People in Birkenhead "can't wait" to see the back of a highly controversial road design. For many, Grange Road West has become better known as 'Wotsit Street' due to the striking orange and yellow road markings that have been ridiculed for looking like the popular cheesy snack.
The leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, recently confirmed that work to remove the infamous traffic calming measures will begin this month. The street furniture and planters will be gone by the end of August, while the orange and yellow road markings are expected to have been removed by the end of September, Cllr Basnett told BBC Radio Merseyside.
Residents share their views
We asked how the people of Birkenhead feel about the imminent removal of the quirky designs. Upon being asked about the road, Cheryl Melser chuckled, saying: "It's just hideous." Stood across the road on the pedestrianised section of Grange Road, Cheryl turned to look back at 'Wotsit Street' and said she will be more than happy to see the back of the infamous design.
Also on the Grange Road shopping precinct, Daniel Bradley explained he is "not bothered" that the designs will be removed, but did say he is no fan of the road markings. "It's all a bit pointless," he added.
Jenny Pierce and Andrew William were walking down Grange Road West itself when they told the ECHO of their views. Jenny said: "I can't wait to see it go, it looks hideous." Still baffled by the road's design, Andrew said: "What is it all about?" He said he thought it is odd how cars have to weave around the pedestrian areas. "It's quite a slim road anyway," he said.
One fan of the design
However, Birkenhead is not without its 'Wotsit Street' fans. Unlike seemingly most people in the town, George Kerr was not happy to hear the news that the designs will be removed. Stood round the corner on Salisbury Street, he said: "I'll be sorry to see it go. You get used to it."
Cllr Basnett has criticised the design, saying she fully agreed with a member of the public who said the road looks like it has been designed following a children's competition during her appearance on BBC Radio Merseyside. She added the project has been a "waste of money."
Scheme details and future plans
The scheme, which cost around £300,000, made the road one-way in an effort to help manage the town centre's traffic. Upon introducing the design last year, the council described it as "eye-catching but straight forward." However, since being installed the markings have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Once the street furniture and road markings are removed in the coming weeks, the street will remain one-way, with parking set to be reinstated.
