Birkenhead Market's controversial Argos building move approved

Birkenhead Market traders said the decision was "a total let down"

Controversial plans to move a historic market to the site of a town's former Argos store have been approved.

Birkenhead Market is set to relocate after the proposal was rubber-stamped by Wirral Council, despite traders' concerns.

Joe Orr, whose family have traded at the market for 50 years, said it was "a total let down".

The authority said the move will be modern, cost effective and close to transport links.

A market has existed in Birkenhead since 1835, with its current location within the Grange Precinct.

Wirral Council, which took over the market in 2019, voted to move the market to the site on Princes Pavements following an £8m renovation, with the switch expected by February 2026.

The market will move from its current location in Grange Precinct

The current market site will be demolished to make way for future developments.

Market traders currently use about 17,000 sq ft in the current market but said just over 2,000 sq ft would be provided for traders, raising fears many will be evicted.

The council said the plans were open to change in the event of future feedback from traders.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Orr, who is chairman of the market tenants association, said: "I just feel total disappointment. My family have traded in Birkenhead Market for 50 years. It was a total let down.

"I think the future as put in their report is a food court."

Trader Greg McTigue echoed Mr Orr's concerns and said the move would see the end of the market - which would become "a glorified canteen for council employees who will move into the new office blocks on site".

Councillor Paul Stuart said: "I understand the worries of market traders who are understandably anxious about their livelihoods and the future of their business."

But he insisted the traders "will be fully supported and given top priority when moving forward with any new market development".