Energy firm hits back over car park plans
4:06pm Wednesday 8th October 2008 in News
THE energy company behind plans to create a pay and display car park at a local beauty spot has defended the move.
United Utilities unveiled proposals for Lever Park at Rivington earlier this year, sparking concern among local residents and visitors.
An action group has been set up — the Friends of Lever Park — to lobby against the plans.
Members fear a pay and display car park would close early and discourage people from using the area.
They also claim the proposals contravene the 1902 Liverpool Corporation Act, in which Lord Leverhulme gave the park “for free and uninterrupted use”.
But United Utilities, who are the landowners, say times have changed.
A spokesman said: “Visitor numbers to Lever Park and the wider Rivington estate have increased greatly over the decades since Lord Leverhulme bequeathed the land for water supplies and the enjoyment of the public.
“United Utilities remains committed to maintaining the estate for public access while protecting water supplies and the environment.
“The world is now a different place to the one Lord Leverhulme knew when the Liverpool Water Act was drawn up.
“He could not have imagined the numbers of cars that visit the estate every year and it is our job to manage the impact they have.
“We are still in the process of considering our car parking plans, but whether charges were implemented or not, we have no plans to change the current car park closing hours unless anti-social behaviour requires it.
“We believe our proposals for the estate balance the objectives of protecting water quality and the environment, while providing an amenity for people of all ages to enjoy, including the new generation of visitors to the outdoors.”
The Friends of Lever Park remain convinced, however, that opening times will be affected and the charges are a foregone conclusion.
Group chairman Robert Dootson said: “We are standing by the 1902 Act. It is written in Parliament and that is that."
