Liverpool City Region
Combined Authority
Rights of Way Improvement Plan
2018-2028
Contents
Foreword 1
Introduction 2
District Actions 6
Liverpool City Region Context 12
Delivering Rights of Way 19
Monitoring and Evaluation 38
Appendix 1: Liverpool City Region Public Rights of Way Network 39
Appendix 2: Other Liverpool City Region Public Access Networks 42
Appendix 3: District Rights of Way Maps 44
Appendix 4: Stakeholders 49
Appendix 5: References 51
Contacts 52
Foreword
Steve Rotheram
Mayor of the Liverpool
City Region
Public rights of way are both a significant
part of our heritage and a major recreational
resource. They enable people to get away
from roads used mainly by motor vehicles
and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the
countryside within a large area of the City
Region, to which they would not otherwise
have access.
In many areas, public rights of way help to boost
tourism and contribute to rural economies. Public
rights of way can also provide a convenient means
of travelling, particularly for short journeys, in both rural
and urban areas. They are important in the daily lives
of many people who use them for fresh air and exercise
on bicycle, foot or horse, to walk their dog, to improve
their fitness, or to visit local shops and other facilities.
I am therefore proud to present the first Liverpool City
Region Public Rights of Way Improvement Plan, which
sets out a vision of how the Rights of Way Network can
make a positive contribution to supporting the economic,
social and cultural resurgence and ambition of the City
Region by improving transport links and opening up
a choice of travel to Liverpool City Region visitors
and residents.
It is therefore crucial to make sure that public rights
of way continue to contribute to an environment
that is accessible, ecient, safe and reliable and
will provide a step change towards further sustainable
growth. They will also make a valuable contribution
towards the resurgence and economic ambition of
the Liverpool City Region, its distinctive quality of
place, the quality of life of its local people, and help
make it an attractive place to live, work and play.
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1.1 Background
Rights of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIP) are the prime
means by which local highway authorities will identify
the changes to be made, in respect of management
and improvements, to their local rights of way network
in order to meet the government’s aim of better
provision for walkers, cyclists, equestrians and
people with mobility problems.
Public rights of way are routes over which the public
have a “right of passage”. They exist as public highways,
providing the public with a right to use a defined route
to travel from one place to another.
Public rights of way contribute positively to the quality
of people’s lives providing a valuable facility to assist
in making people feel better about themselves and
improving their health and wellbeing through
exercise and recreation.
Besides their recreational value, they can also provide
a more sustainable means of travel to work, school
and local amenities, thus reducing congestion,
increasing accessibility, supporting the visitor economy
and enhancing the environment. They form part of
the wider access and transport networks, providing
opportunities that have the potential to contribute to key
objectives in a number of existing plans and strategies.
There are 671km of rights of way in the Liverpool City
Region, and within this network there are three
categories of public rights of way. See table below.
Table 1 Types of Definitive Public Rights of Way in Liverpool City Region
Introduction
Public Right of Way Waymark Definition
Footpath
Provide a right of access for pedestrians: walkers,
wheelchair users, dog walkers, and people pushing
prams or pushchairs.
Bridleway
Provide a right of access for pedestrians, horse riders
and cyclists (cyclists must give way to other users).
Byway open to all trac
(BOAT)
Provide a right of access for pedestrians, horse riders,
cyclists and vehicles (including horse-drawn carriages
and motor vehicles).
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In the provision of public rights of way, highway
authorities have three specific elements to their work:
ɥ Legal definition of the public rights
of way network;
ɥ Maintenance of the network, and
ɥ Promotion of the network.
Highway authorities are responsible for managing,
maintaining and promoting public rights of way
and for keeping a record of their location and status.
These records are known as the definitive map and
statement, which is legal proof that a route exists and
that the public have a right of access. Each highway
authority has a statutory duty to keep these records
up-to-date and under continuous review.
Each of the six Liverpool City Region councils is the
highway authority for its area and has its own definitive
map and statement. These documents are available in
various formats for the public to view via the council
oces on request.
1.2 Legislative Background
Section 60 of the Countryside and Rights of Way
(CROW) Act 2000 placed a duty on highway authorities
to prepare and publish a ROWIP. The first Merseyside
and Halton ROWIPs were published in 2008 and there
is a statutory duty to review these plans every 10 years.
Merseytravel is the executive body that provides
professional, strategic and operational transport
advice to the Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined
Authority to enable it to make informed decisions.
In Liverpool City Region, the six respective highway
authorities (Liverpool City Council, Halton Borough
Council, Knowsley Council, Sefton Council, St Helens
Council and Wirral Council) and Merseytravel have
joined forces to produce the second 10-year ROWIP
for the period 2018-2028.
The ROWIP covers the entire geographic area of the
Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority.
Each highway authority will, however, remain responsible
for the delivery of the plan in its area.
Figure 1 below shows the extent of the existing rights
of way network across the Liverpool City Region. More
detailed maps for each local authority area are shown
in appendix 3.
Figure 1: Liverpool City Region Rights of Way Network
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1.3 Demonstrating Our Success
For the first ROWIPs, both Halton and Merseyside
developed a series of proposed actions in their
respective plans to set the foundation for subsequent
years’ improvements.
The proposals within the 10-year plans were a mixture
of small, medium and large-scale schemes designed
to bring a range of improvements across the public
rights of way network for a wide range of users. It was
anticipated that in this way, delivery would have a much
more positive impact for users who would see ROWIP
improvements throughout the Liverpool City Region.
The focus for delivery was:
ɥ Education;
ɥ Promotion;
ɥ Making the network more appealing
and accessible to users;
ɥ Filling in the gaps, creating greater links
and increasing provision;
ɥ Increased multi-user access;
ɥ Protecting routes;
ɥ Cross-boundary partnership working;
ɥ Further integration of ROWIPs with external partners
and other areas of local authority activity to develop
a co-ordinated approach to implementation;
ɥ Utilise the training of rights of way ocers received
from Year 1; and
ɥ Network audits to ensure user safety
and accessibility.
The first ROWIPs were ‘Access for All’ plans, which
intended to improve access to the network for all
types of users, including:
ɥ Walkers;
ɥ Cyclists;
ɥ Horse riders;
ɥ Carriage drivers;
ɥ Landowners;
ɥ Under-represented groups (young people, those
people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds,
and people living in areas of social exclusion);
ɥ Infrequent or non-users (people who cite no time,
not knowing the location of routes, insucient
information and/or no current interest as reasons
for not using the network); and
ɥ Other recreational users (people undertaking
additional recreational activities outside the scope
of the plan but who may benefit from access
improvements, such as anglers and canoeists).
The joint plan of the first ROWIPs aimed to create
partnership working and a consistency of improvements
across the region. Each highway authority was responsible
for the delivery of the plan within its area and developed
its own business plan based on the ROWIP’s findings
and the individual characteristics of the access network
in that area. Some generic actions required partnership
working between the highway authorities to provide a
consistency of countywide improvements.
During the lifetime of the first ROWIPs for
Merseyside and Halton, £5m was invested by
the partner authorities and from capital grants
in improving the rights of way network.
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Improvement Progress Further Information
Undertake a full public right of way (PROW)
network condition survey to establish the
functionality of access features and path furniture
to drive improvements (INSP7).
Completed
This is now part of a network inspection regime for
all local authorities and will continue for future years
of the ROWIP.
Undertake a full network safety inspection,
resolving identified problems (INSP10). Completed
Full network inspections being undertaken on
an annual basis, and to continue throughout the
lifespan of the ROWIP.
Work in partnership with neighbouring authorities
to ensure a consistency of maintenance, signage
and promotion of cross-boundary routes (Prov12).
Completed
Full network inspections being undertaken on
an annual basis, and to continue throughout the
lifespan of the ROWIP.
Rights of way ocer user safety training (INSP8).
Completed
Training skills can now be implemented.
Produce a leaflet to advise the public of their role
in the claims process (MAP6).
Completed
A leaflet has now been produced and will be
made widely available to make sure the public
are aware of the claims process and how they can
assist in improving and enlarging the local rights
of way network.
Rights of way ocers to undertake disability
equality action training (Acc7).
Completed
Training skills can now be implemented.
Produce a code of conduct leaflet for users and
landowners (INFO3).
Completed
The production of a code of conduct leaflet for using
the rights of way network will help educate users
about their responsibilities when using the network
to assist in preventing any potential conflict.
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District Actions
During ROWIP1 (2008-2017), each district made a number of rights of way
improvements, including:
Knowsley
Mineral Greenway
This trac-free route, linking the Whiston and Huyton
communities, overcomes the barriers created by the
M57 motorway and the Liverpool to Manchester railway
link, giving people everyday access to walking and
cycling route choices for local journeys, thus encouraging
alternatives to the car, improving access to education,
employment, health and recreation facilities, and
connecting these urban areas to the local countryside.
Kirkby Valley Greenway
This scheme provided a solution to the diculties faced
by pedestrians and cyclists travelling around Kirkby.
The town centre is connected to rural countryside, giving
people the chance to enjoy the relaxing green spaces
and enjoy walking and cycling for leisure, as well as
providing an essential link for others who want to travel
sustainably to work and school. This route links into
the trac-free Gellings Greenway and Little Wood
Greenway, National Cycle Network Route 862,
continuing on to Liverpool.
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Halton
St Helens and Runcorn Gap Railway Line
The former St Helens and Runcorn Gap railway line.
This was converted to a multi-user route that connects
Widnes to the Dream at Sutton Manor in St Helens.
Dungeon Lane, Hale
Dungeon Lane lies on the edge of both Hale Village and
Speke and is an historic route to the river. This area had
been suering with antisocial behaviour and misuse for
many years. The route was in a poor state of repair and
blighted by o-road vehicles. Investment into this area
repaired the scarred and torn-up pathways, as well as
building in measures to prevent access by 4x4 vehicles.
Since its completion, the area has benefited from an
increase in local tourism and a safer and more attractive
environment for the local community.
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Liverpool
Dutch Farm
A public footpath diversion order for public right of
way No. 39 in order to make it more direct and secure
within the space known as Dutch Farm. The upgrade
works included environmental and access improvements
such as vegetation thinning and clearance, removal
of redundant fencing, and the realignment of part of
the footpath.
Little Wood to Croxteth Greenway
A new link route for the Kirkby to Liverpool cycle route
(National Cycle Network Route 862) was identified by
Sustrans as one of the preferred schemes for funding.
Ocers from Liverpool and Knowsley identified a
possible link to upgrade the existing path through
Little Wood.
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Sefton
Ince Blundell Footpath No. 1 Improvements
The Ince Blundell Footpath No. 1 improvement scheme
was a £500,000 upgrade of an existing footpath to a
footpath with permissive cycle use. By agreement with
the landowners, the scheme was delivered by Sefton
Council in partnership with Sustrans and Local Sustainable
Transport Fund funding. The route now makes up part of
the National Cycle Network Route 810.
The scheme included upgrading the surfacing and
increasing the width of almost 2.2km of path, the
creation of a new section of path and the replacement
of two footbridges, one being a major bridge across
the River Alt.
Creation of Formby No. 56
A new footpath was installed to improve community links
to the local primary school, church and the Formby coast.
The footpath ran through Archdiocese-owned land that
was dedicated through agreement with Sefton Council.
The majority of the funding for the approximately
£30,000 scheme was provided by the Archdiocese.
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St Helens
Public Footpath No. 333 Bold Moss
A 325-metre section of footpath linking Moss Nook Lane
in Sutton and the former Bold Moss Colliery had been
unavailable for many years.
The route had the potential to be used by schoolchildren
wishing to take a safe o-road shortcut route to school
between Parr and Sutton, and by those wishing to
access St Helens Junction rail station further to the
south avoiding roads.
Public Bridleway No. 401 Carmel College
Improvements to the bridleway to improve usage
to a path on the edge of an urban area.
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Wirral
Stiles to Gates project
One of the major projects across Wirral over the last few
years has been the replacement of about 90 ‘climb-over’
stiles on public footpaths with kissing gates and space-
saving lift-up/drop-down concertina gates. It can now be
said that, with the exception of a few historic sandstone
step-over stiles, Wirral is mainly stile free.
Wirral Circular Trail
Wirral Circular Trail is a 35-mile voyage of discovery
taking in the coastline, the history, the heritage and the
rural countryside of this glorious peninsula. From an
original idea to create a walking and cycling route
around Wirral, funding was secured through the ROWIP
from the European Regional Development Fund and the
Local Transport Plan.
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2.1 The Liverpool City Region
Situated in the northwest of England, the Liverpool City Region covers an area of 724
square kilometres and has a population of around 1.5 million people. The City Region
also has a much bigger economic hinterland extending into northeast Wales, Cheshire
and Lancashire. It shares its boundaries geographically with neighbouring areas
including Cheshire West and Chester, Lancashire, Warrington, and Wigan.
2. Liverpool City Region Context
Figure 2: Map of the Liverpool City Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
6
Key
1. Sefton
2. Wirral
3. Liverpool
4. Knowsley
5. St Helens
6. Halton
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Our unique history, cultural and environmental assets
and architectural distinctiveness have already made
Liverpool City Region a globally renowned destination.
Liverpool City Region is built on a rich history of
international maritime trade and world-leading innovation
and achievement in science, culture and civic life.
Our City Region is internationally renowned, with an
outstanding physical environment, more listed buildings
of architectural distinction than any other UK city outside
London, and an iconic waterfront recognised by
UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. With a beach-lined
coastline and easy access to national parks including
Snowdonia, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales and
the Lake District, it is arguably one of Britain’s most
liveable places and has a distinctive quality of place.
The visitor economy in Liverpool City Region is a
success story not just for Liverpool and the wider City
Region, but for the entire UK. The growth experienced
over recent years has helped create a sector that,
according to the latest STEAM 2015, contributes over
£4bn in gross value added to the local economy and
supports 51,000 jobs. Liverpool City Region attracts
over 61 million visitors per year. As a result, the visitor
economy is one of the most significant and successful
industry sectors in the City Region.
Liverpool City Region also plays a key role in the
government’s Northern Powerhouse initiative that
covers northern England.
The portfolio of City Region strategies aim to protect
and enhance that distinctive quality of place, to improve
quality of life for our residents, and attract and retain the
investors, skilled workers and visitors who will contribute
to future economic growth.
2.2 City Region Governance
The Liverpool City Region
Mayoral Combined Authority
In April 2014, Merseyside and Halton came together
to formally establish the Liverpool City Region. The
Combined Authority was established to strategically
lead work on transport, economic development,
housing, employment and skills in the City Region
to, in turn, support sustainable economic growth.
It enables the City Region to speak with one voice
in a democratically accountable structure that can
attract funding and devolved powers from government.
Transport is a key focus of the Combined Authority,
in recognition of the central role it plays in helping
to grow the economy and in enabling and
encouraging regeneration.
The Combined Authority is responsible for transport
policy and strategy, and agreeing the City Region’s
transport agenda. It now has statutory responsibility for
local transport plans (LTPs), and as such has ‘adopted’
the Merseyside and Halton LTPs as the policy position.
In November 2015/March 2016, Liverpool City Region
agreed a devolution deal with central government that
devolved wider powers to the Combined Authority in
respect of planning, the creation of a key route network,
and funding.
In May 2017, the City Region underwent further
governance changes as it became a Mayoral
Combined Authority headed by a directly elected
City Region Mayor. Steve Rotheram was elected
to this role.
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Transport Committee
The Transport Committee of the Combined Authority
undertakes transport and travel policy functions on
behalf of the Combined Authority, together with certain
delegated functions in relation to transport and travel,
the development of funding proposals, and oversight of
Merseytravel as the passenger transport executive and
executive body for the Combined Authority.
The Local Access Forum
The CROW Act 2000 placed a duty on highway
authorities to establish a local access forum for
their area.
The local access forum covers the whole of the
Liverpool City Region and Warrington. It has historically
been named the Merseyside Local Access Forum, and
this name has been retained.
Its function is to provide advice to the constituent local
authorities and to Natural England on how to make the
countryside more accessible and enjoyable for open-air
recreation in ways that address social, economic and
environmental interests. The forum’s role is to encourage
and assist access provision and give advice on issues of
particular relevance to the Liverpool City Region area.
Forum members have contributed their shared
knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the
development of the ROWIP and ultimately endorsed
this document. At present, membership of the forum
is made up of volunteers from a wide variety of
backgrounds appointed to represent the widest
possible range of interests and key stakeholders.
It is supported by local authority ocers.
2.3 City Region Governance
Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy
Under the Infrastructure Act 2015, the government
is required to set a Cycling and Walking Investment
Strategy (CWIS) for England.
The CWIS sets out a long-term vision for walking and
cycling to 2040. At the heart of the development of the
CWIS is a desire for walking and cycling to become the
norm for short journeys or as part of a longer journey.
This vision will be progressed through a series of
shorter-term, five-year strategies. There are a number
of objectives that will support the long-term ambition,
with specifically funded actions to be set out on
achieving these objectives.
Transport for the North Strategic
Transport Plan
Transport for the North (TfN) is currently developing an
integrated, multi-modal strategic transport plan to make
it easier for passengers and freight to move throughout
the region across all transport modes.
This plan will build on the March 2015 Northern
Transport Strategy to make a prioritised case for
investment in the north of England to 2050. An initial
draft of the strategic transport plan will be published
for public engagement in January 2018. Once comments
have been analysed and any amendments made, a final
version will then be published.
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2.4 City Region Policy Framework
Local Transport Plans
Under Section 108 of the Transport Act 2000, all
transport authorities have a statutory duty to produce a
local transport plan in which they set out their objectives
and plans for transport development. Typically, they
contain policies, strategy and implementation plans
that can be reviewed independently of each other.
The Merseyside and Halton LTPs were published in 2011
and run to 2024 and 2026 respectively. They provide
the statutory framework under which policies and plans
are taken forward in each local authority area to guide
the future provision of transport. Their publication
marked the end of a sustained period of evidence
gathering and consultation that determined where
and how transport investment could best be targeted
to enable the Liverpool City Region to meet its goals
and aspirations.
Both LTPs set out a vision for a City Region committed to
a low-carbon future, which has a transport network and
mobility culture that positively contributes to a thriving
economy and the health and wellbeing of its citizens,
and where sustainable travel is the option of choice.
The LTPs set the strategic direction for transport that
supports growth, regeneration and carbon reduction.
Transport Plan for Growth
Recognising that policy direction is set by our LTPs,
the Transport Plan for Growth guides a single strategic
investment framework for the Liverpool City Region
to support the long-term LTPs.
Our approach is to articulate the City Region’s strategic
direction for transport to both those within the transport
sector and wider partners in health, education, business
and industry, and how this direction has shaped our
priorities for transport. Much has changed since the
LTPs were written, so the Transport Plan for Growth
more closely aligns our LTPs with the current
government’s high-level economic policy drivers of
localism, devolution of power and, above all, growth.
It supports a platform from which joint working on shared
priorities and delivery arrangements can be built. Moving
forward, this will help to achieve greater impact and
aggregate benefits from overall investment in the City
Region, but will mean a new approach to delivering a
globally connected transport network.
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Local Journeys Strategy
The Combined Authority’s Local Journeys Strategy,
published in 2018, provides a framework for guiding
the development of services and infrastructure that
supports sustainable short trips across the City Region.
It is underpinned by a vision for action and a delivery
framework based on a strong evidence base. This
strategy will assist the City Region in delivering against
its aspirations for economic growth set out in the
Liverpool City Region’s new Growth Strategy, including
supporting the use of low-carbon modes and improving
access to jobs and services.
The Local Journeys Strategy is not about one
particular transport mode, but instead cuts across
multiple transport modes and geographies. It covers
all forms of local accessibility and connectivity into
local centres, and movement in and around local
communities. These can be standalone local journeys
or the first or last part of a longer-distance journey (the
‘last-mile’ connection). As a broad guide for practical
purposes, we define local journeys as all journeys with
an origin or destination within the Liverpool City Region
that are less than 5km in length.
The unfulfilled potential for sustainable local journeys in
the Liverpool City Region is evident. The vast majority of
journeys undertaken are short journeys; 66% of all trips
in Merseyside are less than 5km in length and 83% are
less than 10km, yet of the trips that are less than 5km
long, 50% are still undertaken by car. There is clearly
an opportunity to encourage more people to use
sustainable modes for local journeys if we can
provide them with the right conditions to do so.
Local Cycling and Walking Investment
Plan (LCWIP)
The CWIS commits the government to helping local
bodies that are serious about increasing cycling and
walking in their local areas to take a more strategic
approach to improving conditions for cycling and
walking. Guidance has been issued on the preparation
of LCWIPs and supporting the production of LCWIPs in
areas with significant potential for high levels of cycling
and walking.
Liverpool City Region is developing a LCWIP that will
set out a long-term plan for improving cycling and
walking, recognising the importance of public rights
of way contributing to this, and a cycling and walking
design guide to ensure consistency in the approach
to the development of new infrastructure.
2.5 Relationship between ROWIPs
and other plans and strategies
The greatest opportunities for ROWIPs can be explored
through their integration with existing plans, strategies
and policies within areas of local authority activity, as
this will develop a co-ordinated, joined-up approach to
implementation. ROWIPs link to areas of work such as
health, leisure, recreation, sport, tourism, transport,
community, congestion, accessibility, environment and
economic regeneration. Paths and tracks can be seen
as tools to achieve the aims and objectives within these
areas of work.
Many key plans and strategies have influenced the
development of the ROWIP, which can assist in the
delivery of their aims and objectives and in turn facilitate
in the ROWIPs own delivery of improvements. Figures 3
and 4 overleaf demonstrate this. Figure 3 shows the
relationship between the ROWIP and other City Region
strategies, while Figure 4 shows links to other sectors
and themes.
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Figure 3: City Region Policy Context
Northern
Powerhouse
Strategy
LCR Devolution
Deal with Central
Government
TfN Strategic
Transport Plan
LCR Mayoral
Combined Authority
Long Term
Rail Strategy
Bus Strategy
Mersey Ferries
Strategy
Local Journeys
Strategy
Key Route
Network
Merseyside Road
Safety Strategy
Rights of Way
Improvement Plan
Key Stakeholders
Local Cycling
and Walking
Infrastructure Plan
Local Authority
Priorities
Visitor Economy
Strategy and
Destination
Management Plan
Housing
Delivery Plan
LCR Skills
Strategy
Single Growth
Strategy
Merseyside and Halton
Local Transport Plans
A Transport Plan
for Growth
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Figure 4: Relevance of Rights of Way to Other Sectors
Rights of Way
Improvement Plan
Transport
ɥ Local Transport Plan
ɥ Transport Plan for Growth
ɥ Local Journeys Strategy
ɥ Local Cycling and Walking
Infrastructure Plan
ɥ Merseyside Road Safety
Strategy
Spatial/Land Use Planning
ɥ LCR Spatial Planning
Framework
ɥ Local Plans
Equestrian Industry
ɥ British Horse Society
Equine Sector Investment
Strategy for the LCR
Economic Development
ɥ LCR Growth Strategy
Visitor Economy
ɥ LCR Visitor Economy
Strategy
Health and Wellbeing
ɥ Cheshire and Merseyside
NHS Sustainability and
Transformation Plan
ɥ Liverpool Active City
Strategy
Green Infrastructure/
Public Open Spaces
ɥ LCR Green Infrastructure
Framework
ɥ Mersey Forest Plan
ɥ South Liverpool Waterspace
Strategy
ɥ Atlantic Gateway Parklands
Prospectus
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3. Delivering Rights of Way
In delivering rights of way, the City Region will make use
of funds from several sources, all of which are essential
to deliver the aims and objectives of the ROWIP.
Potential funding sources may include:
ɥ The Mayoral Combined Authority’s transport levy;
ɥ The Single Investment Fund;
ɥ Local highway authority revenue funding;
ɥ S106 developer contributions;
ɥ EU funds that the City Region will receive in the
2014-2020 programme; and
ɥ Other funding sources.
The timing and overall delivery period of funding
initiatives needs to be pragmatic, achievable and
realistic; it is vital that the identification of new funding
is done at an early stage so that proposals can be
formulated in advance together with more accurate
costs and spending profiles as part of any bid process.
The development of the programme for rights of way
depends upon robust business cases for proposed
schemes and projects that address the fit of the scheme
against the local policy context and demonstrate their
eectiveness and eciency in terms of their state of
readiness, their deliverability within defined timescales
and their aordability.
These aspects will then be evaluated in line with
our methodology for the prioritisation of major
schemes and minor works. It is the ambition of
the Liverpool City Region to make sure that ROWIP
enhancements are linked into the mainstream
delivery of a range of schemes.
The rights of way programme is not static and will evolve
to reflect the changing local priorities and the delivery of
transport across the City Region. Joint working and
shared priorities are supported, and with this there is the
requirement for the Mayoral Combined Authority to look
at new ecient and eective ways to deliver transport
services and highway improvements.
The following sets out the Liverpool City Region’s actions
to improve public rights of way and the wider public
access network from 2018 onwards.
Our vision is to continue to develop a more attractive, more accessible and more inclusive
network of public rights of way, contributing to the economic, social and cultural resurgence
and ambition of the Liverpool City Region.
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Wider Strategic
Priorities
Action
Delivery
Inputs
OutcomesContext
The Rights of Way
Improvement Plan will
support the City Region’s
resurgence and economic
ambition by protecting and
enhancing its distinctive
quality of place, improving
quality of life for our residents,
and helping to attract and
retain the investors, skilled
workers and visitors who
will contribute to future
economic growth.
Low Carbon
Access to
Opportunity
Growth
Health and
Wellbeing
Carbon Reduction
and Air Quality
Connecting
Communities
Harness the
Strengths of the
Visitor Economy
Improved Rights
of Way network
Improved health
and wellbeing
Improved
sustainable travel
opportunities
More shorter
journeys made by
walking and cycling
Improved
tourism and
visitor economy
Better-connected
communities
Increased awareness
of the Rights
of Way Network
User and
stakeholder
feedback
Stang resources
Funding resources
Links with
other initiatives
and strategies
Programme of
potential future
ROW schemes
Monitoring and
evaluation
1. Manage the
definitive map and
statement
2. Manage
and maintain
the network
3. Education,
marketing and
promotion
5. Improve health
and wellbeing
6. Increasing
sustainable travel
7. Support tourism
and the visitor
economy
8. Eective spatial
planning and
development
4. Improve the
network by
working with
health, transport,
spatial planning
and tourism sector
partners
Merseytravel
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Merseytravel
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2120
Improvement Progress
1. Manage the definitive map
and statement
ɥ Ensure that the definitive map and statement is accurately maintained
and kept under continuous review for public reference
ɥ Maintain and improve the condition of the network, including keeping
a record of potential improvements and other works
ɥ Identify any routes that may be aected by 2026 cut-o date and feed
information into any future review of definitive map where necessary
2. Manage and maintain the network ɥ Investigate, record and respond to claims from the public for public rights
of way along a particular route, either recent or historic
ɥ Endeavour to maintain a record of structures on the rights of way network
and their condition and ownership
ɥ Where appropriate, undertake vegetation cutting to maintain the network
ɥ Maintain the rights of way network, including improved signage and way
marking in the appropriate locations
3. Education, marketing and promotion ɥ Marketing and promotion to raise awareness about the rights of way network
as part of the sustainable transport oer in the Liverpool City Region,
including web presence and relevant leaflets or other materials
ɥ Highlight relevant codes of practice such as the Countryside Code to users
ɥ Maximise the role of the rights of way and other access networks to access
the natural environment, tourism assets and the visitor economy
4. Improve the network by working with
health, transport, spatial planning and
tourism sector partners
ɥ Be aware of funding opportunities that may be relevant for the rights of way
network and work with partners where necessary to access these
ɥ Work in partnership with user groups and others to improve the network
and road safety awareness
ɥ Work with partners to identify and implement new routes that improve
connectivity and expand and enhance the network, including the use of
permissive routes where necessary, and to improve accessibility for all users
ɥ Work with partners to develop long-distance and cross-boundary routes both
within the Liverpool City Region and beyond
ɥ Work with the police and other partners to make the network more secure for
all and seek to resolve incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour such as the
illegal use of o-road motor vehicles
5. Improve health and wellbeing ɥ Work with health partners and others to promote the health and wellbeing
benefits associated with using the rights of way network and other forms of
access route
Merseytravel
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22
Improvement Progress
6. Increase sustainable travel ɥ Make sure that the rights of way network plays an active part in the City
Region’s Local Journeys Strategy, the Local Cycling and Walking Investment
Plan and other relevant strategies
ɥ Work with partners to maximise opportunities for rights of way within travel
plans to encourage sustainable transport options
7. Support tourism and the
visitor economy
ɥ Work with partners to improve and enhance access to the coast, waterfronts
and waterway corridors
ɥ Work with Natural England to develop and deliver the England Coast
Path National Trail
ɥ Where possible, develop additional multi-user access along the coast
and estuaries
8. Eective spatial planning
and development
ɥ Work with planning departments in regard to local plans, new developments
and developer contributions to improve the rights of way network and its
connectivity
ɥ Develop a programme of potential rights of way schemes to expand the
network, and prioritise these according to deliverability, timescale and linkage
with other initiatives
23
Merseytravel
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018-2028
Project Name Project Summary District Link with Actions Estimated Cost
Silver Jubilee Bridge Business Hubs Silver Jubilee Bridge business hubs Halton 4, 5, 6, 8 £550,000
Astmoor Business Hub Corridor Astmoor business hub corridor Halton 4, 5, 6, 8 £1,133,000
Sustainable ‘Sci-Tech Daresbury’ Links Bridgewater Canal pedestrian and cycle improvements Halton 4, 5, 6, 8 £484,000
Runcorn East Rail Station Access Improvements Runcorn East rail station access improvements Halton 4, 5, 6 £605,000
Jaguar Land Rover JLR-3MG Cycle Corridor Jaguar Land Rover JLR-3MG cycle corridor Halton 4, 5, 6 £363,000
Sci-Tech Daresbury Sustainable Connectivity A56 sustainable links Halton 4, 5, 6, 8 £230,000
Silver Jubilee Bridge deck reconfiguration Silver Jubilee Bridge deck reconfiguration Halton 4, 5, 6 £600,000
Connect Kirkby Improved pedestrian and cycle links to Kirkby town centre Knowsley 4, 5, 6 £1,330,000
Huyton to Prescot Gateway Improved walking and cycling links Knowsley 4, 5, 6 £1,313,400
Connect Whiston Improved access to the South Whiston development area Knowsley 4, 5, 6, 8 £480,000
Stonebridge Cross Connectivity A new route between Kirkby and Croxteth Knowsley/Liverpool 4, 5, 6 £1,806,500
Baltic Triangle Connectivity Improved walking and cycling routes Liverpool 4, 5, 6 £1,653,520
Knowledge Quarter Portal Improvements to the green space network Liverpool 4, 5, 6 £1,650,000
Access Maghull Improved cycling access between Maghull and Kirkby Sefton 4, 5, 6 £992,000
Visitor Economy Coastal Towns Sustainable access improvements to the Southport coast Sefton 4, 5, 6, 7 £414,000
Haydock Connectivity
Pedestrian and cycle improvements to Haydock Industrial
Estate
St Helens 4, 5, 6 £3,094,000
Connecting Haydock Pedestrian and cycling improvements in the Haydock area St Helens 4, 5, 6 £300,000
St Helens Town Centre Connectivity
A package of walking and cycling measures in the Haydock
and Newton-le-Willows areas
St Helens 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 £1,328,092
Croft Retail Corridor A41 Campbeltown Road Wirral 4, 5, 6, 8 £440,000
Wirral Waters Connectivity – North Bank East Gateways to Wirral Waters – North Bank East Wirral 4, 5, 6, 8 £550,000
Port Sunlight Connections
A41 cycle and pedestrian connectivity – north of Bolton Road
roundabout to St Paul’s Road
Wirral 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 £550,000
Wirral Waters Connectivity – Duke Street Wirral Waters Connectivity – Duke Street Phase 2 Wirral 4, 5, 6, 8 £440,000
Wirral International Business Park Connections A41 Carlett Park cycle route Wirral 4, 5, 6, 8 £1,045,000
Rights of Way Improvement Projects
This section details the projects that are being delivered
and those that may be taken forward as part of this
Rights of Way Improvement Plan. Apart from those
currently committed, all projects are dependent upon
suitable and adequate funding.
The list of projects will be reviewed on a periodic basis;
it is not an exhaustive list and can be amended on a
local basis. For further details on individual projects,
please contact the relevant local authority.
If you have a suggestion for a new project, please send
the details to rowip@merseytravel.gov.uk.
Committed Schemes
Merseytravel
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Merseytravel
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018-2028
Project Name Project Summary District Link with Actions Estimated Cost
Review right of way signing across Liverpool City Region
and create supporting promotional materials
Review right of way signing across Liverpool City Region to
form a coherently branded network and create supporting
promotional materials
Liverpool City Region 2, 3, 7 £35,000
Definitive map review Definitive map review Liverpool City Region 1 £6,000
Update rights of way user guides
Review, and update where necessary, the user guides for
the rights of way network
Liverpool City Region 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 £1,500
The Mersey Circular Bridleway
Development of a joined-up network of bridleways across
the city region
Liverpool City Region 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 £5,000,000
Project Name Project Summary District Link with Actions Estimated Cost
Cronton Greenway
A sustainable transport link from the site of the former
Cronton Colliery to Stadt Moers existing greenway
infrastructure, and wider expansion of the network of
walking and cycling paths in the borough to connect
communities and provide alternative sustainable access
links, increasing safety and wellbeing
Knowsley 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 £1,456,800
Access to Stockbridge Village and Knowsley Lane
This scheme proposes a package of walking and cycling
improvements on key routes from Stockbridge Village and
North Huyton to these areas
Knowsley 4, 5, 6, 8 £3,432,000
Tower Hill to Knowsley Business Park Walking and Cycling
There would be new walking and cycling infrastructure on
Pingwood Lane and Headbolt Lane, connecting them both to
Dale Lane. The new link would then run along Dale Lane and
North Perimeter Road to connect with existing infrastructure at
the Moss End Way junction. The scheme would upgrade the
footbridge between Headbolt Lane and Roughwood Drive to
allow for cycle use
Knowsley 4, 5, 6, 8 £3,120,000
East of Halewood Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE)
Access Arrangements
The scheme will seek to provide sustainable access links
from the new development to Halewood Railway Station,
retail areas, places of employment and skills, leisure facilities
and schools
Knowsley 4, 5, 6, 8 £1,920,000
Renew Stile at PROW 45 Renew Stile at PROW 45 Liverpool 2 £3,000
Natural England – England Coast Path National Trail England Coast Path – Seaforth to Southport in Sefton Sefton 4, 5, 6, 7 £70,000
Proposed Schemes
Liverpool City Region Projects
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Merseytravel
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Project Name Project Summary District Link with Actions Estimated Cost
Formby 10 – bitmac resurfacing works Formby 10 – bitmac resurfacing works Sefton 2 £50,000
Formby 11 – bitmac resurfacing works Formby 11 – bitmac resurfacing works Sefton 2 £35,000
Formby 30 – bitmac resurfacing works Formby 30 – bitmac resurfacing works Sefton 2 £20,000
Formby 49 – bitmac resurfacing works Formby 49 – bitmac resurfacing works Sefton 2 £20,000
Access to new employment sites
Upgraded multi-use access to new large employment areas
in Haydock (Footpath 654)
St Helens 4, 5, 6, 8 £80,000
Access around new housing sites
New multi-use access provision around large urban villages
in the south of the borough, linking in with existing PROW
network (Footpath 307)
St Helens 4, 5, 6, 8 £50,000
Access around existing employment areas
Widen and improve with new tarmac surfacing, lighting,
drainage and access control
St Helens 4, 5, 6 , 8 £235,000
Natural England - England Coast Path National Trail England Coast Path – Birkenhead to Parkgate in the Wirral Wirral 4, 5, 6, 7 £30,000
Cycle improvements to coincide with Daresbury
Expressway widening
Cycle improvements to coincide with Daresbury
Expressway widening
Halton 4, 5, 6 £700,000
J11 to J11a improvements
J11 to J11a (through Preston Brook) to connect up to A56
cycleway scheme for cycling and walking improvements
Halton 4, 5, 6 £700,000
Widnes town centre connectivity (Albert Square?)
for pedestrian access
Widnes town centre connectivity (Albert Square?)
for pedestrian access
Halton 4, 5, 6 £800,000
Liverpool/Manchester rail line footbridge
A footbridge across the Liverpool/Manchester rail line to
connect Upton Rocks residential area to land currently
occupied by Widnes Golf Club
Halton 4, 5, 6 N/A
A footbridge crossing the River Weaver
A footbridge crossing the River Weaver, potentially at the
bottom of Cholmondeley Road, Runcorn
Halton 4, 5, 6 N/A
Cronton Colliery: a new greenway to link Cronton Colliery and
Stadt Moers Park, including widening of footbridge over M62
Cronton Colliery: a new greenway to link Cronton Colliery and
Stadt Moers Park, including widening of footbridge over M62
Knowsley 4, 5, 6, 7 £400,000
Huyton Station and Huyton Village Gateway
Scheme to upgrade the public realm in the core
of Huyton Village
Knowsley 4, 5, 6 £3,828,000
Valley Road Corridor, west of Junction 6 M57 Valley Road Corridor, west of Junction 6 M57 Knowsley 4, 5, 6 £1,200,000
Headbolt Lane Footbridge
Headbolt Lane Footbridge replacement to retain connection
between communities over the Kirkby-Wigan rail line
Knowsley 4 £1,200,000
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Merseytravel
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018-2028
Project Name Project Summary District Link with Actions Estimated Cost
Okell Drive subway closure and diversion to an
informal crossing
Okell Drive subway closure and diversion to an
informal crossing
Knowsley 4, 5, 6 £2,000,000
Kirkby Station access improvements, including footbridge
upgrade to shared use (cycle) capabilities
Kirkby Station access improvements, including footbridge
upgrade to shared use (cycle) capabilities
Knowsley 4, 5, 6 £500,000
HA/18/1 from grid reference 346940-385384 to 346973-
385468 near Ditton Brook – footpath widening and
overcoming levels dierences with installation of steps
HA/18/1 from grid reference 346940-385384 to 346973-
385468 near Ditton Brook – footpath widening and
overcoming levels dierences with installation of steps
Knowsley 2 £20,000
HA1/1 from grid reference 343443-387449 to 343594-387452
renovation and re-levelling of path
HA1/1 from grid reference 343443-387449 to 343594-387452
renovation and re-levelling of path
Knowsley 2 £20,000
HU/2/3 from grid reference 343438-389435 to 343594-
387452 resurfacing of path and ASB prevention measures
(fly tipping)
HU/2/3 from grid reference 343438-389435 to 343594-
387452 resurfacing of path and ASB prevention measures
(fly tipping)
Knowsley 2 £20,000
HU/4/1 Yew Tree Footbridge remedial repair to footpath and
embankments and ASB prevention measures
HU/4/1 Yew Tree Footbridge remedial repair to footpath
and embankments and ASB prevention measures
Knowsley 2 £20,000
Replacement of timber footbridges across rights
of way network
Replacement of timber footbridges across rights of
way network
Knowsley 2 £75,000
PROW 15 upgrade of footpath surface quality to improve
accessibility leading from Breckside Park to Townsend Lane
PROW 15 upgrade of footpath surface quality to improve
accessibility leading from Breckside Park to Townsend Lane
Liverpool 2 £45,000
PROW 40 upgrade of footpath surface quality to improve
accessibility leading from Banks Road to Speke Road
PROW 40 upgrade of footpath surface quality to improve
accessibility leading from Banks Road to Speke Road
Liverpool 2 £55,000
PROW 63 upgrade of footpath surface quality to improve
accessibility leading from Blackburne Street to Garston
Coastal Park
PROW 63 upgrade of footpath surface quality to improve
accessibility leading from Blackburne Street to Garston
Coastal Park
Liverpool 2 £45,000
PROW 35 upgrade of footpath surface quality to improve
accessibility leading from Riversdale Road to Mersey Road
PROW 35 upgrade of footpath surface quality to improve
accessibility leading from Riversdale Road to Mersey Road
Liverpool 2 £45,000
PROW 3 upgrade of footpath to shared-use cycle path
leading from Back Gilmoss Lane to Knowsley Brook
PROW 3 upgrade of footpath to shared-use cycle path
leading from Back Gilmoss Lane to Knowsley Brook
Liverpool 2 £120,000
NCN62 to Stonebridge Business Park, creating new cycling
and walking links
NCN62 to Stonebridge Business Park, creating new cycling
and walking links
Liverpool 4, 5, 6, 8 £280,000
PROW 55/56 upgrade of bridleway surface to improve
accessibility for walkers, cyclists and equine users from
Allerton Road to Menlove Avenue and Woolton Road
PROW 55/56 upgrade of bridleway surface to improve
accessibility for walkers, cyclists and equine users from
Allerton Road to Menlove Avenue and Woolton Road
Liverpool 2 £225,000
Croxteth bridleways
Croxteth bridleways upgrade surface to improve accessibility
for walkers, cyclists and equine users around perimeter
of Croxteth Country Park estates
Liverpool 2, 8 £350,000
Surface improvements to Long Lane (Formby 24) Surface improvements to Long Lane (Formby 24) Sefton 2 £200,000
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Merseytravel
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018-2028
Project Name Project Summary District Link with Actions Estimated Cost
Doorstep guides Doorstep guides Sefton 3, 8 £2,500 per guide
Surface improvements Altcar 5 Surface improvements Altcar 5 Sefton 2 £150,000
Formby 2 – Surface improvements Formby 2 – Surface improvements Sefton 2 £150,000
Rakes Lane – Surface improvements Rakes Lane – Surface improvements Sefton 2 £150,000
Formby 12a – surfacing repairs/improvements – advanced
detailed design
Formby 12a – surfacing repairs/improvements – advanced
detailed design
Sefton 2 £40,000
Formby 26 & 26a – surfacing improvements –
preliminary design
Formby 26 & 26a – surfacing improvements –
preliminary design
Sefton 2 £32,000
Fazakerley Sidings surface improvements and dedication
of new and upgraded route to create a multi-user route
Fazakerley Sidings surface improvements and dedication
of new and upgraded route to create a multi-user route
Sefton 2, 4, 5, 6 £175,000
Rights of way and Trans Pennine Trail access control review Rights of way and Trans Pennine Trail access control review Sefton 2, 7 £1,000
Dedication of Netherton Lane as a bridleway Dedication of Netherton Lane as a bridleway Sefton 2, 4, 6 £10,000
Surface improvements Southport 7 Surface improvements Southport 7 Sefton 2 £50,000
Southport 15/Trans Pennine Trail – surfacing improvements
– feasibility study, trial section and preliminary design
Southport 15/Trans Pennine Trail – surfacing improvements
– feasibility study, trial section and preliminary design
Sefton 2, 7 £250,000
Leeds – Liverpool Canal towpath resurfacing and
access improvements
Leeds – Liverpool Canal towpath resurfacing and
access improvements
Sefton 2, 7 £250,000
Aintree Curve – Trans Pennine Trail bridge Aintree Curve – Trans Pennine Trail bridge Sefton 4 £750,000
Formby Byway No. 45 surface improvements Formby Byway No. 45 surface improvements Sefton 2 £15,000
Jubilee Wood Trans Pennine Trail diversion route Jubilee Wood Trans Pennine Trail diversion route Sefton 4, 7 £150,000
Crosby Coastal Park shared-use path Crosby Coastal Park shared-use path Sefton 4 £1,100,000
Formby Bypass multi-modal access improvements Formby Bypass multi-modal access improvements Sefton 4 £600,000
East – west cycle improvements, Southport East – west cycle improvements, Southport Sefton 4, 5, 6, 7 £425,000
A565 Improvements, Crosby A565 Improvements, Crosby Sefton 4 £1,700,000
Maghull/Kirkby cycle route Maghull/Kirkby cycle route Sefton 4, 5, 6, 7 £900,000
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Merseytravel
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018-2028
Project Name Project Summary District Link with Actions Estimated Cost
Ince Blundell 6 – resurfacing works Ince Blundell 6 – resurfacing works Sefton 2 £50,000
Lydiate 8 – resurfacing works Lydiate 8 – resurfacing works Sefton 2 £10,000
Crosby 8 – street lighting renewal scheme Crosby 8 – street lighting renewal scheme Sefton 2 £10,000
Access linking sites within Bold Forest Park area
Surface improvements to Footpath 308 and new bridleway
access linkages between various park/former colliery sites
Sefton 2, 4, 5, 6 £50,000
Access linking large new employment sites
Improvements to Footpath 309 and 349 near Omega
development £50,000. Improvements to Footpath 606
and 658 plus new routes to Parkside development £50,000.
St Helens 4, 5, 6, 8 £100,000
Access linking Schools
Improvements to Footpath 646 near Lyme Primary
School, Haydock
St Helens 4, 5, 6, 8 £80,000
Wirral Circular Trail
Birket cycle route from Reeds Lane – Leasowe Road: surface
improvements
Wirral 2 £100,000
Wirral Circular Trail
Historic wish list idea for a link bridge via Bidston Golf Club
to Bidston Moss, Wirral Waters and Route 56
Wirral 4, 5, 6 £200,000
Wirral Circular Trail Shorefields resurfacing Wirral 2 £50,000
Wirral Circular Trail Eastham Rake roadside cycle path Wirral 4, 5, 6 £150,000
Wirral Circular Trail
Willaston to Bridleway 43 and roadside horse route
to Bridleway 50
Wirral 4, 5, 6, 7 £50,000
East Coast Route
East coast routes, e.g. for the old FP 56 claimed
clitop Mersey Shore route and other connections
to the Riverside Park
Wirral 4, 5, 6, 7 £100,000
Arrowe Park bridleway surface improvements Arrowe Park bridleway surface improvements Wirral 2 £100,000
Royden Park bridleway surface improvements Royden Park bridleway surface improvements Wirral 2 £100,000
Footpath 2 to Park Lane and Bridleway 3 to the north shore
surface improvements
Footpath 2 to Park Lane and Bridleway 3 to the north shore
surface improvements
Wirral 2 £30,000
Lever Causeway horse route to have a full equestrian horse
track alongside current surfaced path
Lever Causeway horse route to have a full equestrian horse
track alongside current surfaced path
Wirral 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 £200,000
New footpath from Durley Estate, Prenton to Landican Lane
and then on through to Pensby
New footpath from Durley Estate, Prenton to Landican Lane
and then on through to Pensby. About three miles of some
new surfacing, and at least three river crossings
Wirral 4, 5, 6, 7 £300,000
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Merseytravel
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018-2028
Project Name Project Summary District Link with Actions Estimated Cost
Heswall Station – Clatterbridge via Brimstage
Heswall Station – Clatterbridge via Brimstage: an all-new
three-mile walk, cycle and horse riding route connecting
current public rights of way
Wirral 4, 5, 6, 7 £500,000
Barnston to Brimstage footpath
An all-new footpath from Barnston to Brimstage footpath
with some surface and ditch ‘bridge’ requirements
Wirral 4, 5, 6 £100,000
Footpath 72, Dundeon Wood path: safety revetment work,
improvements to surface and accessibility and helping to
prevent erosion
Footpath 72, Dundeon Wood path: safety revetment work,
improvements to surface and accessibility and helping to
prevent erosion
Wirral 2 £100,000
Dibbinsdale woodland footpaths: overdue
surface improvements
Dibbinsdale woodland footpaths: overdue surface
improvements
Wirral 2 £100,000
Woodchurch – Prenton – Upton surface improvements and
new bridges, plus an upgrade for walking, cycling and horse
riding including M53 subway lighting
Woodchurch – Prenton – Upton surface improvements and
new bridges, plus an upgrade for walking, cycling and horse
riding including M53 subway lighting
Wirral 2, 4, 6, 7 £300,000
Large-scale use of counters for all routes Large-scale use of counters for all routes Wirral 2 £30,000
Purchase and installation of numerous
anti-motorcycle barriers
Purchase and installation of numerous
anti-motorcycle barriers
Wirral 2 £20,000
Surface improvements for footpath 49, Raby to Neston via
West Cheshire border
Surface improvements for footpath 49, Raby to Neston via
Cheshire West and Chester border
Wirral 2 £50,000
Thurstaston Common: all-accessible route improvements Thurstaston Common: all-accessible route improvements Wirral 2 £50,000
Bridleway 8 Noctorum Lane, Prenton surface improvements Bridleway 8 Noctorum Lane, Prenton surface improvements Wirral 2 £30,000
Other public byway surface improvements Other public byway surface improvements Wirral 2 £70,000
Other public bridleway improvements Other public bridleway improvements Wirral 2 £70,000
Other public footpath improvements Other public footpath improvements Wirral 2 £70,000
Bridleway improvements to Noctorum Lane, Prenton Bridleway improvements to Noctorum Lane, Prenton Wirral 2 £20,000
Landican Lane, Bridleway 16 & 45, surface improvements Landican Lane, Bridleway 16 & 45, surface improvements Wirral 2 £55,000
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Merseytravel
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4. Monitoring and Evaluation
While there is a statutory duty to produce
a Rights of Way Improvement Plan and
maintain the existing network, implementation
is dependent on resources. Specific funding
for the ROWIP has not been allocated to
deliver improvements, so the local authorities
within the Liverpool City Region have to bid
for funding from the City Region, central
government or other agencies to deliver
the proposed improvements.
Rights of Way Improvement Plans are meant to be
aspirational and ambitious in identifying potential
improvements to the network. We have therefore cast
our net wide when considering ways to improve the
network while recognising that it would not be possible
to implement them all immediately. Delivery of the
improvement measures in the plan is dependent
on resources becoming available.
The Liverpool City Region Mayoral Combined Authority,
the six local authorities and Merseytravel will need to
work in partnership with a range of organisations and
sectors in order to deliver many of the proposed actions.
Additional funding and resources will be required and
will be sought from a variety of sources. It is intended
to use the Liverpool City Region Devolution Deal
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for the ROWIP.
4.1 Monitoring
It is intended that progress on the Rights of Way
Improvement Plan will be reported regularly to the
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, as well
as to the Local Access Forum and stakeholders.
4.2 Evaluation
Progress will be evaluated periodically to inform
and update the programme of potential schemes.
Lessons learnt will also inform the next Rights of Way
Improvement Plan. We will have regard to best practice
on rights of way elsewhere in the UK and learn from this.
Merseytravel
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38
5.1 Current provision
The network that exists today is part of our local heritage
and has evolved over the centuries, based on usage
when these routes were the only transport links
between communities.
Section 60(5) of the Countryside and Rights of
Way (CROW) Act 2000 has placed a statutory
duty on all highway authorities to produce a Rights
of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). Under this act,
all unrecorded rights of way will be extinguished
after 1 January 2026. The highway authorities
use a number of mechanisms to designate and
manage the network, including:
(a) Definitive maps and statements
The definitive map is a record of public
rights of way. In law, it is the definitive record
of where a right of way exists and is located.
The accompanying statement provides a written
description detailing any special conditions or
limitations that may exist relating to an individual
route. There is a statutory duty upon highway
authorities to keep definitive maps and
statements up to date and under continuous
review. These are available to view at council
oces on request.
(b) Network condition
Liverpool City Region highway authorities have
a statutory duty to protect and assert the rights
of way network. This means having a network
that is easy to follow and free from obstruction.
In addition to their ocers, each authority relies
on public comments, information and feedback.
User groups and volunteers can provide
additional support and information.
(c) Path coverage
Path coverage across the City Region is
good. The landscape of Liverpool City Region
is relatively flat, making most routes easy to
use. In some areas, such as Birkenhead, north
Liverpool, Kirkby, Bootle, Widnes and central
St Helens, the public rights of way are
fragmented and disjointed. Much of this is
due to the industrial and urban development
associated with such a large metropolitan area.
There also are a limited number of routes
open to horse riders so there may be scope
to increase coverage to better support the
growing equestrian industry and tourism in
the Liverpool City Region.
Regeneration at Liverpool Waters, Wirral Waters,
Birkenhead Woodside, Ten Streets Liverpool,
Festival Gardens Liverpool, Cronton Colliery,
Parkside, Halsnead Garden Village and Runcorn
Waterfront may also oer opportunities to
create green corridors and cycle/walking
routes to the wider network.
Appendix 1
Liverpool City Region Public Rights of Way Network
39
Merseytravel
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2018-2028
(d) Enforcement and the legal duty
to assert and protect
Highway authorities have a legal duty to assert
and protect the public rights of way network. To
do so, the relevant ocers responsible for the
network use legal means through enforcement
procedures to resolve disputes. However,
enforcement procedures can be both time
consuming and expensive, and while some
problems require enforcement action, the vast
majority can be resolved through community
engagement and partnership working with
developers, planners, landowners and the
general public. Establishing links and developing
relationships with stakeholders plays a vital role
in making improvements to the network.
(e) Definitive Map Modification Orders
Evidence from the general public is the prime
means by which claims to have routes added
to the definitive map are made. It is therefore
important that the claims process is promoted
in the future so the public can assist in recording
and safeguarding the public rights of way network.
(f) Public path orders
Path networks are always undergoing
change. New routes are added, some routes
are diverted, and others are temporarily
or permanently closed. Legal orders can
be processed by highway authorities to
facilitate this.
(g) Dedications and permissive
agreements
Opportunities to enhance the network
are always explored and encouraged.
Through the ROWIP, closer partnership
working with landowners and developers
will seek to increase dedications and
permissive path agreements.
(h) Cross-boundary issues from Liverpool
City Region with surrounding
authorities
Cross-boundary paths should not aect
people’s enjoyment of a route. These routes
provide access for residents and visitors to
and from districts within Liverpool City Region
and provide linkages that can create a wider
network of access within and beyond, including
with neighbouring areas such as Cheshire
West and Chester, Lancashire, Warrington,
and Wigan.
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5.2 Equestrian sector
The rights of way network in the Liverpool City Region
also supports the equestrian-related tourism sector,
including Aintree and Haydock racecourses as well
as various riding schools, stables and livery yards.
The main bridleway routes in the Liverpool City
Region suitable for equestrians include the following:
The Mersey Circular – including the Liverpool
Loop Line from Halewood to West Derby, Croxteth
Country Park, Gellings and Little Wood Greenways,
the A580 south side cycleway, the Rainford Bypass,
sections of the Rainford Loop, Garswood Old Road,
Carr Mill Dam, Stanley Bank, Bold Forest Country Park,
the Dream and its associated Mineral Line, Cranshaw
Hall, Pex Hill, Cronton Colliery, Knowsley ExpressWay,
Garnetts Lane, and Halewood.
Sankey Valley Park – including from Stanley Bank
via the viaduct onwards towards Warrington and beyond
to join the Trans Pennine Trail at Sankey Bridges.
The Rainford Loop – including the Rainford Linear
Park, Maggots Nook, Holiday Moss/Langwood Lane,
Fir Tree Farm, Billinge Hill, Carr Mill, Moss Bank Estate,
Sandy Lane, Berringtons Lane and Sandwash to the
Linear Park at the southern end.
The Mersey Bank/St Helens Canal section
of the Trans Pennine Trail –
including from
Sankey Bridges via Fiddlers Ferry and Johnson’s
Lane to Spike Island.
The Sefton Coastal Path – including sections
of the Trans Pennine Trail route between Southport
to Crosby and southwards to Melling and Aintree.
The Wirral Circular Trail – including the Wirral
Country Park.
Higher Runcorn Greenways – including
from Palacefields, circular route around Town Park
to Bennets Rough and Windmill Hill. Routes through
Moore, Sandymoor and Murdishaw.
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Appendix 2
Other Liverpool City Region Public Access Networks
5.3
The public rights of way network does not exist in
isolation, many other routes can be found that make
up the wider access network.
5.4
It is important to identify and map known routes,
locations and other opportunities for outdoor access to
assist in the connectivity, development and management
of the public rights of way network.
(a) Green infrastructure
and open-access land
Providing the right of access on foot in
mapped areas of open countryside, mountain,
moor, downland and registered common land.
Additionally, green infrastructure includes
public parks, gardens, playing fields, nature
reserves, etc.
The Liverpool City Region and Warrington
Green Infrastructure Framework has been
developed by the Liverpool City Region,
supported by the Mersey Forest with funding
from Natural England. It covers Liverpool,
Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Halton, Wirral
and Warrington.
(b) Permissive routes
These are routes developed at the discretion
of the landowner, who has permitted public use
of a route as either a footpath or a bridleway.
(c) Environmental stewardship schemes
Access opportunities created by the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Aairs (Defra) to conserve and improve the
countryside while supporting both the rural
community and economy.
(d) The highway network
The road and footway network play a significant
part in connecting routes in both rural and
urban areas. Within this network, there are
‘quiet lanes and greenways initiatives’. These
are minor roads, country lanes and unclassified
roads. Collectively, these play a significant role
in connecting routes in the more rural areas of
the City Region.
Quiet lanes are minor rural roads that
experience low levels of trac travelling
at low speeds. They are recognised to be
safe, attractive routes for healthy commuting,
recreation and sport, providing the opportunity
for shared use by cyclists, equestrians,
motorised users and walkers.
Greenways are networks of largely o-highway
routes for shared use by cyclists, equestrians
and walkers.
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(e) Long-distance footpath trails
There are several long-distance footpath trails
in Liverpool City Region, providing significant
access opportunities. These include:
ɥ The Trans Pennine Trail, including Cheshire
Lines and Liverpool Loop Line paths;
ɥ The Sefton Coastal path;
ɥ The Leeds – Liverpool Canal towpath;
ɥ The Bridgewater Way along the
Bridgewater Canal;
ɥ The Wirral Circular Trail, including the
Wirral Way;
ɥ The Mersey Way; and
ɥ The Croxteth Bridleway.
(f) The National Trails Network
We work closely with Natural England to
develop the England Coast Path National Trail.
(g) The National Cycle Network
Co-ordinated by Sustrans, the UK’s
leading sustainable transport charity.
There a number of national cycle routes
in the Liverpool City Region.
(h) The Local Cycle Network
The local cycling network in Liverpool City
Region provides a comprehensive network
of access that is progressively developing.
Although these routes are often specifically
designed for cycling, o-road routes also
have pedestrian rights.
(i) The Mersey Forest
This is an initiative supported by the Liverpool,
Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens, Halton, Cheshire
West and Chester, and Warrington councils.
The Mersey Forest Plan is the long-term and
strategic guide to the work of the Mersey
Forest team and partners.
(j) Coastal access
The Liverpool City Region coast provides
people with the opportunity to pursue
recreational and leisure pursuits in an
environment that is rich in wildlife and
habitats. Some areas of the beaches along
the Mersey coast are accessible to horse
riders, although in some instances restrictions
exist and permits may be required. We are
working closely with Natural England to
develop the England Coast Path National
Trail, which is due for completion in 2020.
(k) Blue Ribbon Network
In addition to the coast, there are rivers and
waterways with public access. Key elements
of the Blue Ribbon Network include River
Mersey, River Dee, River Alt, Stanley Dock,
Leeds – Liverpool Canal, Albert Dock and
Liverpool South Docks, Sankey (St Helens)
Canal, Weaver Navigation, Bridgewater
Canal, and the Manchester Ship Canal.
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Appendix 3
District Rights of Way Maps
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Appendix 4
Stakeholders
The rights of way network is an asset open to everyone.
This section highlights some of the main user categories
and other stakeholders.
User Group/Stakeholder Contacts and Issues
Walkers
Relevant stakeholders include Ramblers, Living Streets
and Walk Unlimited.
www.ramblers.org.uk/
www.livingstreets.org.uk/
www.walk.co.uk/
Cyclists/o-roaders
Relevant stakeholders include Sustrans, British Cycling and
Cycling UK. For o-roaders, there is the Auto-Cycle Union.
www.sustrans.org.uk/
www.britishcycling.org.uk/
www.cyclinguk.org/
www.acu.org.uk/
Horse riders
Relevant stakeholders include the British Horse Society and
the equestrian industry including livery yards and stables
www.bhs.org.uk/
Other groups
ɥ Local Civic Societies, e.g. Gateacre Society, Merseyside
Civic Society, the Civic Trust, etc.
ɥ Other relevant users include:
- Under-represented groups
- People who are less mobile
- Non-users
Police
ɥ British Transport Police
ɥ Merseyside Police
ɥ Cheshire Police
Developers and landowners
ɥ Developers and planners
ɥ Landowners, agents for estates, land managers
and the Country Land and Business Association
ɥ National Farmers’ Union
ɥ Charities and trusts managing land and public-access
sites, e.g. the National Trust, English Heritage, etc.
ɥ Contractors undertaking works on public rights of way
ɥ The Institute of Public Rights of Way and Access
Management
ɥ The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE)
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User Group/Stakeholder Contacts and Issues
Waterways
ɥ Canal & River Trust
ɥ Bridgewater Canal
Health and wellbeing
ɥ Health and wellbeing partners
ɥ LCR clinical commissioning groups
ɥ NHS England
ɥ Public Health England
Local government
ɥ Local authorities, including departments such as tourism,
transport, highways, planning, parks, etc.
ɥ Neighbouring local authorities
ɥ Parish councils
ɥ Merseytravel
ɥ Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership
ɥ Tourism partners
ɥ Nature Connected – Liverpool City Region Local Nature
Partnership
ɥ Mersey Forest
ɥ Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service (MEAS)
ɥ Sefton Coast Partnership
Central government
ɥ Defra/the Department for Transport/the Ministry
of Housing, Communities and Local Government
ɥ Environment Agency
ɥ Homes England
ɥ Highways England
ɥ Network Rail
ɥ Forestry Commission
ɥ Natural England
ɥ Sport England
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Appendix 5
References
Northern Powerhouse Strategy (Nov 2016)
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/571562/NPH_strategy_web.pdf
Liverpool City Region Devolution Deal (Nov 2015/March 2016)
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/liverpool-devolution-deal
Transport
Liverpool City Region Transport Plan for Growth
http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/local-transport-delivery/Pages/Transport-Plan-for-Growth.aspx
Merseyside Local Transport Plan
http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/local-transport-delivery/Pages/MTP.aspx
Green infrastructure
Liverpool City Region Green Infrastructure Framework
http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/our-work/liverpool-city-region-green-infrastructure-framework/
The Mersey Forest Plan
http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/about/plan/
South Liverpool Waterspace Strategy
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/2192.pdf
Atlantic Gateway Parklands Prospectus
http://www.atlanticgateway.co.uk/_assets/downloads/AG_Prospectus.pdf
Equestrian industry
BHS Equine Sector Investment Strategy for Liverpool City Region (Oct 2014) British Horse Society
http://www.bhs.org.uk/our-charity/press-centre/news/regional/north-west/an-rdpe-investment-strategy-for-growth-in-
the-liverpool-city-regions-equine-sector
Visitor economy
Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Strategy & Destination Management Plan
https://www.liverpoollep.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/wpid-lcr-dmp-2015-2025.pdf
Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Investment Plan for Growth (July 2016)
https://www.liverpoollep.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Liverpool-City-Region-VE-Investment-Plan.pdf
Health and wellbeing
Cheshire & Merseyside NHS Sustainability & Transformation Plan (Nov 2016)
http://www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk/downloads/news/Cheshire%20Merseyside%20STP.pdf
Liverpool Active City Strategy
https://liverpool.gov.uk/media/1355535/liverpool-active-city-pas-strategy.pdf
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Contacts
Council: Telephone Number: Website:
Halton Borough Council 0303 333 4300 www.halton.gov.uk
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough
Council
0151 489 6000 www.knowsley.gov.uk
Liverpool City Council 0151 233 3000 www.liverpool.gov.uk
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council 0345 140 0845 www.sefton.gov.uk
St Helens Metropolitan Borough
Council
01744 676 789 www.sthelens.gov.uk
Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council 0151 606 2000 www.wirral.gov.uk
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Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Merseytravel
PO Box 1976
Liverpool
L69 3HN
Tel: 0151 330 1000
We welcome your comments and feedback,
which will help us improve our future planning.
For more information visit
www.merseytravel.gov.uk
We can provide this information in other formats.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
June 2018