Locals even more puzzled as Definitive Map Modification Orders added to St Luke's Church Road

EVER since property developer, Mike McComb, who owns the multimillion pound mansion Firwood Hall resurfaced the road part of St Luke's Church Road, installed gates, drainage and landscaping at his own expense, people have been confused as to if it was a public right of way, or not. For a long time signs have been shown saying that it is a:- "Private road. Unauthorised vehicles not permitted" along the road that Mr McComb said was previously in:- 'appalling condition' until his make over. Many locals would agree to that statement, but have been more than puzzled by the latest developments. Over the last few weeks, signs have been put up, stating Formby Parish Council's intention to secure a:- 'Right of Way,' for section of land around St Luke's Church Road, along with St Luke's Church Road, Albert Road and Alexander Road. We are also told that the Parish Council have not made an application to have the gates removed. If any objections are made to the Sefton Borough Council decision, then a public inquiry or other consultation will then be considered.

On the Parish Council's website, it reads:- "Following receipt of applications under Section 53 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, for various Rights of Way along and adjacent to St Luke's Church Road, Formby to be added to the Definitive Map and Statement, the Council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee has resolved that the Council will make a number of Definitive Modification Orders. The effect of this decision is that Definitive Map Modification Orders will be made under the above mentioned legislation to record Alexandra Road, Cambridge Road, Range Lane and parts of Albert Road and St Luke's Church Road, as Byways open to all traffic, further sections of Albert Road and St Luke's Church Road, as footpaths and footpaths, along 2 tracks connecting Albert Road to Alexandra Road, a track extending seaward from Range Lane and the link from Beechwood Drive to St Luke's Church Road. When the Orders are made there will be a consultation period of 42 days to provide opportunity for any interested party to make representations. At that time, a copy of the Order and plan together with a Notice giving details of the Order will be sent to you and details will also be published in the local press and displayed on site. The landowners concerned will then have a formal right of representation against the Modification Orders. Only if and when the Modification Orders have been confirmed will public rights of way legally come into existence and, until that time, the routes have the same status as they do today."

This issue over the road is a complex matter, with many statements being made that are inaccurate over the years, that has resulted in many questions being raised, from the installation of 20mph signs down the road by Sefton Council, to what rights people have to use it. Plus, many questions over the gates and the cutting down of trees, along with the planting of hedges. Not only that, but a huge range of other issues.

The notices placed up along that section also include a notice to added to the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way, Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, a Footpath linking Beechwood Drive and Lime Tree Way to Luke's Church Road. A path used by many locals that was planted over by a hedge, during the landscaping, that took place along the disputed section of Luke's Church Road.

Please do let us know your thoughts on this issue by emailing our Newsroom via:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.