People in Southport are set to take to the streets as they say the town "has lost enough". Dozens are due to march through the town over the possibility it could lose a government building which is home to around 1,400 jobs.
Smedley Hydro in Birkdale has seen news coverage in recent months as it was revealed the offices on Trafalgar Road are under review by the government. The building holds staff from the General Register Office, HM Passport Office, the Home Office and NHS Digital, and is one of the largest employers in the Southport area.
Future of Smedley Hydro under review
Despite this, its future is uncertain as it is currently being reviewed for closure by the Government Property Agency. The jobs currently housed in the building would likely be moved to Liverpool and Preston should the offices shut by 2030.
As the decision looms, the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union continues to fight against the possible closure as it calls for people to join a march to show the desire to keep the doors open.
Union survey shows support for keeping jobs
The union said 98% of members surveyed want the jobs to remain in Southport and have warned that relocation of the site could have a significant impact on staff, particularly those with disabilities, health conditions and caring responsibilities. It also claims the potential added travel time and costs could make it impossible for some to keep their roles.
The PCS has questioned the case for closing the site as well as the costs associated with relocating and the loss of experience.
Rally and march planned in town centre
People have now been called upon to join the union's rally and march in the town centre today, Saturday, October 31. The peaceful event will take place from 11.30am on Chapel Street.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: "Southport has already lost too many vital public services and good, secure jobs. Our community should not have to stand by and watch as the Government considers moving jobs out of the town without properly considering the people who depend on these services, or the staff whose lives and futures will be turned upside down.
"Smedley Hydro has a skilled, dedicated workforce delivering a unique national service. These are not just jobs on a spreadsheet, they are people's livelihoods, careers and communities.
"They matter to the staff who do them, to the Home Office and to the future of Southport."
Speaking to the ECHO last month, Sarah, whose name has been changed to keep her anonymity, explained how she has worked in the building for the last three years having previously been a teacher. She said: "The impact on the staff is massive. They accept the jobs thinking they're going to be working in Southport. It's not like we're right next to a city and if they were to move us to Preston or Manchester, the transport links aren't great.
"There are all sorts of issues with people having to work further away, whether it's travel or sorting care for children and adults."
Local MP backs campaign
The PCS is demanding the offices stay open, with the building and its workers proving vital to both the people and economy of Birkdale and Southport. Sarah told the ECHO: "Andy Burnham says he wants to power up the north but how about powering up Southport? We could show how Southport and coastal towns can be economically viable. But if you don't have the jobs in Southport then what does the town have in terms of opportunities?
"Smedley Hydro is the second biggest employer in the town behind the NHS, how can they get rid of it from a town that is already short on employment? Taking away opportunities for skilled workers, because that is what we are, would have a devastating effect on the town and community."
Southport MP Patrick Hurley has since supported the union's efforts to deter the government from closing the offices, with the local politician meeting with employees ahead of a meeting with ministers. He has previously written to Paymaster General Nick Thomas-Symonds MP and has continued to engage with the Government, PCS Union, local stakeholders and workers over the future of Smedley Hydro.
A GPA spokesperson previously told the ECHO: "A decision was taken under the previous government to assess long-term options for the site as part of cost-effective management of the government estate. No changes would take place until 2030 at the earliest. An extensive consultation will take place with affected staff ahead of any change."
