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Plans to make Southport more upmarket could include pedestrianising Lord Street.

A 60-page document laying out plans for the resort's future also suggests the town should aspire to be more like Center Parcs and Disney.

The Southport Investment Strategy lists as one of its stages: "Preparation of feasibility study to investigate removing 'through traffic' from part of, or the whole of Lord Street and redevelop the roadways for pedestrian

activity, outdoor activity spaces and high quality car and cycle parking."

The document, that is currently up for public consultation, says public transport access to Southport should be improved.

It suggests a transport interchange for the town centre, a shuttle bus between 'key' tourist attractions, improvements to park and rides and Kew roundabout and encouraging people to cycle into town.

Champnews.com understands that the plans have won support among leading lights in Sefton's business world.

However they are not likely to go down well with the sort of people who opposed the recent pedestrianisation of Chapel Street.

"I can't see any benefit in pedestrianising Lord Street," lifelong Southport resident Sheila Kerr of Crossens said.

"The town's a nightmare to drive through as it is.  What about the people who live here who need to get places?"

The strategy is a 10-year plan to develop Southport as a Classic Resort.

The public has until Friday February 29 2008 to submit comments on the draft, that can be viewed at www.sefton.gov.uk/sis or in Southport's libraries or

the Town Hall.

Comments should be emailed to sis@sefton.gov.uk or sent to Alan Lake, Planning and Regeneration, Magdalen House, 30 Trinity Road, Bootle, L20 3NJ.

By Natasha Robson

Tell us what you think at editorial@champnews.com





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