Sefton Council has been given additional funding to support the safe reopening of its high streets and other commercial areas to help support the hospitality sector.
The funding will help support the Sefton business community, with measures that enable safe trading in public places.
As part of this project, Sefton Council is looking to extend the pavement areas outside local businesses, especially where the pavement area is limited.
By using the parking bays, this will allow for social distancing where it would be difficult to do so otherwise, whilst still having consideration for all users of the highway, especially those with disabilities.
The two main areas where this will be implemented are Coronation Walk & Union Street Southport, as we want to focus on our local high streets.
The Council has already implemented the road closure on Court Road from The Grand Casino to Union Street, helping businesses in this area increase their trading and to add life and character back into the local area.
The area will also be enhanced with planters which have been designed, built and installed by the Southport Flower Show to create an attractive area for customers to use.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills said:
“We understand how all businesses have been impacted by Covid-19, none more than the hospitality sector.
“We have been working with businesses over the last few weeks to ensure they could open safely while we all play a part in keeping residents and visitors safe.
“These new initiatives will help us achieve this and at the same time help these independent businesses trade successfully over the next few weeks.
“A lot of the infrastructure being used has been designed and made by The Southport Flower Show again showing how we can and will support local businesses.
“We do hope these initiatives are a great success and we will continue to look at other areas.”
Lisa Mendi, Local business owner (Bistro Bar Med and Medhito Cuban Latin lounge on Coronation Walk) said:
“We are so happy to be able to now offer our customers outside seating. Thanks to Sefton Council who have made this all possible, we are absolutely delighted.
“All our lovely customers old & new will now be able to enjoy their Tapas from Bistro Bar Med sat outside whilst sipping sangria.
“Then continuing their evening listening to the delights of chilled Latin beats & enjoying some cocktails whilst being outdoors (please check our Facebook page for other nights.)”
The council have also adopted a new temporary pavement licence process, a streamlined consent route to allow businesses to obtain a licence to place temporary furniture, such as tables and chairs, outside cafes, bars and restaurants quickly.
If any other businesses are interested in how this project may be able to assist, please contact the Sefton Tourism Department on Tourism@sefton.gov.uk or to apply for a temporary pavement licence visit: www.sefton.gov.uk/parking,-roads-travel/temporary-pavement-licence.aspx
