Spotlight on West Kirby scheme

Jul 2 2008 By Laura Jones

West Kirby Sail proposal

WEST KIRBY will get a chance to quiz the team behind The Sail in a live web chat hosted by the News.

Carpenter Investments will take part in a live online session on Friday, July 11 which will give the public a chance to pose their questions to a spokesman.

Since the consultation process kicked off on Tuesday, June 24, debate has raged in West Kirby about the proposed hotel, sailing school, spa and shopping development.

A poll carried out by the developers showed initial opinion divided, with 46% of people in favour, 1% undecided and 36% against the proposals.

The three-day exhibition hosted by the developers saw crowds flock to the West Kirby Concourse for their first view of the plans that have got the town talking.

Confusion surrounded the process with many members of the public believing that the developers were seeking planning permission, rather than carrying out a consultation exercise.

Developer Sarah Beer set the record straight: "I am pleased there has been a positive response to the proposals and I would like to emphasise that, at this stage in the consultation exercise, that is all we are presenting- just ‘proposals’ and not final plans.

"We will now go away and consider all the comments."

But it wasn't all plain sailing - feelings ran high, with opponents to the scheme making their views heard at the consultation with a provocative poster.

A spokesman for the scheme said: "The comparison made between the murderous corrupt regime at present in power in Zimbabwe and a public consultation exercise for a new sailing school and hotel in West Kirby was not only over the top but also was offensive and unnecessary."

A publicity campaign is already under way to woo West Kirby, with Hilbre High School children meeting the mayor and a reception for the business community, catered for by celebrity chef Paul Askew.

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