Restricted access via Bailey's Lane

[clifftop]

Hi all,
Apologies if this has been covered but in light of the new restrictions to traffic entering Bailey's Lane, I emailed Halton BC. Here are the exchanges twixt me and them!
Initial email:

Details: I wish to complain about the new traffic restrictions placed on Bailey's Lane in Hale Village on the boundary with Liverpool Council.
Since the closure of Dungeon Lane, vehicular access to the area of Oglet Shore could only be gained via Bailey's Lane. It seems now that there is no access for motor vehicles except for access. I and many friends enjoy the hobby of photography of aircraft coming and going from LJLA. We like to park in the lay-by on the road adjacent to the river. The new restrictions now prevent this. I suggest these be removed and access reinstated. People, like me from Liverpool, who are massively affected by this were not consulted and your unilateral, short-sighted decision is unacceptable.

Dear Mr Ennis,

Thank you for your email.

The purpose of the intervention at Baileys Lane is to clamp down on fly tipping and antisocial behaviour that has been reported to the Council over a number of years.

Baileys Lane is not being closed. Public access by bicycle, horse, and pedestrian modes remain unencumbered.

There is an 'Access Only' Traffic Regulation Order in place on Baileys Lane. Motor vehicles can now only use Baileys Lane if they have a legitimate reason for being on the lane. The Police enforce the Order as a moving traffic offence.

The Order was put in place to give the Police greater powers to challenge people who, in their opinion, were engaging in illegal activities or did not have legitimate reasons to be on the lane. It is unlikely they would chose to enforce against those who wanted to access the shoreline for legitimate activities.

Kind Regards
Ian Saxby
Manager - Traffic Management and Road Safety
Halton Borough Council
0151 511 7615


Ian, thanks for your reply.
One matter I haven't mentioned is I am a blue badge holder, I rely on using my vehicle to gain access to places like Dungeon Lane.
Can you categorically state, for the record, that access for the pursuance of the hobby that I and a handful of others enjoy, will be deemed as good reason to access the Road beyond the restrictions?
Even the able bodied might be unwilling to walk that far with heavy and expensive camera equipment.
Your reply will be shared with my fellow group members.
Thanks,
Cliff


Mr Ennis,

Thank you for your reply. Having spoken to them yesterday I can confirm that the Police will allow discretionary access of a positive nature; to those with mobility issues and right to entry,(bird watching etc) whilst maintaining a healthy approach to enforcement deterring the antisocial side of previous access: Flying tippers etc. I hope this clarifies matters.

Kind Regards

Ian Saxby

Kind Regards

Ian Saxby


My final reply:

I too can confirm, after a meeting with Sgt Danny Cheevers, Project Servator officer for Merseyside Police, our group is viewed as an asset in being the "eyes and ears" of the Eastern end of the airport, in spotting and reporting suspicious or offending activity.
Cliff.
----------------------------

I hope this might be useful for you all.

[lesmcs]

Cliff,
Thanks for going to the trouble of clarifying the access via Baileys Lane issue I was down there on Monday and the signage is very confusing so much so I've been parking opposite a friends house at the top of Bailey's Lane and walking down to the old mound.
Regards
Les McS

[Beemer]

Cliff I would like to thank you for fighting our corner on the Bailey's lane subject and I am sure the Forum Members who use the South side for their aviation
and wildlife photography are extremely grateful to you.

Thanks Beemer. Administrator

[davel]

Bailey's lane is in Cheshire surely its them that police it unless they have an agreement with Merseyside?

[clifftop]

Feb 19, 2022 13:08:56 GMT 1 davel said:

Bailey's lane is in Cheshire surely its them that police it unless they have an agreement with Merseyside?

Yes, Cheshire police will be responsible for policing the area, I was merely pointing out that Merseyside police see the group as something of an asset.

[vanguard]

We should have a scheme that's on the lines of Manchester Airports,I for one would join if it came about.

[Airbus A346]

I recently spoke to two Merseyside Police officers who do the regular patrol in their Nissan pick up. He seemed to be open minded and flexible regarding our access. When I asked him about issuing fixed penalties he said "it will be a sad day if that happens". We have to bear in mind that part of the lane is in Cheshire and the other part in Merseyside - Police force policies may differ. Please do not take the above quote as 'gospel' you always get a 'jobsworth ' in all walks of life.

[davel]

The two Merseyside officers who Airbus A346 quoted were the airports own police unit and they are very much in favour of the valuable security presence that the spotters have with their eyes and ears on what is right and wrong down Dungeon Lane mound. They can't be everywhere and do appreciate your input.