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46-457: Rimrose Valley is a 3.5 km (2.2 mi) country park and valley which forms a border between Crosby and Litherland in the borough of Sefton , Merseyside , England , with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal on its eastern edge. Because the brook that runs through the park regularly floods, it remained clear of the housing developments that grew up on either side. However, the central area

92-881: A countryside environment. In the United Kingdom, the term country park has a specific meaning. There are around 250 designated country parks in England and Wales attracting some 57 million visitors a year, and another 40 or so in Scotland. Most country parks were designated in the 1970s, under the Countryside Act 1968 , with the support of the former Countryside Commission . In more recent times there has been no specific financial support for country parks directly and fewer have been designated. Most parks are managed by local authorities, although other organisations and private individuals can also run them. The 1968 Countryside Act empowered

138-517: A Sefton Council committee meeting recorded that the road was being very well used, with noticeably less traffic on the roads it was bypassing, those being the Northern Perimeter Road and Lydiate Lane respectively. It was subsequently reported in January 2016 that a section of the road would need to undergo a series of repair works during the evenings of a three-week period, just five months after

184-494: A bypass road is the preferred option to provide a direct link between the Port of Liverpool and Switch Island junction, citing considerable cost and disruption if a tunnel, estimated to cost six times as much, were to be constructed. In 2018, Sefton Council brought a judicial review against Highways England on the basis that it felt a tunnel should have been presented as an option. The High Court ruled in favour of Highways England, but

230-403: A car park, toilets, maybe a cafe or kiosk, paths and trails, and some information for visitors. Some have much more, with museums, visitor centres, educational facilities, historic buildings, farms, boating, fishing, and other attractions. Many larger country parks organise entertainment for visitors, and are venues for firework displays, shows and fairs and other large, outdoor events. There

276-416: A charity which works to promote, protect and enhance the park. The charity delivers activities and events which use the parkland to promote physical and mental health, community cohesion and projects which protect the natural environment. The formation of the valley in its current state can be dated back over the last 1.6 million years, during which time sand, peat and clay deposits have built up over parts of

322-480: A country park is to provide a place that has a natural, rural atmosphere for visitors who do not necessarily want to go out into the wider countryside. Visitors can enjoy a public open space with an informal atmosphere, as opposed to a formal park as might be found in an urban area. For this reason country parks are usually found close to or on the edge of built-up areas, and rarely in the wider countryside. A country park usually has some more formal facilities, such as

368-585: A road would be built was a controversial subject during the 20th century, due to close proximity to Ince Woods and environmental concerns. County planners of the time favoured widening the A565 road . In 1990, a detailed proposal known as the Blue Route was submitted for planning permission, which would have involved a 4.7-mile (7.6 km) dual carriageway road between Switch Island and the Formby Bypass. This proposal

414-479: A road would give good value for money and hoped for a quick decision. In 2013, under the leadership of Peter Dowd, Sefton Council placed members of council, as well as its chief executive, to the Port Access Steering Group to work with Highways England and Peel Ports (as well as other agencies) to establish "a permanent highways solution" due to the expansion of the port. Sefton Council was chairing

460-463: A route across farmland near Ince Woods which never materialised. Further proposals were discussed in 1968, during planning for the M57 , M58 , and M62 motorways. Shortly after the motorways opened, a number of proposals to allow traffic to bypass Thornton and Netherton were developed, given increased road traffic over the years that followed added to the congestion throughout Thornton. The location on where

506-442: Is collected by a kerb and gully system and discharged into four new attenuation ponds . The route is only lit where there are specific safety reasons for doing so, such as at junctions and crossings along the route. There are no footways along the route other than specific pedestrian crossing points. The road starts at Switch Island junction, with direct connections to its namesake motorways (M57 and M58 respectively), as well as

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552-415: Is constructed as a 10-metre-wide (33 ft), two lane single carriageway with 1-metre-wide (3.3 ft) hardstrips and a 2.5-metre-wide (8.2 ft) verge, with an 80-kilometre-per-hour (50 mph) speed limit. The road has some sections on low embankment and others in shallow cutting where it runs close to existing residential properties, but is mostly close to existing ground level. Surface drainage

598-454: Is not necessarily any public right of access to country parks, and visitors are usually subject to byelaws when they enter the park. Some charge for car parking, some are free. These parks vary tremendously from one to another, and really have only their purpose in common: to provide easy access to the countryside for those living in the towns and suburbs . They do not necessarily have any great nature conservation interest, although often this

644-717: Is now part of the Mersey Forest and the most southerly extent of the West Lancashire Coastal Plain . The south of the valley contains the Brookvale Nature Reserve which is the only one in Sefton that is not on the coast and is, along with Fulwood Way in the north, a Site of Special Local Biological Interest. Because of the size of the park, the area has been divided into five colour-coded zones that allow people to narrow down their location if they need to contact

690-605: Is the case. In Hong Kong a large part of the territory's countryside is officially designated as country parks. Most of these are reservoir watersheds, serving the dual purpose of providing recreational facilities and contributing to Hong Kong's water supply. A5758 road The A5758 road (also known as Broom's Cross Road or the Thornton Bypass ) is a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) single-carriageway road in Merseyside , England , constructed during 2014–15 and linking

736-582: The A565 road in Thornton to Switch Island junction. The road is officially named the A5758 Broom's Cross Road, with Broom's Cross being the site of a medieval wayside cross near Thornton and the road numbering referencing the two motorways the road links to, the M57 and M58 motorway respectively. Discussions about the need for the road to be constructed date back to the construction of Switch Island junction, with numerous public consultations held throughout

782-659: The Campaign for Better Transport described as "the biggest anti road demonstration in recent memory" in September 2018. "Hands Across the Valley" was attended by more than 700 people and was covered by BBC North West Tonight and Granada Reports . The event was attended by local MPs Bill Esterson and Peter Dowd , as well as Friends of the Earth and the Campaign for Better Transport. Members of

828-494: The Liverpool Echo reported that residents were suggesting a road be built with restrictions on commercial vehicles and the council were understood to be considering it. In January 1994, it was reported that a 70mph dual carriageway through the valley to ease traffic was a favoured option, which was anticipated to connect with another road that had been planned, the 'Blue Route'. Then-highways chief for Sefton, Geoff Cowie, believed

874-659: The A5036 and A59 roads which all converge at the junction. The road closely follows the route of the Northern Perimeter Road which is to its south, with the only major intersection being when it crosses the B5422 road. From there it continues in a northwest direction until it meets the A565 road , at a roundabout constructed as part of the scheme to improve efficiency for converging traffic. Several months after opening in December 2015,

920-574: The Countryside Commission to recognize country parks. Although the Act established country parks and gave guidance on the core facilities and services they should provide it did not empower the designation of sites as country parks, as it was left to local authorities to decide whether to endorse a site calling itself a country park. In England, country parks can be accredited by Natural England , and some also have Green Flag status. The purpose of

966-690: The Port Access Steering Group on behalf of the Liverpool City Region (LCR). From this, in the same year, Sefton Council commissioned the Atkins Group to conduct a feasibility study for the road solution. The report/study was completed in February 2014. In November 2014, Atkins made a presentation to the LCR Port Access Steering Group, three of whom (including the chair) were from Sefton Council. In their presentation, Atkins summarised

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1012-467: The appraisal process and was identified as being the preferred option to pursue by Sefton Council. A further consultation was undertaken in 2003, during which questionnaires were distributed to ascertain resident and business viewpoints on the proposal identified in the 2000 consultation; it determined nearly 80% of respondents agreed for the need of a new road as proposed, with the majority of those questioned strongly agreeing. Of those that did not agree to

1058-574: The completion of the feasibility study in February 2014. In 2003 a similar study had been conducted, commissioned by Sefton Council, and the preferred option then was Rimrose Valley. Plans were announced in February 2016 which proposed a new £200m road could be built through Rimrose Valley to link directly into the A5758 Broom's Cross Road in an effort to reduce the heavy congestion on the A5036 Dunnings Bridge Road ; Sefton Council rejected

1104-402: The emergency services. The north–south walking distance is approximately 6 km (3.7 mi), with a grade of moderate and an estimated walking time of 90 minutes. Early considerations for a road through the valley were in 1990, when it was reported that plans were being drawn up for a dual carriageway through the valley, despite having previously been earmarked for wildlife. In March 1993,

1150-421: The government inspector approved the plans. Following Sefton Council giving their final approval in September 2013, construction was proposed to begin by early November 2013 for a period of around 12 months, with the financial benefits estimated to be in the region of £140–200 million over the 60 years post-construction. Following the completion of land acquisition, contractors Balfour Beatty marked out

1196-431: The impacts to quality of life and the environment. In May 2000, a public consultation began which proposed six possible options, with the intention to understand the views and opinions of residents and businesses along the route between Thornton and Switch Island. Following feedback, six options were considered for possible highway construction, those being: Of all the considered options, Option 5 performed well during

1242-671: The latest thinking in relation to the Online Option and the Offline Option, as well as considering tunnel options which were deemed to be "cost-prohibitive". The Online and Offline options would later be referred to as Option A and Option B in Highways England's public consultation of 2017. Following the presentation, the Steering Group gave Highways England the task of deciding on Option A or B. The announcement came two years after

1288-419: The legal action resulted in a considerable delay to the project. In August 2019, Highways England were forced to publicly apologise for claiming that, in this judicial review, a judge had upheld its preferred route for a road through Rimrose Valley. This was inaccurate: the judge had simply ruled that it was not legally required to consult on a tunnel option. A local campaign group, named "Save Rimrose Valley",

1334-633: The main terminus of the A5758 road. Some road users have noted that a lack of clear road markings and signage may be a contributing factor towards the traffic collisions, whilst Sefton Council noted that they continue to review the operation of the road and associated junctions. Following continued incidents at the junction with Switch Island, the council confirmed in July 2016 that it was in talks with Highways England and Merseyside Police with Bill Esterson , MP for Sefton Central , calling for changes to be considered to

1380-431: The need to restrict traffic levels and speeds once the proposed road had opened. Of the 12807 questionnaires that were sent, 10.9% were returned, with a further 100 completed at public exhibitions and online; the majority of responses were in agreement with the proposed alignment. Following the 2006 public consultation, the scheme for a single-carriageway link to Thornton was given high priority and accepted in July 2006 by

1426-505: The new road to the main junction at Switch Island concluded by the end of December 2014, with the second phase of works taking place mostly throughout the night in January 2015 to minimise disruption. The road surface began to be laid in February 2015 with a revised opening of Spring 2015 forecast. Reports in March 2015 confirmed that due to frost and rainfall, the date of opening had been postponed to at least May 2015. After further slippage in

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1472-405: The preferred option, nearly a third (30%) expressed concerns that the proposal may result in increased congestion, whilst a quarter (25%) expressed a preference for the route to be constructed as a dual carriageway. During a further consultation held 2006, local residents and businesses were sent another questionnaire asking them how strongly they agreed or disagreed with the proposed alignment and

1518-472: The proposal in March 2017, citing the desire to instead build a tunnel to overcome the congestion concerns. Despite Sefton Council's stance and the public consultation revealing that the option selected by Highways England received less support from the public, Option B - a dual carriageway through Rimrose Valley - was announced in August 2017. In December 2017, Highways England attempted to defend their position that

1564-485: The public and called for Highways England to scrap the scheme. In September 2020, Highways England announced that the project was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and would not be completed until at least 2025. As of January 2022, it is estimated that the project is approximately 4 years behind schedule. Country park A country park is a natural area designated for people to visit and enjoy recreation in

1610-404: The public formed a giant heart on the parkland and linked arms along its central path. In February 2019, members of the campaign group met with Shadow Transport Minister Rachael Maskell to raise the issue and to ask for support. In March 2019, the campaign secured the support of Friends of the Earth's CEO, Craig Bennett. He visited the country park, spoke with local schoolchildren and members of

1656-418: The road opened to traffic. A year after opening, road users were giving generally positive feedback, with some confirming that travel times had been reduced and offers a more convenient means of accessing the motorways, although a common recurring concern were the junction issues at Switch Island. Since opening, there have been reports relating to an increased number of road traffic incidents at Switch Island,

1702-464: The route of the bypass in October 2013 offering the first glimpse of where the road would be built. Initial land works began in January 2014 with an expected completion date in the final quarter of 2014. In November 2014 it was reported that the project had been delayed due to poor weather and ground conditions, with the completion date pushed back to Spring 2015. Despite this, construction works to connect

1748-466: The then-Secretary of State for Transport, Douglas Alexander . Funding was approved by the Department for Transport in February 2011 when Sefton Council accepted the terms and conditions that has been proposed. After two objections were raised regarding the compulsory purchase order needed to acquire the land on which the road was to be built, a public inquiry was held in October 2012. Subsequent to this,

1794-415: The timescales, the opening date was revised from late June 2015 to 19 August 2015. The delay was explained as being due to needing to undertake additional work to stabilise the road foundation in two locations to make it suitable to lay tarmac on. The road finally opened on the evening of 19 August 2015, costing £20.4M in total, of which Sefton Council funded £5.9M (approximately 30%) of the cost. The route

1840-408: The valley, which itself has formed as a result of sandstone strata erosion. The outer edges of the valley were put to use as farmland, particularly on higher ground where flooding was less likely, though throughout the 20th century much of the farm land has been restricted to the northernmost regions of the valley. In January 1991, it was reported that the valley, then a wasteland and rubbish tip area,

1886-413: The years to ascertain public support and opinion on the need for the road and the alignment it would take. The consultations have produced favourable responses from the majority of respondents, with several different alignment suggestions being proposed over the years. Sefton Council gave their final approval in September 2013, with construction starting towards the end of the 2013 calendar year. The cost

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1932-478: Was formed in 2017 to oppose Highways England's plans and to demand that sustainable, non-road solutions to the movement of freight to and from the Port of Liverpool be researched and presented to the public. The campaign has attracted a large and active following. They appeared on Jeremy Vine 's BBC Radio 2 show in 2018 to debate the scheme with Highways England's Regional Delivery Director, Tim Gamon. It also staged what

1978-539: Was in the region of £20.4 million, with the UK Government contributing £14.5M towards that and Sefton Council contributing £5.9M. The financial benefits over the 6 years following construction of the road has been estimated to be in the region of £140–200M. The need for an improved route between Switch Island and the main Southport Road was first identified during the early 1930s. Around that time, workmen "pegged out"

2024-419: Was part of a study which planned on developing the region into a country park and leisure area. Reports in October 1992 suggested that plans to turn the area into a premier leisure park were being prepared for consideration by councilors, which would involve landscaping to facilitate a variety of sports facilities. Up until 1978, the central area was used as a tip and restoration began in 1993. Rimrose Valley

2070-513: Was ultimately rejected by then Secretary of State for Transport in May 1995 despite favourable public consensus, on the grounds it would have negative impact on greenbelt land and be detrimental to conservation areas and protected species. A Sefton Council environmental statement in 2010 made reference to the traffic congestion that had affected routes around the Thornton area for "many years", as well as

2116-405: Was used as a tip until 1978 and restoration began in 1993. Rimrose is a Hybrid word from Old English hrim (modern "rim"), 'border' and Celtic ros meaning " moor " or " heath ". Following concern over young people riding scrambler bikes in the park, resulting in at least one serious accident, the police launched a crackdown in 2015. This led to the formation of Rimrose Valley Friends ;

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