Sefton Council have admitted the 2023 Air Show ‘didn’t go to plan’ after a water-soaked beach left traffic backing up for miles.
A late decision to close the beach to cars on the morning of the show caused numerous complaints of tailbacks, leaving some ticket holders stuck in their vehicles.
At the time, the council chalked up the gridlock to the show’s immense popularity, with Councillor Marion Atkinson, now the council leader, even stating she would personally thank the organisers for their efforts.
However, the council has now walked back that stance with a recent statement on the Visit Southport website.
OTS News is not aware of any public apology from Sefton Council ever being issued by Sefton Council, until a recent paragraph on the Visit Southport website saying: “We sincerely apologise for some of the problems that occurred during the 2023 Air Show.
“We acknowledge that there were some logistical issues that impacted the event. We understand the disappointment experienced by some attendees.
“We listened to your feedback, and we have taken action. The logistics for Southport Air Show have been improved for this year, with changes to traffic management and entry into the event.”
As part of the planned improvements, a new traffic management company and extra gate staff have been promised.