Pedestrianisation plan for The Crescent is scrapped (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral Council shelve plans to pedestrianise The Crescent in West Kirby

3:31pm Wednesday 22nd April 2009 in News Exclusive By Justin Dunn

A PLAN to pedestrianise The Crescent shopping area in West Kirby has been shelved, the Globe can reveal.

Wirral Council's cabinet member for regeneration and planning strategy, Cllr Jean Stapleton said:

"Throughout the month of September 2008 Wirral Council consulted with the public concerning plans for the improvement of the public realm in West Kirby.

"The public were asked for their view regarding a pilot scheme for the pedestrianisation of the Crescent and were overwhelmingly in favour of the scheme."

She said of those questioned at the time, 77% of West Kirby residents and 66% of "all respondents" were in favour of the scheme.

Against, among residents, were 23% and 19% of "all respondents".

In a statement this week, Cllr Stapleton said: "Council officers have also held face to face meetings with the traders of The Crescent and of the 23 businesses canvassed, 56% expressed their support for the pilot proposals with 22% opposed, and the remaining 22% with no strong opinion either way.

"However, we have since received notice from the traders that they have concerns about the pilot scheme and are in fact against the council proceeding with its proposals.

"As a council we are proactively supporting our businesses during the difficult economic climate and will therefore not be proceeding with proposals to pedestrianise The Crescent at this time."