Fears over beauty spot visitor influx

CONCERNS have been raised about the “dangerous” level of visitors to popular beauty spots in West Lancashire.

Reports of large crowds of people visiting Fairy Glen and Parbold Hill came in after cars packed the lay-bys near their entrances over the weekend.

The influx of visitors came as temperatures soared to the mid 20s in the North West

One resident alerted West Lancashire Borough Council to the matter on social media, writing: “As a resident of Appley Bridge I would just like to say the amount of visitors to Fairy Glen, Parbold hill, is at dangerous levels.

“There were over 50 cars illegally parked on Saturday, August 8, and the small lay-by was dangerously over parked with cars blocking.”

Fairy Glen has already seen a number of similar issues following the easing of lockdown restrictions and was previously closed by the council back in May due to an “unprecedented and unsafe volume of visitors”.

Bosses said the decision was made in consultation with Lancashire Constabulary to protect public health, with large numbers of visitors and cars reported at the walking destination.

Residents and councillors have also previously reported parking issues to Lancashire County Council following the influx of visitors.

One concerned member of the public shared a response from County Cllr Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport at the end of July, saying that a number of actions may be taken to prevent further problems.

The letter says that the council is discussing reducing the speed limit on the A5209 near Fairy Glen, a 40mph zone.

Discussions are also under way to implement “formal parking controls” and making the area a clearway - meaning that motorists would not be allowed to stop in certain sections of the road.

The borough council did not respond for comment but advice on its website warns of the difficulties social distancing at the attraction.

It states: “Please be respectful of others and follow social distancing guidelines.

“The nature of the site can make this difficult at times, especially when busy, so please be prepared to turn round and leave if social distancing is not possible.

“Due to the limited space within Fairy Glen please think of others and limit the length of your visit to allow others to enjoy the site safely.”