DECLINE OF ELLESMERE PORT

:-(

[@patrickmalone1902]

May be run down like most towns nowadays,but some lovely warm and friendly people live there and thats what counts.

[@bigboy0625]

The port is a dive all the money spent in and around the oaks area.

[@user-ne1kp8yo8n]

it was always a dive!

[@W00dy590]

When you have Cheshire Oaks on the doorstep it's no wonder the town has become a ghost town

[@mikeh2006]

Glowquest was an old theatre. It still has the theatre gallery with the seating

[@Pwecko]

The B&M shop used to be Littlewoods. B&M moved to a much bigger shop near the motorway, which used to be B&Q. Opposite Littlewoods was Woolworths. All the Whitby things were on Whitby Road. If you had walked away from the railway station instead of towards it, you would have come to an area called Whitby, which has its own shops, including a branch of Morrisons. If you'd walked a bit further, you would have come to a quite pleasant residential area. I grew up in Ellesmere Port in the 60s and 70s, when it was a busy town. The best thing about it was the Rivacre Baths. There are pictures of that on KZbin. The ex-hotel past the railway station was the Station Hotel, which once boasted the longest bar in the country. It was a dump. The "development opportunity" used to çontain The Knot Hotel, another dump of a pub. It was demolished at least ten years ago. Nature did a good job of reclaiming the area, with lots of buddleia trees and weeds, but it has been tidied up recently. Perhaps somebody will do something with it at last. The death knell for Ellesmere Port was Cheshire Oaks Shopping Village, a mile and a bit out of town. On the one hand, it has provided a lot of work for the people of the town, but it has left the town centre desolate. I only ever go into town to go to the supermarket. There's no reason to hang around. There are no attractions. The saving grace of the town is the people. They are mostly friendly and helpful.

[@MartinMurray1966]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaHWnJKfh5l1ebM

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

Yeah much of England looks like this now... 70s architects who didnt understand that cities need plants, and the recent decline of the high street makes these places look post-apocalyptic

[@patrickmalone1902]

The old Essoldo Cinema by the bridge,used to go there a lot when i was a lad.

[@Leroy1Jenkins]

Used to come up here from cornwall every year to visit my grandad. The town used to be buzzing then (95-07). Sad to see it like this. You know you're in trouble when a BnM shuts down.

[@PAUL-yv2kk]

Just moved to a bigger unit at the outskirts of town

[@JJ-iq8mi]

​@PAUL-yv2kk Which most people have to drive to. Shops out of town are what has killed the high street.

[@PAUL-yv2kk]

@JJ-iq8mi There's definitely truth in that. But in this case, it's just at the far end of the high street and easily in walking distance from the centre. I think internet shopping is as much if not more to blame for shop closures, but big retail parks are no help as you say. I hate what's happened for sure....but I think we're stuck with it. Just wish the owners of old shop units would re-purpose them or at least be obligated to keep them looking tidy.

[@noelcahill6707]

Im irish i loved walking down the port its a pity how far its gone

[@garyrigby21]

all the young kids once they are old enough and if into the Arts & Music move to Liverpool

[@ZX7ROB]

Grew up in the port, I got out 25 years ago and it’s been in constant decline. It’s a benefit culture town now.

[@opus1952]

This is what you get from a Labour run council.

[@wharamj]

B&M moved years ago down the bottom as you come into the Port from the M53

[@MartinLloyd-uz1kz]

I've Lived in The Port all My Life its My Hometown I Love The Town But it Could Be so Much Better

[@ianmoffatt442]

Its a dump and i live here. Glow quest used to be a cenima then a mecca bingo

[@JJ-iq8mi]

Internet shopping and Cheshire Oaks finished this place off, as well as a decline in local industry.

[@eliz9369]

Interesting video, thank you MM.

[@control4230]

It's so strange seeing my old home town, I use to live in Stanney Grange but moved away around 1986 I think. I remember Littlewoods being where that vacant B&M store is. If I where lucky my mum and dad would go in and I could get a bag of cola cubes from the sweet counter. Across from that was Woolies where our Nan got us Whisper easter eggs every year. The market you walked through is the old Asda building and the old market was somewhere close by but obviously gone now (I can still see it now in my mind with the arched roof windows running down the middle), Mum use to drag us along during the summer holidays, I think Wednesday was second hand day. The shopping arcade wasn't even built back then so the town centre lay out is totally different, I remember the early stages of construction going on shortly before we moved away though. My dad tried to teach me to swim in the EPIC (he failed), going to the pictures there with my auntie, watching Glitterball and eating Poppets, I think that Glowquest use to be a bingo hall at one point, we had to cross that bridge opposite it to get to my aunties house and none of those Dez Rezzes were there. One thing that really stood out was how quiet it was.

[@LunaMoonfae]

Essence of spice was where Ryan Reynolds called in and said that it's one of the best Indians in the World, he's right to

[@swingingingerplums]

Light of India 😂

[@NR23derek]

Ellesmere Port, my home town. I left in 1973. You started off in Rivington way, it was all done up a while back with nice paving, but then it got dug up and filled in with tar patches, lots of times. The B&M used to be Littlewoods when I lived there, a long time ago now You walked down Whitby Road. Whitby is - or was - a village about a mile or so away, the one on Yorkshire is an imposter. I grew up in Whitby. The large bit of empty land used to be the Knott pub, a place you could buy more or less anything and the building next to the bridge selling bathrooms was the Queen's cinema flea pit, which closed down in the 1960's and became a bingo hall. The tower blocks are Joseph Groome Towers, he was a mayor when they were built in the mid-60's, The railway line goes to Helsby, back in the 60's it used diesel multiple units, the sort could see into the drivers cab. As kids we used to take the train for days out in Helsby and would always get in the front to see out. One time the driver invited us kids in and asked me if I'd like to drive the train, was I going to say no? So I got to drive a train when I was 12. Beat that :) To be honest the Port was never an exciting place, but when the big out of town "Cheshire Oaks" shopping centre opened, it killed the old town centre. The place has long ago lost its industry and it little more than a suburb of Liverpool now. I've still got a soft spot for it, but in all honesty I don't really miss it.

[@maccman1900]

Thank you for all the information Derek. I grew up in Croxteth-Liverpool and it has a special place in my heart, the people in Ellesmere port were wonderful and that makes it a great place to go.

[@patrickmalone1902]

I suppose your town is immaculate.

[@markbray2988]

Most depressed towns are the same... Depressing. I love your quaint rural villages because they're visually attractive and far less depressing.

[@pataleno]

I love going to Ellesmere port market on a Saturday as it brings back memories as a kid. Shame it's not busy anymore.

[@je53sen25]

Awesome video MACC

[@Robert-vw3od]

It’s really gone downhill, although I’ve only lived here for 18 months. I do remember it when I was a lot younger and it was a lot better.

[@trishb5738]

I lived in Ellesmere port for 20 years. Moved away as the air is polluted. That market used to be Asda so that's still the old Asda flooring. Also that tile place used to be top rank bingo and I used to lived in those flats for 7 years nd it was horrible. One good thing is made great friends there.

[@maccman1900]

Thanks Trish :-) a few people told me that the people there are very friendly. take care my friend.

[@creativechristiancontent]

Everyone’s at Cheshire oaks 😂

[@joanstuarttaylor4500]

OMG Left for NZ 1973 went back a couple of times last trip early eighties - what a disappointment. I have many fond memories of life there 1950 - 1973.

[@terricasey8720]

This is my home town and I still visit regularly sham it has become what it is. When I was little (31 now) it was so much busier the bnm (now at the bottom of the port) was little woods, the market was Asda and the market was on the carpark near to Iceland. The market has a flea market on aswell but can be dire. People have been putting on music and food festivals recently and a comic con which has helped. They've recently moved the main bus bit (shame you didn't see the old one it was bad 😂) so a bit of money has gone into the town. People blame parking fees but I think 50p and 70p isn't bad and Cheshire oaks which is possible. I mainly do my food shops there as you have Iceland, Aldi and Asda all in one car park. Great video think this is just the times we are in, there are some great Indian restaurants near the pub and church across the street. If you want a takeaway there's plenty to choose from 😂

[@terricasey8720]

Oh and industrial chimney I think was stanlow (shell fuel)

[@patrickmalone1902]

Because its called Whitby Road.

[@ianmoffatt442]

That "hotel" was a pub called the station hotel a haven for druggies. The Tower tv programme was in that carpark at one point. A few things have been filmed here even peaky blinders

[@ajjy1110]

the biggest problem is all the arcades and shops arnt owned by the council. they're owned by a private company who charge ridiculous amounts for rent

[@maccman1900]

Very true my friend.

[@briangreenwood816]

The only cheerful thing about the video macc was the young lady with the Doris Day smile. Thanks for posting, keep em coming 👍

[@AndrewHawkins-golf]

Cheshire oakss killed Ellesmere port town center, all the big chains moved once that opened.

[@unies176]

I can see this coming to Hyde town centre Manchester shopping mall then Ashton under line...

[@jeffgillen1847]

In the past 25 years 31 drinking 🍻 places have shut yes 31 the town is a dump now but some great people still live their

[@JJ-iq8mi]

Poor education, no aspirations, benefits driven etc.

[@youubik]

Ellesmere Port used to be a busy vibrant place 40yrs ago, it would be comparable to Chester

[@andrewrodger775]

Boat museum is what I remember. The town, like so many other places is run down and sadly dieing. Just like the Stockport video. So sad to see the once iconic places in such a sorry state. Looking like people go online or to out of town retail parks for their needs. It's the same in the South West, places such as Taunton, run down and lifeless. Thanks for documenting.

[@kenhooker1229]

You should have started at the Port end. That was where Ellesmere Port started. It was a port, where the Mersey, the Manchester Ship Canal and the Shropshire Union Canal converged. That was the heart of the town, a very busy, thriving area. Try the Boat Museum. I was born and raised in the Port, and the people, although they may seem a bit rough and ready, are the salt of the earth 👍

[@maccman1900]

I found the people brilliant Ken, my kind of people :-)

[@andyjones6915]

Doesn't help all the migrants being dumped on us...bring back the bnp

[@Jacob-wb2fd]

Ye!

[@user-ne1kp8yo8n]

you're an idiot!

[@user-tm8km1po6k]

Definitely 👏👏

[@user-yp4ci3ji9t]

My home too Had the loveliest time growing up there. Political and commercial forces ruined town centre as they have all over the UK.Portites are amazing people. We have an inclusive history and welcome any community .

[@robertjones-eb4xo]

Same most places these "Laptop days" 90 % of young now shop Ltop. Cant blame em high car parking charges etc.

[@chloe-mi7td]

My sister always wanted to be famous your wish came true 😂😂

[@maccman1900]

Your sister was ace :-)

[@Gillby47]

Not Star of David,Our Lady Star of theSea Catholic Church. Whitby was a separate village just along the road.This is my home town sadly the town centre has declined as have so may these days.I don't like to visit the centre which is quite depressing,I think it has a lot to do with the changes forced on us a few years ago,we were told it was an improvement they were proved wrong.Many million pounds is about to be spent on the market heave knowns why,there are better things to spend the money on to revitalise the centre. Don't judge the town on it's depressing centre ,I live about a mile out and it is totally different.

[@maccman1900]

As a merseysider myself, I always find the people happy and friendly and very welcoming.

[@sthornton845]

Everything is called Whitby because that road is Whitby Road

[@49tonio]

You can tell you're in trouble when the skylarks over the canal are coughing before plopping down into the water. In fairness, Whitby village and the park is much nicer.

[@nigelbrown2933]

Was a great town in the 80s

[@NarnianRailway]

Now there's a pic from both sides of the pedestrian crossover. Google map has a 2021 photo from the other side. Your's is better, comes with a cheerful walking tour. July 2022 were four shopping trolleys.

[@julieclark1369]

I thought the market looked nice. I’m sure it depends what time of day one visits. Not a place I’d probably visit.

[@bobsapp3133]

this place looks so depressing

[@user-ne1kp8yo8n]

it always has!

[@LunaMoonfae]

It's an horrendous place, I lived there for 36 years, I was glad when I escaped

[@JJ-iq8mi]

Correct.

[@anita_R]

Whitby is 500 meters away.

[@JJ-iq8mi]

500 meters away? What sort of meters? Gas meters, water meters?

[@thecovidprisoner]

Reason why ' The Port ' bombed is ' Cheshire Oaks ' close by, all these videos never show delights of ' The Asda ' and monstrosity of new council building. Only positives are flea market on Mondays and Thursdays, ' Canal Boat Museum ' and library which obviously isn't much. Little going for it.......

[@gemmastatham411]

The town is dying the old bnm u seen once was little woods the whole town is dying n its sad for my home town

[@user-ne1kp8yo8n]

how can something be dying if it was never alive to begin with?

[@rossmcgarrie9787]

Love yer pals saying that is one turd 💩 you couldn’t polish 😂. But it is sad to see it on the decline like so many other towns Macc Man.

[@jacquelineithell307]

What happened to The Knot pub

[@franki7]

ruined by years of a socialist council. The floor in the market is the original when it was Lewis`s saverstore 1976-1984

[@alanvt1]

I thought Chittagong was the arsehole of the universe, until l saw ellesmere port!

[@richardbourne6660]

Ellesmere port isnt great but its a honest town with mostly sound folks and of course it's got cheshire oaks just uo the road

[@maccman1900]

I agree the people were brilliant

[@richardbourne6660]

@@maccman1900 the canal museum in Ellesmere port is well worth a visit

[@amygardinerberry1256]

You'd fit in well here. Your as run down as the town. Or did you let yourself go just for the video?

[@JJ-iq8mi]

You're not your.

[@DJMtv1938]

God it looks has depressing as stoke 😂😢

[@maccman1900]

It is buddy ;-)

[@gemmastatham411]

Market floor was the old asda lol

[@PAUL-yv2kk]

Do you think you'd be providing a better service if you did some research and told your viewers a few useful facts rather than just running a place down after a 5 minute walk down the high street ? Who are the employers in the area ? Population? Leisure facilities ? , Parks, beauty spots, history ? Agreed, the high street is not impressive, but retail is dieing everywhere....but there's so much more to EP if you'd taken even the slightest effort.

[@user-ne1kp8yo8n]

i grew up there, it was never that great!

[@gemmastatham411]

Whitby because your in Whitby Road

[@generalmayhemmcloughlin]

Av got big plans for ellesmere port......

[@geoffjewkes6887]

I'm sure you have you bellend 😅😅

[@unies176]

I wanna buy a Donna kebab holy crap double yellow. Lines fu# it not gonna bother

[@maccman1900]

😂

[@LunaMoonfae]

Used to be lovely until they turned it into a Russian looking square

[@user-st9li3hu7q]

ay leave our town alone we know its a crap hole but its not a bad town

[@maccman1900]

I loved it and the people are ultra friendly 🙂

[@Lucas-nt9py]

Bro nothing is wrong with it but there are too meny vaps scaterd around

[@user-ne1kp8yo8n]

you must be very easily pleased!

[@batphink2655]

I was born in Ellesmere Port ,it could have been Liverpool but I was born at my evil Aunt's home( rumored to be a Witch) lol. I've had a very rough life of failure .Anyway I live 35 mins NW of Toronto in a middle class street being overrun by gun violence and gangs.

[@jacquelineithell307]

Decline when was it ever a place of anything

[@clyth41]

I live in Ellesmere Port... Best place in the country.. the most friendly best people in the world..and that church is a Catholic Church not a Jewish church lol.. Great bid bro..

[@JJ-iq8mi]

Best place in the country? Don't get out much do you? It is a dump full of people on mobility scooters and claiming benefits.