Management Plan for Firth Park - MP4-Interreg

5.1.3 Pedestrian and Cycle Access
Firth Heritage Park is popular with local residents and has a footpath network through the
park that serves the Vivian and Cammel Road communities. This routes are used to gain
assess to the Firth park district shopping centre and local library and church facilities.
Traffic calming measures have been installed along Hucklow Road, which runs adjacent to
the park and a 20 MPH speed limits put in place to reduce the speed of traffic outside the
park.
All entrances paths to the park have flat surfaces, which are even and suitable for wheel
chairs, although some of the paths are quite hilly by following the topography of the
landscape
For cyclist there are cycle barriers at the main park entrance outside the first start centre
and these are covered by the CCTV security system around the building. No cycling is
allowed within the park for the safety of pedestrian users. The tarmac footpaths through
out the park have good even surfaces
There are two pedestrian crossings by the park entrances at Firth Park Road and Hucklow
Road, which provides links to the shopping centre. Further road improvements and traffic
calming measures are planned for Firth Park Road in the near future. Work Has take place
to install disabled parking outside the Firth park clock Tower during 2008/09
5.1.4 Vehicular Access
No cars are allowed in the park at any time during normal operations although vehicles do
have to enter the park during the set up for events and these are stringently controlled by
on site staff. Vehicle gates are kept locked at all other times. The park has a small car park
off Hucklow Road and the first start staffs have use of car parking facilities and drop off
points for the first start nursery in an area, which is an extension to the public car park.
Other car parking is situated at the side of the road on Firth Park Road and Hucklow Road.
The park has its own dedicated maintenance vehicles these are a John Deere Gator utility
vehicle and a mega truck which is used by maintenance staff to remove grass clipping or
carry equipment to some of the outer areas of the park. These vehicles are painted yellow
and have flashing lights to warn pedestrians of their presence. Staff has a strict driving
code when in the park and are banned from excessive speed. Pedal cycle parking barriers
are available near to the main entrance and within view of the First Start Centre. Cycles
are not allowed within the park. The cycle parking area is covered by the CCTV system
from the First Start centre
5.1.5 Equality Access
The park has been assessed using the Sensory Trust Equality Tool kit and scored against
national recognised standards. We have also carried out further equality assessments to
buildings and the wider natural areas of the park as part of the sites yearly Risk
assessment.
Footpaths have been inspected and are wheel chair compatible through out the park
although some of the paths are steep due to the landscape topography of the area.
The first start building has been designed to meet the latest equality standards with pre
opening doors and disabled ramps.
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