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Formby residents have their
say on the future of the coast
PROTECTING wildlife, improving
facilities and maintaining Formby's unique atmosphere are at the heart of
residents' hopes for Formby's future, according to results of public
consultations carried out over the summer by the National Trust.
Between July and September 2017, staff and volunteers hosted events across
Formby to record residents' ideas, concerns and hopes for the future of the
coast. Events included an Open Day at the Gild Hall, along with a stall at the Formby
Festival, and a series of 'pop up' consultations
at locations in Formby
village and on the National Trust site. Around 300 people were consulted, and
their comments have been collated into a report, which is out now on the
National Trust website.
The consultation coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the National Trust
taking on the care of the coast at Freshfield, and as the Trust takes on the
care of an additional 204 hectares of land at Formby point.
National Trust General Manager Joanne Hudson said:- "Taking
on the care of Lifeboat Road and Ravenmeols makes this anniversary year an
important moment in the history of the Formby Coast. It is a fantastic chance to
rethink how the coast is cared for, for the benefit of the wildlife that that
rely on the dunes and pinewoods, and also for residents and visitors who love
the area. We have been working closely with our neighbours and stakeholders to
develop plans for the future, and are delighted to have had the chance to record
the views of so many people across Formby. The report shows that there is a high
degree of trust around the National Trust's ability to care for the landscape
and wildlife, but that there are concerns about visitor numbers, parking, litter
and antisocial behaviour. A need for improved facilities and access were
recurring themes. Residents want the site's unique atmosphere and areas of
wildness to be safeguarded. A strong sense of the love and connection that
people feel for the site came across in many comments, and we hope to build on
that by continuing to work closely with the community as plans progress."
The full report can be viewed or
downloaded,
from the Formby National Trust.
To find out more about how to get involved with plans for the future, please
visit the Trusts
website.
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