Wirral Council removes £300,000 road-calming scheme dubbed 'Wotsit Street'

Workmen have finally removed a controversial £300,000 road-calming scheme which locals compared to 'giant Wotsits'.

The gaudy road markings were painted on a 170 yard long stretch at Grange Road West in Birkenhead, Merseyside, last winter.

But the cheesey road project attracted a furious backlash from local residents who described them as 'hideous' and dubbed the road 'Wotsit Street.'

They were finally removed earlier this month, though the cost of their removal has not been revealed.

The paintings - which cover the pavement and the road - were introduced by Wirral Council as part of a trial one-way system with hopes of calming traffic.

In August earlier this year council chiefs were ridiculed after they announced the expensive project - which also included planters and benches - would be removed.

New pictures show the street now reversed back to its old ways with fresh road markings being painted on and only small remnants of the design left on the pavements.

And locals are still up in arms about the plans saying they were a "waste of money".

Colin Kirby said: "Anyone been charged with wasting taxpayers' money yet?"

Sonia Richards said: "Will the councillors who voted for this be paying back the money to the budget from their salaries? No didn't think so."

Theresa, 68, called the scheme “gaudy and silly” and said it had been “completely pointless and a waste of money”.

Though Vicky, 42, was sorry to see it go. She said: “I’ll certainly miss sitting on the benches."

Rob Taylor said: "Not just taken away but more work carried out on it and more cost."

The eyesore changes were part of a six-month trial run by the council to see if a one-way traffic system could create safer routes into Birkenhead town centre.

The work came into place after two public consultation - which took place between Nov 2022 and July 2023 - were both approved by the council before the contract was successfully awarded in March 2024.

As a result Graham’s (John Graham Ltd) were given £2.9 million of the £25 million award by the government to Wirral’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF) programme, of which some of the money was used towards the work.

At the time chiefs said it would improve the Birkenhead Town Centre area by transforming it into a pleasant place to shop rather than being cluttered by cars.

Over the short period, the council said they monitored traffic impacts and listened to feedback from residents, businesses and visitors.

But they revealed the temporary features created "significant concern locally".

The one-way traffic system on Grange Road West has been retained while reinstating parking along the street.

This includes additional parking and loading bays designed to better support local businesses and improve access for customers and deliveries.

At the time Cllr Paula Basnett said: "This trial has given us valuable evidence about what works for the area and what needs to change.

"The one-way system has improved the operation of the Charing Cross junction, and we will retain it.

"We have also heard clearly from residents and businesses that parking and loading provision are important to the success of the area.

"We are therefore moving forward with a revised scheme that brings back parking, provides additional loading and parking provision for local businesses, and removes the temporary planters, benches and coloured surfacing.

"This is exactly what a trial should do, allow us to test changes, understand their impact and use that evidence to shape the right long-term solution.

"We want a scheme that works for everyone who lives, works, shops and trades here, while supporting the local business community.

"We now have a clear way forward and will continue working with local businesses as these changes are delivered."

The council have said the street furniture and planters would be donated to schools and community groups.

Wirral Council were approached for further comment.