Changes to Grange Road West to begin following trial review
Letters will shortly be sent to businesses on Grange Road West outlining the next phase of changes for the road including new measures to help support local traders.
The trial changes to the road had been introduced to see whether a one-way traffic system could improve the operation of nearby Charing Cross junction and create safer routes into Birkenhead town centre.
Throughout the trial period, Wirral Council has monitored traffic impacts and listened to feedback from residents, businesses and visitors.
The temporary features introduced as part of the trial — including coloured surfacing, planters and benches — have generated significant concern locally.
Following the review and feedback, the council will retain the one-way traffic system on Grange Road West while reinstating parking along the street, including additional parking and loading bays designed to better support local businesses and improve access for customers and deliveries.
The temporary orange road surfacing introduced during the trial will also be removed, alongside the planters, benches and other temporary street furniture that formed part of the pilot scheme. The removal programme is expected to begin over the next two weeks.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said:
This trial has given us valuable evidence about what works for the area and what needs to change. The one-way system has improved the operation of the Charing Cross junction, and we will retain it.
We have also heard clearly from residents and businesses that parking and loading provision are important to the success of the area. We are therefore moving forward with a revised scheme that brings back parking, provides additional loading and parking provision for local businesses, and removes the temporary planters, benches and coloured surfacing.
This is exactly what a trial should do, allow us to test changes, understand their impact and use that evidence to shape the right long-term solution.
We want a scheme that works for everyone who lives, works, shops and trades here, while supporting the local business community.
We are working with community groups, schools, parks and other local organisations across Wirral to relocate the planters and street furniture so they can be put to good use and continue to benefit our communities.
We now have a clear way forward and will continue working with local businesses as these changes are delivered.
