John Dickson has sold jacket potatoes from his truck since 1999 but may face another fight for its future
18:58, 25 Jun 2025Updated 19:27, 25 Jun 2025
John Dickson known as John the Spud,with his Baked Potato business on London Road-Audley Street.(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)
A popular street trader who has sold jacket potatoes on the edge of Liverpool city centre for more than 25 years could face another fight against being moved from his long-term plot over cycle lanes. Back in 2018, John Dickson feared “losing everything” after Liverpool Council installed cycling provisions next to where his food truck has been sitting since 1999.
On that occasion, Mr Dickson, 62, faced being removed from his spot when the local authority told him he would have to move to accommodate active travel changes. Seven years ago, the city council relented.
However, new documents have revealed the street trader, known as John the Spud, may face another battle to stay in his spot as part of wider changes to the area between Lime Street, London Road, and Low Hill. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool Council are currently out to consultation on active travel, public space, and bus improvement proposals for the area between Lime Street, London Road and Low Hill.
This includes the area known as Monument Place outside the old TJ Hughes building, where John’s truck sits on the junction with Audley Street. The project focuses on sustainable travel, and plans show proposed changes along London Road and Prescot Street towards Low Hill.
Some of the proposed changes include improved footpaths and road crossings, new segregated cycle lanes, and an improved public plaza at Monument Place, including new seating, outdoor event space, and an open bandstand.
John, from West Derby, has been selling at his spot, which is surrounded by the ongoing work at the old TJ Hughes shop, from 7am to 4pm every day.
John The Spud, Monument Place, Fabric District(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
He attended a drop-in session with Liverpool Council licensing officials over the proposed changes earlier this month. Audley Street is intended to become one-way southbound and exit via Little London Road.
However, new documents released ahead of a street trading licensing committee next week have hinted that John the Spud may find himself having to fight his corner once again.
A report said if the proposed plans go ahead, the changes to road layout may require him to move location.
The roads around Monument Place, however, are not allowed to host a street trader like John. As a result, the committee may need to consider revoking his license altogether and finding a new site.
No decisions have been made at this stage, with the city council and combined authority out for consultation.
New images show what the Fabric Distric could look like after improvements
Speaking to the ECHO, John said: “I want to stay here. I’ve been here for such a long time. Everyone knows me here.”
During his last battle to stay, John counted on the support of city politicians and celebrities to keep his food truck where it has stood since the last millennium.
The proposals will be noted by the committee on July 3.