current UK staycation boom with attractions such as Southport Pleasureland now fully operational after lockdown, and popular events such as the British Musical Fireworks, Southport Food and Drink
It’s fantastic news, says Cllr Marion Atkinson
Festival and Southport Comedy Festival all returning. Southport Business Improvement District (Southport BID) working with contractors IllumiDex UK Ltd created ‘a boulevard of light’ with 300,000 lights along the mile-long Lord Street earlier this year to boost the town’s night-time economy. And the £38.5million awarded to Southport by the Government through the Towns Fund is set to secure schemes including a new Lakeside Events Centre. Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills Cllr Marion Atkinson said: “It’s fantastic news that there has been an increase in footfall in Southport this year and indicates a step in the right direction as we look for the local economy to bounce back post-pandemic.” Continued on page 5
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