A row has erupted between a major Merseyside company and the local council as the owner considers closing the business. Norman Wallis, the owner of Adventure Coast Southport, which was previously named Southport Pleasureland up until last year, is contemplating shutting the doors to the amusement park which has been a prominent fixture in the town for decades.
Norman told the ECHO how he is now involved in a dispute with Sefton Council over his water bill, with the council accused of using the water meter at the amusement park for Princes Park, the former Princes Park toilets, and the bowling green in King Edward Gardens, however the council has hit back.
A council spokesperson disputed the claims, stating there was a leak which falls under Sefton’s responsibility, with the council making Adventure Coast a “generous settlement offer” to for pay for the water used in the leak.
What has now followed is a bitter row between the influential Southport businessman and the governing local authority, resulting in a back-and-forth adding uncertainty to the town heading into the months which typically see a rise in footfall as warmer weather arrives.
Norman has called for “all parties to pull together”, with Sefton Council this year putting on more free events for people in the town, however the council stated it “cannot spend public funds” to pay for a debt owed by the private company.
In a statement issued to the ECHO, Norman said: “This is a very sad and unfortunate situation, not only for Pleasureland/Adventure Coast, but for Southport as a whole.
Norman Wallis, owner of Adventure Coast Southport(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
“Since 2007, water recorded through Pleasureland/Adventure Coast’s meters appears to have been supplying Sefton Council owned land and assets, including Princes Park, the former Princes Park toilets, bowling greens in King Edward Gardens and potentially other council-controlled areas all have been paid for by Pleasureland.
“Leaks occurred on council land, including a major leak on a six-inch industrial water main in Princes Park and further leaks connected to the Princes Park toilets. Pleasureland/Adventure Coast has gathered substantial evidence, including photographs, videos, written records, contractor information, billing records and expert analysis, which supports the position that these leaks and water usage were not the responsibility of Pleasureland/Adventure Coast.
“Despite this, Sefton Council has, in its wisdom, chosen not to resolve the matter promptly or practically. Instead, delays, lack of clarity, and a failure to properly acknowledge have allowed the situation to escalate unnecessarily. Those delays have increased costs, increased pressure, and brought all parties to this very unfortunate juncture.”
He added: “We have always sought to deal with this matter in a fair, sincere and amicable way. However, it is both disappointing and regrettable that a matter involving council owned infrastructure and council managed land has been allowed to develop into such a serious dispute, with consequences that could and should have been avoided.”
However, Sefton Council hit back at Norman’s claims, citing their offer to him, as well as stating the businessman owes “significant money” to the council.
A leaking water pipe near Adventure Coast Southport
The spokesperson told the ECHO: “We accept absolutely no responsibility for the overall significant debt owed by Adventure Coast Southport to its water supplier.
“Furthermore it is wholly inappropriate to suggest that the public pay the utility bill of any private company.
“We acknowledge that a small proportion of water usage as a result of a leak does fall under the local authority’s responsibility and we have made a generous settlement offer to pay this fair share.
“This offer was declined by Adventure Coast Southport.
“While we have given repeated support and leniency to Adventure Coast Southport over a number of years, we simply cannot spend public funds on a debt owed by a private business.
“We also continue to liaise with Adventure Coast Southport over significant money owed to the council.”
Concluding his lengthy statement, Norman said: “The wider circumstances Southport has faced, through events beyond anyone’s control, have already had an enormous impact on the lives, businesses and wellbeing of people across our community.
“At a time when the town needs stability, confidence and unity, I believe it is more important than ever that all parties pull together, act reasonably, and work towards a solution that protects jobs, supports local businesses, and helps Southport move forward.
“Having worked with Sefton Council for many years in an amicable and constructive manner, we fully understand that the council must follow proper procedures and that it is under significant financial pressure at this time.
“However, we sincerely hope that Sefton’s officers and elected members can now find a mutually beneficial solution. One that is fair, practical, and, above all, in the best interests of Southport before it’s too late because as we all know as a community once something is closed like the pier and the convention centre it takes an enormous amount of resources, money and time to repair and open attractions again.”