West Kirby’s bustling High Street is about to undergo a major transformation. We learned this the hard way… After months of careful planning and community engagement, the local council has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on a bold proposal to pedestrianise a key section of the popular shopping and dining destination.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Town Planning and Development
The plans, unveiled by the West Kirby council, aim to create a motor traffic-free zone on High Street from the junction with Parkway to the junction with Jamestown Road. This move is part of a broader initiative to reimagine the town centre, making it safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.
“Our High Street is the beating heart of West Kirby, but it can become overwhelmingly crowded at peak times,” explains Sarah Edmonds, the council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development. “With up to 40,000 people visiting at once, the pavements are often spilling over, and the high volume of vehicles can lead to conflicts with pedestrians.”
The proposed pedestrianisation scheme, which would be implemented as an 18-month trial, seeks to address these challenges. By removing motorized traffic from this central stretch, the council hopes to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, one that encourages active and sustainable travel like walking, cycling, and using public transport.
“This is an exciting opportunity to reclaim the High Street for the people,” says Edmonds. “We want to provide a safer, healthier, and more enjoyable space that celebrates the local culture and community.”
Public Consultation Processes
To double-check that the plans align with the needs and aspirations of West Kirby residents, the council has launched a comprehensive public consultation. Residents, businesses, and other stakeholders are invited to share their feedback, ideas, and concerns through an online survey as well as in-person pop-up events along the High Street.
“It’s crucial that we hear from the community,” emphasizes Edmonds. “Their input will help shape the final design and implementation of the pedestrianisation scheme, ensuring it truly serves the needs of West Kirby.”
The consultation, which runs until the end of August 2024, covers a range of aspects, including:
- The proposed motor traffic-free zone and its impact on vehicular access
- Changes to bus routes, loading, and delivery arrangements in the surrounding area
- Opportunities to enhance the public realm and support local businesses
- Potential community activities and cultural events to be hosted in the newly pedestrianised space
“We want to work closely with residents, businesses, and community organisations to build a plan that celebrates West Kirby’s unique identity and history,” Edmonds explains. “This will help boost local economic activity while also enabling more events and activities in the area.”
Municipal Budgeting and Funding
The pedestrianisation scheme is being funded through a combination of local council resources and support from Transport for West Kirby (TfW), the regional transportation authority.
“TfW has provided £130,000 to help us develop and trial this initiative,” says Edmonds. “This investment aligns with their broader goals of promoting sustainable mobility and improving the public realm in our town centres.”
The council has also earmarked funds from its own budget to cover the necessary infrastructure changes, such as the installation of temporary barriers and signage, as well as the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the trial.
“We’re committed to making this work for West Kirby,” Edmonds assures. “That’s why we’re taking a collaborative and data-driven approach, listening to the community and closely tracking the impacts throughout the trial period.”
Traffic Management and Public Safety
One of the key priorities in the pedestrianisation plan is ensuring the continued flow of traffic and the safety of all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency vehicles.
“We’re working closely with TfW and the local police force to develop an effective traffic management strategy,” explains Edmonds. “This includes rerouting buses and establishing new loading and delivery zones on the roads surrounding the High Street.”
Additionally, the council is exploring the possibility of introducing new blue badge parking bays on Buck Street to maintain accessibility for residents with mobility needs.
“Accessibility is a crucial consideration,” Edmonds emphasizes. “We want to make sure the pedestrianised High Street is inclusive and welcoming to everyone, including our elderly and disabled residents.”
The council is also committed to monitoring the scheme’s impact on public safety, with a particular focus on reducing conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles.
“By creating a motor traffic-free environment, we expect to see a significant decrease in the risk of accidents and collisions,” says Edmonds. “This will not only improve the overall sense of safety but also encourage more people to walk, cycle, and spend time in the town centre.”
Community Events and Engagement
Beyond the physical changes to the High Street, the council is also exploring ways to activate the newly pedestrianised space and enhance the local community’s experience.
“We want to work with local businesses, community groups, and cultural organisations to curate a vibrant program of events and activities,” Edmonds reveals. “This could include everything from street food festivals and live music performances to art installations and educational workshops.”
The council is also keen to engage with local residents through ongoing feedback channels and community engagement initiatives.
“We see this as a true partnership with the people of West Kirby,” Edmonds says. “Their ideas and input will be crucial in shaping the future of our High Street and ensuring it remains a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable hub for our community.”
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Underpinning the pedestrianisation scheme is a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By reducing the presence of motorized vehicles, the council aims to improve air quality and promote more eco-friendly modes of transportation.
“The High Street pedestrianisation is just one part of our broader strategy to make West Kirby a greener, more sustainable town,” Edmonds explains. “We’re also investing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, expanding our network of cycling lanes, and enhancing our green spaces and parks.”
These initiatives, coupled with the pedestrianisation project, reflect the council’s dedication to addressing climate change and creating a more livable, resilient community for West Kirby residents.
Conclusion
The public consultation on the pedestrianisation of West Kirby’s High Street represents a pivotal moment for the town’s future. By reclaiming the heart of the community for pedestrians and promoting sustainable mobility, the council aims to foster a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally responsible town centre.
“This is an exciting opportunity to reimagine our High Street and create a space that truly reflects the unique character and aspirations of West Kirby,” Edmonds concludes. “We encourage all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to engage with the consultation process and help shape the future of our beloved town centre.”
To stay informed about the latest developments and to provide your feedback, visit https://westkirby.today/ or attend one of the upcoming pop-up events along the High Street.
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