Why it's so important William and Kate came to Southport
Prince William and Princess Kate's visit to Merseyside was as important as it was surprising. Southport, the place I was born and the town I am very proud to call home, has seen an unthinkable summer, from the tragic deaths of three schoolgirls to violent riots within a day and a half. It was something no one could ever have imagined would happen on our doorsteps.
Having spent much of my life in the town, barring three years in Liverpool and a brief stint in London, the town's conversations often revolve around the pier, footfall and what would make Lord Street better, with consistent downbeat tones due to fears the coastal resort will never reach the heights it perhaps once was at. But in the aftermath of the events of July 29, the community has rallied and the country, and world, have shown support for the families at the centre of the horror.
The conversation has shifted, people's views of the town have changed, and there is a desire from people across the town to help Southport get back on its feet. When the flowers, pink ribbons and tributes are gone, it is the businesses and people of the town remaining, and the royals' visit just proves the town remains very much in the thoughts of all those who supported the community.
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The ECHO has spoken to the likes of Southport Pleasureland owner Norman Wallis and hospitality boss Andrew Mikhail in the months that followed the attack, and the future is bright. Norman claimed there was a drop in footfall of around 70% on the year before at the theme park and said it would have been cheaper to close, but despite this he continues to work on plans to not only better the park, but better the town.
Andrew continues to build his hospitality empire after rejuvenating the "Northern Quarter" of the town centre. And now the royals have visited, putting eyes back on the town, a town that continues to grieve but is slowly rebuilding.
As William and Kate spoke to emergency responders at Southport Community Centre, after speaking privately with the families of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King, and with Leanne Lucas, the hero dance teacher who was injured in the attack as she shielded children, emotion poured out but they proved to be a reassuring voice ... a reassuring voice Southport never knew it needed.
As we enter winter, a time for family and friends, the events of the summer will live long in the memories of people in the community, more so for the families and individuals affected, but this week can be used to spur Southport on.