Bold Forest Park Area Action Plan

Supporting Technical Document Part of the Evidence Base for Bold Forest Park Area Action Plan Contents Part 1: Area Profile

Section Page 1 General Information Location 1 Ownership of Key 2 Sites 3 2 Planning Context National 4 Regional 5 Local 6 3 Environmental Character Geology 7 Landscape 8 Hydrology 9 Biodiversity 10 Heritage 11 Background Noise Levels 12 4 Socio-Economic Profile Population 13 Areas of Deprivation 14 Health 15 Educational attainment 16 5 Accessibility Car and Rail Transport 17 Access by Bus 18 Walking access 19 6 Forest Park Economy Main Land Uses 20 Overview of the Forest Park Economy 21 Key Sectors 22 7 Current Infrastructure Overview of Current Infrastructure 23 Part 2: Key Issues

Section Page 1 Developing the Forest Park Economy 1 2 Meeting the strategic needs of the 2 Borough and Sub-region 3 Meeting the needs of the local 3 Community 4 Safeguarding the Environment 4 5 Developing the Infrastructure 5 6 Implementation 6

Contents Part 1: Area Profile

Section 1 General Information

1.1 Location: Bold Forest Park is located on the southern edge of the town’s core. Straddling the M62 Motorway between Junctions 7 and 8, the Forest Park covers an area of 6.9 square miles (1,808 hectares) of mainly agricultural land with a number of large community woodland sites inset into it.

Figure 1 Location

1 1.2 Parishes and Wards: Whilst the majority of the Forest Park is in the Bold Ward, the boundary also includes relatively small areas of Rainhill and Parr Wards. Surrounding the Forest Park are a number of Wards such as Thatto Heath, Sutton and Parr with the Town Centre Ward in Close proximity. On the eastern side the park abuts the Parishes of Burtonwood and Westbrook, Great Sankey and Penketh in Warrington Borough. In the south Cuerdley Parish, Cronton Parish and the un-parished areas of Halton Borough sit on the Forest Boundary. Rainhilll Parish sits to the west side.

Figure 2: Parish and wards in and around Bold Forest Park

Part 1: Area Profile 2 1.3 Landownership of within the Forest Park Landownership is a key issue affecting the deliverability of the Forest Park. Most of the key recreation sites within the Forest Park are in the public sector with the Forestry Commission being the largest landowner, having invested in 152 hectares of land at Sutton Manor, Wheatacre, Maypole Farms and Brickfields. St.Helens Council owns Colliers Moss Common (South), Clockface Country Park and King George V Playing Fields, a total of 85.5 hectares and also leases Miners Way to Bold Parish Council. The 18.4ha Lord St.Helens landfill site, part of the Brickfields complex, is owned by Cory Environmental, but being developed as open space accessible to the public. Mersey Valley Golf and Country Club is an important recreational resource which also private sector run which welcomes visitors. The northern section of Colliers Moss Common is in the portfolio of the Duchy of Lancaster, as owner of last resort, following the original owner, Groundwork St.Helens going into liquidation. Whilst the site remains accessible to the public, no investment into managing the site will occur whilst it remains in Duchy ownership.

Figure 3: Ownership of Key Sites

3 Section 2 Planning Context

2.1 National 2.1.1 At the heart of the National Planning Policy Framework is a presumption in favour of sustainable development, which should be seen as a golden thread running through both plan making and decision taking. This means that the planning system must play a positive role in supporting a strong competitive economy, healthy and vibrant communities and protecting and enhancing the natural and historic environment including the move towards a low carbon economy. The NPPF seeks to promote a strong rural economy through the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas (Paragraph 28). 2.1.2 The NPPF supports “sustainable rural tourism and leisure developments that benefit businesses in rural areas, communities and visitors, and which respect the character of the countryside”. This includes the expansion of tourist and visitor facilities in appropriate locations and the development and diversification of farm and other rural land based businesses. (Paragraph 28) 2.1.3 The NPPF recognises that protection and enhancement of the natural environment is an essential part of sustainable development and seeks to safeguard and enhance landscape and important habitats and species, through the development of ecological networks, designed to reduce fragmentation (Paragraph 109). 2.1.4 The NPPF lays great weight on the importance of the Green Belt and its essential characteristics of permanence and openness.(Paragraph 79) New building within Green Belt is deemed inappropriate development except for: • Buildings for agriculture and forestry, • Provision of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation and for cemeteries, as long as it preserves the openness of the Green Belt and does not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. • Limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed sites (brownfield land), whether redundant or in continuing use (excluding temporary buildings), which would have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt. (Paragraph 89)

Part 1: Area Profile 4 2.1.5 The NPPF states that “local planning authorities should plan positively to enhance the beneficial use of the Green Belt, such as looking for opportunities to provide access, to provide opportunities for outdoor sport and recreation; to retain and enhance landscapes, visual amenity and biodiversity; or to improve damaged land”. (Paragraph 81) 2.1.6 The NPPF also identifies Community Forests as offering valuable opportunities for improving the environmental around towns and states, “an approved Community Forest plan may be a material consideration in deciding planning applications. (Paragraph 92) Bold Forest Park is set within the Mersey Forest, one of three Community Forests within the North West. The Government’s Rural Statement 2012 reflects the its vision of successful rural businesses and thriving rural communities in a “ living, working countryside”, based around three priorities: • Economic growth • Rural Engagement • Quality of Life 2.2 Regional 2.2.1 Sub-regionally, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Liverpool City Region recognises the visitor economy as a key growth sector in its Economic Strategy. The Visitor Economy Strategy identifies The Dream as a key gateway to the City Region and recognises that public art works are a strong draw for visitors. Visitor numbers for Dream in 2012 were 95,289. Developing the Forest Park around Dream will help to increase the attraction and make an even stronger contribution to the City Region economy. A second priority is the Low Carbon Economy within which opportunities for rural diversification and job creation may lie. Bold Forest Park could be a flagship for development of the wood fuel and timber industry, which can help to shape and manage the Forest. 2.2.2 St.Helens Council is one of seven Local Authority partners forming the Mersey Forest partnership. The Mersey Forest Delivery Plan 2009-16 identifies the development of Forest Parks as a way of delivering its organisational goals of: • Working in Partnership • Transforming Landscapes • Delivering sustainable economic benefits • Engaging with people 2.2.3. The Mersey Forest Plan cites Bold Forest Park as a Case Study of partnership working and in Policy 11. The Economy and Tourism: the plan states ” We will ensure that new planting and woodland management makes a significant contribution to strengthening the economy through: creating attractive settings for housing and business; enhancing transport corridors and gateways; enhancing tourist settings and creating new visitor attractions such as the Forest Parks; facilitating landscape enhancement as part of economic development initiatives”. The NPPF states “An approved Community Forest plan may be a material consideration in preparing development plans”

5 2.2.4 Nature at Work –the Liverpool City Region and Warrington Green Infrastructure Plan (2012) produced by The Mersey Forest indicates the important role the development of Bold Forest Park can play in improving the social, economic and environmental well being of St.Helens and the City region. 2.2.5 The Natural Economy Health Consortium, part of the North West Investment Forum is a social enterprise, which offers health commissioners a range of evidence-based natural environment focussed products to help tackle a range of wellbeing businesses. 2.2.6 Envisaged to run from 2008- 2016 but cancelled by the current government, Growth Point was a strategic initiative pursued by the previous government to achieve the delivery of 240,000 homes per year by 2016. Bold Forest Park was seen as part of the essential green infrastructure required to meet needs of the communities of the proposed new housing in the Mid-Mersey Growth Point, which covered the Boroughs of Halton, Warrington and St.Helens. Whilst the Growth Point project has been cancelled, a large proportion of the housing is still programmed to be built and the importance of the Forest Park, for accessible and sustainable Green Infrastructure, remains. 2.2.7 The Atlantic Gateway project is a major regional regeneration project which places great importance on the need for environmental improvement and development to be progressed positively together to maximise investment opportunities, create jobs and improve local environments. The Forest Park serves a similar function and lies within the Atlantic Gateway area.

(1 Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Strategy to 2020 Visit Liverpool 2009

Part 1: Area Profile 6 2.3 Local 2.3.1 St.Helens Plan 2012-2015 which forms the Sustainable Community Strategy and the Council’s Corporate Plan, has the aim of continuing to transform St.Helens, making it a cleaner, greener, more accessible place for this and future generations. A key focus will be to promote the sustainable development of the Borough through delivery of the Local Plan Core Strategy, Development Plans and Area Action Plans. 2.3.2 The St.Helens Core Strategy (October 2012) identifies Bold Forest Park as a Green Infrastructure priority and as a subject for an Area Action Plan. The vast majority of the Forest Park is within the Green Belt and is therefore, subject to National Green Belt Planning Policy. Opportunities for rural diversification will be encouraged where adequate access can be achieved and there is no significant impact on the character of the area. 2.3.3 The St.Helens Unitary Development Plan (1998) states “the protection and enhancement of the environment is viewed by the Council an essential component of its economic policies to attract new investment and to create an attractive living environment for its residents”. The core area of the Council’s land reclamation programme, Wasteland to Woodland encompassed much of the Forest Park area and was effectively the initial phase of the evolution of Bold Forest Park from a collection of derelict brownfield sites to the envisaged outdoor leisure destination. 2.3.4 Policy CH1Meeting St.Helens Housing Requirement identifies a net housing requirement of 13,680 dwellings between 2003 and 2027 and the potential need for release of Green Belt land as one of a number of ways to meet the housing land requirement. Neighbouring Authorities of Warrington and Halton have target figures of 10,500 (2006-2027) and 9,930 (2010-2028) respectively. As well as the potential for sites for residential development being allocated within Bold Forest Park via the Allocations Planning process, the Forest Park will have a significant role in meeting the need for recreational greenspace. 2.3.5 A key aim in the St.Helens City Growth Strategy (2008-2018) is to achieve a physical transformation with an overall objective to “create a high-quality physical environment for residents, businesses and visitors”. Bold Forest Park is one of 5 key projects within this theme. 2.3.6 The Town in the Forest Strategy sets out a vision for an improved woodland setting for St.Helens, which will enhance the town’s image and help to secure inward investment.

7 Part 1: Area Profile 8 Section 3 Environmental Characteristics

3.1 Geology The solid geology of the north of the Bold Forest park area is Carboniferous Rock, known as the Coal Measures, lain down in the Palaeozoic Period between 318 and 303 million years ago. There are two areas as being within the surface coal resource by the Coal Authority Permian and Triassic undifferentiated New Red Sandstone underlie the landscape to the south of the area. This is overlain by boulder clay and podzolic soils. Figure 4: Areas within the surface Coal Resource

9 3.2 Landscape A high quality landscape is an essential backdrop to the success of the Forest Park as a visitor attraction. At present the area is dominated by the reclaimed spoil mounds of Sutton Manor, Clockface and Bold and presents an immature woodland character. The dynamic nature of landscape change needs to be recognised and nurtured during the process of developing the Forest Park, Nationally Bold Forest Park falls into two National Character Areas – NCA 59 Lancashire Coal Measures and NCA 60 Mersey Valley identified by Natural England. Figure 5 National Landscape Character Areas

NCA 59 Lancashire Coal Measures

NCA 60 Mersey Valley

Part 1: Area Profile 10 NCA 56 Lancashire Coal Measures Opportunities Key Characteristics SEO 1: Safeguard, manage and expand the mosaic of wetland habitats, Fragmented landscape created by complex including lowland raised bogs, pattern of mining and industrial activity intermixed reedbeds, wet pastures, watercourses, with housing; this is a densely populated area subsidence flashes and ponds – to with a scattered settlement pattern. protect and enhance their ecological Gentle hills and valleys run form the north-west value, to increase their contribution to to the southeast, creating a soft but varied the landscape, to manage flood risk, to topography. improve water quality, and to increase The area is underlain by Coal Measures, the resilience to climate change of which area buried under patchy layer of glacial these habitats and associated species. deposits, subsequently affected by a long history SEO 2: Conserve and manage the of mineral working. Lancashire Coal Measures’ geological Woodland cover is limited across most of the features and historic environment, to area (covering 9%) except to the north-west safeguard the strong cultural identity of Wigan. Community woodlands have been and mining heritage of the area, with established on many post-industrial sites, and its distinctive sense of place and bring multiple benefits, including public access history. Engage local communities and natural conservation. with their past through the restoration and enhancement of key features and Some large tracts and isolated pockets of sites, and by improving understanding, agricultural land remain within the urban fabric interpretation and access. , principally used for permanent grasslands or cereal production, although horse grazing and SEO 3: Manage and support the stabling are also common. agricultural landscape through conserving, enhancing, linking and Field patterns are predominantly medium to large expanding the habitat network and rectangular, mostly resulting form 18-century (including grasslands, woodlands, and later change, with field boundaries defined ponds, hedges and field margins) – to by poorly managed hedges or post-and-wire increase connectivity and resilience fencing. to climate change, and reduce soil Wide-spread ground subsidence, caused by coal erosion and diffuse pollution, while mining activities has resulted in the formation conserving the qualities of the farmed of Subsidence flashes. These have created landscape and improving opportunities many areas of open water and wetlands, while for enjoyment of the open countryside. scattered ponds and fragmented pockets of SEO 4: Expand and link green semi-natural habitat remain elsewhere. infrastructure through restoring and The area has an increasingly recognised strong enhancing post-industrial sites and cultural and industrial heritage, associated with creating new habitat mosaics that raise heavy industry and mineral extraction-particularly the overall quality, design and location south of Wigan –while the majority of pits, spoil of new development, bringing multiple heaps and open cast sties have now been environmental benefits including reclaimed and landscaped. functioning networks for wildlife and access and recreational amenities for The area is significantly influenced by transport people to enjoy. and utilities infrastructure, with motorways, major roads and rail lines criss-crossing the landscape.

11 NCA 60 Mersey Valley Key Characteristics A very distinct river valley landscape focusing on the Mersey, its estuary and associated tributaries and waterways, although the Mersey itself is often obscured. A range of landscape types, including salt marshes around the estuary, remnants of semi-natural mosslands and pockets of basin peats towards Manchester, with the broad river valley in between. Broad linear valley with large scale, open predominantly flat farmland supporting substantial bands of mixed agriculture. Trees and woodland is scarce and are mainly associates with settlements. Field pattern is regular and large-scale, often defined by degraded hedgerows. Large-scale highly visible industrial development, particularly at the river crossings of Runcorn, Widnes and Warrington. The valley has a dense communication network with motorways, roads, railways, and canals producing a large number of bridge crossings. Power lines are also prominent along this corridor. Distinctive cultural landscape with major towns of Runcorn, Warrington and Widnes having much in common in relation to past and existing development pressures. Key Landscape issues – The Changing Countryside The industrialised nature of much of the area has resulted in ongoing pressure for the encroachment of industry into adjacent countryside, particularly at Runcorn. Changes, which have been evident, include degradation of farmland around existing industrial development. There has been pressure for expansion of housing land particularly southeast of Merseyside. The high density of urban areas has produced requirement for landfill space. A number of unsympathetic landfill developments (eg Butchersfield) appear prominent in the landscape. The extraction of peat and ongoing land reclamation continue to erode the character of peatlands and mosslands Key Management Issues Vacant land within existing industrial areas has potential for development or more intensive use. Landfill schemes should be planned and designed to fit in with the valley landscape The management of over-mature hedgerows and the need for woodland planting should be addressed. The conservation and management of mossland areas are particularly important to the east of the area.

Part 1: Area Profile 12 The North West Landscape Character Framework developed by Natural England and the North West Landscape Partnership aims to: • Map and describe our diverse landscapes at a regional scale, seamlessly from upland to city centre to sea • Develop the idea of landscape as a’ framework’ to help joined-up thinking about the environment we all share, leading to better management • Be a focus for promoting the principles of the European Landscape Convention in the North West. The Framework gives the following description of Lancashire Coal Measures Regional Character Area: “Past and present industrial activity and past coal mining activities give the landscape and towns in this character area a strong cultural identity. Topographically, it comprises a distinctive pattern of north west/south east orientated ridges. Farmland has a weak vegetation structure and much of the area has been settled and developed.” The Framework gives the following description of Mersey Valley Regional Character Area: “This area comprises the broad and distinctive river valley of the River Mersey and its tributaries. It includes open, flat, large scale farmland, some derived from improved/ drained mossland, which supports mixed agriculture with little woodland cover. Major communications routes, prominent industrial infrastructure-chemical industries and the Fiddlers Ferry power station and the towns of Runcorn, Warrington, Halton and Widnes are defining elements.” In 2006 Land Use Consultants undertook a landscape character assessment of St.Helens Borough, which provides guidance on landscape character and provides broad strategies for its protection and enhancement. The assessment identifies 12 separate character areas within the Forest Park. For each character areas the study details the following: • Landscape Sensitivity • Visual Sensitivity • Landscape Strategy • Woodland Strategy • Development Potential

13 Part 1: Area Profile 14 Landscape Character Area Landscape Sensitivity Visual Sensitivity

RSH 3 Sutton Moss Medium Medium / High

FFI Sutton Fringe Low Low / Medium

FF3 Clockface Farming Medium Medium

RFS4 Sutton Low/ Medium Medium

RSH 4 Lea Green Low Medium / High

RSH1 Sutton Manor Medium Medium/ High

FF4 Bold Heath Low /Medium Medium

WFE 4 Bold Hall Medium / High Medium

UIV 2 Sutton Brook Low Low/ Medium

RSH2 Clockface Medium Medium/ High

RFS3 Derbyshire Hill/ Parr Low / Medium Medium / High

FF2 Sutton Manor Low / Medium Medium / High

15 Landscape Strategy Woodland Strategy Development Potential

Conserve/Enhance Maintain No Development

Restore/Enhance Expand No Development

Conserve/Enhance Expand Small Scale Development

Strengthen/Enhance Maintain Re-development

Creation Expand No Development

Restore/Enhance Maintain No Development

Restore/Enhance Expand Small Scale Development

Conserve/Enhance Maintain Small Scale Development

Creation Creation Re- development

Conserve Maintain No Development

Strengthen/Enhance Maintain Re-development

Restore/enhance Expand No Development

Part 1: Area Profile 16 Landscape sensitivity is the overall classification of the inherent sensitivity of the landscape resource in terms of landscape character as a whole, and the individual elements that contribute to character –considering the robustness of the landscape and the extent to which it can accommodate change without adverse impacts on the character. Evaluation of landscape sensitivity considers: • Strength of typical character- the individual elements that contribute to character, their significance and vulnerability to change. • Condition /intactness – the overall quality and condition of the landscape in terms of its intactness, representation of typical character and condition or state of repair of individual elements contributing to character • Aesthetic Character –landscape experience discussing interplay of attributes such as the level of enclosure, diversity, colour, form, line, pattern and texture of the landscape

Figure 6 Landscape Sensitivity

17 Visual Sensitivity is the overall classification of the inherent sensitivity of the visual resource, which considers: • General visibility- primarily a function of landform and presence of potentially screening land cover, especially trees and woodland, • Population – the number and types of people who are likely to perceive the landscape and any changes occurring within it, • Mitigation potential –the potential scope to mitigate the visual effects of any change that might take place, using appropriate methods.

Figure 7 Visual Sensitivity

Part 1: Area Profile 18 Landscape Strategy objectives are determined by the combined assessment of both character and landscape condition. Figure 7 Visual Sensitivity

19 Judgement about the potential to accommodate development is based on the assessments landscape criteria of landscape sensitivity, visual sensitivity and aspects of urban edge analysis. Figure 8 Landscape Strategy

Part 1: Area Profile 20 The Town in the Forest Strategic Vision Document (Gillespies 2006) estimates woodland cover in the Forest Park area to be around 10% (approx 96hectares) and proposes an increase to 27% (262 hectares). The strategy highlights the need for greater woodland integration to create a unified woodland structure. The Landscape Character Assessment includes a Woodland Strategy based on judgments relating to the future management of the woodland resource appropriate for each area set within the context of the wider landscape character. Woodland Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are placed on 24 woodlands and copses with a further 4 individual orders. TPOs provide an important tool in the maintenance of the tree cover within the Forest Park. A review of the TPOs in the Forest park may be appropriate as many orders were made a significant time ago.

Figure 9 Potential for Development

20 Figure 10 Woodland Strategy

Figure 11 Tree Preservation Orders

Part 1: Area Profile 21 3.1 Hydrology Pendlebury Brook and Union Bank / Whittle Brook are the largest running water habitats within a network of field ditches and associated wetlands. Pendlebury Brook runs into the Forest Park in the north east of the park area and feeds Sutton Mill Dam, eventually discharging into Sankey Brook. Union Bank Brook flows west to east from the Sutton Manor area across the Forest Park south of the M62, feeding Whittle Brook, eventually discharging into the River Mersey at Penketh.

Figure 12 Hydrology

21 Ponds are extremely numerous and wide spread throughout the Forest Park area and represent a major habitat resource and form part of the landscape character of the area.

Flood Risk Technical guidance published to support the National Planning Policy Framework sets out types of development correlated to flood risk. St.Helens Strategic Flood risk Assessment identifies where the zones of flood risk with Zone 1 being of lowest risk (less than 1in 1000 annual probability of flooding) and Zone 3a being of highest risk ( 1 in 100 or greater probability of flooding)

Figure 13 Flood Risk Zones

Part 1: Area Profile 22 Flood risk Essential Water Highly More Less Vulnerability Infrastruc- compatible vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Classification ture

Zone 1 (Low √ √ √ √ √ Probability)

Zone 2 (Medium √ √ Exception √ √ Probability) test required

Zone 3a (High Exception √ x Exception √ Probability) test test required required

Zone 3b Exception √ x x x Functional test floodplain required

√ Development is appropriate x Development should not be permitted

3.4 Biodiversity Protection and enhancement of biodiversity in the Forest Park development is a key ingredient of sustainable development and is also an aspiration of the community. Extensive semi-natural vegetation is generally confined to the open space areas of Colliers Moss Common, Wheatacre Woodland, Brickfields, Sutton Manor and Maypole Wood and Clockface Country Park. As with the landscape, the wildlife habitats are relatively immature with young plantation and semi-improved grassland being the most common on the former Brownfield sites. The dynamic nature of ecological succession must be embraced within biodiversity conservation within the park planning and management. Habitats will develop and the relative importance of some areas is likely to change with some areas reaching the threshold for designation as Local Wildlife Site or even Local Nature Reserve. Habitats in the farmland are generally confined to small woodlands and hedgerows with occasional areas of rough grassland. However, a suit of conservation target species such as Skylark and Grey Partridge rely on the cultivated land to as a key requirement of their habitat. Farming practice has a major bearing on the success of these species. • Designated Sites of International or National Importance There are no international or nationally designated sites within the Forest Park. • Locally Important Sites

23 Figure 14 Local Wildlife Sites

Part 1: Area Profile 24 There are 6 sites designated as Local Wildlife Sites within the Forest Park • Colliers Moss Common Local Nature Reserve (1) • Field North Of Gorsey Lane (2) • Old Mineral Line, Lea Green (3) • Dog Kennel Plantation (4) • Booths Wood (5) • Mersey Valley Golf Course (6) • Local Nature Reserves Colliers Moss Common (North) is designated as a Local Nature Reserve under the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act 1949. (ii) Priority Habitats in the Forest Park The Citations for each site area included in Appendix 1 and set out the relevant conservation features for which each site is designated. (ii) Priority Habitats within Bold Forest Park

Habitat Locations

Broadleaf Woodland Across farmland-often remnant estate landscape, Newer planting on reclaimed colliery sites and some farmland by Forestry Commission.

Raised Mire Colliers Moss Common (N)

Lowland Heath Colliers Moss Common (N)

Reedbed Colliers Moss Common (N), Sutton Manor

Hedgerow / Field Margin Farmland

Ponds Scattered across the area

25 3.5 Heritage Bold Parish has a long and rich history with Bold Hall Estate dating from the mediaeval period with remnants of the 7000acre estate still traceable in the landscape today. Whilst coal mining had been recorded as early as 1570 in the area, the late 19th century saw the sinking of a number of major collieries including Bold Colliery in 1896, Clockface in1890 and Sutton Manor in1910. The latter was the closed in 1991. To commemorate the mining industry and Sutton Manor in particular, collaboration between a group of miners and sculptor Jaume Plensa resulted in the construction of Dream, a 20m high head seemingly in a dream-like state resting on a dais based on the “tally” each miner carried. There are a number of notable heritage sites within the Forest Park area.

Scheduled Monuments and Listed Buildings

Site Site Site Site Moat House Farm Moated site Scheduled Ancient 1 Monument

Former Old Bold Walled garden Grade 2 listed 2 Hall building

Bold Hall Farmhouse Grade 2 listed 3 building

Old Bold Hall Moated site & Scheduled Ancient 4 Bridge, Gate Piers Monument, Grade 2 listed building

Former Bold Old Former stables Grade 2 listed 5 Hall building

Wood House Farm Farm House Grade 2 listed 6 House building

E. of South Lane Heavy Anti-Aircraft Scheduled Ancient 7 Farm ,South Lane Battery Monument

Part 1: Area Profile 26 Figure 15 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Listed Buildings

27 The National Heritage List for England identifies 11 sites of archaeological interest within the Bold Forest Park.

Plan Ref number Description 1 Post medieval colliery 1876-1900 2 WW2 Searchlight Battery 1940-1945 3 Medieval deserted settlement /Post Medieval deserted settlement 1540 -1901 4 WW2 bombing decoy 5 20thC. Boiler House 1906-1910/ 20thC. Colliery 1906 1910 20th C. Exhauster House 1906-1910 20thC. Mine shaft 1906-1910 20thC. Steam Engine House 1906-1910 20thC. Winder House 1906-1910 6 Post-medieval farmhouse 1664/ post – medieval farmhouse 1707 7 Medieval Manor House/ post medieval manor house 1540-1907 8 Medieval moat 9 Medieval cross / medieval pound/ Post medieval cross 1870 10 Medieval fishpond /Medieval moat 11 Mid 20thC. Prisoner of war camp 1945-1948 WW2 Command Post 1939-45 WW2 Gun Emplacement 1939-45 WW2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery 1939-45 WW2 Pow camp 1939-45

Part 1: Area Profile 28 Figure 16 Sites of Heritage Value

29 3.6 Background Noise levels The high background noise level is a major environmental detractor for both residents around the area and potential visitors to the Forest Park.

Figure 17 Noise Transect Survey

A transect survey with a 100m sampling frequency, undertaken along 5.5 km of the Forest Park from South Lane to Reginald Road, indicates that typical decibel levels are between 70 and 80 dB with clear peaks of over 90dB at the M62 motorway and main roads such as the A57 Warrington Road.

Part 1: Area Profile 30 In comparison, typical background noise levels range from 18dBLA90 in remote rural areas to 30-40 dBLA90 in quiet suburbs and 50-60 dBLA90 in busy urban areas (www.noisenet.org).

Figure 18: Noise transect results

31 Section 4 Socio-economic Profile

4.1 Population Population figures indicate that around 25% of the population of St.Helens, which is estimated at 175,300( 2011 census) , live in the wards, which make up and surround the Forest Park.

Parish / Ward Population Bold 9,968 Parr 12,335 Sutton 12,008 Rainhill 11,394

* Source: St.Helens Analysis and Research Exchange (2001 census)

The 2007 St.Helens Joint Needs Assessment undertaken by St.Helens Council in conjunction with Halton And St.Helens NHS, sets out key issues relating to the health and wellbeing of the community of St.Helens. These include Worklessness, educational attainment and physical activity levels. These issues are set against a backdrop of areas of high levels of deprivation.

Part 1: Area Profile 32 Figure 19 Relationship Between Bold Forest Park and Ares of Deprivation

33 4.2 Areas of Deprivation There are significant areas with high levels of deprivation in and surrounding the Forest Park (Figure 17) . Within 1mile of the Forest Park, the Wards of Parr, Town Centre and Thatto Heath contain some of the most deprived areas in the country.

4.3 Worklessness Current Office of National Statistics data shows that 9.3% of 16-24 year olds are claiming unemployment benefits whilst 5% of the working age population are claiming Job Seekers Allowance. The Joint Needs Assessment identifies high levels of unemployment are particular challenges in the Town Centre, Parr, Thatto Heath and Four Acre areas. The 2001 census indicated that all wards are above the overall rate of unemployment for St Helens of 4.15% and Parr was significantly higher at 7.19%.

St Helens Bold Parr Thatto Heath Sutton

4.15 4.96 7.19 4.96 4.55

*Source St Helens Analysis and Research Exchange

4.4 Health Promoting physical activity is seen as a key measure in combating obesity and diabetes. Being active reduces the risk of health problems for all ages, improves well-being and offers opportunities for social interaction. The St Helens Health Improvement Team introduced a highly successful programme of health walks in 2001 and has, over the intervening decade, often utilised areas within the Forest Park such as Colliers Moss Common and Sutton Manor. The programme runs up to 60 events per month and engages with up to 220 people per year.

Part 1: Area Profile 34 4.5 Educational Attainment Against an improving picture, the Office of National Statistics data shows that in 201011.47% of working age adults have no educational qualifications. There is a higher likelihood of people of low educational attainment becoming NEET (not in Employment, Education or Training). 35.36% of the working population of St Helens as a whole hold no qualifications. Figures for Parr Ward (53.33%), Bold Ward (42.05%) and the Town Centre Ward (42.21%) show significantly lower educational attainment than the average for the Borough. School education / field studies in St Helens could be effectively served by the Forest Park for a wide range of curriculum-based activities. Whilst there are no schools within the Forest Park, there are 10 Primary Schools and 2 secondary schools within 1 mile of the main green space areas. Another 24 primary schools, 3 secondary schools and 4 Further Education establishments lie within a 2-mile catchment whilst a further 17 primary and 4 secondary schools are situated with in a 5-mile catchment (Figure 18).

Figure 20 Schools in Relation to Bold Forest Park

35 Section 5 Accessibility The main focus of the Forest Park is the areas of open space shown in Figure ?, which provide the driver for both visitor and community recreation. These are situated in the north of the forest park area adjacent to the residential areas of Parr, Derbyshire Hill Sutton Manor and Clockface. A moderate network of Public Rights of Way (PRoWs) supports some linkages between the open space sites. The proximity of these sites to the housing area affords easy access for the community for recreation. Figure 21 Open Space and Public Rights of Way

South of the M62 the land is open agricultural land with a small number of PRoWs allowing limited walking access around the area.

Part 1: Area Profile 36 5.1 Car and Rail Access to the Forest Park The Forest Park straddles the M62 motorway between Junctions 7 and 8 giving exceptional accessibility for visitors travelling by car to the Forest Park locality. A number of local roads provide vehicular access for car from the south-east (Great Sankey) ,east (Burtonwood) and north (Lea Green) into the park area. This gives the potential for two main vehicular gateways into the Forest Park: The Sutton Manor Gateway – From M62 Junction 7via Warrington Road to access the south of the Forest park, particularly Bold Heath • Via Jubits Lane to access the north of the forest park, particularly the open space sites such as Sutton Manor and Dream The Burtonwood Gateway - From M62 Junction 8 via Clay Lane, Gorsey Lane (Burtonwood) to access the north of the forest park area. Rail access is from the nearby Lea Green Station, which is situated 1mile from the key site of Sutton Manor and Junction Station.

Figure 22 Road and Rail Access

37 Current Parking Capacity caters for around 500 cars at the following locations:

Location Area Approx Nature of Location M2 Car Capacity

King George V Playing Field 975 46 Public Open Space

Colliers Moss Common 2,972 142 Public Open Space

Clock Face Country Park 2827 135 Public Open Space

Sutton Manor 0 0 Public Open Space

Clay Lane Recreation 869 41 Public Open Space Ground Burtonwood

Mersey Valley Golf & 2,945 130 Private Golf & Country Club Country Club (members only)

10,588 494

* Calculated on ratio of 250m2 = 12 cars, adapted from Car Parking Standards Figures (16m x 15m = 12 cars). However, this is a rough guide as the existing car parks are not all rectilinear in nature

Part 1: Area Profile 38 5.2 Accessibility to the Forest Park by Bus The green space areas of the Forest Park are served by a number of bus routes shown in the table below.

Greenspace Area Service no. Comments

Sutton Manor 17/ 17a/17b St Helens-Clockface – Widnes 1 bus per hour (BPH)

32 Clinkham wood –St Helens-Four Acre/ Sutton Manor (2BH only to Sutton Manor evening & weekend)

33 Sutton Heath- Thatto Heath-St Helens – Widnes(4BPH)

33A Sutton Heath- Thatto Heath-St Helens – Widnes (2BPH)

194/195 Circular (infrequent)

920 St Helens –Haydock Industrial Estate (3 per day)

39 Greenspace Area Service no. Comments

Clockface Country Park 121/122 Eccleston-St Helens-Clockface 1BPH evening only)

32A Clinkham Wood - St Helens –Sutton Manor (3BPH)

Bold Moss 141 St Helens-Newton le Willows stops at Travers Entry (1BPH)

329 St Helens-Parr –Warrington stops at Broad Lane (2BPH)

140 St Helens –Parr-Bold Heath (1BPH) stops on Berrys Lane

111 Parr – Lea green Station (1BPH) stops on Berrys Lane

147 St Helens-Parr- St Helens Junction (1 BPH evenings & weekend)

920 St Helens-Haydock Industrial Estate (3 Per Day)

Out of all the sites, Sutton Manor has the most frequent public transport service. This will be an important influence on the location of any major visitor facilities such as a Forest Park Centre. Figure 23 shows that whilst much of the large areas of the Forest Park are not currently served by bus services, most of the Green Space is accessible by bus and that the settlement of Bold Heath can also be accessed by bus.

Part 1: Area Profile 40 Figure 23 Areas of Forest Park within 400m of a bus stop

5.3 Walking Access Demand for walking access can be grouped into : • Local community walking access • Visitor walking access Local community walking access gateways are based on accessible green space within a 20-30 minute walking distance, nominally 1 mile and are illustrated in Figure ? (Community Pedestrian Access).

41 Figure 24 Community Pedestrian Access

Part 1: Area Profile 42 Section 6 Economic Profile

6.1 Overview of the Economy of Rural St Helens The 2009 Merseyside Rural Economic Plan Action profile indicates that in Rural St Helens property there is a wide range of enterprise with the most prevalent being Property Service Management and construction. Agriculture accounts for less than 5% of activity whilst catering and hotels, and retail accounts for 6% and 8% respectively.

43 Whilst the St.Helens economy is focused on its urban core with the majority of GVA being generated by its urban wards, Sutton and Bold is the only rural ward that makes a significant contribution towards district GVA. As shown in Figure ? below, this ward (Sutton and Bold) borders high performing urban wards and is dissected by the M62 motorway.

Figure 25 Rural Ward GVA

Rural

0.2 -1.3 (lower quartile)

1.4 – 2.7

2.8 -5.5

5.6 -29.6 (upper quartile)

Bold Ward

(3) An Economic Strategy for Rural Merseyside; St Helens Local Authority Profile. Rural Innovation 2009

Part 1: Area Profile 44 6.2 Bold Forest Park Economy There is a wide range of businesses situated within and around the Forest Park ranging from manufacturing and associated operations to landscape gardening to dog grooming. Most of these will be limited in their capacity to capitalise on the Forest Park initiative. Many of these are located in the Bold Industrial Estate or Bold Business Centre. There are however, numerous small or medium size businesses, which are in a prime position to both capitalise on and help shape the Forest Park. 6.2.1 Main Land Uses The majority of the Forest Park area is used for arable agriculture, in particular winter cereals. The soil in the area is predominantly graded at Grade 2 to the south of the M62, and Grade 3 to the north of the motorway. Defra defines these land classes as: Grade 2 - very good quality agricultural land Land with minor limitations, which affect crop yield, cultivations or harvesting. A wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops can usually be grown but on some land within the grade there may be reduced flexibility due to difficulties with the production of the more demanding crops such as winter harvested vegetables and arable root crops. The level of yield is generally high but may be lower or more variable than Grade 1. Grade 3 - good to moderate quality agricultural land Land with moderate limitations, which affect the choice of crops, timing and type of cultivation, harvesting or the level of yield. Where more demanding crops are grown yields are generally lower or more variable than on land in Grades 1 and 2.

45 Figure 26 Agricultural Land Classes

The other significant land use in terms of area is the afforested, reclaimed industrial sites of Sutton Manor, Clockface, Colliers Moss and Brickfields coupled with community woodlands planted by the Forestry Commission at Wheatacre and Maypole Farms. These sites provide the key recreational space for the Forest Park.

Part 1: Area Profile 46 6.2.3 Key Sectors • Farming The total farmed area in St Helens in 2010 was 5,578 hectares; 8% less than in 2007. The areas of crops grown were:

Crop 2007 (ha) 2010 (ha) Percentage change

Cereals 6091 5,578 0

Other arable 2771 2,769 -20

Fruit & veg 391 536 +37

Grassland 1420 1337 -6

Crop 2007 (ha) 2010 (ha) Percentage change

Cereals 6091 5,578 0

Other arable 2771 2,769 -20

Fruit & veg 391 536 +37

Grassland 1420 1337 -6

The total number of people employed in agriculture in St Helens in 2010 was 5% lower than 2007.

47 The labour breakdown is:

Crop 2007 2010 Percentage change

Farmers, partners, directors and 100 84 -16 spouses full time 51 57 +13 Farmers, partners, directors and spouses part time 19 # N/a

Salaried managers 84 119 +41

Regular workers full time 62 19 -69

Regular workers part time 23 # N/a

Casual workers 340 324 -5

Total labour

Agriculture is the dominant land use with 63% (1,159hectares) of the area cultivated for wheat, oil seed rape, barley or legumes. There is little or no livestock other than horses kept in the Forest Park area. Whilst there is around 20 farmsteads In the Bold Forest Park area, the actual number of agricultural businesses is likely to be less, as the land at a number of farms such as Bushels Farm, has been sold or leased to neighbouring businesses.

Part 1: Area Profile 48 • Equestrian Sector The British Equestrian Trade Association’s (BETA) 2011 National Equestrian Survey estimates that 3.5 million people have ridden in 2010-11. Although this is less than 2005-6 it is over a million more riders than 1998-9. However, 42% of ex-riders plan to ride again in the future. The survey notes an increase of interest in riding for pleasure, schooling, riding lessons and competition with significant growth in over 45 years olds participating. Seasonality of riding has changed with 98% riding all year round and increase from 61% in1995- 6. Market Segmentation data (http://segments.sportengland.org/) suggests that participation levels across Merseyside are around 10,894 and in St Helens 1,294 (K Chew Merseyside Sports Partnership - pers. comm.) Major livery yards such as Bold Equestrian Centre, Northfield Riding Centre and Burtonwood Riding Centre cater for a large number of non-horse owning clients and provide livery for 20 – 90 horses. These are supplemented by a number of smaller yards and numerous single horse owners. A survey undertaken by Groundwork in 2004 concluded that the majority of equestrian businesses were constrained by a lack of safe off-road routes to offer customers to ride out on.

• Cycling Nationally, cycling has undergone a renaissance in recent years with a 27% increase in bike sales between 2009 and 2010 and contributes £2.9b to the UK economy . Authors of the 2011 Gross Cycling Product Report The London School Of Economics estimates that the latent demand for cycling could amount to £516m of untapped economic potential for the UK. On Merseyside, cycling has increased by 19.6% since 2011/12. Automatic Cycle Counters identified seasonality in cycle use with the summer months having higher cycling activity. Data counts also indicate variation between weekday and weekend activity levels, indicating leisure cycling is an important part of Merseyside cycling . In St Helens, 5 cycle shops service the cycling sector with Thatto Cycles being 2.8 miles from the Forest Park. The Woollybacks Mountain Bike Club, a large community cycling club based in St Helens, serves the local cycling community. The Club has around 150 members from across the North -west and regularly organises rides. The expertise within the club is a valuable sounding board for leisure cycling sector development in the Forest Park.

49 Fig 27 Potential Cycle Network

• Food, Drink and Accommodation Of the nine pubs mapped in and around the Forest Park, two have shut down in recent years, one is offered for a tenancy and one is offered for sale. This clearly illustrates the difficult trading environment facing the pub operators in the area. The Clockface Hotel and the Griffin Inn both offer food and are successful enterprises, which are likely to benefit from the Forest Park initiative. Two garden centres, both of which have good quality cafes that can cater for a reasonable volume of visitors, supplement the range of refreshments on offer from the pubs. Mersey Valley Golf and Country Club offers meals and drink to both members and non-members. Two cafes situated at New Bold Place and Bold Miners Institute provide smaller community facilities while the Maplewood Restaurant at Bold Heath provides a high quality Chinese menu. Many of these are within walking distance of the local community.

Part 1: Area Profile 50 • Food, Drink and Accommodation Of the nine pubs mapped in and around the Forest Park, two have shut down in recent years, one is offered for a tenancy and one is offered for sale. This clearly illustrates the difficult trading environment facing the pub operators in the area. The Clockface Hotel and the Griffin Inn both offer food and are successful enterprises, which are likely to benefit from the Forest Park initiative. Two garden centres, both of which have good quality cafes that can cater for a reasonable volume of visitors, supplement the range of refreshments on offer from the pubs. Mersey Valley Golf and Country Club offers meals and drink to both members and non-members. Two cafes situated at New Bold Place and Bold Miners Institute provide smaller community facilities while the Maplewood Restaurant at Bold Heath provides a high quality Chinese menu. Many of these are within walking distance of the local community.

Figure 28 Food and Drink

Over the medium to long term, as a critical mass of attractions develops, demand for overnight accommodation from visitors may grow. At present, within the Forest Park boundary, there is a guesthouse on Warrington Road and the Travel Inn at Lea Green. However within half a mile of the Park, there are hotels at Cronton (Hillcrest Hotel) and Barrows Green, near Widnes (Everglades Park). The Park Inn in St Helens is within 3 miles of the Forest Park.

4 Local Authority Breakdown for Key Crop Areas and Livestock Numbers on Agricultural Holdings Defra www.gov.uk 5 Bridleway Feasibility Study for St Helens and Halton. Groundwork St Helens, Knowsley Sefton and Liverpool. 2004

51 Fig 29 Current Accommodation around Bold Forest Park

Part 1: Area Profile 52 Section 7 Current Infrastructure

7.1 To be successful as a visitor destination, it is essential for the Forest Park to have a clear, coherent infrastructure, which allows visitors to enjoy the area and easily access the services they require. Major investment over the last 20 years has resulted in derelict former mining sites being transformed into a series of extensive community woodlands in close proximity to each other. Each is landscaped and laid out with footpaths, but these sites are generally isolated for each other and have no coherent visitor services. The situation is most evident at Sutton Manor. The Dream sculpture is a major tourist attraction, which over 90,000 people walk past each year and a unique selling point for Bold Forest Park. However, beyond minimal interpretation, there is no visitor infrastructure such as a café, toilets, or even an information centre to meet a high degree of visitor expectation. The Smithy Manor Pub is ideally placed to capitalise on the Dream and create a new customer base for itself. Whilst there are Public Rights of Way in the Forest Park area, there is no cohesive network of leisure routes for walking, cycling or horse riding to attract visitors or for business such as Cycle Hire, to capitalise upon.

53 Dream at Sutton Manor Through careful planning and working in partnership with local businesses such as pubs, cafés there is a major opportunity to develop a critical mass of attractions and services along with the tracks and trails, which, as a whole, will provide a comprehensive visitor offer.

Part 1: Area Profile 54 Part 2: Key Issues

Key Issue 1 Developing the Forest Park Economy 1.1 The development of a vibrant Forest Park economy particularly but not solely, via tourism, is essential for the long-term sustainability of the Forest Park. Rural entrepreneurship, along with community opinion, must be the long-term driver and shaper of the park. Detailed Issues include: 1.1.1 Developing a framework to foster rural entrepreneurship to deliver the Forest Park Vision within the context of Green Belt Planning Policy; Enabling entrepreneurial activity is essential to the long-term sustainability of the Forest Park as a visitor destination. However, rural diversification must be tempered with compatibility with prescribed functions of Green Belt. The Bold Forest Park Area Action Plan must provide a clear vision allied to an effective policy framework that empowers sustainable development. 1.1.2 Supporting and expanding existing businesses: • The Equestrian Sector Based on Market Segmentation data, latent demand on Merseyside is estimated at 5,151 and in St Helens at 615 individuals (K Chew Merseyside Sports Partnership - pers. comm.), indicating potential to expand the market sector in Bold Forest Park. To do this, it will be important to develop the area as a recognised venue for leisure riding, riding lessons and competition riding such as TREC (Technique de Randonee Equestre de Competition). To a large degree, this is dependant on developing a extensive network of off-road bridleways integral to the infrastructure of Bold Forest Park plus farms or equestrian centres which can host specialist sections of competitions such as Control of Paces in TREC.

55 Fig 30 Potential Bridleway Network

Achieving this is equally dependant on equestrian businesses working together as a cohesive unit. The Merseyside Branch of the British Horse Society has a pivotal role to play in coordinating and driving this process forward. • The Farming Sector One of the Government’s key priorities in its vision for rural Britain is for rural businesses to make a sustainable contribution to national growth . 2012 yields of cereals and oilseed rape were below average nationally and grain quality was adversely affected by the wet weather. The extreme weather of 2012 had knock on effect on the 2013 harvest. Although yields were higher due to the good summer, overall production was reduced by 9% in wheat and 29 % in Barley. This was due to less areas being able to be sown due to the 2012 weather. In the north west of England in 2012, the wettest spring and summer periods resulted in well below average yields of wheat, barley and oilseed rape and issues of poor quality. Changing weather patterns with predictions of more extreme events, are likely to result in volatility in farm incomes where they are solely based on crop production. In the medium to long-term, Bold Forest Park offers a framework for diversification schemes, which may help to stabilise businesses with a second income stream.

Part 1: Area Profile 56 • Food and Drink Sector; The UK pub trade has undergone a major decline due to a range of factors, particularly competition from supermarkets, which has led to an increase in home consumption of alcohol. Nationally, the estimated rate of pub closures ranges from 18 –26 pubs per week with 15 closures in Merseyside between September 2011 and March 2012 with coherent promotion and marketing, the Forest Park can provide a ready market for pubs and other refreshment establishments to capitalise upon. • Forestry Sector /Green Economy There is around 248 hectares of woodland within Bold Forest Park. Most of this is semi-mature plantation, which will need extensive thinning works to provide woodland structure. In addition, there are older woodlands, many of which are remnant from the Bold Hall estate landscape. Most, if not all these woodlands are in need of management. It is estimated that under-managed woodland within the Mersey Forest area could sustainably supply 100,000m3 of timber and biomass each year with a desire to increase woodland cover to 30% in order to create an ecological network and to help to ameliorate very high levels of background noise, there is a major opportunity to develop a strong wood fuel and timber economy within the Forest Park, which helps to provide training and employment whilst assisting the transition to a low-carbon economy. • How can Bold Forest Park be integrated into the sub-regional tourism agenda? Based on culture and heritage, Liverpool is the lead brand for a City Region visitor economy worth around £2,320m. St Helens contributes 10% of this value. The Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Strategy recognises the importance of day visitors to the City region and aims to encourage more day visits focused on the family market to support the visitor economy. Bold Forest Park will develop into an accessible destination utilising Dream as a key attraction and marketing vehicle. Public art also provides a popular attraction across the City Region. Dream can be the catalyst for more art works across the Forest Park to enhance the visitor experience and supplement the growing body of public art across Merseyside and the northwest.

57 Key Issue 2 Meeting the strategic needs of the Borough and Sub-region 2.1 Across the Borough, St Helens has a requirement for 13,680 new dwellings between 2003 and 2027 in order to meet the Government’s key housing policy objective. Similarly, with provision of employment land, a minimum of 37 hectares will be needed to meet local needs. Issues include: • The potential for residential development within Bold Forest Park • Potential environmental impacts resulting from increased housing in St Helens • The potential for employment areas within Bold Forest Park • New sites • Better use of existing sites 2.2 The need to accommodate over 13,00 new dwellings will require some areas of the urban edge to be extended into the Green Belt. The process of selecting where across the Borough this will occur will be carried out as part of the Council’s Allocations process rather than as part of the development of the Bold Forest Park Area Action Plan. However, within the Forest Park, it is possible an extension of the urban edge at Clock Face and Sutton may provide a sustainable location for new housing. 2.3 An Appropriate Assessment of the St Helens Core Strategy Preferred Options concluded that, if not mitigated for, increased housing development in St Helens, in combination with neighbouring authorities’ plans, is likely to lead to significantly greater recreational pressure on the Liverpool Bay Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar Site; increasing disturbance to the sensitive wintering bird populations. Bold Forest Park provides an accessible alternative outdoor recreation for St Helens and well as the boroughs of Warrington and Halton, helping to mitigate the potential for this harm.

Part 1: Area Profile 58 2.4 Whilst it is unlikely that new employment land will be allocated within Bold Forest Park, there is a need to provide at least 37hectares of land to meet local needs for B1, B2, B8 purposes to 2027. The two key employment locations within the Forest Park are Bold Industrial Estate and Bold Business Centre. Bold Business Centre The Bold Business Centre in St Helens comprises a 34,211 sq ft (3,178 sq m) business centre with 44 units suitable for both office and light industrial use. Office Suites vary in size, ranging from 3 M2 to 372 M2, and industrial/storage units from Office Suites vary in size, ranging from 3 M2 to 372 M2, and industrial/storage units from 13M2. The centre offers flexible workspace to small companies on a monthly licence and current occupancy is at 80% with demand for other units strong. There has been a tendency for companies to expand on the site, taking additional units rather relocating off-site, this means the occupancy rate can be vulnerable to volatile fluctuations should the occupiers of multiple units leave the Centre.

Bold Industrial Estate Bold Industrial Estate comprises a mix of warehouse space, open storage land, self-contained offices and small workshop units. The units are a mix of newly clad warehouses and basic steel portal frame units, plus workshops. There is also office space available with extensive car parking. The larger units benefit from large yards and the higher bay warehouse contains 10 and 15-ton overhead cranes and a power supply of up to 2000 kva from a dedicated sub station. The estate is in fragmented ownership, and workspace is 7,400M2 in total.

59 Key Issue 3 Meeting the needs of the local community 3.1 Bold Forest Park provides a major opportunity to support community action and aspiration. Along with local business aspiration, community opinion will provide the long-term driver for the ongoing development of the Forest Park. Detailed Issues include: 3.2 How can the community opinion be embedded in the development of Bold Forest Park? It is essential to develop a mechanism such as a Community Forum, which allows the community to influence how the Forest Park develops; not only to minimise negative effects upon the community but also to promote participation and a feeling of ‘ownership’. There is a range of community groups such as Friends of Griffin Wood and the Shining Light Heritage Group who could develop mutually beneficial projects, which could be supported by a wider Forest Park partnership and incorporated within a Bold Forest Park Implementation Plan. The Community Forum would be represented on the Forest Park Steering Group. Surrounding Parishes such as Burtonwood should be able to utilise such a forum to promote their views and ideas. 3.3 Supporting Community Hubs within Bold Forest Park. Community Hubs such as sports clubs and angling clubs provide an important neighbourhood focus, which can help to instil positive ethics and help to reduce anti- social behaviour. Bold Miners Institute on the northern boundary of the Forest Park provides a focal for Parr with a Bold Miners Amateur Rugby League Club at its heart. Inset within the Neighbourhood Centre is, a community café and social club. The St Helens Health Improvement Team is also based at Bold Miners and is well placed to utilise the Forest Park as a community health resource. The recreational complex off Hall Street is home to both neighbourhood rugby and football teams.

Part 1: Area Profile 61 3.4 Assisting to increase “work-readiness” and skills within the local area The need to develop infrastructure such as paths, fencing, signage provides an opportunity to establish a land-based training scheme through partner organisations such as Groundwork which deliver high quality training coupled with infrastructure delivery. Groundwork is a registered provider of jobs training and run the following options: • Ex-offender focussed “Rebuilding lives” programme • Apprenticeships and training offer • Progression path to employment 3.5 Assisting in uplifting educational attainment Learning in the Natural Environment (LINE) has a range of diverse benefits including educational , health and psychological health. A research paper by Kings College London into the benefits of learning in the natural environment commissioned by Natural England found strong evidence that students participating in LINE perform better in reading, mathematics, science and social studies. Forest School is an innovative, self-led learning approach adaptable for all age groups in a woodland setting, supported by a trained Forest School Leader. Forest School is based on a concept imported from Scandinavia. Within Denmark, it started as good teaching practice to use the outdoor environment with children, giving them freedom to play and discover nature. Forest School first came to the UK in 1993 when a group of British teachers returned from Denmark with an enthusiasm for a new approach to education – one that put individuals and the different ways they learn at its centre. The Mersey Forest helps schools and other organisations to access, create and adapt woodland spaces for their Forest School sessions, and provide advice and support to fledging Forest School programmes with Sutton Manor and Clockface Country Park already utilised within the Forest Park.

61 Key Issue 4 Safeguarding the Environment 4.1 A high quality environment is the bedrock for an outdoor recreation attraction. It will be difficult to attract visitors unless the landscape quality is maintained and improved. Currently, the landscape, which is bisected by the M62 motorway, is of mixed quality with flat and degraded urban fringe farmland inset with extensive new plantation woodlands on former spoil heaps. For the Bold forest Park area The Mersey Forest Plan , which has been adopted by St Helens Council, has woodland cover targets of 20% south of the M62 and 30% north of the M62. Increasing woodland cover will have a significant effect on the local landscape.

Detailed Issues for Safeguarding the Environment include: 4.2 The Forest Park suffers from elevated background noise mostly emanating from the M62 Motorway. Carefully planned woodland planting can help to ameliorate this problem. Options include screening at the source of noise i.e. the motorway or, screening around key receptors of the noise, such as residential properties and key recreation. 4.3 From a landscape character perspective, the spoil mounds remnant from the mining industry, have been imposed on a flat agricultural landscape. The reclamation of the sites has transformed them into pleasant community woodlands but has not able to integrate them into the wider landscape. Future woodland and hedgerow planting should seek to achieve such integration into a strong landscape structure, which also, increases habitat connectivity. 4.4 The large open spaces of sites such as Sutton Manor, Clockface Country Park and particularly, Colliers Moss Common, are extremely rich and diverse wildlife habitats and are key nodes, which need to be connected within a wider ecological network which links woodlands, grasslands and wetlands and forms a framework around the farmed areas. 4.5 However, in the wider landscape there is relatively little semi-natural vegetation. The agricultural fields are intensively farmed with winter cereals, oil seed rape or hay crops for the equestrian sector. Large numbers of former marl pits survive in the landscape but are isolated within crops, vulnerable to nitrogen enrichment and generally unmanaged.

Part 2: Key Issues 62 4.6 The predominance of intensive winter cereals production reduces the value of the area to farmland wildlife such as Skylarks, which do better in areas of Spring-sown cereals and Brown Hares, which prefer mixed farm habitats. The large community woodland sites provide enrichment to the agricultural landscape. It is likely that increased woodland cover will have little significant on Skylark population levels in St Helens as the stronghold is the former mosslands in the Northwest of the Borough. Brown hares will benefit from an enrichment of the landscape through more copses, shelterbelts and farm woodlands. 4.7 The historic environment helps to give a sense of place. The landscape still contains remnants of the mediaeval Bold Hall Estate Parkland including plantation woodlands such as South Park Plantation and tracks such as Ladies Walk, which linked the Old and New Bold Halls. The mining heritage tends to be receding as the landscape repairs itself. This is currently championed by the Shining Lights. They and other community groups need to be supported by a strong network which ideas can be developed into implementation projects.

63 Key Issue 5 Developing the Infrastructure

5.1 Five key recreational hubs can be clearly identified within the Forest Park. The wider agricultural land provides potential for farm based activities as part of rural diversification. Fig 31 Bold Forest Park Strategic Infrastructure

The potential of each hub has been analysed against the following broad criteria: 1. Access 2. Existing Levels of Recreational activity 3. Pre-existing infrastructure 4. Ability to accommodate new infrastructure 5. Ability to accommodate arrange of activities

Part 2: Key Issues 64 5.1.1 Sutton Manor

Criteria Evaluation Notes

Access

Distance from Motorway? 1.4 miles M62 –Warrington Road – Jubits Lane (Smithy Manor)

Potential Impact of access No. of residences within route on residential areas? 100m 10 (to Smithy Manor ) 250 (to King George V)

Existing Visitor Car Parking Yes King George V, provision? Smithy Manor

Distance from Railway 1.2 miles Lea Green Station Station

Level of Bus Service 11 services Frequency ranges from 1-4 Provision from Town Centre? buses per Hour

Accessibility for Pedestrians 1,854 Households within 400m of site boundary

Criteria Evaluation Notes

Infrast- ructure

Existing provision of toilets? Yes At Smithy Manor (as a customer and limited to opening hours)

Existing provision of drink? Yes At Smithy Manor (limited to opening hours)

Existing provision of food? Yes Smithy Manor used to, and could in the future, provide catering

Tangible Unique Selling point Yes Dream

Poten- tial

Suitability for a range of 14 Based on Blue Sail Report activities (Blue Sail 2009) 2009

Space to hold medium to Yes 2.5 hectare area located large scale events on the site

65 5.1.3 Clock Face Country Park, Maypole Wood, Griffin Wood

Criteria Evaluation Notes

Access

Distance from Motorway? 3.8 miles M62J7 - Warrington Road – Clockface road- Gorsey Lane

Potential Impact of access 391 No. of residences within route on residential areas? 100m of route M62 J7 – Clockface road - Gorsey Lane

Existing Visitor Car Parking Yes Large Car park area provision?

Distance from Railway 1.2 miles Station

Level of Bus Service None Nearest bus from Town Provision from Town Centre? centre stops 0.4 mile away

Accessibility for Pedestrians 200 Households within 400m of site boundary

Criteria Evaluation Notes

Infrast- ructure

Existing provision of toilets ? No

Existing provision of drink? No

Existing provision of food? No

Tangible Unique Selling point No Poten- tial

Suitability for a range of 8 Based on Blue Sail Report activities (Blue Sail 2009) 2009

Space to hold medium to Medium Largest area of open land large scale events only = 1.4 hectares. Medium events capacity

Part 2: Key Issues 66 5.1.4 Colliers Moss Common / Wheatacre

Criteria Evaluation Notes

Access

Distance from Motorway? 2.8 miles From M62 J8 4.5 miles From J7 M62

Potential impact of access 194 Route via Burtonwood route on residential areas? village No. of residences within 100m of route

Existing Visitor Car Parking Yes Bold Moss South Car Park provision?

Distance from Railway 1 mile Junction Station Station

Level of Bus Service 2 services I BPH or 2 BPH to Travers Provision from Town Centre? Entry or Bold Lane

Accessibility for Pedestrians 2,472 Households within 400m of site boundary

Criteria Evaluation Notes

Infrast- ructure

Existing provision of toilets ? No

Existing provision of drink? No

Existing provision of food? No Small café at New Bold Place 0.4 mile away Bold Miners café on northern boundary but no direct access to it.

Tangible Unique Selling point No

Poten- tial

Suitability for a range of 19 Based on Blue Sail Report activities (Blue Sail 2009) 2009

Space to hold medium to Medium Largest area of open land large scale events only = 1.5 hectares. Medium events capacity

67 5.1.5 Brickfields

Criteria Evaluation Notes

Access

Distance from Motorway? 2.2 miles

Potential Impact of access 548 No. of residences within route on residential areas? 100m of route. M62 J7 – Jubits Lane- Chester lane – Walkers Lane

Existing Visitor Car Parking No provision?

Distance from Railway 0.9 miles Lea Green Station Station

Level of Bus Service 1 Service 1BPH Provision from Town Centre ?

Accessibility for Pedestrians 2052 Households within 400m of site boundary

Criteria Evaluation Notes

Infrast- ructure

Existing provision of toilets ? No

Existing provision of drink? No

Existing provision of food? No

Tangible Unique Selling point No Poten- tial

Suitability for a range of 6 Based on Blue Sail Report activities (Blue Sail 2009) 2009

Space to hold medium to N Community Events only large scale events

Part 2: Key Issues 68 5.1.6 Summary Table

Criteria Accessibility

Shortest Distance to Motorway

Least Impact on residential Property

Existing Car park

Least distance from rail centre

Greatest level of bus accessibility

Most households within 400m

subtotal

Infrastructure

Existing provision of toilets ?

Existing provision of drink?

Existing provision of food?

Tangible Unique Selling point

subtotal

Potential

Space to hold medium to large scale events

Most potential for a range of activities

subtotal

Grand Total

69 Site (Rank 1-5)

Sutton Manor Clockface Colliers Moss Brickfields Mersey Valley Golf & Country Club

1 5 4 2 3

1 4 3 5 2

1= 1= 1= 5 1=

3= 3= 2 1 5

1 5 4 2= 2=

3 4 1 2 5

10 22 15 17 18

1= 5= 5= 5= 1=

1 5= 5= 5= 5=

4 20 20 20 8

Large scale 1 Medium Scale 3 Medium Scale 3 Small scale 5 Large (golf only) 2

2 3 1 4 5

3 6 4 9 7

17 48 39 46 33

Part 2: Key Issues 70 5.2 Suitability of Recreational Activity Hubs to function as the gateway to the Forest Park

Rank order Criteria

1. Sutton Manor

2. Mersey Valley Golf & Country Club

3. Colliers Moss Common

4. Brickfields

5. Clockface Country Park, Maypole Wood, Griffin Wood

Of the 5 Recreational Activity Hubs, Sutton Manor is the best option for being developed to provide a gateway to Bold Forest Park. Overall, the site has greater accessibility than the other 4 hubs whilst, the main access for visitors by car has the least impact on residents. Sutton Manor has more existing essential infrastructure identified as being important by the public during consultation such as availability of food, drink and toilets at The Smithy Manor public house. Sutton Manor also has more potential to develop a range of activities plus a unique selling point in the Dream sculpture. The site is demonstrably more suitable to be developed as the Gateway to Bold Forest Park than the other Recreational Activity Hubs. 5.3 General Functionality of Recreational Activity Hubs

Site Community Visitor Versatility Score (Rank) Focus Focus Based on potential for a range of activities + Space to hold large scale events

Sutton Manor * * 3 (1)

Colliers Moss * * 4 (2) Common Complex

Clockface Complex * * 6 (3)

Mersey Valley Golf and * 7 (4) Country Club

Brickfields * 9 (5)

Sutton Manor also provides the greatest potential to develop a range of activities. Colliers Moss Common and Clockface provide lesser but still significant potential for activity development. All these sites have both potential for or exiting community and visitor focus. Mersey Valley Golf Course has no obvious community focus whilst Brickfields is the least versatile space and lends itself to community-focussed activity only.

71 5.4 Strategic Focus of Recreational Activity Hubs

Recreation Hub Main Activity Focus

Sutton Manor Visitor gateway location – family focussed activities

Colliers Moss Common /Wheatacre Visitor focused - adventure activities, Wood /Clay Lane secondary gateway,

Clockface /Griffin Wood Community and visitor focus, low key activities,

Brickfields Community Focus activities

Mersey Valley Golf and Country Club Visitor focused activities

5.5 Potential Forest Park Activities Table 1 sets out a range of outdoors recreational activities associated with Forest Parks and National Parks, which can be at the heart of the recreational offer of Bold Forest Park. Due to their nature, some activities have specific topographic needs, such as Mountain-boarding, or a minimum area of land to operate within, such as Field Archery. Others are wider ranging in nature such as walking, cycling or horse riding. These wider ranging activities will utilise tracks and trails encompassed within the recreational hubs and the strategic linkages between them. Some activities will be more suited to delivery on agricultural land as part of rural business development and diversification schemes.

Part 2: Key Issues 72 Activity General Requirements Proposed Forest Park Zone

Hot-air Take off point e.g. field, open area Rural Business Development Zone Ballooning of 30m2 Country fairs Large area of open land, ample Sutton Manor Recreation Hub car parking Dog Sledding Track, Entrants parking area, Sutton Manor Recreation Hub, Colliers Spectator car parking Moss Common Recreation Hub Mountain Area of land with inclines Colliers Moss Common Recreation Boarding Hub Rafting Area of open water, vehicle Colliers Moss Common Recreation access Hub Segway Riding Off road trail, varied length, Sutton Manor Recreation Hub starting point e.g. practice area, visitor car park Paint-balling Open field or plantation woodland Colliers Moss Common Recreation area Hub, Rural Business Development Zone Orienteering Trails of varied length Across BFP area Eating / Café, Pub, restaurant Rural Business Development Zone, Drinking Sutton Manor Recreation Hub Burtonwood and Bold Heath Economic hubs. Boating/Sailing Large area of open water Colliers Moss Common Recreation Hub Mountain Off road- tracks, trials of varied Colliers Moss Common Recreation biking length Hub Walking Range of trails encompassing, car Across BFP area parking, toilets and refreshment venues. Canoeing Large area of open water Colliers Moss Common Recreation Hub Cycling Trails Across BFP area BMX Track area Colliers Moss Common Recreation Hub Geo-caching Trail Across BFP area Ropes assault Open land area or mature Rural Business Development Zone Course Woodland Environmental Non specific Sutton Manor Recreation Hub education

73 Activity General Requirements Proposed Forest Park Zone

Picnicking Picnic areas All recreation Hubs

Food growing Allotments Rural Business Development Zone

Climbing Wall Outdoor Mobile climbing wall Sutton Manor Recreational Hub, requires a Colliers Moss Common level area of around 20m2 Recreation Hub

Organised Kite Flying Visitor Facilities Sutton Manor Recreational Hub

Adventure Play Area Open area Sutton Manor Recreational Hub

Horse Riding Varied Routes Across Forest Park Area

Running Varied Trails Across Forest Park Area

Camping Area of drained open or semi- Rural Business Development open land, toilets, showers Zone

Clay pigeon shooting 10-15 hectares of land Rural Business Development Zone

Laser Clay pigeon Minimum level area of 30m Rural Business Development Shooting x10m Zone

Conservation Non-specific semi-natural Sutton Manor Recreation Hub Activities environment Clockface Recreation Hub, Brickfields Recreation Hub

Skateboarding Course covering 30m2-50m2 Colliers Moss Common Recreation Hub

Angling Fishery (no specific size), car Colliers Moss Common park Recreation Hub, Clockface Recreation Hub, Mersey Valley Golf Recreation Hub

Trail bike riding Trails Across Forest Park Area

Football Football Pitch 120mx90m Sutton Manor Recreation Hub, (max), changing facilities, car Rural Business Development, parking Community Hubs

Part 2: Key Issues 74 5.6 Car Parking Consultants URS suggest, within 5years, a potential 306,000 visitors could be attracted to Bold Forest Park annually. Whilst the Forest Park is located on the Manchester – Liverpool railway allowing train travel to be promoted, a large percentage of visitors are likely to arrive by car. 5.6.1 Current Capacity Figure 32 Recreation Hub Car Park Locations

Colliers Moss Common

Clay Lane

King George V Playing Field Clock Face Country Park

Mersey Valley Golf Club (private)

75 Location Area M2 Approx Nature of Location Car Capacity*

King George V Playing 975 46 Public Open Space Field

Colliers Moss 2,972 142 Public Open Space Common

Clock Face Country 2827 135 Public Open Space Park

Sutton Manor 0 0 Public Open Space

Clay Lane Recreation 869 41 Public Open Space Ground Burtonwood

Mersey Valley Golf & 2,945 130 Private Golf & Country Club Country Club (members only)

10,588 494

* Calculated on ratio of 250m2 = 12 cars, adapted from Car Parking Standards Figures (16m x 15m = 12 cars). However, this is a rough guide as the existing car parks are not all rectilinear in nature

Part 2: Key Issues 76 5.6.2 Calculating Car Parking Capacity Requirements for Bold Forest Park As A Whole The standard mechanism for calculating capacity is through http://www.trics.org/ that draws on a database of traffic studies for a range of facilities including Country Parks and analyses traffic movements. This allows periods of peak traffic movement to be identified and allows a capacity to be calculated based on average figures, which can then be applied to sites based on +land area. The table below illustrates the average number of arrivals and departures on weekends at 14 Country Parks across Gt. Britain.

Time period Arrival Departures Total (2ex) 07-08 10 4 8 08-09 27 13 22 09-10 41 24 39 10-11 54 33 60 11-12 72 50 82 12-13 73 52 103 13-14 85 52 136 14-15 88 73 151 15-16 76 96 131 16-17 50 102 79 17-18 41 78 42 18-19 30 49 23 19-20 31 47 7

• The hour between 14:00 – 15:00 is generally the busiest time for visitors to country parks with an average of 151 cars at that time. • Traffic movements in this hour = 151. Capacity can be exceeded by 50% of time thus 151 x 1.6 = 242, therefore, over all car-parking capacity in Bold Forest Park should be able cater for 242 cars. • Based on a rectilinear configuration 250m2 = 12 cars, the area required for car parking would be 5,041 m2. On a general basis, the current capacity should be sufficient to meet the customer demand. However, consideration needs to be given to how the Forest Park will operate and how visitors will use the area.

18 Business Intelligence Gathering Report URS 2013

77 Sutton Manor Sutton Manor forms the main focus of the park, as it is the most accessible hub from both the railway and M62 motorway. The nearest car park is at King George V Playing Field with a capacity of around 45 cars. Currently, with little visitor infrastructure on the site, visitor counters placed nearby the Dream sculpture record 95,289 visitors to the site in 2012. At present, there are a high percentage of visitors from the local community who walk to the site, and, on a day-to-day basis, car parking is generally sufficient. However, car parking was found to be insufficient when a medium scale community event attracting 1400 people was held in 2012 and a greater percentage of people arrived by car. Development of a Forest Park Centre and associated infrastructure will inevitably generate more visitors by car, demanding increased car parking on the Sutton Manor site. Opportunities for this include: • Development of a new access road onto the site from Jubits Lane and utilising the former coal storage platform as a main car parking area adjacent to visitor facilities catering for 80 cars. • Overflow car parking area for larger events approximately 300 cars

Figure 33 Sutton Manor Visitor Hub

18 Business Intelligence Gathering Report URS 2013

Part 2: Key Issues 78 Colliers Moss Common/Wheatacre At Colliers Moss Common (south) there is a fully constructed car park, which has never been utilised. This is accessed off Bold Lane on an established access road to Bold Business centre. To make this operational, a certain amount of superficial refurbishment will be necessary. This car park will cater for around 140 cars but could be extended into the woodland planting to accommodate approximately 240 cars according to demand. A separate access and car park to the lake area for angling or canoeing activities will be necessary as the main car park is a half-mile walk. The existing access route off Bold Lane will need to be upgraded to serve as a multifunctional access route for car, cycling and horse riding. This will include sightline improvements and surfacing. A small lakeside car park catering for 34 cars will be required.

Figure 34 Colliers Moss Access

The Clockface Country Park / Griffin Wood Hub is envisaged as a starting venue for events such as guided nature and heritage walks, conservation and educational activities along with horse riding and angling. The car parking capacity at Clockface Country Park is sufficient for this purpose. Brickfields is unlikely to require anything other than casual car parking capacity which will be catered for by a new car at the restored Lord St Helens Landfill Site.

79 Implementation

6.1 Partnership The development of Bold Forest Park will be a product of a wide partnership of organisations working together within the common vision of the Forest Park to provide visitor attractions and services which will drawn inward investment via the visitor economy, support initiatives which provide community benefits. Key Partners: St Helens Council The Mersey Forest Bold Parish Council Forestry Commission Groundwork British Horse Society Local Businesses Local Community Groups and Individuals

6.2 Development Management Structures

Bold Forest Park Board

Bold Forest Park Steering Group

Policy Implementation Business Community Development Group Network Forum Group

Part 2: Key Issues 80 6.2.1 Bold Forest Park Board Remit: To take a strategic overview of the development of Bold Forest Park and provide strategic decision-making. The Board will: • Approve annual work programmes • Monitor progress • Monitor expenditure • To undertake decision making on issues arising

Representation:

Portfolio Holder Urban Regeneration (Chair)

Ward Councillor x 2 St Helens Council

Parish Councillor x1 Bold Parish Council

Director The Mersey Forest

? Forestry Commission

Asst. Director St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

Development Plans Manager St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

81 6.2.2 Bold Forest Park Steering Group Remit: To support the Management Board and be responsible for the development of the Forest Park The Steering Group will: • Identify project development opportunities • Develop work programmes • Establish and monitor thematic groups • To harmonise work of thematic groups • Produce annual progress reports Representation:

Asst. Director St Helens Council Urban Regeneration (Chair)

Development Plans Manager St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

Countryside Development Officer St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

Funding & Economic Intelligence St Helens Council Urban Regeneration Manager

Parish Council Clerk Bold Parish Council

Beat Manager Forestry Commission

Officer The Mersey Forest

6.3 Policy Development Group Remit: To oversee the production of the Bold Forest Park Forest Park Area Action Plan Representation:

Development Plans Manager St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

Countryside Development Officer St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

Senior Development Control Officer St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

Planning Policy Manager The Mersey Forest

Part 2: Key Issues 82 6.4 Implementation Group Remit: • To produce a Forest Park master plan • To develop work programmes, • To grant funding bids;

Representation:

Countryside Development Officer St Helens Urban Regeneration

Grounds Maintenance Operations St Helens Environmental Protection Manager

Project Development Officer Groundwork

Beat Manager Forestry Commission

Project Officer Mersey Forest

6.5 Bold Forest Park Business Network Remit • To provide a platform for local businesses to work together to develop the attractions and services needed for a successful visitor destination. • To provide a forum from which local businesses can help to guide the development of the Forest Park Economy • To identify projects and initiatives to boost the Forest Park Economy

Representation:

Open to all Local Businesses

Countryside Development Officer St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

Business Location Service Manager St Helens Council Urban Regeneration

Manager Mersey Rural Leader

83 6.6 Bold Forest Park Community Forum Remit: • To provide a platform for groups and individuals to work together within the Forest Park vision, to develop initiatives which provide community benefit. • To provide a conduit for community consultation on the development of the Forest Park Representation:

Facilitated by Bold Parish Council

Open to all community groups in and around Bold Forest park

Neighbouring Parish Councils Burtonwood and Westbrook, Gt Sankey, Penketh, Cuerdley, Cronton Neighbouring Ward Councillors Rainhill,

Parr, Thatto Heath, Sutton , Town Centre

6.7 Bold Forest Park Area Action Plan – Delivery Plan The Implementation Group, Community Forum and the Business Network will submit project proposals to the Forest Park Steering Group, which will formulate the delivery plan based on submitted project proposals. The implementation Group will then develop funding bids and mechanisms to deliver project on the ground. The Forest Park Delivery Plan will be reviewed every 3 years

Part 2: Key Issues 84

Contact Centre Wesley House Corporation Street St.Helens WA10 1HF Tel: 01744 676789 Minicom: 01744 671671 Fax: 01744 676895 Email: [email protected] ➜ www.sthelens.gov.uk Please contact us to request translation of Council information into Braille, audio tape or a foreign language. [email protected] 1400523R