As a fourth heatwave hits families are expected to flock to the region’s beautiful beaches
15:38, 11 Aug 2025Updated 15:45, 11 Aug 2025
People wanting to pay a visit to Ainsdale beach may have to slightly alter their travel plans
The UK is in the grips of a fourth summer heatwave, with temperatures expected to hit mid-30s in some areas of the country. Liverpool is predicted to hit a blistering peak of 31C tomorrow, August 12, and with the summer holidays underway, the region’s beaches are prime destinations for sun-seeking families.
But people wanting to pay a visit to Ainsdale beach may have to slightly alter their travel plans, as the beach car park off Marine Drive is currently closed, and is expected to remain off-limits for the rest of the week.
A Sefton Council spokesman posted on Facebook: “Ainsdale Beach car park will remain closed today (11th August) and is expected to stay closed throughout the week due to high levels of windblown sand and ongoing dry weather conditions. We will continue to provide updates.”
Further parking disruption is ongoing at nearby Formby beach, which is undergoing major construction work as National Trust (NT) facilitate a large-scale conservation project.
Construction began in July with the aim of removing tonnes of rubble, restoring the rare sand dune habitats to their former glory. As a result, car parking is limited at Formby beach and people have been advised to leave their car behind and use public transport, or to choose another beach to visit.
The work involves removing the existing beach car park and tonnes of associated construction rubble which is being processed on-site and repurposed to create the sub-base for a replacement car park further inland.
The project is expected to last until spring 2026, and during this time the Victoria Road car park and toilets are closed with no bins or facilities available.
The National Trust Lifeboat Road car park and toilets in Formby will remain open, but the NT said parking is extremely limited.
To avoid being turned away, people have been advised against driving to National Trust Formby on sunny days this summer, and to consider travelling by train to Formby station, or choose alternative beaches and car parks along the Sefton and Wirral Coast.
Amy Peacock, General Manager for the National Trust’s Formby and Central Lancashire properties said: “We understand people will be disappointed to miss out on a trip to Formby this summer, but everyone’s support and understanding is greatly appreciated as we work to enhance this special space for wildlife and people.”
The conservation charity is also working with a specialist traffic management company at the top of Lifeboat Road every day over the summer holidays, assisting with traffic flow, turning cars around when the car park is full and directing people to alternative, nearby beaches using a postcard with QR code.
Mark Sopp, Group Manager for Community Safety at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: “We urge everyone to park responsibly to ensure that our firefighters can respond to potentially life-threatening emergency incidents without delay and keep the area safe for all.
“Additionally, we ask visitors to please take your rubbish home, including cigarettes and glass bottles, and refrain from lighting fires or BBQs, to protect both people and wildlife.
“If you see a grass fire, report it immediately by calling 999, giving as much detail as possible including the nearest main road. Thank you for your support.”
Inspector Graham Fisher, of Sefton Local Policing said: “We would ask that you plan your journeys, taking into account the planned car park closure at Formby beach and look for alternative destinations. We want visitors to enjoy all that Sefton has to offer.”