Hundreds Sign Petition Calling For Action Over Southport Market

Hundreds Sign Petition Calling For Action Over Southport Market

A community campaigner has delivered a 560-name petition to Sefton Council calling for more to be done to improve Southport’s indoor market and the surrounding area.

David Barton, of Dukes Ward, worked with stallholder Ray Owens to collect the names in a bid to highlight a range of concerns raised by businesses, customers and visitors.

They are calling for a range of measures, from improved signage to overall incentives for stallholders, including more leniency for incumbent and prospective vendors to use empty stalls to boost trade and entice shoppers, entertainment throughout the year, marketing of stalls and business opportunities and relocation of coaches closer to the market hall.

Southport’s first indoor market was originally built in the mid-1800s by local architect Thomas Withnell and was situated on Chapel Street before being relocated to Market Street and King Street crossroads at a later date.

David Barton spoke at length at a recent full council meeting of Sefton Council to highlight concerns about the market’s future unless action was taken.

He said: “Southport Market is a microcosm of the town itself, being a grand piece of civic heritage with vast retail potential, which isn’t quite being maximised.

“Our aim is to work collaboratively with the Local Authority to achieve the best possible future for the market and surrounding neighbourhood.

“I myself spoke to the full council on the need to drastically reduce the rents and leases for the stallholders in order to genuinely encourage as much uptake by as many varied businesses as possible.

“It is crucial that this area is given the necessary support it so truly warrants. Not only would this protect another piece of Southport’s long-standing history, but this would also encourage people to invest in and visit Southport.”

“I first met with concerned stallholders and businesses in January 2018, and together we have undertaken vast amount of work to identify the key concerns and potential solutions.

“I would like to thank Ray Owens and all the stallholders and various local businesses who have supported our campaign and who also recognise the grave need to take proactive action as soon as possible.

“I would kindly request that Sefton Council reconsiders our requests which have now been formally raised at the meeting and with Council Departments with the view to restoring the fortunes of this once famed community hub, which will therefore generate greater revenue for other essential everyday services provided by the Local Authority.”