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Residents of Hoylake, West Kirby and the surrounding area have until the end of next month to nominate a favourite beauty spot where they would love a new public bench.
The Wirral West Constituency Committee has earmarked £5,000 to install new benches, to help enhance the pleasure of these treasured locations for visitors and residents alike.
Dubbed the “Special Places” project, the initiative is expected to result in two new benches in each of the constituency’s five wards.
Committee Chair and West Kirby councillor Jeff Green says the committee wants to use its funding on small improvements that can make a big difference and help highlight the fantastic places that make West Wirral so special.
“We want the public to tell us about the places and locations which are special to them; a place where they would like to be able to come, sit down and take in the view or surroundings,” said Cllr Green.
“All residents need to do to get involved is to tell the Constituency Team where they think a bench should be located.”
A Wirral council spokesman said: “A recent report by the Young Foundation highlighted that taking time to sit on a bench and watch the world go by can promote social cohesion, healthy lifestyles and reduce stress.
“The Foundation interviewed dozens of people who gave varied responses when asked why benches are important and what effects they have on communities. All agreed that well-designed, well-maintained benches play a key role in making public spaces friendly and accessible.”
You can send your nominations directly to helengallagher@wirral.gov.uk, write to Helen Gallagher at West Kirby Library and One Stop Shop, West Kirby Concourse, tweet pictures with the hashtag #WWSpecialPlaces, or post a suggestion on the Love Wirral Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/lovewirral. Nominations close at the end of February.
When we first posted news of this initiative on Facebook last month, Paul Liddiard shared a picture of his suggested location for a new bench, with a beautiful sunset view over the Marine Lake from Cubbins Green. "It's one of my favourite places to walk my dog," he said.
If you would like to share your pictures and ideas for new bench locations with us at West Kirby Today, we would be delighted to hear from you.
