How market sparked a Bank Holiday battle

“New Brighton has always been one of our favourite locations because it’s close to home.

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We are a family business and we have been coming to New Brighton since we were children ourselves.

“We remember coming with our parents to the outdoor pool and to the fair, so having an event in New Brighton is an achievement for our business, but also a life saver for the local businesses who take part.”

Wirral Council has declined to comment. The three councillors on the licensing panel that approved the market were also approached for comment.

Cllr Max Booth believed the market could have been held on 51 other weekends in the year. He said: “I'm a Wirral councillor, to represent Wirral residents and businesses as best as I can,” adding: “I understand the fundamental importance of propping up our local seaside businesses and communities wherever possible. Granted, this is only for one weekend, but the evidence I heard at the hearing led me to vote against.”

The visiting market is a concern for Helen Robinson, who has been running the Seaside Cafe on the waterfront for 35 years. She said she wasn't afraid of competition with other local businesses or events, but believes bank holidays should be left to the traders that are there all year round.

She said she didn’t want to see the return of derelict shops in a resort now seeing a revival, adding: “When people from outside come in and cream the bank holiday money, I think it’s unfair. For a business, it’s a constant battle now.