Building work at Southport Market halted after “disturbance”

Southport Market was evacuated yesterday following a “disturbance” during construction work.

OTS understands that a gas leak following the removal of old equipment prompted the evacuation.

The building remains closed as of Friday morning pending a building inspection.

The troubled Market is currently undergoing a £1.4m revamp in the hope of restoring profitability to the premises.

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “As part of the refurbishment works to Southport Market, specialist contractors were on site removing an old commercial fridge in the basement.

“As part of the removal a small disturbance has been reported and therefore, as a safety precaution, the appointed contractor has suspended works on site until a further detailed inspection is carried out ensuring the site is safe for works to continue.”