Access to West Kirby promenade has been delayed until after Easter, due to recent high tides.
Wirral Council had previously said that sections of South Parade would be open in time for the Bank Holiday weekend, as work neared completion on the flood wall.
However, they now say they have not been able to meet the timetable because “road resurfacing works were delayed due to high tides and waves coming onto the promenade and highway at the end of March”.
It is now anticipated that the first phase of reopening the promenade will be shortly after Easter.
A Wirral Council spokesperson said: “Resurfacing works to the road, footpath and promenade are now planned to take place from 12 April.
“Work will begin at Riversdale Road and continue up to the Old Bath site. As work progresses areas will reopen in phases, the first of which will be Riversdale Road to Dee Lane.”
In other updates on the scheme:
- The seated wall has been installed along the full length of the prom from Riversdale Road to West Kirby Sailing Club, apart from a section at the Old Baths site
- Concrete works at the Old Baths site will be finished by 13 April. When fully open this space will provide a new public performance and exhibition space on the promenade for locals and visitors to enjoy
- The promenade walkway has been resurfaced from Riversdale Road to Alexandra Road and resurfacing works will continue down South Parade from 12 April
- The pavement and kerbs are installed on the landside of the wall from Riversdale Road to Shrewsbury Road and installation remains ongoing.
Wirral Council added: “West Kirby businesses are open and ready to welcome visitors making the most of the spring weather by heading to the beach and marine lake footpath.
“Access to the beach is just a 5 minute walk from the centre of West Kirby. The beach and marine lake path can be reached on foot through the watersports centre car park, heading towards the temporary RNLI station and lifeguard hut. People walking across to Hilbre island should check the tide times before setting off and follow the advice of the RNLI.”
It was recently revealed the cost of the scheme has now risen to over £15 million – two and a half times the original budget. However, the additional funding is coming from the Environment Agency rather than Wirral Council.
