Businesses on Union Street have raised concerns over the hospitality parklet that was constructed on the street in August.
Several parklets were constructed around the town on parking bays and pavements to help businesses in the hospitality industry.
But one business has spoken to OTS to criticise the structure, saying it took up valuable parking space while the hospitality industry was closed.
One local trader, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “These were installed with no prior notice and they unfairly favour the pub on the street, taking parking spots away from customers we’re trying to attract. They’re just awful and I’ve no idea what we can do about it.
“The Council showed they only care if you run a pub. There are plenty of other businesses down that street that received no help at all. We have hairdressers, shops, a pharmacy, offices. How does it help us to take our parking away for a business that was forced to close for a month anyway?”
A spokesperson for Sefton Council said: “As part of our continuing efforts to help the hospitality sector following the impact of COVID-19, we installed a small number of temporary parklets outside businesses to increase footfall in a safe and secure way.
“The parklets are just one of a number of initiatives, along with financial aid, which Sefton have been able to provide to help our retail and hospitality sectors.
“While these parklets are designed to be completely beneficial to businesses in the areas where they are situated, we continue to consult and liaise closely with businesses across a number of different sectors to monitor their effectiveness.
“While we have received no representations or issues raised from businesses on Union Street, our teams will be speaking with all local traders in the coming days to assess the best course of action to fully benefit local businesses.
“If deemed surplus to requirements following proper consultation, the Union Street parklet will then be removed.”
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