On 20th June 2023 we highlighted on our web-page the Council’s proposed road scheme in Crosby Village, introducing a signal-controlled junction with push button crossing facilities to replace the existing double mini roundabout arrangement at the junction of Islington, Church Road with Coronation Road.
The proposals also included modifications to the junction of The Bypass/ Liverpool Road (A565) and Coronation Road.
Road closures, September to November:
By way of an update, the Council on 28th July 2023 drafted a report to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services indicating that in order to carry out the works there will be “temporary closure of Coronation Rd, Vale Road, Harrington Road and Islington, Crosby at various times between 18th September 2023 and 26th November 2023.”
The dates of the proposed road closures have not been publicised, not has the duration of each closure or the alternative routes to be taken.
The report states that “the scheme should improve walking and cycling in the local area by making Crosby Centre easier to access on foot”. However, the scheme does not illustrate dedicated, safe cycleways and fails to mention the effect the traffic signals will have on travel times for motorists passing through or entering the Village.
Curiously, the report states that there are no revenue implications associated with the scheme, yet the traffic lights will require maintaining and the junctions will require some form of camera monitoring if the system is to function adequately and safely. Yet again, the issue of maintenance costs appears to have been ignored by this Labour Council.
Public consultation:
The Council’s report also requests the Cabinet Member to approve the necessary legal procedures, including those of public consultation and advertising the Council’s intention to implement the Order.
It is unclear how and when this public consultation will take place and whether the scheme will be amended as a result of any comments from residents, traders, bus operators, delivery companies or other groups having an interest in access to the Village.
If the road closures are to begin on 18th September, it leaves very little time for any meaningful consultation to take place or for the scheme to be amended as a result.
Again, this Labour Council is seen to be pushing ahead with a scheme about which local people and businesses have not been properly consulted and which will have a significant impact on motorists, buses, traders and anyone wishing to pass through the Village in the weeks before Christmas.
This Labour Council has again shown little regard for consulting the local electorate and pays no heed to the principles of transparency in its decision making processes, which has been delegated to the Cabinet Member for Locality Services who represents Linacre Ward.
Further information:
https://modgov.sefton.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=11573
