The future of a beloved Wirral seaside town hangs in the balance as local businesses warn that planned parking charges could devastate the high street and drive shoppers to large retail parks like Cheshire Oaks.
A High Street in Peril
A stark new report from the community group One West Kirby has revealed the scale of the challenge facing the town. The analysis shows that vacant premises have doubled between 2022 and 2025, with more businesses closing down than opening.
Perhaps most alarming is the statistic that 50 businesses have shut their doors in the area, which the report states should serve as a clear warning of a fragile local economy.
The town's character is fundamentally changing, with a marked shift away from traditional retail towards service-based outlets. The number of clothing retailers has plummeted by 45%, while beauty and grooming establishments have increased. Restaurant numbers have also fallen, with three fewer establishments than before.
The Parking Charge Controversy
The most immediate concern for traders is the forthcoming introduction of parking fees for South Parade, the town's popular seafront area. The charges were backed by Wirral Labour and Green councillors last year as part of a policy to standardise fees across Wirral and address local parking problems.
However, the proposals have faced fierce resistance. Iona Horsburgh, who authored the report for One West Kirby, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I have never seen so many businesses in West Kirby angry, upset, and a feeling they are not being listened to."
She expressed grave concerns about the potential impact, stating: "If you are charging three, four, five pounds, it's enough to send everyone running to Cheshire Oaks. We are literally battling online and the big retail parks."
While no implementation date has been confirmed, on-street charges are expected to arrive between April 2026 and March 2027.
A Town at a Crossroads
Despite the challenges, Mrs Horsburgh identified several measures that could help revitalise West Kirby. These include establishing regular markets, enhancing the area around the town's leisure centre, revitalising the Crescent area that greets visitors, and securing funding with council support.
"There's no question the high street will see more cafés, bars, and personal experiences," she said. "I think we have got lots of really creative people and people that are happy to invest and come to West Kirby. They just need more help, we just do not need more barriers."
She described the current moment as critical for the town's future: "It genuinely does feel a crossroads. It feels like we have a chance but if we leave it another three years, we are going to go down a path where it will take a lot more money to get it back."
Conservative councillors, who rejected the charges alongside the Liberal Democrats, are now demanding a suspension. Through a motion for the 1 December full council meeting, they propose several pilot initiatives including a 15-minute grace period, complimentary parking on Remembrance Sunday, and examining free parking periods leading up to occasions such as Christmas.
Councillor Green remarked: "Shops and small businesses across Wirral are facing some of the most challenging trading conditions in recent years. At a time when many are doing everything they can to retain staff, keep doors open and continue serving their communities, it is vital that the Council does nothing that unintentionally makes that struggle harder."
Nevertheless, Wirral Council leader Councillor Paula Basnett has signalled no review will occur. Following Councillor Green's queries regarding the expenses of borrowing funds for new parking meters during a 19 November meeting, Councillor Basnett declared: "There's no change at all to what committee has agreed."
Due to a legal challenge received by Wirral Council over the charges, the council has stated it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.
