Sefton Council's Consultation Hub

Feeback on Maritie Corridor Improvements Consultation – We Asked, You Said, We Did.

A key stakeholder and public consultation were held on the Maritime Corridor Improvements scheme in two stages. Both stages used the same information, with key stakeholders being offered a meeting or in person visit to discuss element of the plans in more detail as required.

Stage 1 – Focused on key stakeholders identified by the Council, and those who have an interest in the land on which the scheme will be delivered, either through a freehold, leasehold, or statutory undertaking. This began August 2023 and is ongoing.

Stage 2 – Wider public engagement. This ran from Friday 22nd September to Thursday 26th October 2023.

The Maritime Corridor area reaches from Switch Island to Netherton Way (A5038), including Ormskirk Road (A59) and Dunnings Bridge Road (A5036). Our plans are focused on improving transport links throughout the area by improving junctions and introducing better walking and cycling routes along Dunnings Bridge Road (A5036), Netherton Way (A5038), Bridle Road, Park Lane, Heysham Road and Atlantic Park Drive. We want to make it easier for vehicles, cyclists and those walking to move around the area and utilise employment, educational and retail / leisure opportunities.
The Improvements were split into six sections on Your Sefton Your Say:

•Dunnings Bridge Road Improvements
•Park Lane Improvements
•Vesty Road to Deltic Way Improvements
•Netherton Way Improvements
•Bridle Road Improvements
•Heysham Road Improvements

Each of the improvements had visuals designed to make them easily understandable. All images had alt text to allow for interaction with screen readers. The information was also available in hard copy format on request. The Council emailed all Protected Characteristics Groups as identified by the Councils Equality and Diversity Officer. We also contacted local cycling and walking and community groups.

As a result of the available funding for the improvements, they have now been split into three phases.

FINDINGS OF THE CONSULTATION

Within the Your Sefton Your Say survey the public had an opportunity to comment on all individual elements of the scheme.  The main findings and answers to some key queries and concerns can be found below:

There were 6 responses from stage 1, however it is noted that further conversations are still taking place between the land agent and landowners in relation to specific elements.

There were 102 online survey responses from stage 2 of the engagement. All have been reviewed and analysed alongside the 9 emails responses that came directly via the Transport Planning inbox, which have been responded to.

We have picked out the key themes and concerns and tried to answer them below:

1. CONGESTION CONCERNS

Overall congestion

A common theme from the consultation was concerns how the proposals may result in more traffic, particularly on Park Lane, Dunnings Bridge Road and Ormskirk Road.

Congestion during construction

Another theme related to congestion was the impact on journey times as part of the construction phase.

2. AIR POLLUTION

There were major concerns about the air quality in the area being bad and possibly getting worse, particularly around the schools in the wider area. There were queries over whether the air quality was currently monitored and plans to improve it.

Green walls and other initiatives need to be considered.

3. RIMROSE VALLEY

The Maritime Corridor is not linked to the potential Rimrose Valley Road scheme and neither are dependent on each other at all in terms of delivery or funding. 

4. REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE / CROSSING POINT ON DUNNINGS BRIDGE ROAD

There was a misconception that the replacement crossing on Dunnings Bridge Road was linked to the Maritime Corridor scheme. There was suggestion of a underpass if a new bridge could not be built.

5. CYCLE LANES – USAGE AND VALUE

There was some key concern that cycle lanes were a waste of money and would not be used.  There was questioning about whether the wider cycling improvements would actually be used.

6. CONSULTATION WITH CYCLING ORGANISATIONS

It was queried if Merseyside Cycling Campaign and Sustrans had been consulted on the plans.

7. DUNNINGS BRIDGE ROAD

• Comments were received that the plans would just cause more congestion for motorists and widening the space for motorists should be considered.
• Comments were made that cycleway and footways which are already there just need resurfacing.
• New crossing was supported but thought not to be in the right places and should give priority to cyclists and walkers.
• There were concerns over abrupt stop of cycle lanes on one side (eastern side).

8. PARK LANE

• Concerns that would impact dropped kerbs at properties 148- 154.
• Concerns would restrict areas for visitors and residents to park.
• Suggestion to change speed limit to 30mph instead of 20mph.
• Traffic may turn over the cycle path.
• More bins needed on Park Lane and Park Lane West.
• Needs to link to other networks for cyclists better.
• Suggestion of parking layby by the takeaway / shops.
• Suggestion of changing traffic light timings and having a crossing near to our Lady of Walsingham Church.
• Bus stops should be lay by so traffic can flow easier.

9. VESTY ROAD TO DELTIC WAY

• Concerns that this route would not be used by cyclists.
• Concerns that this route would still be busy with HGVs.
• Suggestion that more trees needed along this section.
• Needs to be better linked up to existing cycling networks.

10. NETHERTON WAY

• Concerns were raised over the removal of the bus lay by on Netherton Way near to the school which may cause collisions and more congestion.
• The designs were a little hard to understand and look a bit busy and confusing.
• Congestion and backlash from drivers could be expected.

11. BRIDLE ROAD

• Noted that raised tables are needed at all side roads. Current designs do not provide a continuous cycling route.
• Pinch points will not be alleviated and this will cause more problems for HGVs.

12. HEYSHAM ROAD

• Sustrans were in favour of this element of the scheme however made some suggestions around creating proper barriers for cyclists, which have been passed onto the scheme designer.
• HGVs will cause dangers if turning.
• Will cause traffic to build up on Dunnings Bridge Road, Ormskirk Road, Park Lane and Copy Lane.
• Signalise the underpass and let cyclists and walker go at separate stage to traffic.
• Needs lights at Galgate Drive.
• Flooding and drainage issues need to be sorted first.
• Does not link up to existing cycling network.

1. CONGESTION CONCERNS

Overall congestion

• Proposals for Maritime Corridor Improvements have been designed to both improve conditions for motorists as well as those walking and cycling. Traffic modelling to predict how the changes will affect the roads has been undertaken for all key junctions.
• Further traffic surveys and modelling are currently taking place near to Heysham Road, which will explore the effects of the potential closure of the underpass.

Congestion during construction

• Sefton Council understand that during the construction phase an increase in congestion will be experienced by road users. Construction is to be phased and organised with other developments / planned works to reduce the delays in travel time.

2. AIR POLLUTION

The council monitor air quality throughout the area and the transport team are working with colleagues in our Energy and Environment Teams to look at future monitoring and mitigation that may be needed. In addition, plans to replace and retain trees are being undertaken with Green Sefton who manage the green space across Sefton. We are also looking in detail at the carbon emissions assessment of these works and how we can manage these.

3. RIMROSE VALLEY

The Maritime Corridor is not linked to the potential Rimrose Valley Road scheme and neither are dependent on each other at all in terms of delivery or funding. 

4. REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE / CROSSING POINT ON DUNNINGS BRIDGE ROAD

The Council’s plans are not related to the former footbridge or its replacement. The replacement of the footbridge in some format is the responsibility of National Highways (previously known as Highways England) and a scheme is currently in development. 

5. CYCLE LANES – USAGE AND VALUE

The scheme has been designed to benefit all users including those in vehicles and those walking and cycling. The aim of the improvements is to make the area more accessible for those who may not have access to a car / vehicle. This is linked to the funding which focuses on offering better access by more sustainable ways of travel.

It is highlighted that there were also positive comments about the cycling elements within the responses with people stating that the routes would be used.

6. CONSULTATION WITH CYCLING ORGANISATIONS

Merseyside Cycling Campaign, The Trans Pennine Trail and Sustrans were consulted as part of the engagement process. A detailed response has been received from Sustrans on certain elements of the designs and these have been passed onto the scheme designers.

7. DUNNINGS BRIDGE ROAD

The Council have modelled the effects of these improvements on traffic flows and the scheme is designed to alleviate congestion. An additional lane is provided at the Dunnings Bridge Road/Atlantic Park junction, providing additional capacity at this location, and there are no areas where carriageway space is being removed.

The cycling lanes and footway on Dunnings Bridge Road is limited at present and the improvements are designed to enhance the existing infrastructure, bringing it up to current standards, as well as linking into the wider network. Footways and cycleways within the scheme boundary will be resurfaced as part of the scheme.

Comments in relation to the position of crossing points and the need to link up to existing cycling networks have been passed on to the designers. The scope and budget for these improvements is limited however the Council are exploring further how to provide an integrated cycling network across the wider Borough.

8. PARK LANE

This element of the project will be delivered in Phase 3. The Council are continuing discussions with key stakeholders around the improvements and the designs are currently under review for this part of the scheme. This review will consider all design related comments.

9. VESTY ROAD TO DELTIC WAY

The Council are continuing discussions with key stakeholders around the improvements and the designs are currently under review for this part of the scheme. This will consider all the feedback.

10. NETHERTON WAY

The Council are continuing discussions with key stakeholders around the improvements and the designs are currently under review for this part of the scheme. This will consider all the feedback.

Following a detailed review of the bus lay-by on Netherton Way, including stakeholder engagement, a decision has been made to retain the existing bus lay-by.

The Council are also aware that The Salesian Academy of St John Bosco have plans to rebuild on the school site and are in discussions with the school.

11. BRIDLE ROAD

Design related comments in relation to side road crossing and pinch points have been passed onto the designers. This element of the scheme is also being discussed with Active Travel England.

12. HEYSHAM ROAD

Comments in relation to the position of crossing points and the need to link up to existing cycling networks have been passed on to the designers.

The scope and budget for these improvements is limited however the Council are exploring further how to provide an integrated cycling network across the wider Borough.

The designs for this element of the scheme are being reviewed based on recent traffic surveys and modelling.

Extra Care Allocations Policy

A pledge from the Sefton 2030 vision was to work together to ensure Sefton people have housing choice across all types and tenures across the Borough. One housing option that will support this is Extra Care Housing.

Extra care housing is a specialist housing provision that combines accommodation with care and support services designed to offer safe, private, and secure accommodation.

The draft Extra Care Allocations Policy details the eligibility, process, and system for applying for Extra Care Housing in Sefton.

A public consultation process was conducted from Friday 10th February 2023 for a period of two months to Tuesday 11th April 2023.

We Asked: -

The survey consisted of five questions and comment sections for each and a generic comments section (also including twelve optional equality monitoring questions).

The focus of the consultation and engagement was: -

1)           Extra Care Eligibility

a.           Local Connection

b.           Age Threshold

c.           Support needs

2)           Allocations Process

3)           Nominations Process

Responses received included fifty-two from individuals and two stakeholder groups one of which included ten participants at Parkhaven Extra Care Housing Scheme.

• 89% agree with the proposed criteria of local connection.
  • Eighteen comments received in relation to the proposed criteria of local connection.
  • Although 89% agreed comments around allowing applicants with close family and carer connections to the borough was highlighted. Agreed to monitor these applications but no change to policy as this could lead to current residents not being able to access extra care housing. This would also leave us open to challenge and would be difficult to manage and apply.

• 92% agree with the proposed age criteria of 55+.
  • Nine comments received in relation to the proposed age criteria of 55+.
  • Some minor mixed comments re upping and lowering the age limit and ensuring careful consideration is given. Overall positive and no changes to the criteria.
• 87% of response agreed with the proposed criteria to also consider people under the age of 55.
  • Fifteen comments received in relation to the proposed criteria to also consider people under the age of 55.
  • Some positive comments and views.
• 96% agree with the proposed criteria to also consider people with support needs.
  • Eight comments received in relation to the proposed criteria to also consider people with support needs.
  • 96% in agreeance but some comments and amendment to 3.3 and actions around the care and support specification agreed.
• Seventeen additional comments received through the generic question around the policy.
  • Some positive comments and overall, no action required.

Our first Extra Care Allocations Policy has now been produced and approved following this feedback.

Amendments included: -

• Agreed to reviewing the wording of 3.3 of the policy and an action to follow up with Housing Providers re succession rights of tenants.
• Minor amendment to 3.2 and well put comment re siblings and which will amend 3.3 to reflect.
• Amendment to 3.3 and actions around the care and support specification agreed.

The policy was shared with cabinet members and was sent to cabinet for approval on the 1^{st of} February 2024.

The policy was also be published on the “Your Sefton, Your Say” platform.

An implementation plan is now underway to ensure the policy is embedded and does what it has set out to do.

Sefton Economic Strategy Consultation feedback summary.

In total there were 80 comments.

• To grow is the starting point for success and more support for smaller businesses.
• Helping businesses to maintain and grow their businesses over a longer period.
• Lack of affordable office space and land.
• Businesses at our Economic Forum told us they would like more support on digital inclusion to help them grow and increase their productivity.
• More opportunities for training and reskilling people.
• For town centres to be more attractive, green, and accessible for people to live, visit and work.
• Transport needs to be more flexible and better to meet the needs of the changing population; but we also need to understand more about how people with mobility issues access public transport or amenities as they are unable to walk or cycle due to limited health.
• Feedback from focus groups included disability access be given more consideration when developing new premises as the needs of disabled people are often overlooked.
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• We are working with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to use UK Shared Prosperity Funding to support Sefton businesses to start and grow. We aim to do this over the next 2-3 years with new funding coming into Sefton in mid – 2023.
• We are setting up  a new digital network for businesses called the ‘Sefton Huddle’. Further information will be made available on www.investsefton.com
• InvestSefton provides a range of support to help businesses of all sizes to grow. This includes one to one support; demand led business workshops and events such as the highly regarded Sefton Economic Forum and referral to many other providers for help with accessing finance, developing new markets, increasing sales and digital skills.
• The team also works with businesses over the longer term through developing strong relationships to help them grow. Further information is available on www.investsefton.com.
• Office accommodation is highly competitive in terms of price in south of the borough compared to Liverpool City Centre. Vacant office space exists across Bootle and is available to rent.
• Sefton Council own Southport Business Park and are in discussions with potential developer, investors and occupiers for this site.
• Southport Town Deal is helping to fund the Southport Enterprise Arcade - a 880 sqm of refurbished office accommodation for digital and creative business use within Southport Town Centre.  
• We have launched the Sefton Huddle-A new networking group for the borough’s digital, creative and tech businesses which will meet on a regular basis to help drive ideas to support growth in Sefton’s digital sector.
• We have worked with a range of local employers to provide Open Days and Jobs Fairs to promote opportunities for a wide range of groups to return to learning and build their skills towards employment. This has included partnerships with organisations such as JobCentre Plus and numerous training providers to offer events for over 50s and also for younger adults, based at the Cambridge Road centre.
• We have offered a number of accessible drop-in sessions for people looking for flexible employment including a Job Shop at the strand centre promoting work opportunities supporting the forthcoming Eurovision event.
• We identified a number of employers keen to attract older workers and held the first Over 50s jobs fair, which was attended by more than 70 residents and 10 employers. We intend to make this a regular event.
• We worked in partnership with a specialist agency who help younger people overcome deal with mental health issues. This resulted in a menu of options for clients from Sefton@work to experience a range of sessions and activities designed to build confidence and link them to the careers guidance. 
• We are working tirelessly to promote our Caring Business Charter. This enables employers to offer various opportunities such as work experience placements, work trials and visits for people who have experience of care or who are looked after.
• We are working on a more joined -up offer between Sefton@work and the Sefton Community Learning Service, so residents can track how locally available jobs can be accessible to them through high quality advice and how they can improve their longer-term prospects through building their skills.
• Bootle town centre has secured capital levelling up funding to improve Bootle Strand as part of the first stage of its repurposing.  This will bring forward improvements to town centre including new open space and enhanced public realm, development of the Salt n Tar events space for a range of public events, community uses and night-time economy as well as enhanced soft landscaping/planting to areas fronting the Bootle canal. This will benefit to the local community and visitors to the area.
• Investment in Ainsdale on Sea beachfront are proposed subject to environmental considerations to improve the beach toilets and parking facilities.
• Southport Town Deal programme delivery will include improvements to the Southport visitor economy through the proposed new £73m Marine Lake Events Centre going to Planning Committee in April; enhanced public realm programme Les Transformation de Southport a £2.5m public realm enhancement programme around Southport Market and the refurbishment and improvement of Crown Buildings which will be refurbished into a digital creative business hub - Southport Enterprise Arcade (£1.5M).

The Liverpool City Region combined Authority is developing a new Local Transport Plan.  This local transport plan will look broadly at all transport modes to deliver a high-class transport system fit for the region. 

• The Councils approved Equalities, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy (2023-2027) A Borough for Everyone, sets out an ambitious action-oriented strategy which includes a focus on our role as leader of place. Including working with partners, stakeholders, and communities to increase awareness, improve dialogue, and support improved outcomes for all communities in our borough for everyone.
• The Council have established emerging networking groups to explore issues around how we provide information through the Improving Information Group and around access relating to travel and transport. 
• The Council have an established staff training programme around Equality Diversity and Inclusion which includes opportunities for awareness training around visual impairment awareness, and around developing Equality Impact Assessments, for schemes, projects, and policies. 
• The Council undertake Equality Impact Assessments as a key part of project development and are presented as part of formal council reporting. 
• The Liverpool City Region are participants in the Cycling and Walking Index which explores a range of issues around barriers to walking and cycling.  This research includes a range of protected characteristics including, age, sex and disability amongst others.  The report can be found here; https://www.sustrans.org.uk/the-walking-and-cycling-index/liverpool-city-region-walking-and-cycling-index/.
• All new build development projects will take disability access into consideration as part of the Council’s policy on equality and diversity and its requirements under its public sector equality duty.