Former Councillor, David Barton believes that by providing full transparency this will gain the respect and support of commercial civic restorers.



A campaigner for the heritage of Southport, Merseyside is calling upon his Local Authority and its adjuncts to provide a full detailed breakdown of all planned expenditure across the Southport Town Centre and its corresponding Public realm.

Former Councillor, David Barton believes that by providing full transparency this will gain the respect and support of commercial civic restorers and other prominent Grant Bodies where an even greater sum could be secured if such simple steps are taken.

The community campaigner, whose ultimate focus has been and remains the restoration of Southport is hoping that a number of legacy projects dating back to 2010, such as the completion of the restoration of the Lord Street stone balustrades from Portland Street up to and including Duke Street are included in the ratio of recently awarded funding, guaranteeing a true representation of “wrapper funding” as prompted by Central Government in its Town Fund Guidance Pamphlet.


Mr. Barton says: “In outlining what, where, when, how and by whom any such improvements that may take place, this may provide a steeled investor confidence and commitment that will build on the “piecemeal regeneration” that secured the Southport Towns Fund.”

He says: “Whilst I’m aware of plans previously put forward by the Sefton Conservation Department to restore a series of facades and fascia frontages along a score of side streets interconnecting two of the town’s most prominent Conservation Areas- Lord Street & The Promenade, I hope that previous funding schemes that were only partially successful and have subsequently remained long awaited in the last decade are now correctly completed.”


“Should the Southport Towns Fund be utilised to complete the southern Lord Street Balustrades, as but one case study, not only will this be a tremendous community win for everyone, but it will also send the right signal to those considering investing in our famous high street, once referred to as the “Montpellier of the North, especially in this and the next decade.”

“It is worth acknowledging that in Autumn 2018, Central Government announced a Future High Street Fund where up to a potential £675million was available to bid for alongside an auxiliary High Streets Heritage Action Zone. Should the Council now take measures to complete such long-standing projects, this may increase the likelihood of them attaining some of this fund or a parallel derivative in the future that is closer to the triple figure million mark.”

“Although it is pleasing to see the progress being made, true professionals do not grandstand or self-congratulate, by the contrary those with a true vision will strive to do everything possible to adhere to all criteria set for more ambitious funding programs, especially whilst Southport and Sefton are primary candidates for Whitehall and the wider UK commercial sphere.”

“The work is by no means finished and we should especially remember the diligence shown by landowners and contractors who have toiled with bare minimal referencing for going above and beyond to make the townscape a far better one than what would have been without direct positive and constructive intervention.”


Mr. Barton has re-produced a host of funding proposals covering various topics and themes, where the Southport Towns Fund may be utilised alongside its main projects to increase the Local Authority’s scope for future prestigious Funding Grant Schemes:

Jet Washers to clean street furniture including pavements, bins

Return of civic street furniture, such as cast iron lamp posts

Completion of Phase III Lord Street stone balustrades since 2010

Replacing removed Victorian Verandahs on surviving historic properties on Lord Street

Joint collaboration with Merseytravel to instate period style Bus Shelters reminiscent of those based along the Promenade on Lord Street.

Regeneration of local landmark assets leased by the Council such as former Manhattans

Recreation of previously proud entrance sites to town including Southport Train Station

Maintenance Subsidy for civic assets difficult to look after including top of Lord Street Pantheon and fascia frontages of Council owned buildings

Recreation of long-long buildings, such as Southport Opera Theatre, Trucodero & Kingsway bringing new attractions such as Ballroom dancing with green energy connection

Re adoption of red tarmac carriageway along Lord Street

Why doesn't he get somebody to translate his ramblings into English?

See the blue suit’s getting an airing, perhaps going on a prison visit.

Give him his due he must have learned a great deal about obtaining money.

One has to admire his vision, if not his grasp of reality.

He needs to get a job.

Anyone know what a long-long building is? Even google seems stumped over this one.

Originally Posted by greenmachine

He needs to get a job.

Unemployable.

In the interests of transparency how does he earn his income ?

Originally Posted by local

In the interests of transparency how does he earn his income ?

Hmmmm I wonder?

Originally Posted by donkey22

Hmmmm I wonder?

Family business ?