Cuckoo Lane Survey Results (to 22/1/14)
(Quantitative data first)
109 Completed Surveys
Question 1: Do you agree with the proposed objectives?
The objectives of any works on Cuckoo lane should be to create (or re-create) a routeway that:
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Is sympathetic to the local landscape (by using original or appropriate new materials and in
appropriate proportions);
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Respects the history of the route (by retaining its character);
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Is suitable for a wide variety of users, commensurate with the track’s status as a bridleway,
with no user group having precedence over any other.
Yes: 86.7%
No: 1.1%
Partly: 12.2%
Question 3: Which of these options would you prefer (Select one only)
1. Asphalt planings removed. No further work. Sandstone surface stays exposed.
20.2%
2. Asphalt planings removed. Some improvement work done on wettest/muddiest
sections only. Sandstone surface stays exposed.
56.6%
3. Asphalt planings removed and/or covered. Attractive new surface laid for full length
(e.g. like Wirral Way or Landican Lane). Sandstone surface stays exposed.
18.2%
4. As for 3, but sandstone surface buried.
2.0%
5. Asphalt planings laid for full length, 2 – 2.5 m wide (as per plan). Sandstone buried.
1.0%
6. Asphalt planings laid for full length, 3 m wide (as currently being delivered).
Sandstone buried.
0.0%
7. None of the above
2.0%
Question 5: Do you fall into any of the following categories of users (tick all that apply)?
Cyclist - leisure;
31.3%
Cyclist - commuting etc.;
2.1%
Horse rider;
10.4%
Leisure walker;
78.1%
Dog walker;
42.7%
Disabled or with limited mobility;
5.2%
Freeform Comments
Question 2: Comments on Question 1 (Objectives)
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The sandstone path is special and should be returned to it's original state.
I support the opinion that it should empathetic to it's surroundings, history and users
The protection of the archaeological features should be paramount.
These objectives are very reasonable and achievable.
Cuckoo lane is a bridleway which gives priority to walkers and horse riders,cyclists may use
the bridleway.I do not like the use of non legally defined terms such as route way or
cycleway.if cwac want to redesignate cuckoo lane let them go through the legal procedure.
So I agreepartly with 1 and 2 and disagree with 3
Objectives 1 & 2 should be met. The appeal of the lane pre-works, was very much that it was
a wildlife haven and could not be abused by the minority of 'speed cyclists' who pose a very
real danger to all other user groups (as evident on the re-worked Wirral Way). A straight,
'made up' track of significant breadth, especially on the down hill reaches of the lane poses a
'cycle-threat' to dogs, walkers and horses alike.
Access for all is desirable but not always possible without damaging what exists already.
Where possible and can be achieved without such damage, fro example the recent cycleway,
then this is acceptable.
I agree with the objectives if there have to be any works at all; my preferred option would be
that the lane should be reinstated as far as possible. My understanding is that planings can
be removed quite easily without significant damage to the underlying surface (I have used
them at home for a temporary surface and they will be removed before final works are
carried out). Also I think the lane should be suitable for use by its current users - walkers,
horse riders and the occasional leisure cyclist who doesn't mind dismounting on the muddy
stretches, not modified so that new groups of users' needs can be satisfied at the expense of
the historical and natural value of the site.
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I think the proposed objectives are sensible. I am not against improving the bridleway, to
maintain its accessibility for all, and for the future, but this has to be done in a sympathetic
way, with appropriate materials.
Note that legally cyclists are obliged to give way to others on bridleways.
I would like the route returned as much as possible to it's original form - whether that can be
done with all the damage caused might be debatable.
How easy is it to reverse what has already been done? Can all potential users be pleased
with any replacement?
Any 'Improvements' made, should make the way easier, safer and more enjoyable to its
users, enhancing its suitability.
Why don't they ask before they act? They represent us, they don't rule us.
As far as possible, the track should ideally have minimal further materials deposited and the
banks should not be interfered with in any way. Minimal further change should be made but
if there has to be further alteration to the path, it is essential that the absolute minimum
amount of material Is added to achieve the improved access criteria stipulated. Also, the
material needs to be more suitable than that currently being used. No more planings.
Assuming that any changes are to be made at all, then I would agree that, yes, ALL of the
above should be met, BUT... LSTF money is, as I understand, ONLY justified in this context,
for the sole objective of reducing polluting emissions, by targeting motorists who would, as a
result of the "improvements", leave their cars at home and travel to work / school / etc by
cycle instead. If this objective can not be demonstrated to be met by the works, then I would
argue that there is no justification to spend a single penny of LSFT funds on Cuckoo
Lane...and if there is no such justification, type of surface and the nature of the changes
becomes irrelevent.
Legally cyclists are supposed to give way to horse riders and walkers on a bridleway.
Otherwise agree.
Only objective no. 2 has my full approval. The others I can accept with some qualifications.
Work to be carried out in accordance with consultation.
The path needs to be made particularly suitable for horse riders, as it is in fact a bridleway.
Note that actually horse riders and pedestrians have precedence over cyclists on a bridleway
(Countryside Act 1968, section 30). This should be borne in mind.
There's one section where the verge has been removed completely up to the wall. We will
need some local soil and some local plants. Also where the clay has been piled up on the
verge we need to clear to good soil and possibly replant but seeds will renew hopefully.
The speed and safety issues by cylists as pointed out by a two representitive cylists at the
Town Council meeting
I would like to see the wooden style reinstated at the top of the lane, where you can cut
across the field towards Leahurst direction, instead of the metal style that is currently in
place. Also the wooden style at the bottom of the lane, under the bridge should be repaired.
Not wishing to appear negative, but whilst I agree with the overall aims here, I do foresee
future problems with some of the vagueness of the statements. e.g. in point 1) appropriate
materials and proportions could be a potential minefield, in that your appropriate may well
be different to my appropriate and leaves considerable leeway for CW&C to decide their
idea of appropriate. In point 3) - no group (add "organisation or individual"?) but am also
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concerned that whilst the ambition is laudable whether it is truly realistically possible. Think
also we might want to get an agreement and confirmation from CW&C, that the lane is a
bridleway (not boat), and will remain so for the foreseeable future (yes I know that too is a
little vague and might want tightening up in some way). So trying to add some more meat to
the bones for consideration - I think the overriding objectives are: 1) To confirm the status of
the path known as Cuckoo Lane as a bridleway and acknowledge that this is set within a local
countryside area of special historic and geological interest and significance. 2) To generally
improve access for walkers, cyclists, horse riders (and any other specific group I've
overlooked) over that which is currently provided (in recognition that this can sometimes be
challenging to navigate). 3) That the overriding focus for any structural change must: i) Be
recognised as an improvement, the benefit(s) of which and for which class(es) or group(s) of
individual(s) of current or potential users are clearly defined and agreed. [sorry clunky
wording but I hope you know what I mean] ii) Improvements should not remove or hide any
geological or environmental feature nor detrimentally impact the local flora & fauna over
the medium to long term. If important features need to be disturbed whilst work is
completed then they should be removed sensitively and replaced in the original position and
orientation or in another appropriate position within the site if that is not possible. Any non
original materials proposed should aim to retain the overall charm and character of the lane
as far as possible, whilst recognising that some of this will inevitably be lost if overall access
is to be improved. iii) Any improvement should not provide an access solution significantly
out of scale and character to that of the existing lane. E.g propose changes / improvements
which could provide vehicular access where currently that is not possible should not be
considered 4) To re-affirm the special natural and environmental history of the lane and its’
immediate vicinity with CW&C, by encouraging them to look unfavourably on any (non
essential?) development within xx meters either side of the lane. (this is a hat tip to the
windmill threat – after all, if we fight and win this battle the special character will be
somewhat lost if you can see or even hear a couple of power windmills for much of your
walk / ride 5) To role back and make good any recent changes that do not fit within these
improvement criteria. A further concern here is that our ideal solution is based on the
objectives I've set out above - which I hope are broadly in line with most of the group. The
problem is that CW&C will not necessarily want that same solution (clearly as they have
already started down another route!) – their objectives being different to ours either
dubiously (windmills) or possibly, financially motivated in that they know they want/need to
improve general accessibility but have no money to do so unless they tap it from say, LSTF
money. This they can only justify to LSTF via an over-engineered solution which meets LSTF
requirements – so the solution is steered by external financial issues which are not directly
project / cost related or relevant. Guess I’m saying that somehow a further but not
necessarily declared objective, is that we need to find out what money is available to CW&C
for this, where is it from and what are the conditions of funding – that then will affect the
type of battle we should fight. This is only one possible scenario but I’m just trying to
highlight that our challenge (and hence our tactics and aims) could change depending on
CW&C's real aims in this unless we are successful in getting them to agree to our aims only.
Hope this makes sense and apologies if you or others have already said this somewhere in
the various posts / articles.
Return track to former dimensions
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Wide variety of users is good, but to make it fully disabled accessible would probably spoil
the country lane feel that was there before.
I believe that it's unreasonable to expect that "no user group will have precedence over any
other" when a route such as Cuckoo Lane is improved specifically for the benefit of cyclists. .
It needs to be absolutely clear, by way of signage, that pedestrians, horse riders, animals, etc
have priority and the route is not a "cycleway". I base this observation on my experience of
living next to, and being a former daily user of, the new Greenway.
By definition on a bridleway cyclists must give way to horseriders and pedestrians.
Horseriders and pedestrians have precedence over cyclists.
Nothing to add
Broadly agree
There was nothing wrong with cuckoo lane that tidying the verges wouldn't put right. Again
cyclists have no right to be able to use road bikes on any bridleway nor do they have a right
to ride the entire lane.
Question 4: Comments on Question 3 (Options)
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The current muddy nature of the path is the result of the recent works.
Whilst the sandstone is ascetically pleasing it will be worn away, so if it is buried it will be
afforded a level of protection
I could possibly live with option 3 but would need more details.
The beauty of this path relies heavily on the character of the sandstone surface.
There was nothing wrong with cuckoo lane that tidying the verges wouldn't put right. Again
cyclists have no right to be able to use road bikes on any bridleway nor do they have a right
to ride the entire lane.
Road planings prohibit the use of the path as a bridleway. Uninformed riders who are
unaware of the harm this surface can cause when pressed into the white lines of the hoof
will continue to use the path and their animals will pay the price.
If not 1 above, then 2.
I am between 2 & 3. I have concern on a 'full length' new surface, but equally feel that more
than just dealing with the wet and mud areas should be addressed. To make a more
considered opinion, I think we need to see the viable options.
Return the lane as close as possible to its original form.
Only remove planings if found to be toxic. No work on the hollow lane at all except to tidy
the muddy bit at the top where the planings stop, but no more planings in central sloping
section of the lane. Planings ok on A540 end of the lane after the hollow lane ends.
Coordination of any work here with work necessary for the HVDC cable crossing.. Warning
notice at either end of hollow lane advising users of steep gradients and uneven(natural)
surface for XXXX metres. Cyclists advised to dismount. Possible overlaying of planings so far
laid with more smypathetic material. Improvement to the access to the footpath(FP21) at its
easterly end. Improvement to the ramp from the Wirral Way onto the junction of BP48 and
Cuckoo Lane BP49.
it would be better to improve the drainage to sort wet/muddy sections than to resurface
3. May be a good compromise position?
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Fall between option 2 and 3. The characteristic of the lane should try to be maintained,
therefore asphalt is not an option. There may be other options, for example, what surfaces
are sympathetically used within our National Parks, maintaining the characteristics of the
local area.
They've messed it up, they need to put it back as close to what it was as possible
would it not do even more damage to remove the planings?
I have selected what I consider the most pragmatic option which should also ensure minimal
further damage to cuckoo lane
A little narrower even than 2. 5 m so there is room for planting
On the basis that there is no justification to make any changes in the first place. I would be in
favour of a group volunteering effort to restore or help to restore the bridleway: it would
avoid wasting yet more public money and be a great community boost.
I'm torn between 2 & 3!
3. How can surface be laid all way and sandstone left exposed? 2-2.5 metre width
Anything more than treating the wettest sections is going to spoil the character of the route.
I hesitated between 1 and 2
Improvements in accordance with legistation to protect the environment.
Retention of the Sandstone pavement is paramount.
Would be happy with option 2 if limited by cost.
The planing has to go and the width of the path restored to original to allow flora to restore
on the hedgerows. The pathway will already be damaged under the planing so some form of
more sustainable and suitable surface but narrower but not covering any of the sandstone
sections.
A covering of sand, like sections of the Wirral Way bridlepath would be good for horses &
easier on the eye.
I would prefer the lane to remain natural. There are not many lanes which are so
picturesque as this one and to change it could detract from its beauty.
Return track to former dimensions
No 2 would return it to how it was with just the muddiest bits made easier. It would not be
suitable for road bikes but would be for mountain bikes. If the majority view is for no 3, I
could accept that.
I would have no real objection to the surface being sympathetically improved but I feel that
the "holloway" section of Cuckoo Lane should be left untouched.
Would also be happy with option 2 or even option 1. Ideally would prefer the new surface
not to be laid on sandstone incline which may also make the option easier as some more
natural surfaces may not be great on an incline.
2 and 3 good too
The ends & any "busy" areas to be "improved" more than central linear sections - similar to
the 50 yards car park rule: few people travel more than 50 yards from the car park, then turn
around and come back. Therefore, there may be different "treatments" for different parts,
depending upon usage. What I'm saying is, make the first 50 yards suitable for the busy
usage by majority of users, and leave the less used central bits asis. But nothing that would
make any windfarm more likely, or easier.
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The asphalt planning a are inappropriate, I have some concern when removed as to the
viability of the surface underneath, if no sandstone remains it may require new surface of
sand/grit nature to stabilise the mud but only where strictly necessary as any new surface
changes the Lanes character.
Nothing to add
Any "improvement" work should be limited to the very few boggy bits on the upper stretch
and the width of any artificially surfaced track should be as reasonably narrow as possible.
The grit material used as photographed on Landican Lane looked good and presumably can
be laid in an appropriate shade to match the natural sandstone. Removal of planings is a
must of course but we also need to worry about reestablishing flora.
Why can't it be left as it is. Yes it's a little muddy in places at the moment as its winter. I'm a
walker and a horse rider, nothing wrong with a little mud or uneven surface as we explore
the countryside and take in the beautiful surroundings & wildlife as the seasons change
Question 6: Comments on Question 5 (How you use Cuckoo Lane)
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An unspoilt rural path with wild flora.
This is a bridleway. It was fine for horses but a bit muddy in the winter months for walkers so
really better drainage and a porous covering of, say, wood chips over the existing path but
NOT the sandstone bed would be sufficient. The sandstone should have been left as it was.
ALL planings should certainly be removed from the holloway. Mountain bikers liked it as it
was and only road bikers had a minor problem. I fall into this latter category and was always
quite happy to get off and walk with my bike over the rougher spots.
I use the section from the Wirral Way to the connecting footpath towards Ness coming out
at Mill Lane. It is one of the most attractive walks in this part of Wirral (or used to be before
the insensitive "improvement")
Regularly probably at least once a weekk as part of a circular walk from my home.
Until the works were conducted, I used the lane on a daily basis. This has gone. The surface
is now unsuited to animals and has to be avoided. Likewise, in all seasons, the profusion of
wildflowers, hedgrow plants and birdlife gave the path immense appeal and interest. This
too has gone. The path provided refuge from the minority of 'speed' cyclists who populate
the Wirral Way, allowed dogs to roam off lead without concern and my aged (deaf) mother
and other elderly people, to walk without fear. This too has gone.
Just for walking, enjoying the natural rural surroundings and the sense of history under my
feet.
As a runner, Cuckoo lane was always an enjoyable run (always heading up the hill). Sanitising
it to a planings/ tarmaced surface makes it far less appealing. I also regularly bike up the
sandstone hill, again the differing surfaces are a positive attribute to the route.
I have walked cuckoo lane for over 20 years, with assistance as I am disabled. Whilst it can
become very muddy in places, I do not see the need to upgrade the footpath. If all country
walks were updated in this manner there would be no unspoilt countryside left. Those who
seek an urban look footpath will find roadside pavements will meet their requirements!
It's a travesty what has already occurred - we must ensure no more damage takes place.
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If any surfacing is placed on the top section of the lane it will need to finish, well before the
inclined section or it will simply be washed down the sandstone.
Used as part of leisure walk and dog walking. Muddy parts have put off regular walk.
Cuckoo Lane provides a good riding route for horse riders and a route onto the Wirral Way.
I use it many times each month come rain, Sun, sleet and snow. It Is a unique path in the
Neston area and it still amazes me that this project. Has been foisted onto the community
with virtually zero advanced warning or communication.
I had always felt a connection with the past along the Lane, especially on the sandstone
section.
I use cuckoo lane to ride horses on and to walk with my children on. I have done since I was
a small child myself and love it just the way it is. I do also cycle for fitness and with my
children but would never use cuckoo lane for cycling, there are already so many other
options.
To commune with nature & enjoy the beauty of the area
I liked its character before this irresponsible vandalism.
I don't live in the Neston area, so will only be an occasional user.
Although I have mobility issues I am NOT averse to getting muddy feet when out walking as I
wear appropriate boots/wellies dependent upon weather conditions - Cuckoo Lane has
always got muddy but soon dries out as the bedrock is porous sandstone.
I rode my horse on Cuckoo Lane 2 or 3 times a week right through the winter of 2012/13
without any problem at all. I have so far had 2 near misses on the Wirral way, with Cyclists
riding on the bridleway path, therefore I view this scheme in its present format as an
accident waiting to happen. I believe that whoever has made the decision to carry out this
work has acted outside the law and at present I am with others researching the legality of
what has been done.
Well I havn't been there yet, will try to this weekend.
Cuckoo Lane is about the only local place left to walk in that is natural and peaceful and
without lots of bikes whizzing past every 5 minutes. When you are up there, you could be
miles away from anywhere.
I have walked along it with various dogs for 18 years. I liked it as it was but I know we have
lost that.
I use Cuckoo Lane on an infrequent basis as a dog walker. I normally walk my dogs, off lead,
on the marsh. Sometimes,this isn't practical - weather, sheep grazing etc, or I just fancy a
change- so I go elsewhere. I used to use the path that is now the Burton Marsh Greenway
but now find that impractical due to the danger caused to my dogs, by speeding cyclists. In
addition I'm hard of hearing and am unable to hear cyclists approaching, so I try an get off
the Wirral Way and use some of the pathways that are not so heavily used by cyclists.
Although a leisure cyclist who prefers off road paths, I think the beauty of the sandstone
hollow way lends its self more to walking so it can be appreciated. I don't feel it is a route
that is particularly required for more functional access Wirral way exits at Mellock Lane and
Hadlow Road provide good access to neston, ness and burton.
I admit that like most of the holloways around Neston (and east), I've only used them to see
where they go, and where the other end is, and because I like the solitude (that's the loner
in me !).
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we regularly used cuckoo lane for walking until 5 years ago when are children where born,
unfortunately it was not suitable for a pram so we stopped using it. Improved access would
be a real benefit to families and I think it is important that we encourage families and
children especially, to enjoy the outdoors (healthy lifestyles, learning about the environment
etc) I took my 3 & 5 year old for their first visit to cuckoo lane last Friday and they had a
wonderful time, but a carefully improved new surface would be beneficial to us.
As a link to parts of many local routes.
I use Cuckoo Lane daily
Q.7 Any Other Comments? (Names removed)
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CAWC should be ashamed - it they actually know the meaning of the word, which is unlikely.
This has nothing to do with the democratic wishes of the local population. Rather, it's the
pet project of certain individuals, funded with £30k of other people's (I.e. the public's)
money. Meanwhile, CWaCC is making 400 people redundant. Let's hope they start with the
Highways Dept.
Even if CWAC believe they did not need to consult local interested parties before
undertaking such drastic alteration of the nature of the path, their own "best practice"
should have made them do so, and it is imperative that they learn from this abberation.
I was concerned at the neston town hall meeting about the compromise terms from many
speakers to accommodate all users. Ideally I would like reinstatement as was. I do not see
local beauty spots as a sets to be utilized or capitalized.
While cycling may be a 'green' form of transport and the majority of cyclists are charming, a
proportion are definitely not. We all have tales to tell. Some allowance must be made for
byways which respect nature, history, the wider environment and those with needs other
than to get from A to B with all speed. The value-evidence presented for Cuckoo Lane and
the outrage these works have caused, clearly supports that the Lane warranted all of our
protection.
Whatever the outcome I do hope that the slow pace and peace and quiet of Cuckoo Lane
which has been enjoyed for centuries will not be lost.
It would be good to better understand the overall, holistic objectives from CW&C on the
Cuckoo Lane improvements. What is the thinking on how this links. What other work is going
to be needed and required to make this a viable and used route.
The lane's rugged ambience was what made it charming and a pleasure to use.
I have so much respect for those who have led this campaign and am truly heartened by the
community spirit we have seen. Kind regards
Important that this is retained unspoilt. Appreciate need for accessibility but shouldn't be at
cost of nature..sadly accessibility is not possible to everyone for everything.
Poor community engagement by CW
Even the top section of the lane had exposed sandstone
Pictures show what an aesthetically pleasant lane this can be. Ironic that potential
destruction of natural flora as part of a potential (sterile) route to the Botanic gardens
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Whatever work is done, needs to be as 'natural' as possible, taking into account ALL users of
the path, keeping to the legal definition of a bridleway s328 of the Highways Act 1980,
repeated in s66 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. s30 of the Countryside Act 1968,
gives pedal cyclists the right to use bridleways, so long as they give way to pedestrians and
people on horseback. This does not give the right for highway authorities to improve the
surface for cyclists.
Fully supportive of "the people's protest" and very angry with those in "authority"
responsible for the way they've handled this
Could we have a gate at Gorstons lane end and some signs for dog owners to pick up their
mess
As per my various comments above, I believe that it's the MOTORIST who is key to this. LSFT
monies are NOT provided for the purposes of improving facilities for existing cyclists,
walkers, nor horseriders. They are not for the purpose of safetey improvements, nor to
benefit public health, etc. I suspect that Ness Gardens have been dragged into this
specifically to help try and justify the scheme on the ONLY legitimate grounds - reducing
emissions - ie by claiming that visitors might cycle instead of drive to Ness Gardens. A very
weak case indeed.
Life member of ramblers. Member of Wirral footpaths &OSPS. Former member of pony club.
There are many rights of way needing simple improvements to drainage on which the funds
could be spent rather than the overkill approach that has been started on Cuckoo Lane. The
character of these ancient routeways should be maintained and not "improved" out of
existence.
The cost of re-instatement should if possible fall on anyone who instigated the work and was
acting beyond their powers.
My concern is that Cuckoo Lane is part of the local historic landscape and as such its history,
geodiversity and biodiversity should be protected.
Cuckoo Lane links the Ness and Burton areas with the Wirral way for horse riders. The
destruction of this bridleway and the laying of a surface totally unsuitable for horses means
that riders will need to travel to the entrance at mellock Lane or at The bottom of Neston
High Street. Both routes mean that riders will need to ride along busy roads, bus routes etc.
If the lab test shows the planings are not contaminated with dangerous chemicals they could
be left in the boggy areas and sandstone chippings from a quarry or gritstone eg used to
cover it. The horse-riders need to have the say on surface because of the poor horses
hooves.
Communications between CW&CC and NTC needs to be improved, Cuckoo Lane may have
been saved if the local councillors knew about the planned destruction.
The historic and natural appearance of this lane should be preserved and should be
paramount in any decisions made by CWaC as it is our responsibility to preserve it for
generations to come.
A bridle path surely does not require wheelchair access.
Maybe when the path is reinstated we can have a working party to plant wild flowers in the
borders.
This may come across as being completed by someone who's anti-cyclist. I'm not. I do
however feel that there has been a pro-cycling agenda within the council that has been
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enforced to the detriment of walkers, dog-walkers, horse riders etc and I feel that if the
surface of Cuckoo Lane is changed to the extent that it would attract significantly more
cyclists, then that will lead to a corresponding reduction in the number of other types of
user.
When looking at access for disabled users or use with limited mobility I think the important
thing is what would they be getting access to. The thing of value to access here I think is the
ancient sandstone hollow way and hedge row and if its destroyed you could argue there is
nothing to access as other acceptable through routes are available. I think if disabled access
is a priority the condition of some of the pavements, sloped sections for crossing access and
inconsiderate parking should be tackled in Neston as a priority. This point comes from
personal experience of supporting relatives in wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
I would like to see grass banks returned and reseeded sympathetically.
Just put it back, the way it woz !