Maghull Square businesses face closure after rent increase of up to 50%

Jun 18 2009 by Linda Foo Guest, Maghull and Aintree Star

SMALL businesses in Maghull Central Square are worried they are being squeezed out of town after their rent was increased by up to 50%.

Callaghan Butchers has been based at the square since 1972 when Gordon Callaghan opened the store.

The firm says it has been “fighting” against rent increases for years.

Son Howard, who has worked there for 18 years, said: “We have been fighting the new tenancy agreement for three years.

“Previously the increase was around 70%, which small shops cannot afford. Now they have issued another one, which is 50%.

“Quite a few shops are looking at closing by the end of this year when their lease runs out.

“They are not prepared to sign up for a 10-year lease.”

The Maghull Group took over the ownership of the square, which was previously owned by Mars Pension Fund, a couple of years ago.

Its website boasts the square has 65,000sq ft of retail and residential space, plus 180 parking spaces.