A seaside town is under severe financial pressure as a recent report reveals a shocking 50 stores may be at risk of permanent closure. The blow comes as shops and independent businesses across the UK struggle to remain on high streets, due to rising costs of rent and manufacturing.

Due a steep decline in open independent retail units, business owners of West Kirby are now calling for additional investment and encouraging their community to renew their beloved town and save their unique high street. This report led to a warning from One West Kirby, a community group, which claimed the town's businesses would experience substantial changes, following the dramatic drop of traditional retail for the immediate popularity of those offering service, seen from 2022 to 2025.

A recent study from the West Kirby Town Centre unveiled an alarming business turnover where more than 50 businesses have shut since 2022, with only 41 new businesses since, leaving a financial gap of nine stores' revenue yet to be replaced. Interestingly, the vacant store space available in the strugglling town has since doubled, with an additional 45% decrease in open retail shops open, West Kirby Today reports.

The latest to confirm their closing is Bobo on Banks Road, which had a remarkably high turnover in recent years as various restaurant concepts were filtered through its doors. Note that the 2025 report published also writes of the town's night life, featuring several bars which hold tightly onto live music performances, and the positive, yet small, additions of art retailers.

The diversity of businesses, which now see West Kirby bars double as cafes in the day, is what currently keeps the independant ventures afloat, however, the report shares that the "significantly increased number of outlets providing daytime food and drink in the town centre, further saturating the high street, adds to the imbalance of [West Kirby's] retail offer".

One West Kirby's report comes with a call for action - asking for a temporary pause on plans for promenade parking charges and the targeted investment aiming to improving the town's business rates support, the high street's appearance and an addition of small business grants.

West Kirby report author and member, Iona Horsburgh, says: "The data paints a clear picture of a town in transition. While there are still many independent businesses working hard to keep West Kirby vibrant, the overall picture is one of fragility". She explained that, "without coordinated investment and practical support, the town risks losing the unique coastal identity and independent spirit that makes it so specialW.

The community group's Chair, David Rawlinson, commented that this was "not just about what's been lost, [but] about what can be regained". He added: "West Kirby has an active, engaged community that cares deeply about the future of the town. We want to see partnership working between local businesses, councillors, and residents to create a shared plan for regeneration that reflects the real needs of our coastal community".

In reponse, a local owner rebutted: "We seem to have nothing but nail bars and barbers opening," reports West Kirby Today.