The Best Guide for the Neston Area

I've noticed a growing pile of tarmac at the bottom of Cuckoo Lane over the last couple of weeks. Please don't tell me that the intention is to tarmac the entire lane. I walk up it home every day from work, and I'm going to need to invest in protective gear as I can't begin to imagine the speed cyclists will get up to with a smooth surface to ride on
After the the Denhall Lane cycle path "improvements" which made it all but impossible for walkers to use is this another example of Councillor Loch being in thrall to Sustrans and the cycling lobby? I'm all for sustainable transport, but walking is the most sustainable form of transport there is, and I'm fed up with footpaths being sacrificed to the lycra clad hordes - it will be like trying to take a stroll round a velodrome!!

On the subject of the deplorable state of footpaths, are there any plans to improve the footpath that crosses that farmer's field from the top of Woodfall Lane to Cumbers Lane. There was a very deep puddle at the beginning of the footpath for most of last year - so deep and extensive was it that it necessitated walkers having to put down stepping stones to get across the expanse of water
This path is heavily used by local people - is there money allocated to improve this footpath, or is it being overlooked because it doesn't form part of the hallowed cycle path network

Cuckoo Lane is a delight as it is, part farm track, part high hedges and bedrock sandstone like a medieval holloway, why would anyone in their right minds want to "tidy up" something so rare and special.

I would be interested to know what surface is going to be used and why there has been no consultation with locals/users of this pathway. As a horse rider there are very few safe areas we can now ride and this could be another area we would be unable to use. The pathway maybe uneven at present but the sandstone is part of its charm. It is a beautiful place to walk or ride at the moment and hope that any improvements are not going to spoil it.

I have been trying to get some information from councillor Loch about the "improvements" since Friday, but am yet to receive a reply from her, or Bethan Edwards. What I do know is that no public consultation whatsoever took place prior to the works starting so who knows what we will face when the path re-opens.

Good to know that our views aren't deemed of any importance by some of our elected representatives - must remember that come polling day!

6 days later and still no reply from either Councillor Loch nor the cycling project officer
Apparently, from what a commenter has been able to deduce the plans are for a 3 metre wide track along the entire length of the footpath. Sandstone outcrops and hollows will be levelled with recycled road surface - how fitting for an ancient footpath - let's obliterate any interesting features post haste!
Councillor Loch and The cycling project officer are currently playing the "I'm out of the office and can't reply" game at the moment, but should I ever get an answer to what I think is an entirely reasonable question I shall update interested parties here, because frankly it's unlikely Councillor Loch or anyone from the Council will let us know!

Cuckoo Lane is an ancient bridleway. Its beauty is its natural state and the wildlife in the hedgerows. Can the council do this without planning permission. How can we fight this? The threat of the turbines are still hanging over us and now this!

The work has already started and damage done - much of it irreparable I fear. All concerned about this should contact Councillor Loch and Bethan Edwards - the cycling project officer to express your views about their uncalled for "improvements". Their contact details are available on the CWAC website, but good luck trying to get an answer from them! I am still to receive any information from either party after considerable efforts.
I have urged them to stop the works but I fear this won't happen - I think the lack of consideration and engagement with the electorate and local people by Councillor Loch and Ms Edwards is deplorable. Other than making a human chain in front of the tractors I think it's game over, but at least we have the "look at your lovely new path we have made for you" publicity article to look forward to once the diggers have gone!

Helen, when are you thinking of the human chain? I assume they are not working Saturday. I could do part of Monday and/or Tuesday.

I can't begin to say how upset and angry I am about what's happening in cuckoo lane.It just out and out vandalism.How can anybody get away with doing this without consultation just beggars belief! I as a dog walker have walked that lovely lane for years and always thought it was an ancient bridal path, a place where I could walk in peace without cyclists racing past me as happens on the Wirral way, but now I'm afraid those days are over as I can see the lane being used as a race track. I went up to look at the lane today from gorstones lane end it looks an eyesore but still you don't look at the scenery when you are flying past on a bike do you? As for the human chain Councillor Loch how did you

Will finish that properly!!! As for the human chain I would gladly join it but I'm afraid the damage has been done. Councillor Loch how did you get away with it?

Minnie and any one else interested meet at Friday 11 am at Gorstons lane end of Cuckoo.

Helen also, last comment.

I certainly did not see any consultation with local residents, so was surprised to read on CH64 that councillor Kay Loch has been working to arrange improvements to Cuckoo Lane.

It seems that these works are to be made as part of the local sustainable transport funding, this worries me as I'm sure that others will be when they realise that what was once a quiet rural track with sandstone parts and delightful flora and fauna is now in danger of being covered with tarmac to facilitate an unproven need from local residents.

The real worry to me which I am sure many will share is the great risk that so called developments will have on the intrinsic nature of our locality, one of the key objections made by opponents of the plans for the wind turbines, is the impact that they will have on the green belt.

I worry that uncalled for developments such as this can only lead to a step by step diminishing of the green belt which in turn will lead to an open door for other developments, specifically the wind turbines. I note that Councillor Loch has been at pains to state that there is no link between the two, this I fear, is a short sighted
approach, as we all are aware one development often leads to another.

I have not seen any published plans or indeed any public consultation for this development, indeed when contacted Councillor Louise Gittens was unaware of the plans but when enquired about them was informed that there had been no public consultation.

I feel that local residents should have this brought to their attention so that all are aware of what is being undertaken
at the behest of Councillor Loch, so that people can enquire of her why these works are being carried out and why.

Cathy -I can't make 11am on Friday but could be there for 12.30ish or anytime on Monday.
I'm still awaiting a reply from Bethan Edwards - seems Councillor Loch is now trying to distance herself from the decision making process and can't answer my questions, which is odd being as it was her initiative. However, I have been advised that Bethan sees it only as a "tidying up" exercise, which is presumably why she and Kay Loch felt they could do what they wanted without first bothering to consult with the existing users of the path - after all, why would we possibly have any views worth considering, or even paying lip-service to!!
I walked up the bottom end of Cuckoo Lane yesterday from the Wirral Way and work hadn't yet begun so it may not be too late to save that lovely spot from brutish vandalism. With a bit of work, Gorstans Lane could be repaired to something of its old beauty, but I doubt that a Council seemingly obsessed with tarmacking over the countryside would consider such a move.
The whole thing is beyond belief - I was moved to tears yesterday looking at the Lane - those responsible for this shady decision made behind closed doors ought to be thoroughly ashamed of themselves

I'm very concerned to hear about this. The ancient holloway of Cuckoo Lane is a very special place - an absolute jewel in the local landscape - and it would be a tragedy if its character is lost. I am keen to understand exactly what is planned and the reasons behind it. I've written to Kay Loch and would welcome more information from her or the CWaC project manager as soon as possible. I'm also keen to understand what consultation and communication there has been on this issue.
Anthony Annakin-Smith

As I've not heard from Kay Loch I have also written to Bethan Edwards. I've asked that she postpone the work, if it is going to significantly alter the character of the lane, until there has been local consultation. Others may wish to do the same: beth.edwards@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

In addition people may want to tweet the council @Go_CheshireWest to make clear our opposition.

I cannot find any specific planning application on the CWaC planning website, and I suspect that they don't need one. However if you look at the local plan map, which is at:

http://maps.cheshire.gov.uk/cwac/localplan/

and zoom in on Cuckoo lane you will see that it is marked as a red dashed line. Indeed the red dashed line runs all the way from Gorstons Lane, to Cuckoo Lane, up Cuckoo Lane, across the A540 to Hanns Hall Road, along Quarry Road, and along Bluebell Lane to the boundary with Wirral. And if you look in the key for the Ellesmere Port Plan at the side (which I think this is part of), a red dashed line means "Provision for Cyclists". Interestingly, "Provision for Walkers" and "Provision for Horse Riders" don't feature in this key. I suspect that this is the result of a decision taken long ago.

Mind you, good luck to any cyclists on the Quarry Road section of that route, the speed cars go along there in the evenings.

I am not saying that it is right, just that I think it has been in the plan for a long time.

Dave Carter

I think that the argument that this is an ancient holloway (I believe Anthony on this) is a strong one, which should be made forcibly to the people concerned. We (and others) stopped a similar plan to tarmac over the path behind our house some years ago, for similar reasons, by pointing out that the setts which they had planned to tarmac over were part of the original approach to Parkgate station.

Helen, My husband and I are meeting someone else at 11 ish now so will let you know how we get on. ,This person has helped us a lot with our fight against the turbines, which is still ongoing.

Yes, you are right Dave. But I hope CWaC don't believe that 'Provision for cyclists' means they can tarmac over everything in sight (and I'm a cyclist!). I don't want to jump to conclusions - I'd really like to see the plans - but I do hope that any drastic changes are put on hold before they do any irreversible damage.

Yes I agree with the comments above about cuckoo lane being an ancient pathway. I have spoken to people with metal detectors in the lane and they have found coins. It is said that the path comes from burton,through haddon wood across the fields to cuckoo lane, how true this is I don't know!

Cathy - grateful if you could let me know how you get on. Speculating on the finished width of the Lane it looks as if it may be wide enough to accommodate construction traffic, which would negate the argument about traffic problems on Mill Lane during construction of the wind turbines. Not good

Yes agreed. Kay loch has said its nothing to do with Turbines but I'm suspicious. Have you made a recent objection on CW&C about the Turbines. You can make more than one. I'm going to go online tomorrow, when I'm fresh, and state another objection based on Liverpool and Harwarden airports' concerns over safety.

Cathy,

I am absolutely certain that this is nothing to do with Turbines. The application for the Turbines is from another party (University of Liverpool) and CWaC have to and will treat that independently. And if there was any chance that the proposed work was needed for construction of the Turbines, CWaC would wait it out in order to get the University to contribute to the cost, possibly pay the full cost.

The fact that they have decided to do this now at Council expense might indeed be an indication that they think the Turbines will not go ahead.

Thank you Dave.

I know the footpath was getting a bit brambly but now its brambly no more. Its desecrated!. Gone are the wild flowers and elderberry. Half way up is already tarmacked and right into the hedge. Sandstone near Gorstons Lane has been broken up and thrown in the hedge. Vehicles were arriving as we walked and dropping off more Tarmac. Its wide enough to take a wagon. One of the lovely old trees has been damaged. The sandstone pavement towards the farm is still intact but is to be covered. We spoke to a dog walker who has stopped walking on the Wirral Way because of the cyclists and now feels he is losing Cuckoo Lane.

I meant to add that some one told me that the sandstone pavement is important geologically.

Following a site visit this morning, Ive asked that the work be stopped pending further investigation. (fingers crossed this happens)The ancient lane now looks like a road and Im concerned for the preservation of our history and the possibility of cars using the lane as a short cut, as well as the long term impact for walkers. Its important that we have good cycle ways to keep cyclists safe but consultation is essential and a full impact assessment made prior to any decisions. An email of support for all our concerns has been sent by Wirral footpaths and I believe the council's archaeologist is concerned too.
I will keep you all updated and feel free to email me louisegittins@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Best wishes Louise

Having viewed the works in progress today there is no doubt that the council are perpetrating gross vandalism in widening the track and destroying the verges, and in burying the sandstone base. This lane - a holloway - has survived probably since the Middle Ages but our council has now seen fit to destroy it without good reason and without proper consultation or notice. Would they have been so insensitive if it was a building rather than a track? Those involved should be deeply ashamed.

It looks as if the work is still continuing at the Gorstons Lane end as of this afternoon, and I noticed that ominously a large pile of Tarmac has appeared at the bottom of the lane - obviously Kay and Bethan are ignoring our entreaties.
I'm yet to receive a reply from either of them to my repeated emails - will post a reply here if/when they finally deign to send one

I am a cyclist who uses this bridleway and this work by the council is nothing short of vandalism and pollution of the environment. I have phoned the council and the local MP to no avail. I have posted photo's on facebook My e mail is keith334jackson@yahoo.co.uk .I would like to help any way I can in stopping this.

Thanks Keith/ 334 jacko. I've made a note of your email.

Great Louise.
Let us all know the outcomes of your investigations and work.

I have now received a reply from Bethan Edwards as below. It's only a holding reply, but at least we can be assured that no further damage will be done until after Christmas, and hopefully that will give the Council enough time to ponder on the error of their ways, and stop any further works
I still haven't had a reply from Councillor Loch to my emails and I'm not confident of getting one as I have the distinct impression from her response to Anthony's article that she is trying to distance herself from the decision now that the publicity has turned sour, but if I do get a reply, I will post it here. Bethan's reply to me is copied below for your information

Today at 5:49 PM

Dear Ms. Barry,

The information has been collated and a draft response prepared. This is unfortunately now unlikely to be sent today, as due to both receiving queries arising until late this afternoon and the varying nature of queries raised over this scheme, we felt that a single response should be issued which addresses all concerns being raised. This will enable us to convey as much information as possible to interested parties and this is being discussed with the appropriate Portfolio Holder for formal response.

I was advised earlier that the contractor has finished the works for today. They will tidy up tomorrow and Monday and will not continue further before Christmas as per the details in the work programme. They will be on site tomorrow and Monday, tidying up the verges and removing any overspill of planings to allow use over the Christmas period.

The required information will be provided shortly and hopefully this will address all queries raised by email and through the CH64 website.


I am on leave from the end of today but I shall monitor my emails over the next few days to ensure that I make you aware of this response being circulated, as soon as I am notified.

Yours sincerely,

Bethan Edwards
LSTF Programme Manager

Cheshire West and Chester Council



Tel: 01244 973948
Email: bethan.edwards@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

Web address: www.itravelsmart.co.uk

Address: Integrated Transport Service, 2nd Floor (Planning), The Forum Offices, Chester, CH1 2HS

IMPORTANT

I have just heard that a journalist and photographer from "The Ellesmere Port Pioneer" will be on-site tomorrow at 12.30pm. I urge all concerned residents and users of the path to attend to make our discontent public
Details are 12.30pm, Saturday 21st December Gorstons Lane at the junction of Rockfarm Drive.

Louise suggested being there for 12:15. I put a notice on but I think I'm in two different strings of comments. The other string has a photo of the devastation.

Just returned from the site. Sadly they have progressed way beyond the junction with the footpath which leads past the nature reserve to Woodfall lane. Tarmac planings have been laid about 75 metres past this point down the sloping section of the lane .Beyond that a similar stretch has been excavated in preparation for the hard core. The remainder of the hollow section of the lane has been completely trashed by the tracks of the contractors vehicles passing up and down for a week. Currently the machine are tidying up the areas close to the hedges that have been used to accommodate the spoil dug from the main track. I understand they are to start working upwards from the bottom of the lane as soon as the edges have been completed to avoid the need for the machines to traverse the newly laid surface. The contractors instructions are to lay a 3 metre wide track over the whole length of the lane using the recycled tarmac road planings . Environmental vandalism ,what a shame !

Having just returned from Cuckoo Lane I regret to advise that the entire length from the Wirral Way has been utterly devastated. The section along the top of the hill, and part way round the corner, is deep in planings to a width of 3 metres - far more than is required to facilitate a simple 'improvement' for cylists and walkers which was the alleged motive given for the exercise.
In the lower section - the holloway - the verges have been destroyed since yesterday and thick mud spread across both sides of the track. Only a little of the sandstone base now remains visible and some of this has clearly been scraped at by the digger - so much for the 'only tidying up' that Bethan Edwards, which the CW&C Council project manager claimed would happen today. All of this runs contrary to the advice of the county archaeologists who recognised the historical importance of this route and specfically said that the sandstone should remain uncovered - yet I have been told by one of the parties involved that the archaeologists' views "were taken into account".
I would like to believe this is all cock-up rather than conspiracy but I am now struggling to convince myself that there has not been brazen duplicity somewhere along the way.
Anthony Annakin-Smith

I have photos of the lane taken on Thursday 19 around 14.30hrs ,at this point they had only reached the turning at the top of the cutting. They would not have progressed much further than this on Thursday . As to the damage done to the lane, it is not irreversible if the tarmac chipping are removed carefully the weather and nature will soon restore the lane back to its original state , but if the council complete the work I fear the is little chance of them then restoring the lane[suddenly no monies will be available]. I think the best way to stop the work is via councillors and your MP , these people are voted in office by the public and are sensitive to public opinion.

In reply to 334 Jacko, reference reversability, I haven't been up Cuckoo today but Anthony Annakin-Smith reports that the sandstone pavement has been destroyed. Jackoo come to the meeting at 12:15,Saturday 21st, at the junction of Rock Farm Dr, Gorston Lane and Cuckoo Lane. There will be a councillor and Ellesmere Port Pioneer.

Ok no problem , I will be there .

How sad to see those photos. I hope these people are proud of what they have done. I will certainly remember them come election time. It's an absolute disgrace that they have got away with. Absolutely gutted !!!!

My husband took many photos of the damage, even to a tree, probably more but one was obvious. Trees will grow again but what about the sandstone pavement. It was OK when we photographed it on Thursday.
Minnie, come to the meeting on Saturday 21st Dec, 12:15 at the junction of Cuckoo Lane and Rock farm Drive and tell our neighbours.

Well here is Councillor Loch's considered reply with Ms Edwards' contribution. If you weren't angry before reading it you will be afterwards. I have told Councillor Loch that her reply is a disgrace - not one ounce of consideration given to the outpouring of genuine concern on this forum. I'm not interested in scoring political points but remember her high handed attitude come the next election and utilise your franchise wisely. I think it's time to put the human chain operation into action!

Loch's reply below

Thank you Helen and apologies for the incorrect info on classification.
Regards
Kay

From: EDWARDS, Bethan R (Transport)
Sent: 20 December 2013 12:46
To: LOCH, Kay (Councillor)
Subject: Confirmation of PRoW

Morning Kay,

I have just checked with PRoW and it appears that Cuckoo Lane is a Bridleway as opposed to a BOAT after all, with access rights for the farmer and his vehicles only. That being said, it makes no difference to our scheme as we’re only bringing it up to standard for peds, cyclists and horse riders. I have asked the press team to take out the mention of BOAT in the response that Lynn Riley is being asked to send out.

Kind regards,

Beth

Their gross mistake in the classification of the Lane must also put into doubt the efficacy of Councillor Loch and Ms Edwards' decision making process. It's easy to see how they were able to ignore the recommendations of the experts they commissioned - they probably decided "it made no difference to our scheme" For scheme read vanity project or publicity opportunity. It's a disgrace

Helen you are right about being angry!! Total disregard for the outpouring of concern on here Councillor Loch!! Disgraceful!! High handed attitude is right. AS I've said before I will remember this at election time

PRESS RELEASE FROM CW&C EXECUTIVE

A member of CW&C's six-person Executive Committee (effectively a director of the council) is apparently intending to issue a press release on the Cuckoo Lane debacle. I have tonight written to her asking her to address a number of points in the release or, failing that, to supply me with some answers to the points for onward transmission to all those concerned locally. My email to her is rather too long to reproduce here but if you wish to contact me I will send you a copy (annakinsmith@btinternet.com).
(Your email address will not go on a database or be used for any other purpose.)
Hope to see everyone at 12.15 on Saturday.
Anthony Annakin-Smith

Regarding the wanton destruction of Cuckoo lane by CW&CC, BBC Radio Merseyside have indicated that they will run the story on their one remaining news bulletin today, at 1200. Other areas of BBC news have also indicated that they may run the story. I will keep readers posted.

SAVE CUCKOO LANE - WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Firstly – a huge thank you to everyone who turned out at the meeting today. It was great to see so many people there. Clearly there is much strength of feeling about this act of council vandalism.
The latest council communication shows they have no intention of backtracking and ominously say that work won’t start again ‘fully’ until 13 January…….which presumably means they WILL be working there in the mean time. So...
1) Please keep your eye on any work being undertaken and report it here and/or on the Facebook page which Louise Gittins has established (thanks Louise). Please also take photographs as the contractors wreak their havoc.
2) Can I ask everyone who is concerned to lobby widely please. This means contacting as many of the following as possible:
- Local councillors. It was good to see Kay and Louise there today so that they are aware of the strength of feeling. However an email to them from everyone who is concerned would reinforce the point;
- Andrew Miller, the local M.P. (millera@parliament.uk);
- Cheshire West and Chester council. They have an online ‘Complaints’ page. Also, as no single point owner has yet stepped forward publically to take ownership for this scheme you might also try: lynn.riley@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk (executive responsible for highways), john.jeffrey@ceshirewestandchester.gov.uk (‘Director of Localities’ (don’t ask me!)), Bethan.edwards@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk (project manager for the scheme)and sian.williams@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk (scheme engineer).
- Any local media – BBC News, Wirral News, Ellesmere Port Pioneer, Chester Chronicle, Wirral Globe etc. etc.
- Neston Civic Society who have an interest in overseeing the local heritage;
- The management at Ness Gardens who, we have been told, initiated this woeful scheme (though I do not know if they endorse its outcome) (kfhreid@liv.ac.uk or nessgdns@liv.ac.uk);
- The Local Sustainable Transport Fund who paid for and presumably support this ludicrous project (contact details please anyone?);
- Sustrans so they can see the kind of environmental destruction being perpetrated for their cause (reception@sustrans.org.uk or their regional office: 0161 923 6050).
3) Please continue to comment on the AboutMyArea website and use the Facebook page ‘Save Cuckoo Lane’. Louise is also tweeting at #savecuckoolane
4) Please also ask your friends and neighbours to get involved and lobby too.
5) Finally, if anyone can send me any photos of the meeting today, or ‘before’ and ‘after’ shots of the lane I’d be very grateful so I can use them in publicity.
I suspect the council think this will all be forgotten by the new year. Please don't let them be right!
Anthony Annakin-Smith (annakinsmith@btinternet.com)

HAVE CWACC ACTED ILLEGALLY?

My understanding is that notice is required by law to close a public right of way - and CWACC have attempted to do just that by erecting notices to this effect at each end of Cuckoo Lane. I also believe this notice must take a certain form and be posted a certain time in advance. Is anyone aware of such notice having been given? I cannot see find any evidence for it. It makes you wonder why they are in such a rush! I am investigating further.

On Thursday we went along a footpath that enters Cuckoo lane were that other very old path goes to Woodfall lane and there are no warning notices. When we stepped out a large truck was racing up Cuckoo lane. There are 4 different paths into Cuckoo Lane with no warnings!
Agreed, no evidence of notice being given.

Hi everyone , after speaking to the group on Saturday to raise my objections ,as a cyclist ,to the vandalism imposed on an ancient lane by the council ,seemingly funded and supported by Sustrans. I spoke to the gentleman from Sustrans and tried explain to him the natural beauty and historical significance of the lane.
The enjoyment I and many other people get from being in the countryside, is gained from being as close to the natural environment as possible. So that makes my boots and clothing a bit muddy in the winter and dusty in the summer . There are no shortage of tarmac roads to travel on if you dont want to get a bit muddy. I think as many people as possible should contact Sustrans to let them know of the damage their funding has done to the environment. These groups are funded by taxpayers money but who are they? they are unelected and answer to nobody, [the councillors are ultimately voted into or out of office]

It would be nice if we could have as many happy Santa's to party at the bottom of Cuckoo Lane around 8 am.. I think the contractor will start early and we want to give them a warm welcome.
Mince pies and coffee etc. will be very welcome . .Please remember it is the season of goodwill to all men, well most of them anyway.

Another great turnout by concerned locals this morning, at each end of Cuckoo Lane. Contractors at the bottom end agreed, after talking to their boss, not to do any further work. An officer from CW&C came along to the Gorstons Lane end to meet a crowd of about 20 locals (or "posse of fxxxxxx kxxx-hxxxx" as one of the contractors called them) including Councillor Gittins who is stronly opposing the scheme. The official was unrepentant about the scheme, alleging there had been full consultation, that the scheme was appropriate and that it was being carried out correctly. She showed no interest in the chunks of broken sandstone littering the verge, and did not believe that the asphalt planings contained other waste such as old electrical equipment despite the evidence we showed her. She did however agree, in front of everyone, that no work to progress the scheme would be carried out without further consultation. She also agreed that only 'tidying up' work would be done today and tomorrow using machinery to compact the ashphalt laid to date; otherwise only hand tools woudl be used to clear mud etc. from the trackway. If anyone spots anything else going on, please let this forum know.

So a huge amount of damage has been done but there appears to be a temporary reprieve. Nevertheless it is important that lobbying continues as the council clearly believe the scheme should continue.

Thanks to Councillor Gittins for her on-going support, and for standing shoulder to shoulder with us this morning in the most appalling weather. No support from Kay Loch of course - not surprising really as she's still the lone voice in favour of this outrage, even in the face of such opposition by local people she is supposed to be representing.

I think the work that has been done in Cuckoo Lane has improved it. I'm happy not to be stung by nettles or scratched by brambles, and not to have to pick my way through mud. The native sandstone is still there, and very quickly the vegetation will grow back and the surface will mellow, as you can see in other paths and bridleways where vegetation was cut back and a new surface laid. I hope the contractors can do a similar job on the footpath between Cuckoo Lane and Woodfall Lane, where it passes the old tip (aka conservation area).
Happy Christmas to all!

Charlie, A group of us went up today and the sandstone pavement in the Holloway section has been damaged and the sandstone stepping stones near Gorston lane are now just chunks of sandstone on the verge. The slope down to the section where the sandstone pavement is now very muddy when that always drained well. Perhaps a bit of tarmac at Gorstons lane end and some in the field gateways would have been acceptable. Many people fear that it's a road to get the Turbine construction vehicles in.
Happy Christmas to everyone also.

Well done Louise and Anthony Annakin-Smith, brilliant spokespersons for the group and well done Old Timer for bringing coffee and mincepies.

Well done to everyone who stopped the work today, I have contacted Sustrans directly and spoke to a very helpful gentleman Paul Thomas about this work allegedly supported by Sustrans. He was not aware of the situation or any involvement from Sustrans . He contacted the area manager Mr Peter Foster who confirmed Sustrans has no direct involvement or funding in this scheme. When I asked who had spoken to the group on Saturday he said whoever it was ,they were not a Sustrans employee or an official representative, they might have been a local volunteer but not in any official capacity.

334Jacko
I spoke to someone up the Lane on Saturday who was on his own and spoke as if he was representing cyclists, and I thought SUSTRANS. He told me how successful the marsh route has been, works using it as well as leisure cyclists and cited a great increase in cyclists travelling to work in Tyota Factory/Plant . He even knew the figures for cyclists killed in UK this year. When I told him that I had been talking to a dog walker who won't now use the Wirral Way because both he and his dog are scared of the cyclists he said "Sorry" as if he was an official. He didn't want to join our Anti Turbine group because he lives in IRBY (if that helps). A Mystery.

I did not get the gentleman's name who spoke on Saturday {anyone?},but he and the councillor seemed to indicate that this work was supported by Sustrans , and it simply is not, they have even e-mailed me to confirm this . The route across the Marshes is a good route and I can not condone bad behaviour by cyclists / walkers/ hose riders, like it says on the signs on the Marsh route "share with care " .
The question I would ask is why they want to hide behind Sustrans as a excuse for this work?

SECRET FILE UNCOVERED!

I have managed to hack into a secret online file marked 'Cuckoo Lane: the 10 year Vision'. It even shows the wind turbines. Take a look on my Wirral Walks facebook page (link below)!

Have a great Christmas.

Anthony Annakin-Smith
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=773942579286828&set=a.773942525953500.1073741831.131737516840674&type=1&theater

334jacko
On saturday up the lane we got talking to a man who was on his own. he told us that many cyclists now cycle in the Toyota plant/factory along the Marsh route, he even knew how many cyclists are killed on the roads each year. he seemed surprised that we are against the work. I asked if he was local and he said Irby. I assumed he was from Sustrans.

PS Didn't get his name.

https://pic.twitter.com/AZWAUdmJH0
Here is photo of the type of rubbish found in the road waste being used to cover Cuckoo Lane. Be in no doubt this is no decorative gravel ! How can Cllr Loch think that this is in any way suitable to use in our countryside?

I have looked at this picture on Louise Gittens' twitter @weezegee it is unbelievable that Cllr Loch can even think that the "improvements" are in anyway acceptable for vulnerable users, or was she "misinformed" again?

On Saturday one of the group, an engineer, said that this waste tarmac should be no where near farmland.

PROTEST POSTERS AVAILABLE;
and
TOWN COUNCIL INVOLVEMENT?

I have today put posters up around Cuckoo Lane asking users to lobby against the devastation being done to the ancient track. If anyone can put any more posters up I would be happy to email you copies (or please make your own).

One of CW&C's justifications for the scheme is that it was fully supported by Neston Town Council - indeed it was allegedly a priority for them. However, no one has yet been able to give me any written evidence for this and there is no record of any such discussion in Town Council meeting minutes. I am writing to all our town councillors to see how many of them knew about the scheme. I have also requested that the issue be discussed at the next full Town Council meeting (28th January).

Incidentally, while I was putting up posters today, many walkers commented to me with horror about what had been done so far.
Anthony Annakin-Smith
(annakinsmith@btinternet.com)

We walked up Cuckoo this afternoon and saw the posters. Two cyclists commented its now muddy in places that were never muddy before. Someone else has put up posters, one about "Dog Fouling" and one says "fooling". I've got a laminator so will make some posters in a few days, we are off to see family for a few days.
Although the pile of tarmac has been removed from the bottom of Cuckoo Lane there are still 2 piles up near the farm.

You may be interested to read the archaeologists report that was available to the council officers responsible for this projects design.Route 2 running along Cuckoo Lane, Gorstons Lane and the field track follows the line of a historic
routeway which is shown on the 1
st
Edition OS map running from Ness to Windle Hill and beyond.

The Cuckoo Lane/Gorstons Lane section of the routeway is potentially the oldest section and is recorded
on the 1849 Tithe Map and Greenwood’s map of 1819 where it leads to Windle Hill and continues to what
is now Hanns Hall Road and then possibly on to the Lydiate, the site of a hamlet in the 14
th
century.
Bryant’s 1831 map divides the upper reaches of Cuckoo Lane (the red section on the map) into Cuckoo
Lane and Padman Way, north of Windle Hill a field to the east of the track is called Padman’s Way Field.
The term ‘Padman’ may refer to a ‘foot pad’ or perhaps the equivalent of a pedestrian; if it is the former it
may suggest the sunken hollow way may have been the haunt of robbers.

Windle Hill is recorded in 1340 as the site of a mill ‘molendinum de Parua Neston’ and on Bryant’s map a
smithy is marked there.

The historic mapping and the documentary evidence point to the route being an ancient trackway perhaps
linking Little Neston and Ness with the windmill during the medieval period. Cuckoo Lane with its high
sides bordered by hedgerow and trees has the features of a medieval hollow way, a heavily used
routeway which results in ‘U’ shaped hollowed out trackway, which thus supports the documentary
evidence. The well worn sandstone surface of Cuckoo Lane is a testament to its ancient and continuing
use.

The sandstone surfacing should therefore not be covered over but ways found of preserving it as an
integral feature of this historic routeway.
The following information was given to me by Neston Town Council Office two weeks ago." Footpaths are not within the council remit but are the responsibility of CW&C. No "wish list "exists and no motion on this matter has ever been passed by council."
I am concerned that it mentions Cuckoo Lane as route 2. Does anyone have any info. on what may comprise route 1.

Old Timer, That is very interesting. Where to we go to look at the Archaeologist's report.

Very interesting indeed - would be very interested to see how hard Kay Loch and Bethan Edwards worked to find ways to preserve the ancient sandstone rather than covering it up with bits of old road and associated detritus. I imagine they must have spent quite literally seconds pondering the problem before shrugging their shoulders and exclaiming " ah well one can't live in the past can one"
I will email Loch today to ask her about Route 1 - hopefully it's the Burton cycleway but who knows which other of our beautiful footpaths they have cast their baleful eye on

Route 1 could be Woodfall Lane where it enters from Mill Lane and then there is that lovely very old narrow pathway that goes from Woodfall Lane into Cuckoo Lane. Are they next?

I hope not that lane is a public footpath only and not available to cyclists, so they would have to find a good excuse. Still you never know!.

Hi Cathy. Kay Loch provided me with the copy that I published above

Thanks Old Timer, I thought all the info about old maps was all yours. I've got a copy of the 1840 map for the area and the Bridleway goes into the field were the proposed turbines are going. There was probably a house or farm there at some stage. We can't claim that bit of the bridleway back as its not been used for 20 years.
I've met cyclists on that little narrow footpath but only twice. perhaps they'll tarmac Woodfall next!
Although the tarmac has been removed from Gorston Lane there are still too piles up Cuckoo Lane, not far from the Wirral Way bridge.

I notice the council's own plan for the Cuckoo Lane works (which Tim A has found: see http://neston.org.uk/cuckoo-lane-improvements) says that undergrowth should be cleared, and planings laid to a width of "2 - 2.5 metres'. The contractors have, in fact, done it to 3 metres. While the scheme is completely unnecessary anyway they should, at least, have carried it out to their own specification!

I note also that the scheme is described as part of 'Ness Cycle Routes' (note the plural - more to come?!). Given that it is clearly intended for cyclists, the previous claim that it was to help 'other vulnerable users' looks spurious.
Anthony Annakin-Smith

Hi Cathy21. Regarding your lost buildings it could have been a windmill.

Old Timer
A perfect place for a Windmill. Need to get to the old maps arcjive in Chester. Won't save our lane. Someone on "Save Cuckoo Lane" Facebook suggest we get a magistrate. Anyone help?

As the year ends, a HUGE thank you to everyone who’s contributed to the campaign so far:
Almost 100 at the protest meeting; 163 Facebook members so far; over 200 AboutMyArea comments; and many letters/emails to councillors, CW&CC officials etc. Just brilliant. We’ve shown that the issue really matters to people.
Also, massive thanks to Louise Gittins for setting up the Facebook page and for her tremendous support to date.
We’ve had some real victories so far – local press coverage with, hopefully, more to come. And the council have conceded that work will not continue until there has been local consultation – we’ll see!
I will be asking to speak at the CW&CC executive meeting next week to request that the project be stopped, and also at the next full Neston Town Council meeting – they have been shabbily kept in the dark by CW&CC.
We all want to save a lovely little lane but, while I’m not a political animal, there is also an issue about democracy here – about utterly daft decisions being foisted on an unwilling public.
The fight continues. Happy New Year!

While a big thanks to everybody who helped the campaign a huge big thanks to you Anthony A !!!!! You have worked so hard !! A very Happy New Year to you all

Request for speakers and supporters please!
The announcement of the Neston Town Council meeting is very welcome and I hope everyone will attend. But there's an opportunity before that to make our feelings felt directly to the CW&CC executive as well, in Chester on 8th January at 5.30 p.m. The public have an opportunity to speak there. I've requested to speak and I'd welcome one or two others who also feel passionately (numbers are limited as a total of only 15 minutes is allowed for ALL of the public speakers). Even if you don’t want to speak PLEASE, PLEASE COME ALONG TO CHESTER ON THE 8th (as well as Neston on the 10th) to make CW&CC realise that this issue really matters to local people.
Thanks
Anthony Annakin-Smith

When the work on Cuckoo lane had been in progress for a couple of hours I spoke to one of the contractors. In the course of our amicable conversation he mentioned that there were clumps of ferns in the hollow lane which he had been told not to touch as they were "protected" ,
We have already seen the report from the archaeologist about the sandstone pavement but nothing on the lanes ecology. We know an ecology report exists because Kay Loch tells us so in her infamous contribution to AMA, the one about BOATS. This report should be made public.

When the work on Cuckoo lane had been in progress for a couple of hours I spoke to one of the contractors. In the course of our amicable conversation he mentioned that there were clumps of ferns in the hollow lane which he had been told not to touch as they were "protected" ,
We have already seen the report from the archaeologist about the sandstone pavement but nothing on the lanes ecology. We know an ecology report exists because Kay Loch tells us so in her infamous contribution to AMA, the one about BOATS. This report should be made public.

As a speaker at Wednesday's CW&CC executive meeting I have been asked to supply my questions in advance. My principal question is: "In view of CW&CC’s commitments in its Altogether Better plan (2011-2015) to consulting and engaging with communities ‘as a matter of course’ and to ‘protecting and enhancing our green spaces’ will it agree to suspend the works on Cuckoo Lane, Little Neston, for sufficient time to allow full consultation to be undertaken with the local community and other interested groups concerning the works?".

I have asked a number of supplementary questions which I can supply to you if you wish (annakinsmith@btinternet.com).

Kathy Owen and Jane Marshall have also very kindly volunteered to speak at the meeting.

Supporters of the campaign would be very welcome from 5 p.m. when we plan to protest peacefully outside the HQ building. The meeting will be webcast at http://www.cheshirewestandchester.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/122728 from 5.30 p.m.
Anthony Annakin-Smith

Anybody need a lift to the council meeting on Wednesday night.?

CW&CC Still Don’t Get it!
Firstly - brilliant turnout of SCL campaigners at council HQ this evening. Thanks everyone and thanks to Kathy, Philip and Jane for speaking so well. With full page coverage in today’s Chronicle too a senior CW&CC person told me that they are very aware of Neston’s anger.
CW&CC intend to use Friday’s town council meeting to present their local sustainable transport scheme which encourages cycling etc. (though this is not what the meeting is supposed to be for; they seem to think it is the place for the consultation that should have happened months ago). They just don’t seem to get that, regardless of the merits of the sustainability scheme, it shouldn’t entail turning historic byways into asphalt roads. Why aren’t they listening?!
The portfolio holder responsible for the scheme, Cllr. Lynn Riley, addressed the group of supporters before the meeting. It was nice of her to come over but she then managed to insinuate that it was the failure of the people of Neston to engage with the debate about the sustainable transport scheme that has led to the Cuckoo lane debacle. Er, run that by me again Cllr. Riley!! I’ve been trying constantly for over three weeks to get a scintilla of evidence that ‘improving’ Cuckoo Lane has ever been on anyone’s agenda. Nothing, nada, zilch.
Friday will be really important. As said above, CW&CC are sending a representative and will be using the meeting to decide whether to suspend the works or not. We need a really good turnout please and for them to realise that putting a road through the countryside is simply unacceptable.
Anthony Annakin-Smith

Do you want to speak at Friday’s meeting?
Town council officials have made it clear to me that speakers must refrain from making points that other speakers have made. It’s certainly not for me to dictate who should or shouldn’t speak, but it would be better if things were co-ordinated so that people don’t duplicate and to make sure everyone gets a turn. Otherwise speakers risk being asked to stop.
I plan to talk about the many errors and omissions in the consultation and delivery process. There is plenty of scope for other perspectives – it would be valuable to hear from different types of user (cyclist, horse riders, the disabled, walkers, families etc.) , and people could discuss the varying impacts of the destruction (ecological, historical, visual etc.), the importance of the lane to local people, the community reaction to the changes, the alleged value of the scheme to Ness Gardens etc. etc.
You may wish to contact me to let me know what topic you plan to cover and I’ll let you know if anyone else plans to cover the same area – but if you want to do your own thing that’s fine! (annakinsmith@btinternet.com)