COUNCILLORS have expressed “extreme concern” over the potential impact a proposed nursery expansion could have on traffic congestion and parking.

As the Star previously reported, plans were submitted to expand the Daydreams Nursery at 236 Prescot Road to take another 16 children, taking the total up to 60.

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Proposals seek to increase the nursery by changing the use of a first floor flat.

There are also plans to demolish a garage and for four extra parking spaces for staff.

In a statement, West Park ward councillors Derek Long and Marlene Quinn voiced worries over effects of the proposed expansion and said safety of road users and pedestrians must come first.

They said: "We will be making it clear to the council that we are extremely concerned about what this expansion could mean for congestion and parking around Prescot Road and the network of roads near to the nursery.

“Safety of road users and pedestrians must be our first priority."

St Helens Star:

Cllrs Derek Long and Marlene Quinn

The proposals sparked several letters of objection from residents, with particular concerns voiced over potential increases in traffic congestion.

One expressed worries over “risk to pedestrians and drivers” and highlighted difficulties for drivers turning into Grosvenor Road from Prescot Road, which they fear would worsen due to vehicles parked on both sides.
They said that the proposals would “exacerbate existing vehicle movement risks already prevalent along the road”.

One resident, who contacted the Star last week, said: “We all think it's unfair that it is going to affect everybody on Grosvenor Road and none of us have received any letters regarding this.

"We can't even get in and out of our driveways, it's just overpopulated with cars.

"They are on about 60 children arriving in the morning and leaving at night.

"We have already got a full nursery nearby and the entrance to Taylor Park. It's chaos."

However, one resident letter in support of the application said: “I have not problem with the nursery increasing their numbers, young families need to use these nurseries and need all the support they can.”

Another added they “do not believe the nursery is the main culprit” of problems in the area and said the nursery offers “a fantastic service for working families”.

In the application, Daydreams Nursery Susan Dyson said: "I appreciate that there are parking problems on Grosvenor Road. However, I feel this is due to businesses on Prescot Road. Their staff and clients park on Grosvenor Road.

"Also people park here going to the park. We also have people parking here who go into town. I should add most of the staff walk to work and I do not feel it is this nursery causing this problem."

Public consultation on plans lasted until Tuesday, May 7.