A council based in northwest England has suggested that the creation of a tidal lagoon should be a viable option for future investment.

Sefton Council’s recent development strategy for Southport Town is described as being a high level and ambitious vision for promoting the town as a major tourist seaside attraction.

"At this stage this [the tidal lagoon] is a high level aspiration," the council stated, "but if feasible could support jobs, renewable energy generation and nature conservation, and provide a major sport and leisure attraction and a major visitor destination."

The council added that that Swansea Bay tidal lagoon should be considered a template if it proceeds to develop, and that the Sefton Coast should be part of any dialogue with regards to the potential development of future schemes.

The Southport Development Strategy will be available for comment until 8 February 2016.