Work is due begin, Monday 18th September, on the controversial resurfacing of Lord Street. Currently Lord Street is red. Sefton Council plans to use a money-saving cheaper option to resurface the road in black. This decision coming after Sefton Council announced £32 million is to be spent purchasing Bootle Strand Shopping Center. Once again Southport is pushed aside as favour is paid to the Labour heartlands of Sefton. Clearly decisions have been made to prioritise anywhere else but Southport.
If Southport Lord Street is resurfaced in black, this risks the loss of its heritage status and the right to apply for any restoration grants from the lottery heritage fund. Hence, a cheaper option now risks not only the status of Lord Street but the possibility of future funding for other projects such as the restoration and upkeep of its boulevards, walkways and veranda’s. This short-term cost-saving is going to cost us more in the long run.
The Council may complain about lack of funds but it is about making the right choices, spend £32 million on a venture which is deemed unprofitable by developers and investors, or maintain conservation areas and heritage sites.
This outrageous decision which compromises the identity of Lord Street and Southport. Due to the neglect from Sefton Council Southport has already lost out on its place as a top 40 UK seaside destination.
Please join us in our fight against this decision. We will be present on Lord Street West Roundabout on Saturday 16th from 10am. Please come down and show your support or sign our petition here at: https://www.change.org/p/jfairclough01-cableinet-co-uk-keep-southport-lord-street-tarmac-red