Councillor declares war on Southport’s dirty drains

Councillor declares war on Southport’s dirty drains

A councillor has declared war on Southport’s blocked and flooded drains in a bid to improve town centre roads and footpaths.

Cllr David Barton, who represents Dukes Ward, has provided Sefton Council with a list of sites along Lord Street in need of attention to prevent them causing problems this winter.

Cllr Barton has asked Sefton Council to carry out the work before the end of the year so that inspections in 2017 can identify any known hotspots for dry/ blocked drains.

He said he was happy to volunteer to carry out another survey at that time and report back my findings that it can fully resolve this local issue for the community.

The list was drawn up after Cllr Barton surveyed the town centre following concerns from residents and traders.

It includes the full length of Lord Street beginning from Manchester Road up to Duke Street including lay- byes and the central Princess Diana Gardens in addition to adjacent side streets where drains where identified for works. In no particular order this includes: Garrick Parade; Coronation Walk, Market Street; London Square; St. George’s Place; Hulme Street, Waverley Street; Nevill Street; Union Street; Leicester Street; Manchester Road; Hill Street; Duke Street; Wellington Street; Portland Street; Eastbank Street; and Bold Street

Cllr Barton, who is a leading campaigner for the restoration and regeneration of Southport, said: “Blocked gullies and drains are a recurring issue in the town centre and if we don’t act now to tackle problem areas we are just storing up problems for the rest of the winter.

“Lord Street is the flagship street in our town and one that attracts visitors all year round. We must ensure that we keep it looking pristine and cleaning and unblocking drains is a key part of that.”

The drains identified by Cllr Barton are either dry or in need of clearing of rubbish which has included mainly leaf fall and discarded cigarette butts.

Others have a small slurry of moisture which has festered with the leaf fall in particular which he feels should be cleaned after the Autumn fall has passed to get the best possible usage of Council resources.

Sefton Council carries out gully cleansing operations once a year and work on Lord Street is due to begin in January 2017.

Additional visits are normally only undertaken if the gully is found to be totally blocked.

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