The Panel considered the report of the Head of Environment and Regulation that reported upon objections submitted against the proposal to provide off – road segregated and unsegregated cycleway/footpath (s) and signalised crossing improvements along the A41 between Port Causeway and Croft Retail Park.

Mr Mark Redman, Team Leader, Wirral Council Highway Management Division outlined the report and explained that the proposals form part of Wirral Council’s 2015/16 Sustainable Transport Enhancement Package Capital Programme of works agreed by Cabinet at its meeting on 20^th July 2015. Members heard how the proposal would link with several similar cycle improvements recently completed along the A41 corridor.

It was reported that objections had been received from a representative of the Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted, residents from number 405, 411, 459 & 505 New Chester Road & a member of the Merseyside Cycle Campaign. The content of the objections and subsequent responses were outlined within the report.

The objection raised by the Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially sighted and the residents of 459 raised concerns over the safety of the scheme for people who are blind or visually impaired who may be unaware of the approach of cyclists. In response, Mr Redman assured the Committee that the proposals would provide for 935m of segregated cycleway/footway, delineated by a continuous raised marking (150mm in width) that is easily detected by blind and partially sighted pedestrians.

Mr D Brewer, local resident addressed the Committee to raise concerns that the bus stop layby arrangement outside his property is to be removed and the bus stop relocated onto the main carriageway, he expressed how he felt that this could cause the junction to become frequently blocked. He suggested that the bus stop be best placed further south of the A41.

Mr Redman responded by explaining that the current bus stop layby arrangement is of insufficient width to allow a bus to fully pull in safely out of the running carriageway along the A41. He then stated that he would consult with Merseytravel over the positioning of the bus stop.

Mr Beazer, cyclist and member of Merseyside Cycle Campaign addressed the Committee to speak from his individual perspective. He raised concerns over the safety of the proposed scheme and stated that he would not use the route because of the danger and the stop/starting nature of the scheme would cause his journey to be longer.

Mr Redman informed the Committee that an assessment had been undertaken to determine the safest, most appropriate way to allow cyclist to negotiate the junction and the proposal reflects this.

Mr Cranny then addressed the Committee on behalf of the Merseyside Cycle Campaign. He emphasised the dangers involved with cyclists, particularly when they are required to stop at side roads to give way to motorists.

Officers responded to questions from Members of the Committee.

Members considered all representations made orally and in writing and:

Resolved:That the Panel –

(1)  note the objections received and the Officers’ responses; and

(2)  recommend to the Regeneration and Environment Policy and Performance Committee that the proposals as detailed within the report be approved for implementation.