The Best Guide for the Neston Area

Parkgate Drew Crowds to Neston Last Weekend

Last weekend, when the sun was shining, Parkgate's beauty held its usual attraction for visitors. But we're in a national lockdown...

Following reports of large numbers of visitors to Parkgate last weekend, Cheshire West and Chester Council were quick to respond, speaking with local businesses to ensure they are acting within guidelines and taking action to deter visitors from outside the area.

On Friday, Councillor Martin Barker, council ward member for Parkgate, was interviewed on both BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC North West Tonight. He says: "The message is simple. If you do not live in the area, please do not visit unless you have a reason within the current regulations to do so.

"The businesses open on the parade are acting within the guidelines and have taken steps within their premises to remind their customers to continue walking or take their purchases home.

"Police presence will continue to assist, to ensure people are compliant within the regulations.

"As Cheshire's only coastal village, we know that Parkgate is an incredibly beautiful area, so we understand that people want to visit. But again, the message during this time is clear - if you are not local, please do not visit."

The following actions have been taken to mitigate the likelihood of the situation arising again:

• Cheshire Police have agreed to increase their presence for patrols, especially on better weather days and at weekends.
• Signage along the front, reminding people of the Stay Home message, is being considered. AboutMyArea are unable to confirm if they are already in-situe because we are avoiding the area.
• Wider media coverage has ensured people outside of the area are reminded of the current regulations and to not visit Parkgate, unless allowed to do so within the guidelines.
• CWAC will look at the possibility of reducing some of the parking on the front (car parks will remain open).
• Limitations on areas of seating are being considered e.g. redundant benches to be taped/removed, including from closed businesses.
• Electronic signage has been installed to the side of the road on the approach to Parkgate. One at the Neston end, on the bend of Station Road facing back up towards Neston. And the other by the Boathouse pub, facing up towards the A540.

The impact of these measures will continue to be monitored.

Neston & Parkgate Police near to the Station Road signage.Cllr Barker added: "As much as the local authority and Police can do, this does not detract from the fact that sadly, not everyone is going to adhere to what is asked of them. Hopefully, these measures will help ease some of the challenges we are facing."

Let us hope that the measures continue to have the desired effect.

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Comments

Snapdragon

At 10:52 on 18th January 2021, Snapdragon commented:

Me thinks Martin needs a larger face mask ??.

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a.pickton

At 11:19 on 18th January 2021, a.pickton commented:

A spectacular own goal by Neston & Parkgate police, whose injudicious social media post, whining about how many people were at Parkgate instead of going out and dealing with it, resulted in national and regional media coverage. Glorious photos of lovely Parkgate, plastered over TV and papers, resulted in....attracting more visitors.

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EvelynC

At 11:46 on 18th January 2021, EvelynC commented:

This weekend though the weather wasn’t good didn’t seem much better.i go by the amount of people who pass my house. It’s bad that locals who are keeping to the regulations can’t safely go for a walk or walk their dogs because the Wirral Way is packed With people who won’t give way and keep social distancing. I wonder what part of stay local they don’t understand.

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Vigilant

At 09:51 on 20th January 2021, Vigilant commented:

Most visitors to Parkgate, from other areas, use Boathouse Lane to access the front. Would it not be easy to position a police car at the Leighton road junction and stop traffic to enquire where they have travelled from. Such a shame the people of Neston avoid Parkgate at this important time when it is critical we get out for exercise and our sanity!
Don't get me started on the dog fouling issues around Parkgate at the moment, which i am sure is from 'outsiders'.

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Dennis L

At 16:27 on 23rd January 2021, Dennis L commented:

For goodness sake do not tape up the seats because some of our senior citizens can walk for only short distances before needing a breather but are just as entitled to take exercise to prevent mental illness as anyone else.

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Andy B

At 19:29 on 23rd January 2021, Andy B commented:

Dennis L is absolutely right. We are so lucky to have such marvelous walks and scenery to enjoy. Don't deny the genuine users. I would hate to be stuck in an estate where only the roads were the exercise route. By all means ask/check on home addresses but don't be too judgemental.

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