Merseyside shop owners hit out at 'absolutely disgraceful' situation causing footfall and takings to plummet

Businesses in New Ferry are continuing to raise concerns following recent enforcement by Merseyside Police against cars driving along and parked on Bebington Road, a pedestrianised area. An emergency meeting was called as people slammed the fines given out as “absolutely disgraceful”.

Restrictions, which were enforced following complaints of dangerous driving, only allow loading and unloading by local businesses after 4.30pm and before 10.30am. Despite the outcry from traders, many have praised the police action on social media.

However traders have pointed to the loss of the Woodhead Street car park to a new regeneration development. Two public car parks in the area have a combined capacity of 138 spaces and the LDRS understands more than 50 spaces were available during recent visits by Wirral Council.

However businesses said at other times, the car parks are full. In a letter to Bromborough councillor Kieran Murphy following the meeting, Mark Craig on behalf of New Ferry Traders said: “With no parking spaces left in the nearest car park to the precinct, several of the business owners felt they had no choice but to park on the precinct itself”.

He added: “They were horrified when a team of police officers suddenly showed up and ticketed them all, along with other cars by shoppers visiting some of the businesses.”

Traders raised several points of order for the council to address. This includes spaces being taken by construction or school staff, businesses having their rear access cut off due to the Woodhead Street development, and concerns about “a mountain of building waste and fly tipped rubbish”.

The council has been asked to address these issues, review parking signage in the area, make a special allowance for businesses to use the precinct, and engage with traders on plans to redesign the high street. The letter said: “Pedestrianising the Bebington Road precinct area in 1992 has been an unmitigated disaster for the sustainability of the businesses along it.”

Cllr Jo Bird, on behalf of Cllr Murphy, referred the matter to council officers. A Wirral Council spokesperson said: “We have also received a copy of the letter sent to ward members and officers across a number of different council teams will look the points raised and respond in due course.”

When the LDRS previously reported on the issue, Wirral Council said the enforcement “followed complaints from residents and businesses that drivers are using the pedestrianised area as a cut-through to New Chester Road”.

Merseyside Police also said they carried out enforcement in the area in line with the existing rules, adding: “We work closely with all local authorities to ensure that roads are kept safe and accessible for all users.”