Following a forum with traders at Birkenhead Market Mick Whitley, the town’s Labour MP, held an urgent meeting with Councillor Tony Jones, the Labour Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee.

They agreed that the objections and worries expressed by the traders and their association were legitimate and it was essential that the Council took them on board. As a result, they issued this joint statement:

“We believe that the plans for the temporary market need to be put on hold. The issues raised by traders regarding the space and location of the temporary market, the danger of traders being put out of business by the current arrangements and the alternative options that can ensure no one is left behind need to be addressed.

It would be a betrayal of the interests of those businesses and individuals who have put so much into maintaining Birkenhead Market if they were not given every opportunity to be part of the future regeneration of our town centre.

Postponing the plans for the temporary market – that was due to be discussed by the Council Committee on 8 June – is in our view the only fair and proper way to proceed. We therefore welcome this postponement and pledge to involve the traders in the discussions that are vital to their future and the future of our town.”

Mick Whitley, Labour MP, Tony Jones, Labour Councillor and Chair of the Economy, Regeneration and Development Committee at Wirral Borough Council

4 June 2021