'If we lose this there will be nothing left'

FEARS FOR FUTURE OF TOWN WITH MARINE UNDER THREAT

- By EDWARD BARNES

PEOPLE fear "there will be nothing left" in their Merseyside town if one of its biggest attractions is lost forever.

Ahead of a key decision this week, the public urged Wirral Council to take action or risk losing West Kirby's marine lake.

West Kirby was recently described as being at a crossroads as the high street tries to compete with online shopping and retail parks like Cheshire Oaks.

Now, with the future of its marine lake at risk, people believe it could send the town on a downward spiral.

A report set to be presented to councillors on Wirral Council's environment committee tomorrow said unless action is taken to tackle the problems, the future of the lake "is in doubt".

Officers are seeking permission to find funding to repair the lake's outer wall, empty the lake and dredge the sludge at the bottom.

If the council does nothing, large areas of the lake could become unusable and pose risks. The outer wall and its walkway could also become compromised, forcing it to be closed off.

The council is proposing repairing 1km of the wall while dredging 70.000 cubic metres from the lake at the same time. In total, these works could cost between £3.9m and £6.3m.