There's a lot of chat on the forum about the decline of Southport as a shopping centre due to parking charges, shops closing etc. etc. and it got me thinking about the town centre prior to it's vast 'improvements.'

Long before the pedestrianisation of Chapel Street I recall when the buses ran down there (both ways) and indeed along London Street. I appreciate there are far more cars about now but the system appeared to work and there was certainly a buzz about the place (especially at Christmas) which cannot be said now. Chapel Street is a Godforsaken place at the best of times, with absolutely no atmosphere at all, despite a few lights.

I remember the Salvation Army band singing their hearts out, the Round Table selling hot chestnuts (in the entry by Wallis) and all in all everyone seemed just that bit jollier - or is that old age and only remembering the good bits?

Originally Posted by melanieb

There's a lot of chat on the forum about the decline of Southport as a shopping centre due to parking charges, shops closing etc. etc. and it got me thinking about the town centre prior to it's vast 'improvements.'

Long before the pedestrianisation of Chapel Street I recall when the buses ran down there (both ways) and indeed along London Street. I appreciate there are far more cars about now but the system appeared to work and there was certainly a buzz about the place (especially at Christmas) which cannot be said now. Chapel Street is a Godforsaken place at the best of times, with absolutely no atmosphere at all, despite a few lights.

I remember the Salvation Army band singing their hearts out, the Round Table selling hot chestnuts (in the entry by Wallis) and all in all everyone seemed just that bit jollier - or is that old age and only remembering the good bits?

Nope, your'e dead right.

The area comprising Tulketh Street, Wesley Street and Chapel Street used to prove a busy, bustling shopping area thanks to a wide variety of shops and stores, along with plenty of free roadside parking.

One small, but important point was that buses coming from the northern end of the town, such as the number 9, would divert from Lord Street up London Street and then Chapel Street up to about 9am, stopping at the railway station, before turning right into Eastbank Street. Much better for those working out of town, especially in the winter, if they had to catch a train.