Residents living near Meols Station are celebrating today after a meeting of Wirral’s Planning Committee threw out an application by Merseyrail for a 112 metre long fence.
The fence, at 1.8 metres high, and facing the homes of people living on Birkenhead Road was installed by Merseyrail without planning permission and has been slammed by a local councillor as a ‘blot on the landscape’.
Now, following last night’s meeting, Merseyrail have been urged to remove the galvanised steel, palisade fencing and to consult residents on a more acceptable alternative.
Councillor Alison Wright (Hoylake & Meols Ward) was contacted by residents and brought the matter to the Council’s Planning Committee for action.
Councillor Wright said: “With the current restrictions on movement, residents have been left with no alternative but to face this monstrosity from their living rooms.
“While we were unable to collect a door-to-door petition, enough people made their views known to warrant action.
“I am delighted a majority of members of the Planning Committee agreed, and refused Merseyrail’s attempt to leave the fence as it is. This industrial style fence is on a green belt area near Birkenhead Road in Meols and bordering the fishing pond and is totally unacceptable.
“I wholeheartedly thank the committee for their decision and wish to work with Merseyrail and residents to consider a more suitable fence that is sympathetic to the character of this special place.”
Councillor Wright has now contacted Merseytravel, and Merseyrail to urge them to act on the Planning Committee’s decision.
