Small businesses are voicing concerns that the management and execution of Southport's latest regeneration project is jeopardising their livelihoods. "We're watching this place die and businesses like mine seem to be collateral damage", one trader said.
The grievances stem from Sefton Council's 'Les Transformations de Southport' initiative, which aims to pedestrianise Market Street and enhance interconnectivity, create new public spaces, and boost footfall in the area.
The council says 'Les Transformations de Southport' seeks to restore the town to its Victorian England glory days when it was the country's second most frequented tourist spot. The project's name references the exiled French Emperor Louis Napoleon's visit to Southport in the 19th century.
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However, the scheme also entails significant roadworks, which kicked off in February and are set to continue for the next six months, with completion slated for November this year. At present, sections of King Street and Market Street are entirely inaccessible to vehicles, with only a few narrow walkways available for pedestrians.
Rosie Coates, 43, owner of Crystals & Crowns on Market Street, opened her business in December 2022. Rosie said she was aware of the planned roadworks but noted they were repeatedly delayed before work finally commenced earlier this year.
Rosie reflected on the initial success of her business, reaching a point where she could cover costs, generate revenue, and draw a salary. However, surrounding roadworks have since caused local businesses to report a big loss of trade, with some seeing a reduction of up to 75%.
Rosie said: "I do think it'll look lovely when it's done. I'm not opposed to the transition, but it's how long it's taking and the accessibility issues which profoundly impact on us.
"Since January, I've probably made about half of my bills each month, and the rest I've had to pay out of what little savings I have.
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Discussing her passion over profit, she said: "It's a tiny shop and I don't do this to make tons of money. I just want to cover my bills because I love what I do, but I honestly don't know how much longer we can survive.
Highlighting the discouraging environment created by the roadworks, Rosie pointed out: "I wouldn't want to walk through there. So why would anybody else?
"The results are crystal clear on paper – in April there was one Saturday when I took no more than £5. This is an existential crisis for businesses here and we're all desperately worried about the future.
"It's not like we're just going, 'we're losing a bit of money'. We're literally not making any money. We sit here and don't see a person walk by all day long.
"We're watching this place die and businesses like mine seem to be seen as collateral damage. We have no control over any of it."
Crystals & Crowns is leading the chorus of businesses demanding compensatory relief and a cut in business rates while redevelopment activities go on.
Rosie asked: "What are the local authority going to do to help the businesses that are too small to pay business rates? You wouldn't do this to Mark's & Spencer would you?"
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Sefton Council, when quizzed about the community's concerns, pointed the Local Democracy Reporting Service to a letter recently sent to traders. It said: "We are aiming to increase the number of visitors, to the benefit of all the businesses.
"We do recognise that the works, by their nature, do impact on the area, and concerns have been raised by some businesses over reduced trade during the works. We are keen to do what we can to support and help businesses throughout this period."
The council's letter clarified: "There is no statutory provision for compensation by the highway authority if a business is affected by road works and as such, we aren't able to offer direct financial support from the scheme budget during the works."
However, the council did note they're looking into avenues for offering reductions in business rates and directed merchants to the gov.uk website for further details. Despite these assurances, people like Rosie remain dissatisfied. She said: "It feels like they're not listening to what people are saying and are fobbing us off.
"It (the council) knows full well that shops this size don't pay business rates because they're too small. Yet they shout about how they'll help with business rates and there may be a reduction, but it's easy to say that because it doesn't change anything.
"It loves saying that the market quarter is a quirky, creative area where the independent shops are, but they're not helping the independents to stay here. We just feel hopeless right now and we feel ignored."
Mike Prendergast, a local councillor, echoed these concerns, saying the authority has "totally underestimated" the impact the Market Street and King Street works would have on footfall and accessibility.
He added: "Sefton Council has basically forgotten about the businesses in the area, there is very little practical support and the businesses down there are being hit. [... It's] totally unacceptable to treat local traders like this."