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Dishes reflect badly on picture postcard homes

In the battle between tradition and technology it seems the latter is winning at the picturesque village of Port Sunlight. For amongst the neatly-kept gardens and stunning 19th century buildings, satellite dishes have been popping up despite rules forbidding them.

After two years of threatened legal action by Wirral Council, preservation groups are now calling for officers to carry ou their threats. Carol Cuthell, secretary of the Port Sunlight Village Society, said:"Over the last two years, only one satellite dish has been removed to my knowledge. The problem is getting even worse because people are now putting huge aerials up on their properties and there doesn't seem to be much that can be done about it."

"It is very frustrating because enforcement notices were issued two years ago but nothing has happened since. People know when they buy a house or move into the village there are strict rules over what they can and cannot do. As far as I'm concerned, if you can't abide by the rules, you shouldn't move in."

Planning officers decided to clamp down on residents flouting the regulations in June 2001 and a wave of enforcement notices. They ordered unauthorised fittings to be removed and replaced with original style wooden window frames, at a cost of up to £500 each, as well as cast iron pipework to preserve the areas's unique character.

Colin Walker, WIrral council's assistant director of planning and economic development, insists the problem has not been forgotten. He said: "We have been working on a joint solution to the issues in Port Sunlight, working closely with the Village Trust, and will be looking to resolve any issues they have."

But preserving the full glory of the village is a difficult task. Villager's wanting multi-channel television have to opt for satellite dishes because Port Sunlight is not linked up to cable. Last year a cable company considered moving into the village but decided against it.

Lionel Bolland took over as Chief Executive of the Village Trust two months ago, and is trying to retain character while taking into account the needs of residents. He said:" Satellite dishes and modern fixtures do detract from the area. We are not saying don't put them up but there may be a more unobtrusive place for them that doesn't spoil the character of the village. They ruin the skyline that only Port Sunlight can boast of.

The village is unique and it is in the interests of everyone to carry out work sympathetically. "The Trust had its own enforcement officer until a few years ago but we don't have unlimited funds and we felt the officer was doing the job of the local authority. Many people think the trust is swimming in rivers of gold with open access to the Lever cheque book but unfortunately we aren't. Everyone here has to do their bit to preservethe character of this wonderful village."

02nd May 2003
(Article courtesy Daily Post)
sam.lister@liverpool.com

	[ VILLAGE ISSUES ] [ SATELLITE DISHES ]
.	Dishes reflect badly on picture postcard homes In the battle between tradition and technology it seems the latter is winning at the picturesque village of Port Sunlight. For amongst the neatly-kept gardens and stunning 19th century buildings, satellite dishes have been popping up despite rules forbidding them. After two years of threatened legal action by Wirral Council, preservation groups are now calling for officers to carry ou their threats. Carol Cuthell, secretary of the Port Sunlight Village Society, said:"Over the last two years, only one satellite dish has been removed to my knowledge. The problem is getting even worse because people are now putting huge aerials up on their properties and there doesn't seem to be much that can be done about it." "It is very frustrating because enforcement notices were issued two years ago but nothing has happened since. People know when they buy a house or move into the village there are strict rules over what they can and cannot do. As far as I'm concerned, if you can't abide by the rules, you shouldn't move in." Planning officers decided to clamp down on residents flouting the regulations in June 2001 and a wave of enforcement notices. They ordered unauthorised fittings to be removed and replaced with original style wooden window frames, at a cost of up to £500 each, as well as cast iron pipework to preserve the areas's unique character. Colin Walker, WIrral council's assistant director of planning and economic development, insists the problem has not been forgotten. He said: "We have been working on a joint solution to the issues in Port Sunlight, working closely with the Village Trust, and will be looking to resolve any issues they have." But preserving the full glory of the village is a difficult task. Villager's wanting multi-channel television have to opt for satellite dishes because Port Sunlight is not linked up to cable. Last year a cable company considered moving into the village but decided against it. Lionel Bolland took over as Chief Executive of the Village Trust two months ago, and is trying to retain character while taking into account the needs of residents. He said:" Satellite dishes and modern fixtures do detract from the area. We are not saying don't put them up but there may be a more unobtrusive place for them that doesn't spoil the character of the village. They ruin the skyline that only Port Sunlight can boast of. The village is unique and it is in the interests of everyone to carry out work sympathetically. "The Trust had its own enforcement officer until a few years ago but we don't have unlimited funds and we felt the officer was doing the job of the local authority. Many people think the trust is swimming in rivers of gold with open access to the Lever cheque book but unfortunately we aren't. Everyone here has to do their bit to preservethe character of this wonderful village." 02nd May 2003 (Article courtesy Daily Post) sam.lister@liverpool.com