John Pugh MP campaigns to save Southport Town Centre


John Pugh has vowed to campaign against any proposals by Sainsbury's to move out of Southport Town Centre, warning that such a move would have "dire consequences" for the town.

The Visiter newspaper has revealed draft plans for a huge Sainsbury's store at Meols Cop Retail Park. Sainsbury's is expected to apply for planning permission for the scheme,  which would be built on the current Homebase site, next month.

While there is no suggestion that Sainsbury's intends to pull out of its current Lord Street store, it is feared that the proposed 'out of town' store would pull shoppers away from Southport town centre, threatening the viability of remaining shops.

MP John Pugh has also stated he is not against the expansion of Sainsbury's, but that it should be encouraged to take place in the town centre, citing the former Morrisons store on Tulketh Street as a potential site. John Pugh has launched an online petition against the Sainsbury's plans, which you can sign here.