Sefton Council has issued a warning to those heading to the borough’s coastline over the Bank Holiday weekend.
The local authority is urging people to plan ahead to avoid queues and disruption as it expects the area to be very busy over the coming days.
There are concerns that Formby’s National Trust sites could become very busy very quickly, with car parks likely to close early in the day.
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The council are asking people to “consider other destinations” such as Southport, Ainsdale and Crosby beaches instead, which are overseen by RNLI lifeguards. Several Merseyrail stations are in walking distance of Sefton’s beaches with Merseyrail having announced an extension of their services from Sunday to include a 15-minute Sunday service between Liverpool Central and Southport.
The council has issued a warning in particular to drivers coming to the coast line to park responsibly and take into account residents living in the area.
2,000 spaces are available at Ainsdale and 400 at Southport, although the beach car park at Southport is currently closed due to poor conditions but is expected to reopen this Saturday.
The beach car park will open between 1-4pm over the Bank Holiday with parking in Southport at £8 a day and parking in Ainsdale at £10 a day. People can also purchase season tickets, with some concession rates for local residents.
There is also a car park at the Esplanade costing £5 all day with Park and Ride bus services available to Southport town centre.
Public toilet facilities are available at Ainsdale, as well as accessible facilities at Crosby Costal Park and Ocean Plaza in Southport.
People are also reminded of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) brought in by Sefton Council last year to protect the borough’s coastal spaces. As part of those rules, BBQ are not permitted on the borough’s coast.
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