A councillor at the forefront of work to improve Southport town centre has called for more to be done to help shops which have seen trade dry up during work to resurface Lord Street.
Cllr David Barton said he had been contacted by many traders who are being affected by a road closure on Portland Street, one of the side streets off Lord Street, and is pressing Sefton Council to do more to help them.
Cllr Barton, who represents Dukes Ward, said some shops had reported having no customers at all for the last two weeks.
He said he was initially alerted to the problem by Mr John Nolan, The Antiques Man, who is famous throughout the area and who has a shop on Portland Street.
Cllr Barton said: “The Portland Street entrance off Lord Street has been closed off since the resurfacing of Lord Street first began back on September 18 this year.
“Having conducted a site visit with Mr Nolan and contacted the Local Authority and the local Contractor for their support I am appealing for them to reconsider the present arrangement to better support the local traders, who have reportedly in some cases experienced no custom for the last two weeks.
“Whilst the Chief Executive, Highways Department and contractor tell me that this site is to be used as a compound for the entire duration of the resurfacing of Lord Street, which is scheduled to reach completion by October 27, I believe that a compromise should at least be brokered benefitting the local shops here.
“Ideally the compound would have been better placed along the unpainted Pay and Display spaces situated at either north or south ends of the high street where the road width is greater.
“Having noted the present difficulties being experienced by the local businesses I am also requesting the Local Authority at least remove signage stating that the front partition of Portland Street is closed, as a temporary solution.
“The street has access via the layby along Lord Street South which meets at the junction with Portland Street, and removing the sign will prevent prospective visitors and shoppers from being detracted from entering an area which is still very much open for business, with some high-quality bespoke retail stores and long- established and newer additions to Southport.
“Whilst the layby route isn’t immediately noticeable to passing visitors, this could be enhanced through signage.
“It is essential now more than ever that our existing retail sector is given the best support possible if we are to ultimately seek to reverse the decline seen over recent years and indeed provide substance for the townspeople.”
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