|
Sky high
rents and lack of small units pushing small businesses out in North Sefton
THIS year we have witnessed the loss of
industrial and business units in Birkdale and Formby, with the loss of Formby
Trading Estate and Birkdale Industrial Estate. We have also seen lots
independent units closing, being pulled down and being by replaced luxury
apartments and nursing accommodation within the Southport and Formby area. The
loss of these units means many small businesses are struggling to find
accommodation. On the retail side, also the situation is not good, as more and
more small businesses are finding it increasingly hard to pay staff wages and
the ever increasing rents, yet footfall is falling. Many are blaming the
internet, but the reality is lack of planning for the future by local business
leaders and Councils. The lack of small businesses is destroying our once
vibrant Town and Village centres and this is echoed across the UK, in seaside
resorts. The Social Market Foundation said the economic gap between coastal and
non-coastal places has grown considerably and things are only getting worse.
Also, the study found that health and education are also heavily affected within
most coastal communities. In Southport the lack of local job opportunities and
poor transport links after 11pm has also impacted badly on the local economy,
resulting in many young families being pushed out. That, combined with rents for
both housing and businesses being far higher than they should has resulted in
even more problems.
Sadly, investment in the North of Sefton has been only on high profile projects,
such as of Britain's 2nd longest pier, Southport
Pier
and the likes of Kings Gardens, both helped by the Coastal Communities Fund,
European Objective 1 Funding and Heritage Lottery Fund, whilst side roads have
gone unprepared. Often many of the investments, like the Pedestrian Area, next
to Southport Train Station, have resulted in vacant shops as retailers struggle
to operate.
We want to know where you think money should be focused in Formby and Southport.
Are we correct with the statements above? Should small business that give character and variety to our towns and villages
be more supported? Do they keep money in the local communities? Do big chain
stores bring in tourists or do the small businesses? What are your views?
Please
email us to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.com or place your
views on our
Facebook Page. If you indicate we can pass
your information on.
We would like to pass your views to our local MP's and also
to the Sefton's Councillors, so please indicate if you want us to hide your
personal information or if you want us to include it, within any correspondence
we might have with them.
|
