The long-awaited 'consultation' on the cycle route from Birkenhead to Wallasey is now underway.
Originally planned as a single project, the scheme was split into two phases, following a backlash from residents, Conservative Councillors and businesses when it was first revealed.
Originally estimated at a cost of £15 million of public money for the whole route, costs of the first phase have now rocketed to an estimated £10 million.
Work will see segregated cycle lanes installed from Woodside, across the docks, up Kelvin Road (with a stretch going along St Paul's Road), continuing up along Liscard Road and finally through the middle of pedestrianised Liscard Way.
Councillor Ian Lewis said:
The Council's latest attempt at consultation requires respondents to 'register' first, and little mention is made of the removal of parking near peoples' homes or businesses. Trees along the route will be felled and there is a ludicrous plans for 'shared' use of pavements by pedestrians and cyclists where there is no space for a dedicated cycle lane.
Councillor Lesley Rennie said:
This isn't an impartial consultation, it's an attempt to sell the scheme to rightly sceptical residents. Using the full resources of the Council to try to persuade us of its merits, little or no mention is made of the escalating costs; the disruption for residents and the effects on businesses along the route.
And it's not only Conservative Councillors Ian Lewis and Lesley Rennie who are calling for the scheme to be dropped. In May, one of the defeated Labour candidates also voice concerns about the scheme, repeating many of our concerns.
If Phase One (Woodside to Liscard) gets the go ahead, work to design Phase Two will begin, no doubt with more glitzy videos and glossy leaflets.
The original route would have seen the cycle lanes continue along Seaview Road and then along Hose Side Road and Grove Road, and also along Warren Drive.
Anyone who wishes to give their views is asked to do so via:
