Irresponsible parking and obstructing roads in Formby spark fears for Bank Holiday

FORMBY Parish Council and Merseyside Police say dangerous parking is an increasing problem, as people head to the beach. Residents are also having issues, with cars yet again blocking driveways and also, in some cases, parking on gardens and on people’s drives! Irresponsible parking and obstructing roads are not only upsetting for residents, it also makes access difficult for emergency services to respond to incidents. A local resident, who did not want to be named said:- "I don't think that many drivers realise that they can get fined for foolishly parking like they are doing. Sadly, the Council is not taking advantage of this, as it could be a fantastic revenue stream." Another, who found his garden had again been parked on, said:- "Parking on my garden has become a normal practice. I have given up complaining to the MP and Council. The Police can't help either." This was also added to, by comments from another resident, who said:- "Despite requests to park sensibly, there appears to be a small minority who are hell bent on parking how and where ever they like. If you ask them to move, you just get a torrent of abuse." Many in the area are now extremely worried about the Bank Holiday, following the lifting of restrictions. "Judging by what has take place today, you can't blame the people for wanting to go to the beach and wanting to park. But of the numbers heading to Formby and the rest of the Coastline, you can not justify some of their actions! I have a young kid and it is incredibly dangerous for them. You just can’t see around the corners of many of the roads, as cars are parked on them, without tickets!" another worried resident added. This issue is only going to get worse and we are asking both the MPs and also the Council, as to what can be done to resolve this crisis, especially when people disregard the dangers they cause.

In response to Formby resident complaining of dangerous parking near the beach in good weather, Merseyside Police Roads Policing Unit deploy patrols to area. They issued 113 tickets to some of the worst offenders. They said that they will continue to monitor the situation and will increase ticketing if required. Also, Merseyside Police added:- "Due to the hot weather there has been an increase in visitors to our beaches, parks and local visitor attractions. We have had numerous incidents of young children going missing from their parents across the weekend. Please stay aware of where your child is, what they are doing with your children when visiting the beach."

The other issue we have been alerted to and a growing worry is the number of BBQs being taken on the sand dunes and onto Sefton's beaches. Again, a local resident and former Ranger said:- "We have not had any information about people been fined in evenings, when this is the most common issue. It will not take a lot for a BBQ to get out of control and cause massive devastation." Again, we would like to know the public’s views on this issue and how this can be resolved? Please email our newsroom:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or join the debate on our Twitter Account or on our Facebook Page, to let us know your thoughts on this news topic...

Alleyways project "a huge boost" for Formby village, says Bill Esterson MP

SEFTON Central MP Bill Esterson says a project designed to rejuvenate the alleyways off Chapel Lane will be:- "a huge boost" to Formby village. Formby Labour Councillors have agreed to contribute ₤500 toward the project which will turn the eight alleyways from unsightly and antisocial areas to bright, green and artistic spaces with living walls, street art and creative lighting.

Mr Esterson has encouraged local residents to contribute to the fundraising efforts if they are able to. Mr Esterson said:- "The 8 Alleyways Project will be a huge boost to the village centre and will help to improve footfall which is what we all want. This is about creating a place which is fun and pleasant to visit and helping local businesses along the way. Well done to all the volunteers who are involved in the project including Labour Parish Councillor Carol Richards. Carol is a tireless volunteer who works so hard for the community as do all the Imagine Formby team. They have my full support. Please do contribute to this project if you can."

Cllr Nina Killen along with Cllr Catie Page agreed to a ₤500 contribution from Councillor funds and Cllr Killen wrote to the Council to ask that they consider pledging further funds from a community grant. Cllr Killen wrote:- "The 8 Alleyways project would be of huge benefit to Formby, making the village centre a much more attractive and pleasant place to spend time.. Imagine Formby are a dedicated group of volunteers who have been working tirelessly to improve Formby. They have my full support. The alleyways off Chapel Lane are currently unsightly and this project would make them far more attractive and would create attractive features. The project would transform these spaces into safe, light spaces with exciting themes that would increase footfall in the village. I fully support this project and would support any funding that was able to be given toward the project."

Each alleyway will be designed by the Imagine Formby Arts, Culture and Heritage group, in collaboration with local Schools and the Formby Civic Society. They will be transformed through:- plants, street art, conservation measures, improved lighting and entrance features, and will all be given new names to create a cohesive theme and identity.

To donate and to find out more please visit the 8 Alleyways Project's fund raising Page.