Southport included in the 22 Debenhams stores being closed after High Court ruling

IT has been a turbulent year for Britain's biggest department store, Debenhams, as some of the major retail names have disappeared completely from UK high streets in recent years; it looked as if they could have also become the latest one to suffer. Nationally, the name might have been saved for now, as in other places but sadly, for Southport, and 21 other stores, they will soon be confined to the history books. If follows on from a High Court case that was stated by some of the department store's landlords, including Mike Ashely's Sports Direct. Sports Direct withdrew its objection back in July 2019, but others continued with theirs, resulting in the Court case and a glimmer of hope for the 22 stores, including Southport's Lord Street Store. In total 1,200 jobs will be lost across the department store chain when it closes their 22 stores in April 2020. For Southport, this is yet more bad news, because more and more retail premises and offices close within the Town. The reason given for Southport being selected was that it has consistently in recent years become 1 of their least profitable stores. As a result it was identified as 1 of the 22 to close under a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in the firms restructure plans, aimed at getting it back on track. It also added even more emphasis on Sefton's Car Parking restrictions, as the Southport store has recently tried offering 2 hours free parking, in the hopes of getting more people in.

Are you affected by this? If you are, what are your views on the decision to close the iconic department store? Is it as many businesses are saying:- parking costs, internet, unprecedented levels of uncertainty due to Brexit, along with ever increasing rates and rents to blame for the continued demise of the British High Street? Have you been in Debenhams in Southport for shopping recently? Please do let us know your thoughts, via emailing us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Wavertree High Street shut for car free day community festival

TRAFFIC will be blocked from using a key route through Liverpool, on Sunday, 22 September 2019, as part of a community campaign to raise awareness of climate change. Wavertree High Street will hold its 1st car free day in a move aimed at showing the City is serious about tackling climate change; while also promoting local businesses and community spirit. The idea has come from the:- 'Love Wavertree' group; a collection of local people who are taking it upon themselves to make Wavertree High Street a 'happier and healthier' place. The area that will be kept free of vehicles will stretch from the Rose Garden through to the lock up; with buses set to be diverted around the closed off area all day. In place of vehicles, there will be a farmers market, live performances, games, music, dancing and sport including cricket and football. The event ties in with Heritage Open Days and the historic Wavertree lock up will be open, and there will be tours of Wavertree Congregational Church and Bluecoat School. The Council's decision to allow the car free day comes after it declared a climate emergency during a historic meeting in July 2018.

Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet member for climate change, said:- "This is the 1st time we have ever closed a key route to mark car free day. Although it is only one day, it is designed to demonstrate how we can use an area differently when there is no traffic around.  This is a chance for local people to spend time on their local High Street, spending money in the local economy and also getting to know their neighbours. It is the start of us trying to rebalance the relationship between motoring and more sustainable forms of transport including buses, cycling and walking. We appreciate that this may cause some disruption for commuters who normally pass through Wavertree so advise them to check with their bus operator before travelling."

Councillor Clare McIntyre, who is part of the Love Wavertree community consortium, said:- "We have done a lot of work with the local community and this idea proved popular as a way of reducing pollution.  This event, which also ties in with Open Heritage days, where we showcase some of our beautiful buildings, is an opportunity for the community to celebrate what is on offer on the High Street and surrounding area, as well as highlighting the role of air pollution in the climate emergency. We hope as many people, families, communities and businesses join us for a celebration of Wavertree."

Marine Way Bridge maintenance work

ROUTINE maintenance works has been taking place on Marine Way Bridge, Southport; leading to temporarily closures of the bridge to allow access for large equipment and for work to be carried out safely, over week days. Over the weekends' however, the bridge was reopened to accommodate visiting traffic and decrease disruption to events like the 24 hour Yacht Race. This closure was 1 of several over the last few weeks, including the Coastal Road. For more information about road closures across the borough please visit:- RoadWorks.Org information on the UK's road network.