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Jamie Lopez

@jamielopez.bsky.social
78 followers 110 following 67 posts

Editor, Southport Lead. Writer, everywhere

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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, today’s newsletter looks back at the Harris House, a family home which offered refuge for Jewish girls who had fled Germany and Austria before the outbreak of World War II @theleaduk.bsky.social
southport.thelead.uk
The Southport home where Jewish refugees fled from the Nazis
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day we look back at Harris House
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Reposted by Jamie Lopez
The Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
Graffiti linked to Adolf Hitler and a Russian Neo-Nazi group has been found near Marine Lake, reports @jamielopez.bsky.social
southport.thelead.uk
Nazi-linked graffiti scrawled by Marine Lake
Racist graffiti has become a common problem in other areas of Sefton recently
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Ever walked through a cemetery and wondered who is responsible for the very old gravestones? Well, the Sefton Council is struggling to answer that and with thousands currently unsafe, the repair bill is looking very hefty
thesouthportlead.substack.com
£1.1m cost of repairing dangerous gravestones
More than 2,000 headstones are unsafe in Southport and Ainsdale - but few owners have been found
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
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
southport.thelead.uk
Collapsed investment firm 79th Group never owned Loch Ness and Anglesey development sites
The company's directors have had their assets frozen
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
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
open.substack.com
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
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
I wonder how much this is going to cost the council when it loses the appeal
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
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)
open.substack.com
Hotel purchase planned as council faces unprecedented homelessness
Plus: Andrew Brown's guide to what's happening this week
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
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
open.substack.com
For Southport FC, dawn breaks
Plus: Is it the end of the 'big stink'?
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 10/08/2025
Overgrown and under-maintained: The cycle lane problem
southport.thelead.uk
Overgrown and under-maintained: The cycle lane problem
Plus: Andrew Brown's guide to What's On This Week
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
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
southport.thelead.uk
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
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 03/08/2025
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
open.substack.com
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
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Reposted by Jamie Lopez
The Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
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-...
southport.thelead.uk
Children's A&E could return to Southport within five years
Plus: Golf ball rows stalls plan for dozens of new homes
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
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
southport.thelead.uk
Landlord left man in sub-zero flat after illegally cutting off power
Plus: Southport Imam on the legacy of fear caused by mosque attack
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Patrick Hurley is among more than 100 Labour MPs rebelling against the Government's planned cuts to disability benefits | @theleaduk.bsky.social
southport.thelead.uk
Southport MP Patrick Hurley joins rebellion against welfare reforms
Plus: 'Jungle' fears for pensioners losing grass cutting service
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Sefton Council is considering bringing in new rules which would ban new takeaways from opening in "walking distance" of schools @theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com
Sefton Council to crackdown on takeaways opening near schools
Plus: Martial arts centre to open in former car showroom
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
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
open.substack.com
IVF options slashed for couples in £1.3m money-saving plan
PLUS: Southport Pier SAVED and tributes paid to much loved teacher
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
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
southport.thelead.uk
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
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
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
southport.thelead.uk
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?
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
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)
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Reposted by Jamie Lopez
PNE Online @pneonline.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
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
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
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)
open.substack.com
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
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
"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
southport.thelead.uk
"Lives to be transformed" by Marine Lake Events Centre and Southport regeneration
Plus: The ultimate What's On guide for this May half-term
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
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
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Council plots land giveaway after EU funding loss halts Southport Business Park development @theleaduk.bsky.social
southport.thelead.uk
Council plots land giveaway after EU funding loss halts Southport Business Park development
Plus: Pub closes doors as roadworks keep customers away
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 18/05/2025
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
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
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
"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...
open.substack.com
"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
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
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
open.substack.com
What Reform's net zero fight could mean for Southport
PLUS: Sefton Council leader survives rebellion from fellow Labour councillor
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
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
open.substack.com
Reform target Sefton Council control in first all-out vote in more than two decades
Plus: Traders plead for help during Southport Market roadworks
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Years of austerity has left the Environment Agency unable to protect residents from landfills in the way it would like national.thelead.uk/p/years-of-a...
national.thelead.uk
Years of austerity has left the Environment Agency unable to protect residents from landfills in the way it would like
Local authorities believe the Environment Agency is best-placed to tackle landfills. But years of austerity means they can't necessarily provide the level of protection that they want to.
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 04/05/2025
Police raided the business in February, now administrators have been called in
open.substack.com
Administrators called in after police raid Southport asset firm
Plus: Sefton Council's failed search for £131k exec and Andrew Brown's What's On guide
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
It’s a critical time for Southport as leaders plot the next step in efforts to keep people visiting. Consultants are now being brought in to shape that process @theleaduk.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
open.substack.com
Who can design the future of Southport and net £150k for doing so?
Plus: London Marathon run in memory of Southport attack victims + Formby Bypass speed reduction planned
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 27/04/2025
There is currently very little in place to stop motorists with inadequate eyesight from continuing driving and even renewing their licences. The warning is simple: without changes, more people will be killed as a result @theleaduk.bsky.social
southport.thelead.uk
More will die without law change to keep unsafe drivers off the roads
Plus: Andrew Brown's What's On guide to the week ahead
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
We don’t normally focus on crime in The Southport Lead but it felt right to take a look at this incident and ask questions of the policing of the crowd @theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com
Teen suffers broken cheekbone as two knocked out by football yobs
Plus: New effort to lead Burscough Curves campaign
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Reposted by Jamie Lopez
Luke Beardsworth @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social · 19/04/2025
Straight from the Farage “I didn’t say it was happening, I was just asking questions” playbook. www.blogpreston.co.uk/2025/04/refo...
blogpreston.co.uk
Reform UK claim Finney House to be used for asylum seekers branded ‘completely unfounded and misleading speculation’ by health chiefs
Finney House, Preston A claim from a Reform UK candidate that a closing care facility in Preston could be used to house asylum seekers is 'completely unfoun
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
“It was disgraceful to see unsubstantiated commentary about ‘two-tier policing’ undermining the efforts of police officers who served bravely in the face of violence.” @theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com
Southport riots, two-tier policing claims rejected and an information vacuum
Plus: The latest headlines from across the town
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
Wrote about Britannia for today's Southport Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social Another year of big profits and low opinions - so how is the company succeeding when so many in the same industry are struggling?
open.substack.com
Spotlight on Britannia's Southport legacy as firm makes big profits again
Plus: Andrew Brown's What's On guide for the rest of the Easter holidays
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Good to see @theleaduk.bsky.social @blogpreston.co.uk and @lancashirepost.bsky.social working together for another of these debates. Also: @paulfaulkner1980.bsky.social is a batter host than any of the TV debates have
blogpreston.co.uk
Local elections 2025: Join us for a Lancashire Decides election debate
Paul Faulkner, the BBC and Lancashire Post Central Lancashire Democracy Reporter will be your host and questionmaster for the evening Residents are to get
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
The Southport Inquiry officially began this week but what does that mean? Today's Southport Lead attempts to answer any questions you may have. There's also questions over what Sefton Council is doing to look after Southport beach and whether it's enough open.substack.com/pub/thesouth...
open.substack.com
The Southport Inquiry: What it means and who will speak
Plus: Is Southport beach turning into a 'grass infested muddy expanse'?
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Reposted by Jamie Lopez
Blog Preston @blogpreston.co.uk · 31/03/2025
The Guardian wrote about Preston, and PNE, on Sunday. So here's our response.
blogpreston.co.uk
Opinion: Beige Preston piece completely missed the mark on our proud city and club
A butter pie at Deepdale Stadium A journalist writing about another journalist is never a fun thing to do, and often uninteresting. So before I get stuck
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
A major review of local urgent care is taking place - and hope is rising for a return of children's A&E services to Southport @theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com
Southport "large enough" to host children's A&E department
Plus: Warning to dog owners and pain of Southport Pier closure
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Some thoughts from day one of The Convention for the North, including news of a Lancashire mayor, the 'ridiculous' element of Eden Project Morecambe, and how devolution can move away from a 'national embarrassment' to better infrastructure @theleaduk.bsky.social substack.com/@thelancashi...
substack.com
The Lancashire Lead on Substack
The Convention of the North has come to Preston for its annual event and @Jamie Lopez has been there for us on day one, with @Ed Walker and @Zoe Grunewald joining for day two. Here are some of our the...
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
"We’re getting 90 kids every Monday night who are not on their Xboxes, not in their rooms or roaming the streets so that’s a really good thing.” @theleaduk.bsky.social The club helping to create the next Luke Littler - and much more than that
open.substack.com
The club helping to create the next Luke Littler - and much more than that
Plus: More misery for Southport Pier arcade owner
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Reposted by Jamie Lopez
Luke Beardsworth @lukebeardsworth.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
The volume of bad faith nonsense knocking about means that sometimes the most useful thing we can do is help readers make sense of it all. So, we launched ‘The Lead Untangles’ with @theleaduk.bsky.social. The third one from @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social is here national.thelead.uk/p/the-lead-u...
national.thelead.uk
The Lead Untangles: As many as 100,000 Ukrainian refugees face uncertainty in visa extension bids
Campaigners are worried the design of the scheme will put Ukrainian refugees at risk of losing their jobs and homes
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
A rare dip into the world of religion for me in the latest edition of The Southport Lead - for a town with strong Methodist roots becoming increasingly secular, what does the future hold?
southport.thelead.uk
Demolition threat shows battle facing town's churches
Plus: Andrew Brown's What's On guide for the half-term week
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Given the news is often massively overwhelming and assumes a lot of prior knowledge, I found this useful from @theleaduk.bsky.social
national.thelead.uk
The Lead Untangles: USAID, where the funding was going and what comes next
Donald Trump and Elon Musk have acted quickly - and it's not clear if they have done so legally - over what they deem to be a waste of taxpayer money
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Within 15 minutes of Network Rail telling me the level crossing is safe, I witnessed a man cycle around the barriers. (1/2)
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
The George pub dates back to a key time in Southport's growth as a town. It was supposed to be converted into a shop but for two years, it has been part demolished and seemingly left to rot. This is the story of what caused that delay and what will happen next @theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com
After two years of nothing, historic pub The George faces demolition
Plus: Pay and display warning and the latest headlines across the town
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
A final piece for a little while on the dreadful Southport attack. It only feels right to make sure the final words went to the victims who have showed bravery and dignity far beyond my comprehension Victims' strength is awe-inspiring amid coward killer's final insult @theleaduk.bsky.social
open.substack.com
Victims' strength is awe-inspiring amid coward killer's final insult
Plus: How you can still support those affected
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Jamie Lopez @jamielopez.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
A difficult day in which the impossible bravery of strength of many outweighed the pathetic cowardice shown by one. Will share some thoughts in this weekend's Southport Lead along with pointing to ways in which people can still give their help and support
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Cllr Mike Sammon @mikesammon.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
I can’t stop thinking of all of those with broken hearts today in our Southport community.
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