Once again Chris Packham is promoting to his half a million Facebook followers the consultation questionnaire for Hoylake Beach.
He is touting his message far and wide and does not have an understanding or appreciation of the counter argument for a compromise.
Residents have long awaited the consultation period, with this being the promised point in the process when their views would be taken on board.
Instead the massive influx of outside responses are likely to drown out the true views of local residents as a result of Packham.
It is more imperative then ever that people across the Wirral come together to support the cause to save a section of the beach for amenity use.
The council need to be held account for the fact that they are not tracking where responses are coming from. They are NOT going to receive a true representation of how local people feel. We were led to believe that the 'consultation period' would be an open, fair discussion by Cllr Grey but instead it feels this is a tick box exercise so WBC can say they have consulted residents on the journey to their predefined conclusion of having a fully green beach.
The combined populations of the local areas are no match against their famous pals and slick media machines... and WBC know this!
Population of Hoylake is less than 2% of Packhams followers alone. So how is there any value in the outcome of this survey????
We've covered the below before... but for anyone new reading our site, below is why we are doing this...
Did you know, here on the Wirral, we need Blue Health more than ever;
1. The Wirral is third highest in country for mental health spending.
AND
2. Wirrals obesity figures show borough is worst in UK.
Source:
The Wirral Globe published an article on August 2021 CLICK HERE . The Liverpool Echo published in Dec 2020.CLICK HERE
Blue Health is fast becoming a medicine for our modern day stresses and worries. An article featured in The Guardian says "There are three established pathways by which the presence of water is positively related to health, wellbeing and happiness. First, there are the beneficial environmental factors typical of aquatic environments, such as less polluted air and more sunlight. Second, people who live by water tend to be more physically active – not just with water sports, but walking and cycling.
Third – and this is where blue space seems to have an edge over other natural environments – water has a psychologically restorative effect. Spending time in and around aquatic environments has consistently been shown to lead to significantly higher benefits, in inducing positive mood and reducing negative mood and stress, than green space does."
Read the full enlightening article from The Guardian. CLICK HERE.
The pandemic has caused increased mental health issues and reduced physical activity for some. We (did) have this fantastic free resource, the beach, that can do a lot of good for residents. But unfortunately, Wirral Borough Council (WBC) are intent on developing it into a salt marsh, which as the months continue without any beach management will significantly prohibit people from using it in the future, because of the growth.
With the above articles in mind, why aren't WBC utilising this asset that they know can host a multitude of activities and encourage people to get onto the shore?
WBC have not consulted residents or businesses in the area nor have they created a test site to determine the effects of ceasing the beach maintenance plan. This has contributed to residents increased stresses and worries.
Cllr Liz Grey, the councillor who has the authority to immediately continue the beach maintenance plan has acknowledged how much of a great resource the beach is, see below.
: Hoylake Beach Community, is a voluntary group who since the formation in October 2021, have been asking WBC for a compromise that will suit all. Hoylake Beach Community are not affiliated with any other group. HBC only use two forms of online communication. This website and a Facebook group which anyone is welcome to request to join. Search Hoylake Beach Community. HBC do not use any other social media.
We are not asking for the whole beach, just the section from Kings Gap to the RNLI station, with the rest being left to the grasses.
SIGN the petition Click Here
DONATE Justgiving account which allows us to continue Click Here
SHARE help our cause by sharing on social media - links below.
WRITE email / write to non- supporting councillors, Lib Dem, Green and
Independent Councillors. Councillor contact details on the below link:
Thank you! Remember, genuine supporters of a compromise for Hoylake Beach to be restored to sand should join our Facebook group. Search: Hoylake Beach Community.
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