Agenda item

Public Questions

Notice of question to be given in writing or by email by 12 noon, Friday 26th February 2021 to the Council’s Monitoring Officer (committeeservices@wirral.gov.uk) and to be dealt with in accordance with Standing Order 10.

 

Minutes:

There were two questions from the public.  

 

Question 1 from Mr A Tinker. 

I believe the council are looking at various places on the Wirral to create official Motor Home sites. One area mentioned is the large overflow car park at Station Road, Thurstaston. 

 

I wish to raise the following concerns with any such proposal: 

 

The area around Thurstaston and this part of the Country Park has been overcome with visitors and their vehicles. 

 

The local infrastructure and car park facilities at Thurstaston are already unable to cope with the amount of visitors to this area. More parking spaces are urgently required, so to lose any parking spaces at all will greatly increase the existing problems with traffic flow.  

 

As a member of Thurstaston Caravan Owners Association, whenever I visit the area I regularly witness issues with parking. When people are unable to park in the designated car parks they search for alternatives, such as parking on double yellow lines, on grass verges, along the length of Station Road, or on the private spine road leading to the Dee Sailing Club and often blocking their access requirements.  

 

All of Station Road is very narrow. Any vehicle which parks on the road can create blockages for other traffic.  The part of Station Road from the humpback bridge to the Dee Sailing Club has no pavements. All this creates major safety hazards to pedestrians, many with young children. Parking here causes blockages which hamper the movement of the Dee Sailing Club boats, the Caravan Club’s visitors and most importantly any urgent or emergency access. This was evident in the recent incident when people needed rescuing after becoming trapped due to Thurstaston cliff erosion.  

 

This is an area of natural beauty and needs environmental protection. There are ongoing problems with nightly antisocial behaviour which Council Officers have been informed about. Additional demands on the Country Park risk adding to these issues, and could lead to environmental damage to the area. 

 

In conclusion Thurstaston already has an established well-run national motor home site, so what are the benefits to the area in creating something similar that will result in the loss of any current parking facilities and that will add to the problems to an area with limited infrastructure? 

 

Answer 1 from Councillor Tom Anderson. 

Wirral Country Park Overflow Car Park is one of the sites included in the proposal presented by the officers for improving the leisure vehicles offer across the Borough. At this stage we are looking for a steer from the Councillors as to what principles to apply when selecting sites and which sites to prioritise short and long term. Business cases for approved sites will take into consideration challenges and risks associated with possible new developments, including their impact on nature, communities and businesses.  

 

The site on Station Road is being considered as Wirral Country Park is a popular leisure vehicle destination in the Borough. Broadening the current offer to reach new target groups while building on the recognition of Wirral Country Park is being viewed as a possibly strong marketing proposition.  Due to its unique natural features, it is suggested that the site is developed as an intimate, tranquil leisure vehicle location. 

 

Officers are aware of parking issues and have taken into consideration the site as the front bays of the carpark are scheduled to be resurfaced before September 2021. The £210K proposed capital investment will enable the council to operate all front bays in any weather condition. Based on the assessment conducted - as part of the capital investment application procedure - scheduled improvement is expected to reduce the amount of pressure in the area in terms of parking.  

 

Furthermore sections of the Station Road are currently double yellow line marked and that is considered to be extended and also increased visits of traffic officers will likely further reduce issues with access.  

 

Should the site be approved for business case development, the possibility to operate back bays as hybrid leisure vehicle & carpark site will be considered. This option would cater for more flexibility in case of large events requiring more parking space. In addition, the business case will consider possible impact on anti-social behaviour, disturbance to residence and visitors also associated expenses if suitable solutions are identified.  

 

Wirral Country Park is a flagship country park on the Wirral and an important section of the Wirral Way. It is also the oldest Country Park in England being recognised by nature lovers across the country and abroad. Any business case development linked to the park will have to ensure that environmental priorities are not compromised. 

 

Question 2 from Mr R Sheriff. 

In principle we aren’t against more caravan facilities. However if there is to be more traffic down Station Road then this will exacerbate the issues we are already experiencing with illegal parking and general access to the club.  

Over the past few years at the sailing club we have traditionally held 2 national sailing events, and an international one that can be every 4 years. We have always had difficulties enabling access for visitors with their extra wide craft down such narrow roads, but recently with the irresponsible and careless parking that has taken place since lockdown, this is likely to make the task of hosting future events much more problematic. While initiatives such as the new signs should help, it doesn’t address the issue that the parking capacity is not sufficient for the high demand, which we expect will continue even when lock down easing happens, as the public have really enjoyed the fabulous open spaces. 

We think it would be irresponsible to add to what can already be an extremely congested area by encouraging motorhomes to attempt such an ordeal, creating friction and even violence between those showing a disregard for the rules and those wishing to enjoy their stay. I personally am a frequent user of motorhome sites in difficult to access areas, but every-one I have visited over the past 20 years have no parking at all on the approach roads, and suitable passing places for towing vehicles.  

Without such measures in place, we at Dee Sailing Club would be against such a site. 

Will WBC be able to guarantee safe passage and access for our visitors and emergency services, and transport of large craft to the sailing club, by ensuring no parking (except in the Car Parks) from Telegraph Road down to the sailing club and take action to stop further decay to the eroding cliffs to protect and create safe passage along the beach for new visitors, given we have already had two serious incidents over the last 2 months? 

 

Answer 2 from Councillor Tom Anderson 

Wirral Country Park Overflow Car Park is one of the seven sites included in the proposal presented by the officers for improving the leisure vehicles offer across the Borough. At this stage we are looking for a steer from the Councillors as to what principles to apply when selecting sites and which sites to prioritise short and long term. Business cases for approved sites will take into consideration challenges and risks associated with possible new developments, including their impact on nature, communities, and businesses. Through colleagues at Parks and Countryside, officers would be aware of major events held in the area. 

 

Officers are aware of parking issues and have taken into consideration the site as the front bays of the carpark are scheduled to be resurfaced before September 2021. One of the key arguments acknowledged by the Council was the expected improvement of the situation on Station Road. The £210K proposed capital investment will enable the council to operate all front bays in any weather condition. Based on available evidence, planned improvement is expected to reduce the amount of pressure in the area in terms of parking while technology to be used will guarantee a natural impact neutral solution.  

Furthermore, sections of Station Road are currently double yellow line marked and that is considered to be extended and also increased visits of traffic officers will likely further reduce issues with access.  

 

Should the site be approved for business case development, the possibility to operate back bays as hybrid leisure vehicle & carpark site will be taken into account. This option would cater for more flexibility in case of large events held at Thurstaston requiring more parking space.  

amount of pressure in the area in terms of parking while technology to be used will guarantee a natural impact neutral solution.  

Furthermore, sections of Station Road are currently double yellow line marked and that is considered to be extended and also increased visits of traffic officers will likely further reduce issues with access.  

 

Should the site be approved for business case development, the possibility to operate back bays as hybrid leisure vehicle & carpark site will be taken into account. This option would cater for more flexibility in case of large events held at Thurstaston requiring more parking space.  

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