Catering from shipping containers
A NORTH West based catering business is in conversation with Sefton Council to finalise their temporary offering, now that planning permission has been granted.
Two shipping containers are to be situated by the entrance to Ainsdale beach, Southport, with a menu including hot drinks, cakes and fish and chips. It is anticipated the units will be in place throughout the busy summer season until late autumn.
Meanwhile at Crosby, Sefton-based owners of The Bus Yard - a pop-up food and drink venue operating from a double decker bus - started a 28-day trial to see if residents and visitors would be interested in more permanent refreshment offers at the popular spot.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “These temporary trials of new food and drink concessions at Crosby and Ainsdale, are in response to regular feedback from visitors and residents, who feel there are not enough hospitality facilities on our coastline.
“We’ve already been overwhelmed with positive feedback about the local business who are running our trial from Crosby, and hope that we’ll get the same response later this summer when our Ainsdale pop-up begins.
“The trials aim to balance ways we can meet the needs of people enjoying our coast with strict environmental factors and community concerns, and we will closely monitor all elements and feedback.
“We would ask anyone who wants to tell us what they think to get in touch with us by contacting our Green Sefton service.
They can email green sefton@sefton.gov.uk.”
In 2020, the council saw huge numbers flock to the coast. This highlighted the need for investment to maintain the best possible experience for all beach users, while factoring in environmental needs.
As part of the wider investment at Ainsdale, designs are now being drawn up for an off-beach car park that will help to reduce the impact on local communities who have been affected by irresponsible parking in the past. Options for new toilet facilities are being explored alongside the food and drink vendors trial, all with a view to enhancing visitors’ experiences.