Victory for cycle lane protesters as controversial Council plans put “on hold”

Sefton Council has placed a controversial cycle lane scheme on hold following concerns from local residents and businesses.

The Council had initially planned to complete an artertial cycle lane running all the way from Plough Roundabout to Crosby by installing a number of adjoining routes throughout the town.

However vocal opposition to the plans has been widespread, and it has been expected in recent weeks that the Council could not proceed with the scheme.

Sefton Council said: “Following an extended consultation process, Sefton Council has put its current Active Travel proposals for Southport on hold, so that it can consider alternative options, including ideas put forward by the community during a recent consultation.

“Like many councils, in the early days of the pandemic Sefton was instructed by the Government to put active travel schemes like the Southport Active Travel scheme in place.

“Now that the Council has had the opportunity to carry out the consultation it has received a wide range of feedback from residents and businesses on the proposed new scheme including a number of alternative suggestions.”

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services, said: “As was the case with many councils in the early days of COVID-19, the Government told Sefton Council to put active travel schemes in place without consultation.

“We had little time and no Department for Transport criteria on which to judge their performance.

“Now that we have had an opportunity to carry out our robust consultation process, it is clear that local residents and businesses support the need to do more for the environment and that doing nothing is not an option, but some concerns have been expressed about some aspects of the proposals

“It makes sense therefore to put the plans on hold while we consider options and alternative ideas.”

Cllr Fairclough continued: “Sefton Council’s Climate Change Emergency declaration has received cross-party backing with councillors across the board agreeing that more needs to be done to progress this vital work.

“We remain committed to initiatives that will combat climate change and improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the Borough, including the way in which people travel.

“There is clear backing for work on further proposals for more green and active schemes that will tackle the strain and pressures our environment is facing and I look forward to seeing those plans developed after proper consideration.”

“In November 2021, 30 Sefton businesses pledged publicly to reduce their carbon outputs following their attendance at InvestSefton’s net zero workshop and we are working with businesses owners to help them understand how they could play a role in tackling the climate emergency.

“The decision to postpone any proposals remains subject to a ‘call-in’ period prior to approval.”