Sefton Council is asking people their views on the Council’s new access controls and barriers policy affecting areas like the Coastal path, the Canal Towpath, and around Rimrose Valley.

To help to ensure that walking, wheeling or cycling in Sefton is accessible for all, the Council wants to improve or remove barriers for those accessing the Borough’s paths. These proposals are in response to the latest national legislation and guidance for inclusive access.

The consultation includes a map giving people the opportunity to comment on barriers in the affected areas.

The results of this consultation will help shape the policy we use when reviewing barriers in response to national guidance. With the feedback, it will help prioritise which barriers to be removed or changed. Specific local consultation would take place before any identified barrier is changed.

Cllr Daren Veidman, Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways said:

“Ideally, we would remove all barriers, but the need to ensure people’s safety and discourage anti-social behaviour means this is not always possible.

“That is why our next steps with the policy be consulting on each barrier on a case-by-case basis so we make the right changes. These could include putting in barriers that are accessible for wheelchair users, prams and cyclists but restrict motorbikes.

“We want everyone to be able to use our paths in Sefton, whether it is for leisure, traveling to work or school, or just to the shops.”

People can have their say on access controls and barriers in Sefton on Your Sefton Your Say at  https://yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/investment-programmes-and-infrastructure/sefton-access-controls/

The consultation closes on Monday 1^st December.