The report says the “healthiest centres” are Heswall and West Kirby, closely followed by Moreton, Upton Village and Tranmere Urban Village.

However, Birkenhead and Liscard Town Centres, along with Bromborough Village, Prenton, Wallasey Village, Claughton, Lower Bebington, Dacre Hill and Irby Village “are exhibiting some signs of weakness”.

Birkenhead is said to have seen its market share drop from 29.1% to 26% as a result of the Liverpool One development.

According to the report: “The findings suggest that overall comparison shopping patterns in Wirral have not altered significantly since Liverpool One opened, although they do suggest that a shift in shopping behaviour is beginning to occur.”

Liscard trader Terry Hunter, of Bargain Hunters, expressed frustration at the report. He said: “You struggle through the last few years and then they throw something like this at you.

“They should be concentrating on the little towns because they’re the heart of the communities.”

Leah Fraser, prospective Conservative MP for Wallasey, said she was concerned at the report’s contents. She said: “At no stage when we have considered Wirral waters has anyone, until now, said that the development will be at the expense of existing shopping centres.

"The council has added further insult to injury by suggesting that only Birkenhead should be supported in future. Once again, decisions by this council are making it harder for the existing businesses and shops in Wallasey.”