Wirral Way: Record numbers visit former railway line, council says

The railway line closed in 1962 and a path opened eleven years later, becoming the first country park of its kind

Record numbers of people are visiting a former railway line that was shut down 62 years ago, a council has said.

The railway line between Cheshire and Wirral closed in 1962 and the path opened eleven years later, becoming the first country park of its kind.

Half a million people a year visit Wirral Way, which is maintained mostly by volunteers.

Residents attend to the line to "plug the gap", as the council does not have enough funds to maintain it otherwise.

The path, which is 12.2 miles (19.6km) long, stretches from West Kirby all the way to Hooton in Cheshire.

It is now a place where residents can enjoy nature close to an urban area.

The station at Hadlow Road in Willaston escaped demolition and is attended to by residents who have lovingly restored it to its 1956 condition

One station along the track, at Hadlow Road in Willaston, escaped demolition and is attended to by residents who have lovingly restored it to its 1956 condition.

Chris Hampshire formed the Friends of Hadlow Road Station to preserve the disused station and give community groups and schools the opportunity to step back in time.

"What we've done over last seven to eight years is continue to enhance and maintain it," he told BBC North West Tonight.

"The council can't afford to do that. They've got a budget shortfall this year, we're helping to plug that gap by funding some of the developments and maintenance that we do."

In winter, rangers and volunteers are busy maintaining Wirral Way and habitats close to the path

Fiona Hanik, a health development officer for Wirral Council, organises walks and bike rides along the Wirral Way.

She said there had been an increasing demand for the activities she runs.

"Obviously it's the fresh air, you're at one with nature and you're getting the Vitamin D on your skin," she said.

"And because people are exercising in groups it's not boring, you're not in a hot and sweaty environment and it's just an amazing place.

"We're so lucky on Wirral that we've got so many amazing places that we can exercise."

Wirral Council said record numbers of people were using Wirral Way, which was maintained by volunteers and rangers

In winter, rangers and volunteers are busy maintaining the Wirral Way and habitats close to the path.

Jo Boots is a former teaching assistant who always wanted to be a council ranger. Now, Wirral Way is her workplace.

"I wake up with a smile," she said.

"It's exercise, it's good for your health as well as your mental health."

The Friends of Cubbins Green help maintain the land which is regularly used by walkers

Just down the coast, Christopher Michael picks litter on land beside Wirral Way that was donated to the community by sisters, Eveline and Ivy Cubbin.

Christopher formed the Friends of Cubbins Green to help maintain the land which is regularly used by walkers.

"It keeps me going because I have a slight disability, I need to walk," Christopher said.

"It's close to where I live so it's a real plus. I don't need a garden I've got a brilliant place to walk around."