Safety concerns over Lord Street resurfacing work

Safety concerns over Lord Street resurfacing work

A leading campaigner for the restoration and regeneration of Southport has reminded Sefton Council not to lose sight of safety considerations during the controversial resurfacing work on Lord Street.

Cllr David Barton, who has called for the iconic red surface to be retained, said residents and businesses were also concerned about other aspects of the project.

He has called for:

• Improved gulley works to reduce the incidence of flooding which is particularly bad at multiple traffic crossings such as the one at a  main crossroads linking with London Square and Nevill Street

• Widening of the pavements in cross-sections to facilitate the return of lost civic heritage features such as Verandahs

• Additional car parking spaces all year round

• Improvements to street furniture such as traffic crossing refuge islands

• A better quality anti-skid material

• Consideration for people with mobility difficulties and the elderly when any bus / traffic diversions are implemented

Cllr Barton, who represents Dukes Ward, has also called for a review of the conservation protocols/protective measures that may already be in place that might prevent the road surface colour being changed.

He has also sought clarification from Sefton Council regarding:

• What materials are deemed appropriate for the Conservation Area Carriageway and which are not accepted?

• Can any of the Coastal Community Funding or Emergency Reserves be utilised to retain the red tarmac?

• Would resurfacing possibly need to be delayed if there is a legal conflict pertaining to the colour of the Carriageway surface being retained?

• Is there a Sponsorship Scheme that local residents and businesses across the community could sponsor or support to once again maintain the distinctive red colour of the carriageway along Lord Street?

Cllr Barton said: “Having spoken to and been contacted by scores of local businesses and key stakeholders I stand by my original statement that the red colour must be retained as part of Southport’s long-standing cultural identity if the vision for Southport to become a true Classic Resort town once more is to be fully realised.”