Above: Lib Dem councillors Tony Dawson and Simon Shaw
Continuing delays over the road closure in Birkdale Village – caused by United Utilities dealing with a collapsed sewer – have come under attack from councillors representing the area.
Liverpool Road on the outskirts of Birkdale Village has been closed to through traffic for two weeks although shops are all fully accessible with traffic diverted a short distance along Bolton Road/Claremont Road or Welbeck Road/Walmer Road.
Lib Dem councillors Tony Dawson and Simon Shaw, who represent the seaward and landward halves of the Village respectively, say that they were told that the road would be re-opened yesterday, Thursday, but that didn’t happen.
“We raised our concerns about slow progress with the Council at the beginning of the week. A senior Council Engineer told us that United Utilities advised that repairs to the damaged sewer should be completed by Wednesday and the road re-opened by Thursday,” said Councillor Dawson, of Dukes Ward.
“But we now understand that the road will be shut until Saturday. There’s absolutely no problem in getting to all the shops, with normal parking available, but the danger is that some people think that’s not the case.”
Birkdale Lib Dem councillor Simon Shaw added: “The other concern we raised with the Council was that some of the signs could make people think that they couldn’t get through to the shops – which is untrue.”
“The sign saying ‘Road Closed, Access Only’ presents a stark message, and carries the danger of putting people off coming into the Village”.
“That’s why we asked on Monday that additional signage should be put out making it clear that shops are still open for business. Unfortunately, if they were put out, they were put in the wrong place. We’ve been in contact with the Council yet again about this.”
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