Nearly 2,000 people have signed a petition to save the terraced area at Suzie’s restaurant in Churchtown in Southport.
The busy venue, which boasts the logo ‘Eat; Sip; Bloom’, opened on the site of the former Boxtree Cafe / Nursery on the corner of Cambridge Road and Manor Road in November last year, transforming a site which had been vacant for several months.
They have now launched a petition to ‘Help Us Save Our Terrace’ which has attracted 2,000 signatures in just 24 hours.
You can sign the petition here: Petition · Save our terrace in Churchtown village – Southport, United Kingdom · Change.org
Suzie’s opened with planning permission for the terrace awning under consideration by Sefton Council.
The application has since been refused, with the Suzie’s owners now lodging an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to keep it.
They said: “Our terrace has become a much-loved part of Churchtown Village.
“We’re currently appealing a planning decision, in which the council have asked us to remove our terrace awning. We would be incredibly grateful for your support. If you’ve enjoyed spending time on our terrace, we’d love it if you could take a moment to sign our petition.
“Every signature makes a difference.
“Our outdoor terrace in Churchtown village has become an invaluable space for the community, and its potential demise is concerning for us.
“In the past few months, we have invested a significant amount of money, time, and effort into building and maintaining this beautiful open space. It has transformed into a beloved spot where residents, families, and visitors gather, relax, and enjoy the unique charm of our village.
“Beyond its aesthetic value, the terrace plays a crucial role in promoting community bonding and social interaction, elements that are essential for a thriving neighbourhood.
“It serves as a hub for community events, celebrations, and everyday connections, making a profound impact on local spirit and togetherness.
“Churchtown’s economy, too, benefits as local businesses around the terrace experience increased foot traffic and patronage, thereby supporting local entrepreneurship and growth.
“The council’s decision to refuse this terrace not only disregards the community’s investment and connection with the space, but it also threatens the essence of what makes Churchtown so special. We believe that by preserving this terrace, we can continue to enhance the village’s vibrancy while fostering a sense of pride and preservation among its residents.
“We propose a dialogue with the council to explore alternative solutions that will allow both parties to meet their objectives without sacrificing this cherished community asset. Possible solutions could include exploring shared maintenance responsibilities, organizing local fundraisers to support upkeep, or even integrating the terrace into a broader community enhancement plan spearheaded by local stakeholders, officials, and residents.
“We urge you to stand with us to safeguard the future of Churchtown’s outdoor terrace. By signing this petition, you add your voice to a cause that aims to protect a vital part of our community’s identity and spirit. Together, we can show the council that this terrace is not merely a physical space but a representation of our collective commitment to preserving Churchtown’s unique charm and community unity. Let us unite to save the terrace that holds so many of our cherished memories and future dreams. Please sign this petition to help us make a compelling case to the council.”
There have been several supportive comments.
Charlotte from Liverpool posted: “I don’t live in Churchtown, however when my parents came to visit recently I knew exactly where they would like to go for the afternoon- Churchtown! If it wasn’t for Suzies’s we would have gone elsewhere (maybe Emily’s or Penelope’s) and not spent an afternoon in Churchtown.
“We had a great lunch at Suzie’s, then spent the afternoon shopping. We bought from the Chocolate Shop, Lancashire Makers, The Garden Room, the antique shop, Lucy Lou’s, the fishmongers, and a cute little kids shop! If it hadn’t been for Suzie’s we wouldn’t have visited and spent money in the local independent shops.”
Catherine from Ainsdale said: “This is a lovely aesthetically pleasing landmark in Churchtown and we come to visit for breakfast or a meal and then spend time in the park and shopping in the village, it would be such a shame if it had to go, Suzies is supporting Churchtown Village with it’s customers.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
