IMPORTANT sites in the new Penny Lane District remain empty after businesses were forced to close amid the recent credit crunch.

Woolworths, on Allerton Road, closed its doors, prompting an idea for a local businessman to create a 60-stall market on its grounds.

Requests for stalls have included a sweet stall, a jewellers, photographer, rugs, interior and fashion and a florist.

The proposal has won support in the community as residents feel the area is now dominated by bars, estate agents and betting shops.

Rents from individual and family-run businesses have tended to struggle at the expense of national chains due to spiralling rent prices.

Farther down Allerton Road, close to the library, speculation is growing over the future over the now-empty Odeon cinema site.

A developer has made a tentative enquiry to Liverpool council planners about building modern apartments above the row of bars between Yates Wine Lodge and the now- empty Odeon.

The proposal, from a firm who own the buildings on that stretch, is understood to be at an early stage and could even involve knocking down or refurbishing the existing bars to accommodate the flats.