A much-needed makeover of Lord Street is to begin in the next few weeks after a campaigning councillor called on Sefton Council to complete a series of improvements.
Cllr David Barton, who represents Dukes Ward, said the work was vital to improve the look of Southport town centre and encourage further investment into the retail sector.
The work includes pruning of trees, removing overhang from the carriageway and low branches as well as clearing pavements and lampposts to improve safety, which will be done during the imminent highways works to be undertaken on Lord Street.
Cllr Barton has also secured a commitment to replace the seven trees which are being removed from the area with eight new ones.
He said: “I initially raised these matters as part of my combined town audit back in 2015. Tree sap and debris has led to slippery pavements and these works should further improve conditions for residents and visitors walking through the town centre, especially along the narrow pavements situated at St. George’s Place around London Square, especially senior citizens and those with mobility difficulties.”
As part of the work, the two large dead/dying trees next to the cenotaph will be removed, as, if left these trees will pose an unacceptable Health and Safety risk to the highway.
Four trees have been identified for removal due to the roots of the trees interfering with the safe use of the pavement, kerb disturbance and drainage gully damage.
Cllr Barton added: Felling notices will appear on the trees to be removed shortly. I would now also call upon the other Dukes Ward Councillors to support me in my latest funding request to plant more trees to complete the remaining deficit from the previous occasion when trees were removed for health & safety reasons to support the overall conservation of Lord Street, Southport.
“Whilst construction works are underway this would be an opportune moment to support the local environment through additional tree planting, however I would strongly recommend that any such works omit the designated Taxi bays in respect of the local Taxi community’s wishes.
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