As work starts packing up the grandstands and marquees, West Kirby Today readers have been giving their verdict on this year’s Open.
Around 250,000 tickets were sold for the event, and hospitality venues in particular stepped up to attract spectators looking for somewhere to got when play on the links had ended.
Wirral Council created a business toolkit to help firms take advantage of the influx of visitors, and it was hoped many of the 2,500 people staying on a campsite at the former Municipal course would venture into Hoylake and West Kirby for food and drink. Around 300 volunteers have been helping direct visitors and providing advice and guidance.
The local authority says staff at its drop in centre at the Municipal Golf Course have dealt with more than 900 separate enquiries, mostly by email but including more than 200 by phone and another 200-plus in person. A total of 2,838 permits were issued to more than 500 homes – 2,223 for access 615 for resident parking.
On Facebook and Instagram, we asked our readers for their reflections on this year’s event – and received a mixed bag of opinions.
Rob Waterhouse said: “Amazing vibe! Loved soaking up the atmosphere. Made sure I visited as many pubs as possible of course between Hoylake and West Kirby to check out what places have put on. Amazing what venues have done to make people so welcome. Been amazing to see the area so busy.”
Sandra Morgan said: “It has been amazing. I am a resident, I volunteered and also had tickets for two days through the ballot so I’ve seen it from all angles. So lucky to be here – and it’s been fantastic to welcome so many happy visitors to our town.”
Natasha Inglis said: “Absolutely fantastic. A triumph of organisation. Looking forward to it being here again.”
Allie Toumey added: “Bloody fabulous! Well done to everyone that has organised [it].”
David Garrett said: “A mild inconvenience at most, hope local businesses did well.”
Abbie Hayes said residents of Stanley Road had faced issues with deliveries and pedestrians walking against the traffic.
And Helen Britton said she thought the park and ride was too far away and took guests out of town.
Although hospitality businesses have fared well, some readers pointed out that other shops don’t appear to have benefited.
Certainly, West Kirby has seemed quieter than usual during the day – although this could partly be because local families have headed off on holiday due to the schools shutting early.
Jane Bennett said: “Great for pubs and restaurants but rubbish for the shops. A very quiet week in West Kirby”.
The final word goes to Keith Bennett, who is clearly not a fan, who remarked: “Glad to see the back of it.”
