Public Fury as Council Rule Threatens Future of Crosby Market

Public Fury as Council Rule Threatens Future of Crosby Market

A shocking decision by Sefton Council is putting the future of Crosby Market in jeopardy — and the public is absolutely furious.

From Monday 14th July, traders will no longer be allowed to bring their vehicles onto the pedestrianised area of Moor Lane on market days, a rule that applies even to long-standing, working traders such as Tony the Fish Man, who has operated from the same spot for over 30 years.

The new restriction bans all vehicles between 10am and 6pm, meaning stallholders cannot set up or trade effectively — especially those who depend on their vans to operate, such as refrigerated fish or meat vendors. Shockingly, traffic wardens have already begun issuing warning notices to market vans, threatening full enforcement immediately.

❝ A Disastrous Blow for Local Business ❞

Stuart Hamilton, who manages Sefton Markets including Crosby, called the decision ridiculous and warned that three-quarters of traders could leave if it isn’t reversed. He said:

“At present the new 6pm vehicle ban has caused a lot of traders to reconsider. It’s simply too much to carry everything in and out without access to vehicles — especially in cold weather and dark evenings. It’s tiring, impractical, and unsustainable.”

Even if vans were allowed back on by 4pm, Stuart believes it could make a huge difference. But as things stand, many traders are already looking at alternative markets where conditions are more supportive.

❝ 30+ Years of Community Service — Ignored ❞

One of the most outrageous parts of this decision is the impact on Tony the Fish Man, a beloved fixture of the market for more than three decades. His van, which is not just a vehicle but a refrigerated working unit, is essential for him to operate safely and legally. Yet, under the new rules, he is expected to somehow trade without it.

Tony said: “I’m really worried. I don’t know what to do. They’ve banned vehicles between 10am and 6pm, and we’ve already had warning notices on our vans. How can I serve fresh fish without my refrigerated van on site?”

This decision doesn’t just affect Tony — it threatens to undermine the entire market. As many locals know, Tuesdays are Moor Lane’s busiest day because of the market. Take away the stalls, and footfall for shops and cafés will plummet. It’s not just traders who will suffer — it’s everyone who depends on that weekly buzz of activity.

A Plea to Sefton Council -

We are calling on Sefton Council to urgently review this decision. The community deserves better. Markets are not just about stalls — they’re about people, livelihoods, and local identity. The ban may be a technicality on paper, but in practice, it’s a death sentence for one of Crosby’s most loved traditions.

Please support the market. Speak up. Let Sefton Council know this is not acceptable. Once these traders are gone — they won’t come back!

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Here are the best ways for residents, traders, and concerned community members to contact Sefton Council and formally challenge the new vehicle ban at Crosby Market:

📞 Phone:

Sefton Council Contact Centre: 0345 140 0845

(Monday–Thursday 9:00am–5:30pm, Friday 9:00am–5:00pm)

✉️ Email:

General enquiries or complaints: contact@sefton.gov.uk

🌐 Online Complaint Form:

Submit a formal complaint here:

https://www.sefton.gov.uk/your-council/compliments-comments-and-complaints/make-a-general-complaint/

Postal Address:

Complaints Team

Magdalen House (2nd Floor)

Trinity Road

Bootle

L20 3NJ

What to include in your complaint:

• Your full name and contact details

• Mention that it’s regarding the vehicle ban on Moor Lane (Crosby Market) affecting long-standing traders like Tony the Fish Man

• Describe the negative impact on local business, traders, and community footfall

• Attach any photos, comments from traders, or examples if available

Next Steps:

• Ask for your concern to be logged as a formal complaint

• If you don’t receive a satisfactory response within 15 working days, escalate to Stage 2

• Final stage: contact the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman

Act Now – Help Save Crosby Market

Please share and encourage others to contact Sefton Council before this rule destroys one of our longest-standing community markets.