Successive heatwaves, little rain and the recent high winds of Storm Floris have created the worst possible conditions for parking on Ainsdale beach says Sefton Council’s Green Sefton Team.

Three heatwaves and long dry periods

Green Sefton Service Manager Mark Shaw explained: "The three heatwaves and long dry periods we have already experienced this summer, followed by the high winds of last week’s Storm Floris have resulted in the Ainsdale beach parking area and the parking entrance being covered by extremely dry sand."

"Over the past few days, the Council’s Green Sefton team have removed over 1,000 tonnes of dry sand from around the entrance area. But there are significant volumes of sand remaining which are being added to by the ongoing hot weather conditions.

"Heavy plant machinery that the Council does not have are required to address this clearance. The Council is seeking support from external contractors with the aim of getting the access re-opened as soon as possible."

Frustrating

Shaw continued: “We understand this the beach car park being closed is frustrating for people who want to come to Ainsdale and park on the beach. Frankly, it is frustrating for us too because we want people to enjoy our lovely coastline and, of course, we are losing money on parking fees."

“However, with a fourth heatwave getting underway, the sand will remain very dry and prone to drifting in any winds so we will need to monitor the conditions because the last thing we want is to allow vehicles back on to the beach, only for them to get stuck, as happened last week.”

Sefton Council has also been working to clear sand obstructing beach accesses at Crosby and Southport, as a result of last week’s Storm Floris.

Travel Advice

With the National Trust car park at Formby closed this summer while work is carried out to relocate it in support of work to restore rare sand dune habitats, Sefton Council has been urging people to use public transport to visit its coast.

Shaw added: “As always, our advice is if you are coming to the Sefton, to use public transport.

“Merseyrail’s northern line runs the length of our coast, and our beaches are in easy walking distance from Merseyrail’s Southport, Birkdale, Hillside, Ainsdale, Formby, Hall Road, Blundellsands & Crosby and Waterloo stations. People can plan their journeys and find timetables and service updates at www.merseyrail.org.

Parking

“And we remind those who do insist on driving that they need to park legally and with consideration for local residents.”

Over the last very warm and sunny weekend, in July, 425 parking tickets were issued. And cars parked on both sides of some roads make them inaccessible to emergency vehicles which sooner or later will result in a fatality in the result of a fire or other incident.

Visitors can find out more information to help plan their day out on the Sefton Coast by heading to www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches