FUNNYMAN Ken Dodd officially unveiled Southport’s revamped Lord Street yesterday.
The Squire of Knotty Ash entertained crowds before unveiling a plaque to mark the end of a £4m makeover for the shopping boulevard.
The 12-month project saw a range of improvements to public spaces, pavements and gardens.
After the unveiling, Mr Dodd said: “I would like to congratulate the planners and the people that have done the actual work in making the gardens so beautiful. I hope they will do a makeover on me.”
The scheme was funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), European Objective One and the Merseyside Local Transport Plan.
Alan Lake, from Sefton Council’s planning and regeneration team, said:
“Lord Street is one of Southport’s prized assets and we are delighted that many of its most impressive features have been restored to their former glory.”
The work included refurbishment of Memorial Gardens, St. George’s Gardens, and North Gardens, as well as the opening of a new garden with water fountain and artworks at the northern point of Lord Street.
Mr Dodd also helped open new civic space around the War Memorial obelisk .
Peter White, NWDA executive director of development, added: “This scheme has transformed Lord Street and enhanced this important, historical area of the town.”
