Sefton Council is urging people to take part in their latest public consultation which sets out its vision for improving and investing in facilities at Ainsdale-on-Sea.
During 2020, an extensive consultation with residents, business owners, visitors and young people took place as part of the now successful Southport Town Deal bid. It was recognised by a large number of respondents that the beachfront at Ainsdale-on-Sea is in need of investment to improve its facilities for residents and visitors alike.
The consultation will run until 30th September 2021 and asks for views on the wider development of the coastal gateway including the Sands Lake and Hotel area, Toad Hall and Ainsdale Discovery Centre.
It is also an opportunity for residents and regular beach users to offer ideas for how Ainsdale-on-Sea could be improved for all, from better traffic management to projects that would ensure Ainsdale’s rare habitats and species are able to thrive.
The Council has already approved plans for over £350,000 of improvement works to take place in the area. This includes the implementation of a new ‘off beach’ car park to reduce the impact on local communities who have been affected by irresponsible parking in the past. Designs for this are due to be submitted for planning approval next month, with the new car park expected to be open for Easter 2022.
The agreed works also include plans for new toilet facilities, an exciting art installation at Toad Hall, as well as the set-up of a temporary food and drink concession trial which will begin next month. In addition, funding is supporting Seasonal Ranger posts, temporary toilets and rubbish management all in a bid to ease concerns in the area as it prepares for a busy summer season.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We recognise the need to create high quality visitor infrastructure at a number of access points along the Sefton coast, to drive growth within the visitor economy and provide a high-quality visitor experience. This will also reduce visitor pressure on our coastal communities as well as areas of high conservation value – protecting our special wildlife and landscape.
“Ainsdale-on-Sea has been recognised as one of these key access points and we are keen to hear what our residents would like to see prioritised as we draw up our development plans for the area to compliment the investment already underway.
“People will be able to take part in the consultation through our ‘Your Sefton Your Say’ online survey and we’ll also have staff on the ground throughout the busy summer season capturing the thoughts of the community and visitors.
“Following the consultation, the plan is to start looking at the next stages for development, based on areas of priority. This phased development will realise the potential of Ainsdale-on-Sea and reflect the aspirations, opportunities and constraints associated with this important location.”
People are urged to complete the online survey on the Your Sefton Your Say portal and have until the end of September to take part: https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/
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