Households in a one square mile area that includes Victoria Park and the streets to the south of this popular green space, will receive a survey through their doors this week to gather views about what they like and dislike about their neighbourhood. Questions include topics such as safety, accessibility, traffic levels and green space.

The survey is also available online and marks the start of a three-stage design process for people to get involved to create streets that work for the whole community. Everyone in the area is invited to contribute.

There will be a series of drop-in events where people can give their ideas and find out more. The survey is also available online at www.by-ours-cowleyhill.org.uk

The first drop in event is on 25 January between 3-7pm pm at the Deafness Resource Centre, 32-40 Dentons Green Lane. Further events will be publicised shortly on the website.

By Ours works with residents, businesses and schools to improve local streets. The whole community comes together to design a vibrant neighbourhood with cleaner air, where more people walk to shops and services, stop and chat to each other, and children can play out.

There are three stages to this collaborative design process:

·         Spring 2022 – views and ideas gathered in survey

·         Summer 2022 – Sustrans designers shape ideas into designs for local people to comment and improve

·         Autumn 2022 – Final designs are showcased at a street event

Giulia Colafrancesco, project officer at Sustrans, said: “We’re very excited to launch By Ours in Cowley Hill. This is a fantastic chance for local people to get involved and shape the way their neighbourhood looks and feels in the future.

“We aim to work with all sections of the community to ensure that our streets are working for different age groups and abilities, including families, ethnic minorities and disabled people.

“Everyone’s views are important and will help us to understand what local people need to make their streets feel safer, healthier and more attractive. Please do get involved and give your opinions in our postal or online survey. There will also be lots of opportunities to meet our friendly team in person and contribute your ideas in workshops and discussions.”

Councillor Andy Bowden, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:

“As a council, we’re making a conscious effort – as part of our key priorities to create safe and strong communities, as well as green and vibrant places – of putting people and sustainability at the heart of everything we do, so it’s good to team up with Sustrans on this exciting new project as they have a good track record on delivering successful initiatives around safer walking and cycling.

 “Like any proposed scheme, it is important that the public are central to that process which is why we’d welcome any constructive feedback to help strengthen plans and make them the best they can be for all concerned.”  

By Ours is a partnership project with Sustrans St Helens Borough Council and Liverpool City Region, funded by the Freshfield Foundation. It is one of three new pioneering community engagement projects in Liverpool City Region that are helping local people take action to deliver safer, healthier streets for everyone.

For more information and a map of the area look up www.by-ours-cowleyhill.org.uk