Silverdale brings in temporary parking measures over Bank Holiday weekend after 'major problems' last year

Last year Silverdale experienced major problems due to unusually high numbers of people visiting by car on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Inconsiderate parking caused acute problems for residents, bus services and emergency vehicles attending incidents.

Huge amounts of rubbish, human and dog waste were also left behind, which overwhelmed normal waste collections.

This Easter the Parish Council will place parking cones in identified problem areas to prevent poor and obstructive parking causing access issues for residents and emergency vehicles.

Signs will also be placed for the limited extra car parking available at St John’s Silverdale Primary School, Bleasdale School and the Silver Sapling Campsite to alleviate the pressure on car parks at Eaves Wood and within the village.

The temporary measures are due to be introduced as a result of collaboration between Silverdale Parish Council, Lancashire County Council, and Lancashire Constabulary.

Lancashire County Councillor Phillippa Williamson who represents Silverdale: "Silverdale village welcomes visitors and we want people to enjoy the time they spend here.

"But we learnt last year that it is becoming difficult to safely accommodate the increasing numbers of visitors, especially on Bank Holiday weekends.

"Most visitors are responsible people who park with consideration, but, regrettably, there are others whose parking has caused severe issues for residents, bus services and

emergency services.

"As a result, following discussions between Silverdale Parish Council, Lancashire Council, and Lancashire Constabulary, we'll be using cones to limit on-street parking in some places, and thanks to St John's Silverdale Primary School, Bleasdale School and the Girlguiding campsite at Silver Sapling, we'll be providing some extra off-street parking to provide some extra capacity.

"We're also asking anyone planning to visit Silverdale to observe the Countryside Code and respect the local environment.

"It's understandable that people want to come and enjoy places such as Silverdale which are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but we also need everyone to

think about others to preserve this special environment."

Silverdale Parish Council, Lancashire County Council, and Lancashire Constabulary is offering the following advice to anyone planning on visiting the area.

Think about how you park – please don’t obstruct pavements and dropped kerbs, pathways, driveways or gates, or park on verges or blind bends.

Make sure you leave enough room for a large vehicle such as a bus or fire engine to pass, and consider the need for people to socially distance.

If parking on The Shore, be aware of tide timetables. See HERE.Drive safely - many roads in Silverdale do not have pavements, forcing people to walk at the side of the road. Observe the 20mph speed limit, drive carefully, and give consideration for people using prams and wheelchairs.

Take your litter home – Many beauty spots, including Silverdale, were overwhelmed last year with mounds of litter and human waste, even though Public Toilets are available in the village.

If you are going out for the day, take spare bags for litter, wipes, and waste - and take it home.

Don't be a risk to others - The shifting sands of Morecambe Bay are dangerous. Emergency services were called out many times last year to rescue people stranded by the fast-incoming tide or stuck in mud and sinking sand. If you ignore the dangers, you put your life and other lives at risk.

Follow the Countryside Code –

 Respect other people

 Leave gates and property as you find them

 Follow paths but give way to others where it’s narrow

 Protect the natural environment

 Leave no trace of your visit, take all your litter home

 Don’t have BBQs or fires

 Keep dogs under effective control

 Dog poo - bag it and bin it

 Enjoy the outdoors

 Plan ahead, check what facilities are open, be prepared

 Follow advice and local signs and obey social distancing measures