"Our vision" for Parkgate was developed in response to a disappointing result in the annual Cheshire Community Pride Competition in 2011, when we came bottom out of all the entrants in our category – villages with a population between 2,501 and 5,000. The then CWaC Councillor for Parkgate, the late Brenda Dowding, wanted the ‘village’ to present a more cared-for image, one that also reflected the former glory of Parkgate. Together we developed a vision of how Parkgate might look better, and the steps that needed to be taken to achieve that vision.

The full text of that vision can be read here. The narrative identified various agencies and called on them to perform specific actions in order to achieve "Our Vision". Some of those actions have already been addressed and both visitors and local residents will notice that Parkgate is now looking much better than just a few years ago.

The following is a check-list showing progress made and actions still outstanding in relation to the specific projects identified to improve the appearance of Parkgate for residents, workers and visitors alike:

• Street lights. The existing lights on The Parade are a random mix of metal and concrete types and should be replaced with uniform heritage style posts, capable of supporting flower baskets and, if possible, Christmas lights. An assessment has been carried out and prospects for funding explored.  Awaiting funding opportunity.

• Mostyn Square.  The degraded tarmac pavement outside the entrance to St Thomas’ Church should be replaced with paving similar to that used on the Donkey Stand. Paving not yet progressed, but two planters have been installed here to make the Square more colourful.

• Middle Slip. Since the installation here of the Hilbre class boat "Hi-C", a rockery has been created around it and both planted with seasonal flowering plants.  The pavement has been re-modelled to follow the line of the roadway, and bollards installed to define the area and prohibit unauthorised vehicle access to the marsh. A large planter has also been installed and planted with seasonal flowers.

• Seating. Some additional benches near the south slip (and possibly elsewhere) would be welcomed by visitors and residents alike.  Four new bench seats have now been installed on the South Parade, two replacing time-expired ones, and suitable locations for further benches are being investigated.

• Information panels. Following the success with the Donkey Stand, further new interpretation boards should be installed at the following areas to describe their historic significance: Middle Slip, Boathouse Slip, the garden at the end of the Ropewalk and at the extended Ropewalk Car Park. Two boards have now been installed in the car park: one tells the story of Parkgate's railway stations, the other the conversion of the WW2 pillbox into a haven for bats. Draft designs have been produced for the other locations.

• Car parking. The area surrounding the former Station Road car park has been opened up and the lay-out re-designed to provide extra parking capacity; 4,000 spring bulbs were planted here in 2016.  An additional traffic sign should be installed on Parkgate Road near the junction with Earle Drive to give drivers advanced warning of this car park.

• Signage. The direction signs on The Parade need rationalising, with up to six heritage style finger posts installed at appropriate points, directing visitors to eg. public toilets, car parks, Parkgate School, St Thomas’ Church, etc. Awaiting funding opportunity.

• The Seawall. The weed growth needs to be treated and cleared regularly.   The state of the wall has been assessed by CWaC; some of the damaged sandstone blocks have been re-pointed and repaired.  CWaC are progressing with the task of clearing vegetative growth on the wall, as weather and funds permit.

• Toilets.  Following the refurbishment of the toilet block in Mostyn Square, there is spare capacity in the building.  This could be used for community purposes.  Various options have been considered, but there is no viable plan as yet.

• Flower schemes.   Additional schemes of planting should be supported and sponsored. To date we have installed new planters on The Parade, by the Middle Slip and in front of Mostyn House, and also in Mostyn Square and Station Road. Further locations for planters are to be sought.  We also generally encourage schemes undertaken by individual property owners.