Beatles district gets boost as bistro gets go-ahead

by Andy Murray. Published Wed 02 Sep 2009 10:15

Traffic island

The worlds most famous "island in the middle of a roundabout" has thrown a lifeline to the struggling Liverpool suburb of Penny Lane.

The former bus shelter has stood unused for more than four years because of a planning wrangle.

It was made famous in the Beatles 1967 hit Strawberry Fields and attracts visitors from around the world.

But now the famous island will re-open as the trendy Sgt Pepper's Bistro after planning permission was granted for a first floor extension.

Beatles guide Phil Coppell said: "This must be the most famous traffic island in the world and it attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year.

"Over the years it has been terrible to have to show it to people.

"All the tourists were taking pictures of was a derelict cafe.

"I hope the renovated building doesnt destroy the original look of the place but it should become a real resource for visitors."

Only one objection to the proposal was received from Greenbank councillor Jan Clein, although, because the bistro is at the junction of three wards, nine members were consulted.

She stated that giving the scheme the go-ahead would "spoil the character and its associations with the area", that "there are already too many such uses in the area, and expanding this one will exacerbate the problem."

Cllr Clein also stated that "as it is basically on a traffic island, it will increase the parking in the side streets where we already getting problems."

The application was approved, with opening from 8am to allow for serving coffees and breakfast to maximise the established tourist economy in the area.

***The news will come as a welcome boost to the famous Penny Lane suburb.

Despite its legendary status in pop music, small businesses have been left scraping the pennies together as the economic downturn hits trade hard.

Lennon and McCartney's famous anthem immortalises bustling scenes from their youth including the 'barber showing photographs.'.

As the financial crisis continues, there's growing concern from businesses in the area that they could fold without help.

Small business owners will hope the renovation of the Sgt Pepper's bistro will ignite trade for their business.