Two Merseyside towns set for new ‘continental street markets’

Two Merseyside towns could be set to see new ‘continental street markets’ if plans are approved this week.

Joanne Evans on behalf of RREvent Solutions has applied for short term licences from Wirral Council to operate two markets in the borough. One on Liscard Way in Liscard and the other on Ian Fraser Walk near Marine Point in New Brighton.

The Liscard market would run from April 18 to April 21 with a maximum of 20 predominantly food and drink stalls. The New Brighton market on the waterfront will have a maximum of 25 stalls and will operate from May 3 to May 6 and from August 8 to August 11. According to its website, the company based in Knowsley runs over 200 speciality market days each year and has been running markets across Europe for more than 15 years.

The two applications will be decided by Wirral Council later this week at a licensing panel meeting on April 5 at the Solar Campus on Leasowe Road, Wallasey. This is because the council has the sole right to operate a market in the borough with the right to stop any other markets taking place within nearly seven miles of Birkenhead Market.

Wirral Council when making its decision will have to take into account any potential impact on Birkenhead Market, what benefits it could bring to the local economy as well as the impact on the high streets and town centres in New Brighton and Liscard.

A report brought before the panel said the local authority’s policy said: “Decisions relating to the operation of markets should aim to facilitate positive benefits that such markets can bring to Wirral without creating a negative impact on town centres or local residents.”