Facelift for Wirral's historic public path

3:15pm Monday 3rd December 2007

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Another section of the Wirral Way is set to undergo a facelift.

Phase two of the Wirral Way Restoration Project involves the Thurstaston to Heswall stretch of the popular public footpath, and represents a continuation of the work that started two years ago with the transformation from West Kirby to Thurstaston.

"Volunteers might include those who are particularly interested in the countryside or conservation issues."

Bob Moon

When completed, the scheme will mean much-improved surface and signage, making the Wirral Way even more user-friendly and accessible by foot, cycle and horseback.

Approximately a quarter of a million visitors already use the country park each year, whether for a family day out or to walk, jog, cycle or ride along the former Hooton to West Kirby railway route.

The new improvements will not only attract more visitors, but will also further enhance the environmental reputation of the park, which is hoping to soon become a centre of excellence for conservation.

Transformation of this section of the Wirral Way is to be completed in April 2008 but initial work has started this week with some necessary drainage work on the site.

For those reasons, people using this stretch of the Wirral Way over the next few months are being asked to be patient and understanding.

The council says the benefits of the improvements will far outweigh the short-term inconvenience, resulting in a greater quality of life for all those who take advantage of it - whether it be for family leisure time, health and fitness or just to walk the dog.

The improvements to Wirral Country Park are being driven by the voluntary Friends Group, which works closely with the authority's park rangers.

Their main purpose is to encourage improvements to the park and the Wirral Way and to ensure this very special leisure facility remains a beautiful, accessible part of the countryside for generations to come.

Wirral Country Park is also bidding for Heritage Lottery funding to allow it to make significant improvements to the park and Visitors' Centre at Thurstaston.

Having an active Friends Group is one of the things that the park's bid will be judged on, which is why a fresh appeal is going out for more people to join the Friends.

Cllr Bob Moon, Wirral Council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "Wirral Country Park is proud of its status as one of the first country parks in Britain and we know it is held in very high regard by a great number of residents right across the borough - the visitor numbers bear this out.

"However, there is always a need to tap into this popularity and engage supporters in a practical way, which is what the Friends Group is all about.

"Volunteers might include those who are particularly interested in the countryside or conservation issues, or it could just be those who use the park trails or the other many facilities - all are welcome and their help really does make a difference."

To find out how you can get involved with the Friends Group, call Wirral Country Park on 0151 648 4371.