Decision details

Decision(s):

(1)    The outcome of the consultation on Southport Cycling and Walking consultation exercises be noted.

(2)    The recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills) meeting on 9 November 2021 be noted and that “continuous dialogue be held with appropriate Ward Councillors on the progression of proposals being developed using Active Travel tranche 2 funds”.

(3)      The proposals consulted upon are not progressed at this time, because the requirement of the funding for “broad support”, following consultation with all key local stakeholders, has not been demonstrated.

(4)      That options for the implementation of improvements, facilitating Active Travel in Southport. including those suggested by residents through the consultation process, be further explored in the context of developing plans under the Southport Town fund and the development of the proposed Low Carbon Transport Strategy and Active Travel Strategy for Sefton.

(5)     That Recent discussions with the representatives from the Department for Transport (DfT) and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) regarding the outcome of the consultation and proposals for the alternative use of Active Travel funding be noted.

(6)   That, subject to approval from the LCRCA and DfT, proposals for improvements to the cycle facilities along the A565 Formby By-Pass, to the immediate south of the junction with the Coastal Road,  be further developed and consulted upon, with a view to  delivering an alternative scheme with the Active Travel tranche 2 funding,.

(7)      Discussions to be held with the Council’s Consultation and Engagement Panel, to inform the nature of future consultations, where fully representative response and broad consensus are required,

Reasons for the Decision(s):

The Council has received a formal funding offer from the LCRCA to deliver Tranche 2 of proposals within the Active Travel Fund. These proposals show an extension of the implemented Tranche 1 proposals to both the north and south of the existing scheme thus providing a north- south cycle route through the centre of Southport. Unlike tranche 1 of the proposals, which were delivered without consultation to meet the funding deadlines, the tranche 2 funding is dependent upon consultation having been completed. This report provides the outcome of the consultation and proposed next steps.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: (including any Risk Implications)

The option of implementing elements of the North-South cycle route identified in the proposals was considered, However, it is considered that the requirement within the funding offer to demonstrate ‘broad support’ across all stakeholders could not be met based on the Your Sefton Your Say results and other correspondence. It is also noted that the consultation undertaken, resulted in an under-representation of some stakeholders (e.g. young people) and this issue will be reviewed for future similar consultation exercises..

The option of declining the funding, if the proposed scheme is not progressed, was considered, but as there is a demonstrable need to improve cycling infrastructure across the borough, officers have commenced discussions with the funders to seek agreement for the development of a possible alternative scheme.