Developers called on to speed up work at former factory site in Southport

Local Meols community figure, Thomas de Freitas, has put pressure on housing developers and Sefton Council to speed up the demolition of the former Phillips Factory on Balmoral Drive, which is being removed to make way for 157 homes and 6,000 square metres of public space.

Concerns have been raised over the shaking of homes surrounding the demolition site, the high number of HGVs passing, noise levels from drilling, and dust lining nearby roads and driveways.

The original demolition was planned to take a matter of weeks, however around seven months later the works are still nowhere near completion – leading to delays in the overall project.

Thomas expanded on the issue, saying:

“Local residents around the demolition site – in areas such as North Road, Rufford Road,    Roselea Drive, and Merlewood Avenue – have contacted me to complain of the length of time the demolition has been taking and the impacts it is having on the local area.

“It is completely understandable that people are seeking clarity – we need to know exactly when the demolition will be completed, and then exactly how long the overall housing project will take.

“We also need the Council to ensure that people’s right to peace in their homes is protected to the fullest extent possible. Where there are any concerns raised about shaking and vibrations, the Council need to make sure the developers fully investigate the matter and report back.”

De Freitas says that he has written to both Sefton Council and the developers, Elan Homes, and set out local concerns.

He is supported in his efforts by Southport MP Damien Moore, who says he too has had constituents get in touch to raise the issue:

“I think the majority of residents accept that something had to be done about the factory. Whatever people’s misgivings about having the extra houses, ensuring that the land is converted in a safe way is imperative.

“This being said, what we can’t have is a situation in which people are being told to put up with ground vibrations potentially damaging homes, along with all the other issues raised, as a  result of a demolition which currently has no end date in sight.

“I hope the representations which have been made at the very least provide some clarity for local residents.”

De Freitas plans on writing to local residents once a response is issued.