A DISUSED stretch of railway would be transformed as part of ambitious plans to reinvigorate central Birkenhead.

The council wants to create a 'green travel corridor and linear park' on the track site, which cuts through the town centre.

Measuring more than 800 metres long, it would be specifically for walking, cycling and public transport.

It will run through Birkenhead, from Argyle Street to Rendel Street, connecting the town to Wirral Waters and the Hind Street development site via Central Station roundabout.

The plans are subject to public consultation, which ends on Sunday August 23.

Cllr Tony Jones, cabinet member for regeneration and growth, said: "This exciting proposal to turn the disused railway cutting into a green travel corridor and linear park is a great example of how we can look at our existing assets and find new ways of using them.

"The green corridor will be a definite catalyst for change in Birkenhead as it will not only provide a fantastic resource to connect communities and encourage local people to be active but shows the opportunity we have to reimagine Birkenhead and create a green, sustainable town.

"Together, we can make a tangible difference to our local community and environment.

"The important part of this process is that we hear our residents' views on the impact the green corridor may have on Birkenhead and any ideas on its design. Community input will ensure it is a valued and useful resource."

Residents can have their say on the plans at wirral.gov.uk/greencorridor

In addition, the Council is hosting two online sessions for the local community to learn more about the green corridor at 5pm on Wednesday (August 12) and 5pm the following Wednesday, August 19.

Visit wirral.gov.uk/greencorridor for details on how to register to take part in either of the sessions.

With possible financing to come from the Government's Transforming Cities Fund, bringing the corridor up to the same level as adjacent streets will be a significant undertaking as the cutting is completely overgrown and has become a dumping ground for litter and waste, reflecting years of neglect.

In addition, the corridor will also contain a bus route which will not be open to general traffic but will instead have bus priority junctions established where the route crosses with the existing road network.

As part of the project "living" green areas would be created by planting trees along the corridor.

'Innovative' drainage such as rain gardens and stormwater tree pits would also be developed to alleviate risk of localised flooding.

A council spokesperson said: "As part of the A41 North programme of work, the green corridor is one of a number of projects the Council is aiming to deliver in transport improvements in East Wirral, which will increase connectivity across the borough, reduce the physical division between communities and will open-up land for development.

"This project is phase one of the green corridor with future extensions, south to Rock Ferry and North linking to Hoylake via the Birket Corridor, identified as key elements of Wirral’s future transport infrastructure plans."