Moore hails furlough’s extension
RESTORING rail services between Southport, Preston and Ormskirk is vital for the local economy in the region, says MP Damien Moore.
The Southport Conservative MP praised the cross party determination to restore the vital transport links which were axed during the controversial Dr Beeching cuts in 1964.
Mr Moore met with West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper (Labour), South Ribble MP Katherine Fletcher (Conservative), Preston MP Sir Mark Hendrick (Labour) and rail expert Alan Fantom from OPSTA (Ormskirk Preston and Southport Travellers’ Association) to press their claims.
Southport has particularly strong reasons to campaign for better rail links after submitting £50m regeneration proposals to the Government under the Southport Town Deal.
The plans under Town Deal include a new waterside events centre, an all-year attraction at Southport Pleasureland and a revitalised Lord Street.
Earlier this month, plans were revealed for a £40million Southport Cove resort on the seafront.
The exciting, all year-round attraction at Princes Park would include a world class surf wave pool, waterbased wellness and spa facilities, fourstar accommodation, a restaurant and cafés plus indoor leisure facilities.
All of these attractions are designed to boost the regional economy by attracting millions of new visitors, making the case for better rail links vital.
Mr Moore said: “We have got a real cross party consensus on this issue.
“We need to see the Burscough Curves reopened and Southport linked with Ormskirk and Preston by rail.
“Being able to connect with Preston opens Southport up to rail passengers on the West Coast Rail Line. We would appeal to visitors from places such as Preston, Carlisle and Glasgow. Preston is a massive rail hub in the North of England.
“The North West’s time is now. This scheme will bring people in from all over the country.
“We want to be part of that rail link from North to South and to be able to bring people into Southport with greater ease.
“We do need to capitalise on this great opportunity.
“If we can make this happen then I would like to see some very proactive marketing done in places like Glasgow, Preston and Carlisle to attract visitors into our town.
“We need to drive people into Southport using that pull factor we have that not only are there many great attractions and events that visitors can enjoy here, but that they would be able to arrive by rail and not have to drive to get here.
“It would be much more environmentally friendly as well as being a more convenient way for more people to travel.”
The case prepared by Alan Fantom with local MPs insists that restoring rail services is central to regional economic development and growth as Southport, South Ribble, Preston and West Lancashire seek to build back stronger after the coronavirus pandemic.
SOUTHPORT’S MP expressed his delight that workers in the town and across the UK would benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now run until the end of March with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked.
Similarly, support for millions more workers through the Self- Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be increased from 55% to 80% of average profits.
The third grant covering November to January is being calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500.
Southport MP
Damien Moore said: “I am delighted to see the new measures which will provide muchneeded security to many businesses, employees and self-employed workers here in Southport and across the country.
“It is vital that jobs and livelihoods are protected as much as possible and that local firms and people can begin to plan ahead.
“I would like to thank local residents and businesses in Southport for their efforts to help control this virus, while significant efforts are made to introduce mass Covid testing – with the pilot programme currently taking place in Liverpool – while work continues to produce and distribute a vaccine.”
Evidence from the first lockdown showed that the economic effects are much longer lasting for businesses than the duration of restrictions.
There are currently no employer contributions to wages for hours not worked.
Employers will only be asked to cover National Insurance and employer pension contributions for hours not worked.
For an average claim, this accounts for just 5% of total employment costs or £70 per employee per month.
The CJRS extension will be reviewed in January to examine whether the economic circumstances are improving enough for employers to be asked to increase contributions.