Concerns are mounting up about changes to the Childwall Triangle
Cllr Pat Moloney at the Childwall Triangle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Installation of a new cycle lane and changes around the Childwall Triangle as part of a wider scheme to improve active travel connection towards Liverpool city centre have been met with a backlash. Liverpool Council announced in March it would go out to consultation as part of a project to improve walking and cycling routes between the centre of Liverpool and the south of the city.
The proposed route is roughly 8km long, connecting the city centre with Childwall, as well as large residential areas and key leisure, employment and education destinations along the corridor, such as Wavertree Sports Park, the University of Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University. It would connect existing cycle provision at either end – on Lime Street in the city centre and the Liverpool Loop Line in Childwall.
It also connects with other completed schemes to create a network of safe cycling and walking routes across the city, with features such as improved surfaces on the road and pavements, and upgrades to lighting. The city council said a previous consultation found that 77% of people who responded were supportive and that 69% would use it if built.
However, people living around the Childwall Triangle have expressed concern and doubt at the viability of the scheme. As part of the project, Liverpool Council would create a new fully-segregated bi-directional cycle track on Fir Lane and Woolton Road.
Upgraded crossing facilities at key junctions and pedestrian desire lines would also be installed along the route while a marked quiet route would be put in place along Dunbabin Road and Childwall Abbey Road, providing connection to Liverpool Loop Line. Junction improvements at Queens Drive and Childwall Park Avenue are also proposed, making it easier to cross when walking and cycling.
Improvements to bus platforms along Woolton Road have been put forward, as well as upgrades to the Childwall Triangle, including closure of Childwall Abbey Road to make this area a more welcoming environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Paul Jones is a cyclist and lives on Dunbabin Road but is against the proposed changes. He said: “I asked them at the consultation had they asked a cyclist how this would work?
“I’m five doors down from the junction and we already get cars blocking my drive and they’re going to decrease parking spaces. It feels like they haven’t done their due diligence.
“I think it will be more prone to accidents, it doesn’t add to anything. It doesn’t add up as a strategy.”
Alan Bibby has lived on the same road as Paul for 14 years. He added: “It will cause traffic chaos, I don’t see how it’s going to work.
“It will be forcing people to go into the side roads. I don’t see how the proposals for a cycle lane work, I just don’t get it.”
Childwall Triangle(Image: Liverpool Echo)
The council said clear and separated cycle lane provision has already been acted upon where possible, as well as the retention of as much parking as possible. Views from a series of consultation events will be taken forward to form the design of the scheme, with construction is expected to begin in phases in late 2027/early 2028.
The design work has been funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Tony Hollis had lived on Childwall Priory Road for the past 15 years.
He said: “I’m all for improvements in terms of investment in the area, but I do have concern about what they’re proposing. Half the parking spaces will disappear which will hurt the businesses.
“It’s a lovely area but I don’t think the plans are popular with people in the neighbourhood. I don’t think they are going to work reducing traffic and there are other opportunities they could take.
“I’d like to think as residents we’d have more say on this rather than it being imposed on us.” Gerald Jones has been on Childwall Priory Road for more than two decades.
He was skeptical about the need to add the cycle lane. He said: “They’re putting a bus stop right outside my door.
“The whole thing is going to cause more congestion, they’re doing all this for a bike lane, I don’t understand it. We’ve been crying out for a crossing for years but I don’t think the other changes will benefit people living in the area.”
Concerns about the proposals have been lodged with the elected representatives in Childwall including Cllr Pat Moloney. He said: “I’m not happy with the proposals for the area.
“I think it’s causing even more problems, particularly around Childwall Priory Road. The roadway is too narrow, people won’t be able to park by their houses.
“Cllr Mike Storey and I have both asked for parking to be improved by the triangle. This isn’t the right use of space.
“There is a better solution that doesn’t cause more problems than it solves.”
Councillor Dan Barrington, Liverpool Council cabinet member for transport and connectivity said: “We are currently reviewing all the feedback we’ve received from residents and people who regularly travel through the area. Thank you to everyone who shared their views.
“Everyone’s input will be considered as the scheme progresses, and any concerns around the proposed work will be taken on board during the design process. The proposed scheme aims to make our roads safer and easier to use for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
“Active travel brings real health benefits, and we want to give everyone more choice in how they move around the city.”