Liverpool readers have given mixed reactions to a proposal for a cable car connecting Everton Park to the city centre, with some hailing it as a 'brilliant' idea and others calling for investment in more basic improvements first.
Proposal and Context
The ECHO reported yesterday on Liberal Democrat leader Carl Cashman's 'big idea' to create a cable car transport system linking Everton Park with Liverpool city centre. The park's highest point offers a sweeping panorama of Liverpool's skyline, but the area suffers from well-documented transport issues that make it difficult for non-residents to reach and for locals to travel elsewhere.
Cllr Cashman presented the vision as part of wider regeneration efforts, stating: "Everton Park has the best view of the city, and I think we can do more here. Some people might push back on the cable car idea, and say it's pie in the sky, quite literally in some ways, but for me it's more of a conversation around regeneration of this area, and talking about big ideas, because I think it's unfortunate at the minute that nobody wants to say that Liverpool council can deliver something big."
Readers' Reactions
Reader Peter Rimmer suggested an alternative: a suspension railway from Speke to Bootle, with a loop into the city and Anfield. He estimated a 19-mile track would cost £2-3 billion, saying: "This would be cheaper to build as it's above ground, reducing planning objections. [It could] go along the promenade to the airport and to Everton and the loop to Anfield and main attractions. That's making a statement and serving the city."
Mark Swift argued the council should "start with the basics," calling Everton Park "the poor relation of all the parks in terms of upkeep and investment and yet it has potentially the most to offer." He added: "Let's make the park a destination first before we start cabling people from it."
Phil Burns suggested the park needs "a tourist attraction up there like a restaurant with views of the city," while Allan Kayll said he would "focus on getting the streets clean and in a good state of repair first," describing the area as "a neglected mess outside of the city centre."
Support and Next Steps
Some readers were enthusiastic. Suzanne Lee called it "a brilliant idea," adding: "(With) all the tourism we generate in Liverpool this would definitely be a winner." Pete Astles said it "sound[s] like a good idea, another feature for the marvellous city that is the modern Liverpool," and Julie Parker said: "Wow, that would be amazing."
The ECHO has invited readers to share their views in the comments section below the original article.
