Report below by the Daily Post, Oct 17th 2005
Alder Hey could move to new site in Widnes in parkland row
LIVERPOOL'S children's
hospital will move to Widnes if it is not allowed to rebuild on parkland in the
city, it has emerged.
Alder Hey wants to build on Springfield Park next
to its site in West Derby. But they have had to consider moving out of the city
because of opposition from residents and a reluctance at the council to allow
development of parkland.
Now the hospital has identified alternative land in Halton, the playing fields
off the A557 Widnes Eastern Bypass.
A spokesman for Alder Hey said: "The strongest option is to rebuild on the
current site and Springfield Park, replacing the work like-for-like once the new
hospital is built. Our second option is a site in Halton, which although very
attractive, means we would have to leave Liverpool.
"We know that some people are concerned about us building on the park. However,
we are also aware that many people do not want us to leave the current site.
"We are working with the council and others to try to address the issues raised
about building on the park."
A Labour-led petition has been launched to keep the hospital in Liverpool and
has been signed by nine MPs from across Merseyside.
Wavertree MP and health minister Jane Kennedy said: "I had concerns when I first
heard the plan to build on Springfield Park, so residents' anxiety is
understandable. But Alder Hey has assured me that replacement parkland of a much
higher quality will be provided with the new hospital.
"The council must stop mouthing its support and throw its weight behind this
plan for a world-class children's hospital."