What is going on about Cambridge Arcade?

WE have been asked by lots of local residents and also businesses about what is going on about Cambridge Arcade. We had been told that the work would be well underway by now, but as of yet, no work has taken place. Many of the Cambridge Arcade's businesses have been seeing major problems as a result of the state of the Arcade. Back in November 2022, Sefton Council Council shows Cambridge Arcade businesses plans for refurbishment. This location is a major part of the Town's history, yet it is now rotting away, just like Southport Pier.

There a great collection of local independent shops within the Arcade and these are a few comments we have had from them...

Ben, from Megafauna, told us:- "The current state of Cambridge Arcade is shocking. Yet again, more of the BHS building fell down over the weekend. It is damaging my business and all the others within the Arcade."

Julian, from The Tap and Bottles, said:- "What I'de like to say is that whilst it's good news that the works on the Arcade will start shortly this is tempered by the fact the works will almost certainly mean less footfall down the arcade which is particularly galling given that summer is the busiest time for visitors to Southport. Additionally none of this work would have been necessary if the Council had simply maintained the Arcade. Prevention is often better and cheaper than cure and I feel the council are guilty of gross negligence in their duty to maintaining the Arcade, which is particularly surprising when it is behind their own Town Hall, and indeed they used to have the one-stop-shop in here perhaps that never reopened due to the state of the Arcade."

Another business owner says:- "We feel totally let down."

We contacted Sefton Council for a comment and in response to our request Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Regulation and Compliance, said:- "Cambridge Arcade is a fantastic asset in the heart of Southport Town Centre but, like many well used historic locations, it is in need of some refurbishments. The Arcade's canopy is the focus of our initial attention, and we will be undertaking significant works to address issues such as leaks and damaged glazing. These works will ensure we preserve this beautiful Arcade for generations to come."

Please support the businesses within Cambridge Arcade by going in and buying from them.

What are your thoughts? Let us know your thoughts on this news topic... Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook or Twitter.

Letter to Editor:- "Formby Dangerous Parking"

"IT infuriates me in Formby, the way some people park. My suggestion is for people to take photos and let someone behind a desk check out the registration details and write to the owner with a polite reminder of the rules and not to do this again, or they will be fined. I'm tired of having to walk out onto a busy road because I can't get past on the pavement, or would have to brush up against hedges which are dripping wet. Vans have eye level wing mirrors sticking out and could be a danger. People with prams, using a wheelchair, or hand in hand with a toddler, just have to go onto the road sometimes." LS, a resident, from Formby. (Full name and address supplied)

Editors note:- "We have again contacted Sefton Council and the Police for comment."

What are your thoughts? Please do email us your views and suggestions to:-

Letter to the Editor:- "Cycle Lanes"

"AS a resident in Southport, I'm very concerned about the future plans Sefton Council have in place regarding this scheme. This is just going to clog up the main roads and make them more dangerous. No 1 uses the current cycle lanes hardly and the majority of ppl in my area are older who don't cycle. As a Talbot Street resident I have seen people ignoring the 1 way system currently in place which is also dangerous; this is a waste of money that could be spent on better projects to help Southport thrive again and more environmentally friendly like charge points; also it seems ridiculous the money they are spending on the Formby bypass under a similar scheme; another example is the coastal road where during the Covid Lockdown they closed it and completely relayed the cycle path and now the weeds are as bad as ever; and is still not used by many cyclists who insist on using the road." From a Very Concerned Southport Resident.

What are your thoughts? Please do email us your views and suggestions to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook or Twitter.

News reports located on this page = 3.

What is going on about Cambridge Arcade?

Letter to Editor:- "Formby Dangerous Parking"

Letter to the Editor:- "Cycle Lanes"