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Future Plans for Cuckoo Lane Remain Unclear Following Second Neston Town Council Meeting
| Author: Katie Robson | Published: 18th January 2014 11:30 |
Around a hundred people attended the latest meeting to address the ongoing saga of Cuckoo Lane in Little Neston.
Head of Locality - Rural, Sarah Clein.
Neston Town Council were the hosts once again, this time in the form of an Extraordinary Meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee on Friday January 17, chaired by Cllr Trish Derraugh. Other Committee members are Cllrs Kay Loch, James Wilkie and Pat Hughes. Minutes were taken by Admin Officer and Acting Town Clerk Michelle Suckley.
Cllr Derraugh welcomed attendees and set out the purpose and rules of the meeting before introducing Cheshire West and Chester Council officers who were in attendance: Sarah Clein (Head of Locality - Rural), Bethan Edwards (Sustainable Travel Project Officer), Kieran Collins (Area Highways Manager) and Steve Bakewell (Waste Collection Manager).
Sarah Clein was invited to speak: "I have come back tonight with colleagues to talk about a revised scheme. It is also clear we need to learn from this experience as a council - in future when we plan to do work like this we must do so in partnership with residents, Councillors and other key partners.
"In this case we genuinely commissioned the work to make the route accessible for more users, a more suitable environment than at present. As Cuckoo Lane is a Public Right of Way the Council has a duty to pay heed to trip hazards and other safety matters.
"I have looked at all the comments on the website and Facebook and have started to revisit the issues raised. A detailed letter will follow next week to Neston Town Council, in reply to their letter to us, with all the issues addressed.
"We have a list of contact details of people who put their names forward at last week's meeting and will follow that up next week."
Ms Clein went on to stress that the meeting marked the "midpoint of the process" and stressed that work had ceased as promised, apart from the installation of blocks to prevent vehicular access at both ends, which were installed during the week.
(l-r) Cllr Loch, Cllr Wilkie, Cllr Derraugh, Michelle Suckley and Cllr Hughes.
She then addressed the issue of the road planings - subject of much controversy as many have objected to this choice of road surface as both unsightly and potentially hazardous. Ms Clein stated that road planings were advocated by the Environment Agency and many other organisations, but she also accepted that people had found things in the material used on Cuckoo Lane that should not be there. Apparently such items (metal chunks and parts of mobile phones, as examples) would have been removed as part of the process had work continued.
Referring to the road safety issues raised, Ms Clein stated that colleagues in relevant Council departments will be asked to examine the details, particularly in regard to safety around traffic and its effect on Woodfall School parents and children.
On the subject of the bridleway's width, Ms Clein re-stated that the maximum width was intended to be 2.5m but agreed that in places it is now 3m. She also agreed that the look of the Lane had been poorly compromised, that a revisit on the final surface material was needed and that no decision would be reached until consultation with interested parties had taken place.
Anthony Annakin-Smith.
Controversy was to reign once more as Ms Clein addressed the issue of the sandstone that has been damaged or covered already and that which remains. She claimed that it would be covered in order to protect it - a remark greeted with derision by many of those present. She promised to share all the reports that the Council has been referencing, and added: "Hopefully this will help you understand how we reach the decision we do."
In conclusion, Ms Clein confirmed that the next steps would be for a formal letter of response to Neston Town Council to be drawn up with a view to a conversation with the people and groups who have asked to be involved, in turn leading to a more satisfactory joint conclusion.
It was then the turn of the public to speak, each allowed up to three minutes. Key points raised:
- Anthony Annakin-Smith: Thanked the officers for listening and gave Ms Clein's comments a 'cautious welcome.' However, he pointed out that the Council did not have the appropriate licence from the Environment Agency to lay road planings when the work commenced in December. They had retrospectively applied for permission, claiming the route to be 'impassable.' Planings should be removed, but only if in doing so no further damage is inflicted. The lane should return to its previous width and a more attractive surface laid.
- Philip Wynn: Concerned that excuses are still being made in the name of the public's health and safety. How many claims for injury have the Council received in relation to Cuckoo Lane compared to the rest of the pavements in Neston? 'We live in the countryside becaue we like to walk on it.'
Geoff Holland- Marion Ankcorn: Stressed that she is a keen walker and cyclist who is also an advocate for better access to work and for those with disabilities. Thanked Cllr Loch for her work on the Burton Greenway. Objects to Cuckoo Lane 'improvements' because the ancient pathway could be destroyed or lost through a project with no value in terms of the stated aim of making it an 'access route' - its real value lies in its attractiveness.
- Ruth Such (Access & Bridleways Officer for the British Horse Society): The legal definition of a Bridleway is a highway over which the public have right of way on foot and horseback. The Countryside Act allows cyclists to use Bridleways as long as they give way to walkers and horseriders. There is no legal requirement for authorities to bring the surface of a Bridleway up to a standard fit for cyclists. Cuckoo Lane may have needed some improvement but with consultation from the start, a better solution would have been found.
- Rob Ward: Thanked Neston Town Council for taking the concerns seriously and acting as a conduit to CWaC. Thanked CWaC officers for listening to and answering concerns. Wondered if there was scope for a sandstone surface (similar to Limestone dust). Parts of the Lane have been improved. It currently looks quite ugly but that will improve naturally over time. A better choice of surface would help.
- Geoff Holland (Wirral Footpaths and Open Spaces Preservation Society): Believes the suggestion of covering up the sandstone to 'protect' it is disingenuous. The Environment Agency regulatory position statement says that planings should not be used as a surface if it 'adversely affects the current environment' - this has clearly been breached. You cannot smooth out and concrete over every path or bridleway just in case someone trips up.
- Cllr Louise Gittins: concerned about the clay that has been laid a foot deep to the sides of parts of the Lane. Also bluebell bulbs (protected species) have been dug up and left strewn around. Given that work on the HVDC Cable project will cross Cuckoo Lane in the near future, suggests work is delayed until then. Work should be done instead on other pavements in the area. Fears that the notion of covering up the sandstone would be the beginning of 'tarmacing the countryside.'
Cllr Louise Gittins
Given the opportunity to address these comments, Sarah Clein once more spoke for the Council. She stressed that if people wanted to be part of the conversation going forward, they should ensure their contact details were left at the end of the meeting. She also re-stressed that they will reflect on what has gone on and on the comments made and will share the information they have been given regarding decisions such as covering the sandstone. She also stated that the Council undertakes a lot of similar projects throughout the borough, but that all those currently in the pipeline had been suspended until the next stages of the Cuckoo Lane project have unfolded.
Another member of the public then spoke up. Marion Fraser wanted to know why the work had been undertaken before the proper licence for the planings was in place. Kieran Collins attempted to answer the question but was shouted down.
Cllr Derraugh then moved the meeting on to the next point on the Agenda, which was for the Committee to decide on its response. Cllr James Wilkie put forward a proposal that: "NTC welcomes the response of Cheshire West and Chester Council to the concerns expressed and ask that officers meet with representatives of interested parties to agree a revised scheme that, as far as is practical, satisfactorily addresses the concerns raised." This was unanimously agreed.
At the end of the meeting, Cllr Pat Hughes once again put himself in the firing line for many present by stating: "I am aware that the majority of people here tonight are against this plan, but there are 15,000 people in Neston. In my experience of planning meetings, most people don't come to support planning applications, even those they have submitted themselves. I would therefore like the officers to also consult with people who might be in favour."
After the meeting Cllr Kay Loch said: "Thank you to everyone for taking the time to attend the meeting and voice their concerns which have been carefully noted by Neston Town Council and which will form the basis of the discussion on the future work to Cuckoo Lane."
(l-r) CWaC officers Kieran Collins, Steve Bakewell, Sarah Clein and Bethan Edwards.
AMA will follow the progress of the next stages and report as and when new information emerges.
Editor's Note:
With reference to Cllr Hughes' statement. It would be interesting to hear the views of more of the so-called 'silent majority.' If you are in favour of the scheme, please feel free to make your comments below. In saying that, I also call on those who are clearly against the scheme to be polite with any responses to such comments. I will be watching closely!
Around a hundred people attended the latest meeting.
All photographs are © Bernard Rose.
See also:
Work suspended on Cuckoo Lane as CWaC bows to people power.
Cuckoo Lane in Little Neston - Latest
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Comments
Dave CarterPeople who have no strong views, who I suspect really are the silent majority probably would not do so, and would not attend the meetings either.
spannaAlso, if the council are wanting the make the lane more accessible I hope to see improvement around the wooden bridge area of the Wirral way to make it easier to get on and off the Wirral way from cuckoo lane. I would also like to add that other people I have spoken to about Cuckoo lane are also in favour of improvements.
WalkerAllan SWillastondogwalkerDave CarterTony HamiltonHowever, having just read your report and specifically, about Cllr Pat Hughes’ laughable declaration that by implication, most of the 15000 people in Neston are for this scheme as they were not at this or other meetings , I have been motivated to join this website, add this comment and to also join the Save Cuckoo Lane Facebook group.
Pat Hughes’ comments also confirm to me the famous Edmund Burke quotation “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”.
I guess this is why we continue to sleepwalk towards an increasingly authoritarian (perhaps eventually totalitarian) state where all decisions are made for us based on inclusivity, health & safety, human rights, anti terrorism and all manner of other catch all simplistic justifications.
Having been stirred from my own sleepwalk, I am now committed to a greater level of public activity and here are some initial thoughts on this issue before thinking on how I might be of more tangible benefit to those that oppose this scheme in the future.
1) Having only moved here in the last few years, I was unaware of Cuckoo Lane and so have not walked its’ length. I am mortified to think that I might have lost the chance to walk the lane in its’ previous natural state.
2) For the record – I support the idea of a general scheme of improvement to the lane but with a scheme sympathetic to its’ character, environment and history. I do not support the over zealous ruination of our local countryside so as to be able to tick the necessary boxes to secure outside funding for the work.
3) I want to thank Carrie for the news facility on this website. I have no family and few friends in the area and the couple of local papers that used to be popped through the door were discontinued long ago. So, I rely on AMA for most of my local information. Thanks too, for the write up above (it was not possible for me to get to the meeting last Friday night). Your report offers a more balanced, less emotional perspective – comments on the Cuckoo Lane Facebook seemed to me a little more downbeat, possibly because the various commentators’ expectations going into the meeting were unrealistically high.
4) Tactically, I’m not sure that I’m comfortable with NTC acting as go between. This gives CWaC a buffer – it’s always easier to make unpopular decisions when you have a nice buffer to hide behind to deliver the bad news. I’m also not really sure what they are bringing to the party other than providing a forum for information exchange and conformation to political protocol maybe.
5) I’m not a Little Neston resident, but am just over the High Road in Willaston. We thankfully also have our own lovely, unspoilt paths and bridleways and I encourage all residents in Willaston and other rural villages under Cheshire West “control” to support the Cuckoo Lane protesters. IT MIGHT BE OUR TURN NEXT.
Finally, a request to everyone out there with any interest in this situation to DO SOMETHING - for or against. It only takes a few minutes to post a comment here, join the Save Cuckoo Lane Facebook page, send an e-mail / write to your local councilor or CWaC officer, or write / ring the local paper, whatever you are comfortable with.
The important thing is to voice your opinion and help establish that CWaC Council work for us and that they really don't know best.
Tony Hamilton
Katie RobsonSecondly, yes, I can set up a survey. However, in my experience, if people are not fired up about something, they don't participate. That's the Catch 22. Might it be worth waiting until the revised scheme is put forward, following consultation with interested individuals and groups (as promised at Friday's meeting), then asking if people are for or against it?
What do others think?
K & CTony HamiltonThere is a further dimension which is difficulty or inconvenience v reward. Can't think of an appropriate reward right now! - so it would come down to lessening "barriers to participation".
This is why I suggested simplicity - a single question - a single click response on the same page but additionally supplemented by a brief summary of pro's and cons of why the scheme - or it's revised alternative, should / shouldn't go ahead without readers needing to wade through pages of various website articles / comments or council engagespeak. People will always be put off doing surveys if it looks too complicated or time-consuming - unless there is some material or envisaged benefit to them.
I hadn't actually thought about timescales - but yes, your idea makes sense. This might give time to line up those willing to present their case. Personally, I'm keen to hear Kay Locks comments (I have only heard info 2nd hand, as it were) and would like to understand in her own words how and why she initiated / championed the scheme on behalf of local residents.
SHric1) The use of road shavings to create a suface for a path was used some years ago on the path from the end of Old Quay Lane, to the Old Quay. The shavings were just dumped creating a path which was very hard to walk on, becase of the mixture of size particles and lack of compaction, an anl looked really horrible. However once a sufficient number of people had walked on it and nature had done its part, it has now created a suface which is excellent to walk on, looks reasonable, and is rough enough to deter people from cycling too fast on it. I guess that the shavings would otherwise have gone into landfill so there is another benefit.
2) I have walked and cycled along Cuckoo Lane only a few times in the 30 years I have lived in the area because the state of the surface has been unpleasant to use. I would greatly welcome an improvement in the surface.
3) I have walked and cycled the Burton Marsh path many times and not seen any of the conflict that others describe between cyclists and walkers. We all need to show a little give and take.
Last week a pedestrian walked accross the road in front of me on my bike. He did not look in any direction other than at his feet. I stopped and waited as he walked directly in front of me. He then suddenly saw me and gave me a lot of abuse for not having a bell! In fact I did have a bell and a loud siren, but tried to be more courteous and let him walk - is there really any need for this hatred some people show for people using other transport methods?
Dave CarterSHricI accept what you say about historical significance, but not everything can stay the same forever.
Dave CarterI take it that you did not hear the presentation by Ruth Such, Access and Bridleways officer of the British Horse Society, Wirral branch, on Friday last. She was quite clear that the surface is not suitable for horses, especially ones without shoes. And Cuckoo lane is a bridleway, and horses and walkers are the primary users. And although not everything stays the same for ever, there is no pressing reason for the changes to Cuckoo Lane that CWaC propose. It is possible to make improvements (drainage as you say in your post on the other thread, work on the descent from the Wirral way overpass) thus making it more accessible without damaging or covering the sandstone, and without damaging the ecology of the lane. But thats not what CWaC have done.
K & CProphetic words, is this an excuse to see our beautiful countryside bulldozed over and built on, littered with wind turbines and wildlife, trees and plants gone forever, sounds like a great brave new world to me!
HelenS/he says they have very rarely used the Lane in the last 30 years, which is a shame as s/he missed the delights of strolling up the holloway section last Summer, when it was so dry and sandy it was like walking on a beach!
The crux of the matter is that people who don' t care for the rural nature of the Lane are not compelled to use it. There are at least 4 paved access points to the Wirral Way without having to use Cuckoo Lane if the dreaded mud/sandstone has to be avoided, and surely few would be mad enough to use the Lane to access the A540 - once tried, never repeated!
As for the argument that the planings are better dumped there than in landfill, SHRic should note that the Council didn't even bother to ensure the necessary licences were in place before they defaced our countryside with bits of ground up road surface - shameful, and yet another example of how badly thought out and executed was this vanity project of Councillor Loch's, for which we are all paying a heavy price
Philly GarbuttThe council's failure to improve the unwelcoming nature of many cycle routes on roads,where cars are allowed to dominate transport, seems to show in their picking of an easy target;green lanes and paths, to encourage fast cycling for commuters.
There is no harm in doing carefully planned repairs,to encourage walkers who are prevented from accessing it due to disability and also to prevent damaging erosion but to smother it is tarmac and destroy its whole character is VANDALISM.
You will never stop some cyclists from using these lanes at speed,as some have a car driver mentality and see pedestrians,strolling along,as inferior to them,on a machine.The Wirral Way is flat as a pancake now and while this is handy for some,for me in many places,its a boring trudge.Please leave a few magical places where we can dawdle and day dream.
Anthony AThe BBC Northwest News have now confirmed they are coming to film at 11.00 a.m. on Sunday 26th. I’ve promised there will be a good crowd to welcome them. :-)
Please bring banners, posters, bikes, dogs etc. (not sure about horses with all that’ll be going on; will leave that to the owners). I suggest we all meet at Gorstons Lane no later than 10.45 a.m.
I assume the story will appear in Sunday's local news slots.
The BBC have warned that, being news , there is always a risk they will be diverted to a breaking story, but as things stand they are definitely coming along. They’ll phone me on Saturday if plans change; I’ll obviously post about it here if so.
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