Is the Open Golf good for local shops and businesses?
Prompted by in part by an email from John Hutchinson it’d be good to read your comments on whether you think that the hosting of the Open Golf is good or bad for local shops and businesses?
John writes:
It would be of great interest to hear from businesses along Market Street how the Open Golf competition effects their trade. I know of at least two that do not anticipate the event with any degree enthusiasm.
In West Kirby, where I know many of the local business owners and managers along Grange Road, Banks Road and Dee Lane, for the previous Open there was a falling off of business due to the station closure and busy roads.
The elderly and disabled are adversely affected by the station closure and imposition of relief buses along with pavement fences not being readily opened by attendant staff, if they can be located.
Is the Open Golf competition really advantageous to the community?
Are the thousands of visitors to Hoylake directed from Hoylake station straight to the course, and are therefore bypassing Market Street altogether? Or do they wander along Market Street before or after watching the golf to visit the pubs, restaurants and shops?
If you’re a local business owner it’d be great to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Do you run a business in West Kirby, how are you affected?
Maybe a couple of temporary notice boards could be erected at the golf course inviting people to visit the diverse array of shops available on Market St and Birkenhead Rd along with the shops off Market St.