This report seeks acceptance of a tender from Cambrianway Ltd and award of a contract for the construction of highway improvements to Beaufort Road and Wallasey Bridge Road, Bidston and St James Ward and considers objections and expressions of support received following consultation. This scheme has been developed as part of Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) Work Package 6, Phase 5. 

The Wirral Plan 2021-2026 sets out the council’s vision to secure the best possible future for our residents, defined by the community prosperity we create and supported by our excellent people and services. This proposal directly supports the following key themes within that plan:

•  A cleaner, greener borough which celebrates, protects, and improves our environment and urgently tackles the environmental emergency; 

•  A prosperous inclusive economy where local people can get good jobs and achieve their aspirations; and

•  Safe, vibrant communities where people want to live and raise their families.

The purpose of this scheme is to create an environment that is safe for both pedestrians and cyclists and to help embed walking and cycling as part of new longterm commuting habits.

This matter affects Bidston and St James Ward.

This matter is a Key Decision.

Resolved – That

(1)  the scheme proposal as set out in appendix 1 of this report be approved for implementation.

(2)  the objections received an officer’s responses as set out in appendix 2 be noted.

(3)  the tender for the construction of highway improvements to Beaufort Road and Wallasey Bridge Road by Cambrianway Ltd on 17 August 2022 be accepted

(4)  the award of contract to Cambrianway Ltd, subject to contract, as set out in appendix 3 be approved.

This project is designed to create an environment that is safe for both walking and cycling and to help embed walking and cycling as part of new long-term commuting habits. 

The scheme is funded via the Sustainable Urban Development Fund, Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980, funding, Dig Once contributions, and Wirral Waters Investment Fund.  The grant funding cannot be used for any other purpose and is time-bound. 

Officers have considered the objections and expressions of support received during the consultation period and have provided comprehensive responses but consider that the scheme proposal should be progressed as it will deliver significant improvements for pedestrian and cyclists.

The tender from Cambrianway Ltd represents the most economically advantageous tender received, is fully compliant, and is within the available and allocated budget provision.

Allocate the funding to a different scheme in the borough. 

This is not feasible as the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) has advised that the grant funding may only be spent on schemes within the current programme and may not be spent on a new scheme in the borough.

Remove the proposed cycling and pedestrian improvements along Beaufort Road and Wallasey Bridge Road scheme from the SUD Programme and reject the funding that has been awarded to the scheme. 

This is not considered an appropriate option as failure to deliver against the approved programme would fail to achieve the project objectives, would result in negative reputational damage for Wirral Council, in terms of its commitment to active travel, which could also result in future funding allocations being reduced.

Officers have considered alternative cycle link designs as described in Local Transport Note 1/20 (LTN1/20 - Cycle Infrastructure Design). However, due to road space constraints, budget constraints, and time constraints, such alternative designs could not be progressed. The scheme has been designed in accordance with the applicable cycle design guidance which was in place at the time of entry into the SUD programme.  Therefore, although not fully in accordance with the current guidance (LTN1/20), the LCRCA are supportive of the scheme as designed and delivery of the scheme as proposed is considered preferable to withdrawing the scheme from the programme, which would not provide any improvements to active travel infrastructure in the location.