THE popularity of revitalised New Brighton has forced the local authority to consider a park and ride scheme for the resort – possibly involving use of the seafront “dips.”

The resort has become a victim of its own success as an avalanche of cars threatens to create log-jam conditions at times.

Councillor Pat Hackett, Wirral Council cabinet member for regeneration, said use of the green seafront areas - where former Wirral Shows were held – could be inevitable as the only way to relieve pressure on the roads around New Brighton.

But he ruled out any prospect of the local authority charging for parking at New Brighton and its approach roads.

He said: “The fact that parking is free makes New Brighton a big attraction. We don’t want to scare people away just at a time when things are starting to pick up dramatically.

Councillor Hackett said a council survey and an independent one carried out by developers Neptune had failed to foresee what was happening traffic-wise in New Brighton.

He said: “We are told that people are travelling here from the Midlands; which is easy to understand given the ease of access from the motorway system.

“There are a number of issues – not least parking – which are being addressed by the council.

"This autumn will see a £1.5m scheme carried out to create more parking spaces in the resort with the removal of a series of promenade planters and the building of a zebra crossing in front of the Floral Pavilion.

He added: “It is good to see the council prioritising New Brighton at a time of financial uncertainty causing other schemes to be frozen.”