Main picture: Toad Hall in Southport by Southport Snapper
Over 300 people have submitted their views on how they want to see Ainsdale ‘coastal gateway’ improved.
Sefton Council is now inviting more local residents and businesses to share their views.
Further voices are welcomed to ensure that as many people as possible can help to shape future proposals for investment in the area.
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 area at Ainsdale-on-Sea is in need of investment to improve its facilities for residents and visitors alike.
The current consultation runs 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.
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 complement the investment already underway.”
Many visitors to Ainsdale this summer will have already seen some of the initiatives being funded by the Council to improve the experience for beach goers, showcasing the possibilities being explored that could form part of the longer-term rejuvenation of the area.
A fish and chip pop-up has proven popular and will continue to serve up food and drinks at the beach until the autumn.
Meanwhile, award-winning street artist Paul Curtis is part way through transforming the exterior of Toad Hall with a vibrant mural – the largest commission he’s ever undertaken.
Cllr Moncur said:
“People can take part in the consultation through our ‘Your Sefton Your Say’ online survey and we’ll also have staff on the ground throughout the remainder of 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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