A new infrastructure plan will see the creation of new cycle lanes in one part of Merseyside, and aim to improve accessibility and stimulate active travel. However, not everyone is happy about it, with one local councillor calling the plans ‘ridiculous’ and ‘crackpot’.

According to Sefton Council, its Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) will help achieve its vision for a ‘safer, greener and more accessible borough, connecting all communities with key destinations like schools, retail centres, green spaces and employment areas’.

The LCWIP includes proposals related to important highway routes such as the A5036, A565 and A59. The A5036 is referenced throughout regarding pedestrian safety and the ‘severance effect’ on communities. Similarly, Stanley Road in Bootle, routes across the A565 and A59 in Crosby and Maghull, and connectivity plans in Southport are being considered.

placeholder image — Cllr Mike Prendergast | LDRS

Sefton Council’s assistant director of place and highways, Peter Moore presented the report to the council chamber at a cabinet meeting in Southport (January 8), and advocated the benefits of the proposals.

He said: “We want to create a high quality network of accessible walking, wheeling and cycling routes that connect all communities with the places they need to reach, including schools, employment areas, retail centres, public transport, green spaces, leisure destinations, and this plan will help us do that.”

The LCWIP proposes a top 15 list of cycle corridors, the details of which will later be defined as each scheme is developed. The corridors are identified across the borough, including four routes in Southport. The improvements within each corridor will include four paths and footways, junctions, pedestrian crossings and signage.

However, the proposals have been met with some opposition, particularly in Southport, and from one of the town’s ward councillors. Cllr Mike Prendergast believes the local authority is trying to impose more cycle lanes on Southport ‘via the back door’, he said: “This is just the latest attempt by Sefton Council to impose more of these ridiculous schemes on our local communities.

“The cycle lanes in Southport town centre have reduced town centre parking, negatively impacted local businesses and need to be scrapped.”

“In the new LCWIP, the proposed route for much of the Southport plans are almost identical to those overwhelmingly rejected by local people several years ago when Labour wanted to extend the existing town centre scheme across the whole town.

“They just won’t take no for an answer and have now repackaged their failed proposal with a new name in the hope that people won’t notice.

“There is also the bizarre proposal to put a cycle lane down the middle of The Promenade and make Nevill Street left turn only. It really is crackpot stuff from people who haven’t got a clue how to improve our town and who seem utterly determined to make it harder for local businesses to make a living.”

However, the council maintains the LCWIP will make it easier for people to choose active travel, and encourage economic growth and connect people with local jobs.

At the time of launching the consultation for the policy, Cabinet member for housing and highways, Cllr Daren Veidman said: “Switching to active travel makes our streets safer, less polluted, nicer to use and reduces our carbon footprint.

“Ditching the car for some shorter journeys and walking, wheeling and cycling instead, can benefit our physical and mental health.

“Encouraging active travel is part of our net zero commitment and supporting the infrastructure for people to make the switch to sustainable travel, making Sefton greener, healthier and safer place to be.”