Residents living in Birkenhead have shared their memories of the town down over the years and made their suggestions for how it could be regenerated.
Some claimed that in recent times Birkenhead has resembled a “ghost town”, even before the coronavirus pandemic changed the way we shop and live.
But locals remember better times and some believe the town’s spirit can be rekindled as the council sets about developing a major regeneration plan.
Posting on the Facebook group Birkenhead Memories, Lee Johnson said: “Birkenhead down town is becoming a ghost town, nothing good about it anymore.”
Lee’s comment summed up the challenge that Birkenhead faces, but also the opportunity that this time provides local people with to take a second look at the town.
Others had great memories of the town in years gone by.
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Stephen Walton said: “I can remember when town was busy, I mean choca [sic], even the market was busy but with the rise of internet shopping and being able to order a sausage roll to your door I don't think town will ever be the same again.”
The market is a favourite memory for many people in the town. Another member of the Birkenhead Memories group, said: “Take me back in time to the old market.
“Memories to keep forever, my first job and I loved it going to work at 5am [to set up] fat Billy's fruit stall.”
Echoing that thought, another member of the Facebook group said: “It's a crying shame losing the shopping centre and thriving market in Birkenhead. Loved the hub of activity every Saturday with stores like BHS, Littlewoods, the Co-op, Beatties, Robbs, Woolworths etc.
“Now all that's left are pound shops/charity shops, Primark, banks and a feeling of despair when you look around.”
How can Birkenhead be revived?
But as well as looking back, some were keen to look forwards.
Sarah Norris, who has lived in Birkenhead since she was born, said a “village style set up” could be the way forward.
She added: “Shops cannot compete with the likes of Amazon etc, so the focus should be on attracting a good mix of independent shops.
"I've discovered some lovely local businesses in Birkenhead over the last couple of years and have become pretty loyal to them because I have gotten to know and become friends with the people who run them.
“You don't really get that with your typical high street brands. Birkenhead should be a bit of everything for everyone, for example the vegan scene is picking up in Birkenhead with the likes of Jöro, Boss Birds, Zero Clucks Given now operating in the area.”
Hospitality may have been hit hard by the pandemic, but Sarah said it was a key area in which Birkenhead needed to be improved.
Sarah continued: “It would also be nice to see some restaurants, a couple of bars such as [those which] can be seen in the Castle Street area of Liverpool, that tend to attract the local workers.
“I work in Liverpool and prior to Covid would enjoy going out after work with colleagues or meeting friends, but of a weekend, there isn't really anywhere nearby to hang out with friends if we don't fancy going across to Liverpool.”
The idea a revamped Birkenhead Market, a long process which the council has begun, was also seen as vital to the future of the town.
Wirral Council said major improvements to the town are on their way.
Cllr Anita Leech, chair of the economy and regeneration committee, said: “Birkenhead is on the threshold of significant change, capitalising on the timing of a number of government funding schemes and private sector investment.
“It is evident throughout the town that there is a renewed vigour and genuine appetite to embrace partnership working, which will enable us to deliver widescale transformation – driving both economic and social prosperity for our people and helping to address invidious inequalities which persist in our communities.”
Cllr Leech said the council can use Birkenhead’s proud history to drive the town’s development forward.
She added: “Those who live and work in Birkenhead are aware of its true potential. We are at the point where we can learn from our past and take that knowledge and experience forward to protect our environment and heritage and maximise our assets, our coastline and our capacity to grow, for the benefit of the whole community.”
“Our ambitious plans will provide job opportunities and help new businesses to locate in Birkenhead. It will support new and existing families to find the right homes in the area, joining visitors in enjoying the natural beauty of our waterfront and our thriving arts culture.”
