Fly posters are creating traffic hazards and increasing the risk of accidents in Southport town centre by targeting road signs and street furniture, a councillor has revealed.
Cllr David Barton said the problem was part of a wider issue of fly posting, fly tipping, littering and dog fouling becoming more prevalent across both the town centre and residential areas.
He said one example of the hazardous trend was sticker adverts being placed on illuminated street furniture at the main roundabout at Lord Street South and Duke Street, a key gateway entrance from Birkdale.
He said: “I am continuing to act on all reported cases of both fly posting and fly tipping, which is also regularly seen along the Lord Street railings.
“I am calling for those responsible to remove their advertising, which is especially dangerous, whether it is on an illuminated Turn Left traffic bollard which is heavily obscured during night time or open signage, such as that displayed previously along the Esplanade.
“I am also working as professionally and discreetly as possible with property owners who frequently discard litter within their own grounds. “
Cllr Barton, who represents Dukes ward and is a leading campaigner for the regeneration and restoration of Southport, called for Sefton council to continue to work hard to address the issues.
He said: “Whilst recent figures reveal up to seven times the number of litter fines issued in Southport as in Bootle, this is actually a fact that should be welcomed as this deterrent has helped to vastly reduce the incidences of dog fouling especially in busy areas such as Lord Street since 2014.
“At the same time, cases are being actively pursued at renowned locations for dog fouling such as Bath Street, Lord Street West, Lulworth Road and Weld Road, however I would strongly recommend continued action to address this matter.
“Should anyone wish to proactively support the elimination of fly posting, fly tipping, littering or dog fouling, I would recommend them to contact me in the first instance with any pertinent information such as dates, times and descriptions so that wherever these matters may be resolved as amicably as possible without the need for enforcement measures.
“It is also worth noting that due to a present moratorium on any new bins being issued across the Sefton region due to proficiently adhered to cleansing schedules, that all residents should be reminded further of the need to act responsibly.
“As a Victorian seaside town that brands itself as the Classic Resort of the North of England it is paramount that standards are maintained as highly as possible to encourage future investment opportunities which may in turn bring additional revenue to the area.”
OTS News on Social Media