One of Merseyside’s oldest dairies is expanding its businesses, supporting 104 local jobs across its operation.
Bates Farms and Dairy Ltd has been in Southport for 80 years.
Thanks to support from Sefton Council, the company will be able to acquire 0.75 acres of land to create a larger yard for storage and existing delivery vehicles.
Bates provides an essential service to thousands of homes and businesses. And managers say the demand skyrocketed during the lockdown period.
Dairy manager Stevan Bates said: “We’ve had a lot more people sign up for deliveries this year, which is great.
“Every new customer is making the switch from plastic to glass, which is so much better for the environment.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the staff who went above and beyond during lockdown, and to all our customers for bearing with us.”
The new land means Bates Dairy can stay in Birkdale, as it has done since 1939.
Stevan added: “I was born here, I grew up here, my whole family lives here. We want to stay here. We don’t want to move to Wigan or Skelmersdale, for example. We are Birkdale through and through.”
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Part of a 22-acre, council owned site at former Isle of Wight Farm, the land is identified in the Local Plan as a possible area for housing.
Bates’ wishes to purchase a small part of that area include the erection of a single-storey unit.
Development requirements include putting up acoustic fencing and plans to deal with any resulting increase in surface water run-off.
Bates delivers milk six-days-a-week to more than 10,000 customers across the North West in its fleets of eco-friendly milk floats and wagons.
Cllr Marion Atkinson Sefton Council’s cabinet member for Regeneration and Skills said:“By making this land available to Bates Dairy, the council would be supporting the growth of a family firm that has been in Southport for over 80 years and which provides a milk delivery service to thousands of local people, while providing 104 jobs within the local community.
“The ability to expand on the site will help secure local employer Bates’ future in the town and will mean the company can invest and grow.
“Plus, the extra space will mean fewer on-site vehicle movements, which will benefit local residents.”
