Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

A major National Trust conservation project to restore natural sand dune habitats at Victoria Road, Formby, is causing significant disruption, with severe traffic issues reported due to limited parking. The project, expected to last until spring 2026, has led to the closure of the Victoria Road car park and toilets, with no alternative facilities available.

The lack of parking in Formby and Freshfield, exacerbated by recent hot weather, has resulted in dangerous traffic congestion. Residents have reported difficulties getting to work and Hospital appointments, and emergency services have faced delays responding to call outs. Merseyside Police have been fining and removing dangerously parked vehicles, with visitors reportedly travelling from as far as Birmingham and Wolverhampton, ignoring notices advising against visiting the area this summer. An overflow car park at the former country club grounds at Formby Point, along with security teams, is being used to manage the influx of tourists.

The National Trust's work is part of a long term commitment to conserve the Sefton Coast, promising benefits for both people and wildlife. The project involves removing the existing beach car park and tonnes of associated construction rubble; remnants of the old Harington Barracks demolished after World War II. This rubble, which formed the foundations of the old car park, is now being exposed by natural coastal processes, disconnecting wildlife habitats and restricting beach access.

Most of the rubble is being processed on-site and repurposed as a sub-base for a new, more sustainable car park further inland. To ensure safety, the large work site, extending from Victoria Road and Badgers Rake onto the beach, is fenced off, meaning no pedestrian access to the beach through this area. Some noise from heavy machinery is expected.

The National Trust's Lifeboat Road Car Park and toilets in Formby remain open, but parking is extremely limited. Visitors are strongly advised against driving to National Trust Formby on sunny days this summer to avoid being turned away. The National Trust recommends travelling by train to Formby station or considering alternative beaches:- "Once the rubble is removed, we'll work with nature to restore this rare habitat. Over time, we expect the dunes to shift and move, as part of natural coastal change, and for marram grass to grow, helping to stabilise areas. The result: a dynamic, connected and healthy dune habitat where wildlife can thrive. We'll be monitoring the changes and giving nature a helping hand as needed."

This project aims to solve the long standing problem of the huge amounts of rubble that was spilling out on to the beach. The rubble is all that remains of the old Harington Barracks, which were demolished after the 2nd World War. The demolition rubble was used to form the foundations of the old beach car park. Natural processes that create Formby's fast shifting shoreline mean that each year, more rubble is being exposed. The rubble is disconnecting wildlife habitats and restricting visitor access to the beach.

Relocating the car park not only solves the rubble issue but will also help ensure there is space for people to park and enjoy Formby for years to come. The vision is to create healthier habitats where rare dune wildlife can thrive and a safer, more natural space for people to enjoy.

Amy Peacock, General Manager for the National Trust's Formby and Central Lancashire properties, said:- "We understand people will be disappointed to miss out on a trip to Formby this summer, but everyone's support and understanding is greatly appreciated as we work to enhance this special space for wildlife and people."

National Trust is continuing to collaborate with partners along the Sefton Coast to manage the increased challenges busy days will bring over the summer holidays. A visitor management plan has been agreed, including:- diversion route signs for cars and people walking to the beach. The National Trust Formby website and social media will feature frequent reminders about the car park closure and urge people not to visit by car on sunny days.

The conservation charity is also working with a specialist traffic management company at the top of Lifeboat Road every day over the summer holidays, assisting with traffic flow, turning cars around when the car park is full and directing people to alternative, nearby beaches, like:- Aindale and Southport.

Mark Sopp, Group Manager for Community Safety at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, said:- "We urge everyone to park responsibly to ensure that our firefighters can respond to potentially life threatening emergency incidents without delay and keep the area safe for all. Additionally, we ask visitors to please take their rubbish home, including cigarettes and glass bottles, and refrain from lighting fires or BBQs, to protect both people and wildlife. If you see a grass fire, report it immediately by calling 999, giving as much detail as possible, including the nearest main road. Thank you for your support."

Inspector Graham Fisher, Sefton Local Policing said:- "As the summer holidays approach, we will continue working closely with partner agencies to encourage people to enjoy the coastline and National Trust areas safely. We would ask that you plan your journeys, taking into account the planned car park closure at Formby beach and look for alternative destinations. We want visitors to enjoy all that Sefton has to offer."

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:- "It is more important than ever for visitors to plan their journey in advance of heading to our coastline this summer. Ainsdale beach is a popular destination with fantastic facilities, including a beach car park, toilets, and a food and drink outlet. However, beach car parking is limited and can be closed due to high tides or poor sand conditions. Before setting off by car, always check the Council website for the latest information online at:- Sefton.Gov.UK/Beaches. We strongly encourage visitors to explore public transport options, or even better, active travel such as cycling or walking to our coastline. Not only are there many wonderful health benefits to active travel, but small changes like this help us all, with our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions. We understand that local residents may have concerns regarding parking and traffic during this period, that's why the Council is working closely with Merseyside Police and National Trust to minimise disruption as much as possible."

Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at Merseyrail, said:- "With regular services every 15 minutes, travelling by train is the most convenient way to visit beaches along the Sefton Coast this summer. We recommend getting off at Formby station, which is within walking distance from the National Trust Lifeboat Road car park. Join us in supporting this important conservation project whilst enjoying a hassle free journey."

Cheetham Hill Construction (CHC) [1] bring a wealth of experience as the main contractors working on the successful delivery of the project. We're also working closely with professional experts from:- Civic Engineers, Stace LLP, Ecologists, Tyrer, and Simply Ecology, who have a key role in helping us to protect Formby's precious wildlife, whilst the work is happening.

The dune restoration element of this project is part of a wider programme of conservation work happening at National Trust Formby through the UK wide Dynamic Dunescapes project funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and EU LIFE Programme, which is based on the pioneering idea that dunes which move and change shape are better for nature than those which are stable. The National Trust is funding the remainder of this conservation project, thanks to the support of National Trust members and visitors.

The conservation charity will continue to keep local residents up to date on the project, and people can register for email updates via the website. More information on this project and ways to support the National Trust's work can be found on the National Trust Formby website.

Please remember that BBQ equipment will be confiscated if seen being used within:- Formby Pinewoods, Dunes and on Formby Beach itself. BBQ's are not allowed by law within that area. If you do use them, you can be fined, and in some cases, you might face jail time! Is it worth it? Please take sandwidges and do not light a fire!