Visitors to Formby would love to see more space for pedestrians and regular artisan markets in a bid to improve the Village.
The views on how to improve the area were revealed in a community survey carried out by ImagineFormby, with nearly 600 local people responding.
Also high on the list on the best ways to improve Formby were better maintenance of shops and buildings and retaining and improving tree planting.
Further down the wishlist were better traffic management, facilities for children, more seating areas, more uniform shop frontages and signage and more community events.
The area already enjoys some superb events including the Formby Christmas Lights Switch On and Formby Festival, which attract thousands of visitors each year.
Several people revealed the improvements they would like to see.
One said: “We need a true artisan market, championing independent businesses and aimed at younger people, not the old folks. Take a look at St John’s Road in Waterloo or even Birkdale, lots of really vibrant creative businesses. We need to invest in future audiences – those who are currently aged 20-50.”
Another said: “Pedestrians only through the village would give a more open and easy access to shops, restaurants etc, a European feel, without compromising traffic as easy access to car parks either side of the village.”
Other comments included: “Block it off and put a bandstand type structure in the middle.”
“More speciality food shops like an artisan bakery, cheesemonger, delicatessen. A zero waste food shop where you can take your own empty containers. More cafes or bars that are a bit quirky. Good quality restaurants or a sushi bar.”
“As a mum to young children there are loads of clubs for babies and toddlers but nothing after. There is a massive target market here. Formby has so many young families. We would all use the village if there was more for us.
“Also, we have the beach on our doorstep. Why aren’t more people setting up restaurants / cafes / things for families? We should be attracting tourists. We should make them drive through the village to see what’s on offer.”
The views were revealed through a survey of hundreds of local people by ImagineFormby, which is working hard to improve the area.
The group has now been formalised as a Community Interest Company with Patricia Wordley, Kevin Haygarth and Blair Hilton as directors. Other members include Sean Brady, local film-maker Lynne Harwood and Danish designer Karsten Erikson.
ImagineFormby Director Patricia Wordley, who owns Woodwards Wine Bar in Formby Village, said: “We had a much better response to the Formby Community Survey that we anticipated and received plenty of detailed comments and ideas to digest.
“We want to thank all those who completed the survey and those who told us they would be happy to be consulted further. We have reached out to them via email to share the results of the survey and outline the next stage.”
If you would like more details about the ImagineFormby Community Survey, or if you would like to help the group, please email: info@imagineformby.org
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