I FEEL that I must write a poem about the places that Southport has lost, as they will never be put back and it is a great loss to a beautiful Victorian town. I am sure there are other people who feel the same as I do.

Where’s the Palace Hotel?
Its tennis courts, its views, the little pub.
You don’t need that.
You can have the pub but more houses are needed.

Where is the Outdoor Bathing Pool?
The family fun, the bathing beauty contest, the sunny days?
Oh! You can’t have that,
We need a shopping square, a leisure centre, money coming in.

Where is the Floral Hall Gardens? Don’t touch it.
Music entertainer, deck chairs, fresh air.
No! You don’t need those.
We can give you a top hotel, bars and restaurants, shops.

Where is the bandstand?
Evening music, dancing, fairy lights, laughter.
Why, you have no need for that.
Look a fountain that surprises you and open space.

Where is the Palace cinema?
Genteel building, centre location, taxi at the door.
Don’t be silly, what’s the use of that?
Why a new international hotel, maybe a shop or two.

Where’s the bus station?
Central buses to everywhere, easy.
Too simple, looks untidy,
Supermarkets, clean lines, food, goods needed.

No! Please not the fairground,
Where can I go to laugh and sigh about all that’s gone?
Grow up, you are not a child,
Come here and see, it will be better.

What about me?
I like those old things easy and pleasant,
You! We don’t want you, we need the space.
Shall build you a bungalow out of town,
There’s nice town next door.

MRS PAT SCOTT,
VIRGINIA STREET,
SOUTHPORT

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