The decision of the Royal and Ancient Golf organisation to stop ticket holders from having 'pass-outs' enabling them to pop out during the day and return will have no effect upon the trade of Hillside, Birkdale Village and Southport traders, says Sefton Cabinet Member Marianne Atkinson yesterday. She was answering a question asked in Council by West Birkdale councillor Tony Dawson.

Bootle-based Councillor Atkinson says that the impact of the 'lock-in' was "thought to be minimal". Birkdale traders need not worry, said Councillor Atkinson because Sefton Council was " making sure local areas such as Birkdale village are promoted to visitors through dedicated signage".

Birkdale traders should be happy, says Councillor Atkinson, because golf fans are being signposted to places where they cannot go.

Councillor Dawson says:

"Quite a number of golf fans 'make a week of' the event and like to take a little time off from the long days. But now, effectively, they have been completely confined to receiving all their catering for food and drink via the monopoly supply of firms contracted to work within the golf course."

"This edict will, of course, have no effect whatsoever on the daytime trade of Birkdale, Hillside and the town because Councillor Atkinson says it won't do. Of course, everyone appreciates that there is a major boost to the town's evening and night-time economy just because this major international event is being held here. But that is a separate matter."

Is this a change of terms and conditions?

If so I'm sure the R&A will offer appropriate compensation.

Absolutely pathetic!

Such a shame that the spectators will realistically be caged in and unable to "take a break" and explore the area.

The R&A is not interested in the local economy or the residents.

Inside the fenced area there are lots of sleeping cabins so local hoteliers miss out.

The lack of pass outs is all about keeping the money to themselves, greed pure and simple Dawson makes a good point.

Councillor Atkinson is clearly making some odd comments.

My friend walking her dog was badly affected by dust from the path leading into the caged area on the common she had to go home.

your SAT NAV's are switched off..............................



REMEMBER....... when leaving Royal Birkdale Golf Club, LIVERPOOl is to the LEFT as is SOUTHPORTalso to the LEFT

REMEMBER LEFT

Originally Posted by theantiquesman

your SAT NAV's are switched off..............................



REMEMBER....... when leaving Royal Birkdale Golf Club, LIVERPOOl is to the LEFT as is SOUTHPORTalso to the LEFT

REMEMBER LEFT

Steady on old chap - I know the Labour fillie did quite well but not that well !!!!!

Does seem like a shame to not allow pass-outs but also feels disingenuous for Cllr Dawson to edit the events in council for his own political capital:

http://modgov.sefton.gov.uk/document...0Responses.pdf (Item 7)

7. Question submitted by Councillor Dawson to the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills (Councillor Atkinson)

“Is the Cabinet Member aware that the organisers of the Open Golf tournament in Birkdale are not permitting day 'pass-outs' this year - and does she possess any analysis or view of how this policy will impact upon the local visitor economy?”

Response:

“I’m disappointed but not surprised Cllr Dawson has raised this only now given the Labour leadership of the Council has already taken the challenge on behalf of businesses in Birkdale, Hillside and Southport to the R&A some 9 months ago. Some of us at least are on the ball.

In 2008 when The Open was last staged here the Liberal Democrats were responsible for the Tourism portfolio. Unfortunately they did not conduct any economic impact assessments, therefore their lack of foresight left it difficult for us to measure or compare potential impacts. Notwithstanding this, officers conducted an assessment on potential impact and it was thought to be minimal.

I’m sure the Councillor will join me in the welcome news that this Open has been the fastest selling of all time with an impact of an expected £100million on the economy,
along with the increased visitor numbers in 2016 and the trend set to continue on the back of The Open in 2017. Furthermore, we are also making sure local areas such as Birkdale village are promoted to visitors through dedicated signage.

I, along with the support from my Leader, (which a little birdie told me Cllr Dawson no longer has from his) and officers, have worked to capture the benefits for our residents’ ensuring employment opportunities via Invest Sefton, recruitment drives via Sefton@Work and also offering training via Sefton Adult Learning Service targeting The Open, all with the rationale of boosting the local economy and building resilient communities. The eyes of the world are now on Sefton and the Labour group have and will continue to ensure we make it a huge success.

Is this the sum total of our Tony's "good relationships with the cabinet" and working together or just asking questions (whether relevant but too late) or not. As for the next story coming already on the other site about manuel he should grow up a bit so he'll be taken more seriously given he's representing the town even if not fit to represent the libs currently.

Is he blaming bootle labour for the Open t&C's and we should send the golfers packing.

https://www.theopen.com/Legal/Terms-...ions/In-Person