The story of the loose stones

In response to a question from a resident of the road, the LibDem team have turned sleuths to discover the truth behind the "loose stones" on Marshside Road.

Focus Editor Lauren Keith and Councillor Sue McGuire inspect Marshside Road
following reports that the recently resurfaced road is not up to scratch. 

The road, which was resurfaced last year, now has signs warning drivers of lose stones.  It appears that the recent severe weather may have caused the newly laid surface to disintegrate creating a significant amount of loose chippings on the highway and a visually scarred surface.  Officers from the Council have met with the highway contractor who undertook the resurfacing work land it has been agreed that the contractor will undertake remedial work at his own expense later in the year.

In the meantime, the Council will continue to monitor the condition of the road and will do further sweeping if necessary.

Love at First Sign

Showing Lauren the new sign
(we had to wait until a speeding car went past)

I know I have posted before about variable speed sign but I'm absolutely over the moon that the two signs I recently campaigned for have now finally been installed on Marshside Road and Fylde Road. And I'm delighted to say they are both working well flashing away like billy-oh at drivers going over 30mph on these roads.

I especially like the one on Marshide Road since, as there are no street lights where it is located, it flashes like this great beacon in the darkness which I think probably gives the drivers a bit of a shock !

An Accident waiting to happen

Uploading my latest stories to the blog whilst travelling very quickly to London on the Virgin West Coast.  Have to admit I have upgraded to first class (paid for by myself) because not only are the seats more comfortable, you can have free WIFI which allows me to do my emails, blog and work.  I know working on a Saturday at 9 am is rather keen and going to London with 40 days to the General Election is nutty but I have been summoned for a key meeting with the head Lib Dem party honchos.

 Anyway the latest story (accompanied by a particularly unflattering picture) details some serious concerns I have regarding road safety at the junction of Marshside Road and Marine Drive.  Because of the lack of lighting here, this is always a rather dangerous junction but my fears have been increased since sections of the fence of the former Sandwining Car Park have been damaged creating a gap.  This gap in the fence is allowing motorists to leave the car park over the raised pavement directly on to this very busy junction which is total madness.

I have raised the issue with the Highways Team and stressed the urgency.

Action to tackle speeding on Marshside Road

Your Lib Dem Team have been out again in Marshide today, talking with residents about our proposal to install a flashing variable speed sign to warn drivers of their speed and prompt them to slow down.

This follows the recent move to install a similar sign on nearby Fylde Road (see post below). 

This sign would be installed to the sea side of the bank at the top end of Marshside Road.  Evidence suggests that these signs are one of the most effective ways of traffic calming and so by installing the sign here we believe that drivers speeding from the Coast Road will be prompted to slow down as they approach the 20mph school zone around Stanley School.

The issue is set to be debated at the SouthportArea Committee on Wednesday March 31st so we would like  the views of residents to ensure that the installation of this sign would be fully supported by everyone in the area.  Please email sue@bluefountain.com if you support this initative.

Out and about in Marshside

Your Cambridge Ward Team have just spent a happy hour out on the streets in Marshside listening and talking to residents and despite the cold (near freezing temperatures) the reception from our residents was very warm.

Councillor Preston and myself have sought the views of our residents, on their doorsteps, thoughout the year whenever time and the weather has allowed, generally with a residents survey asking people their views on a number of key issues including council services, the police and transport. We see this role as a vital link with our residents at all times, not just during an election campaign.

Southports Liberal Democrat MP, Dr John Pugh was also out tonight conituning his year round visits to residents both in our area and in other parts of the town.

All those we spoke to agreed that, whether or not they supported our party, the Liberal Democrats are the only party that actively meets residents on their doorsteps and keeps them informed by our regularly delivered Focus newspapers. 

Tonights activity willl be repeated many times, in other parts of the ward, over the next few weeks as the election campaign gains momemtum and we will continue once the election is over. We are looking forward to covering as much of the ward as possible. If we do knock on your door and you are not available, we shall leave our contact details for you to reach us with your views and requests. 

Frost Pothole Legacy

The recent very cold weather has left a legacy of potholes throughout our area which your Lib Dem team are trying to get repaired as quickly as possible. Councillors Sue McGuire and Carmel Preston are joining MP John Pugh in calling on the council to take emergency action before potholes opened up by the ice and snow damage residents cars.
As Sue explains “We need a highway rapid response team as the recent damage caused by the bad weather cannot wait for routine maintenance. Emergency repairs are called for in many places before anymore damage is done to cars. These are exceptional times and we need an exceptional response.”

It may be that in some of the worst places there is a history of poor maintenance but some surfaces are so poor now, the problem needs to be sorted in days not weeks. The effect on traffic is not only damaging but potentially dangerous.

Water penetrates the cracks/crazing evident in any aged carriageway and then freezes under sub zero temperatures. The expanded ice formation then places significant pressure on the adjacent bituminous surface, which then starts to break up, with potholes forming. Further freeze/thaw patterns then exacerbate the problem at individual locations.

Potholes have been reported on Park Avenue, Knowsley Road, Leicester Street, Manchester Road, Queens Road, Marshside Road, Park Road West, Roe Lane and Garstang Road
If you are aware of any potholes which need repairing please let us know or alternatively your can report the site on-line at www.fixmystreet.com

Fog Bell Update

As previously reported, Councillor Sue McGuire has been working with the North Meols Civic Society on a project to renovate the Fog Bell on Marshside Road.

Sue explains:"After some research I discovered that the Fog Bell building is owned by One Vision Housing and I am pleased that, following a meeting between Ken Bridge of North Meols Civic Society, the Area Manager for One Vision Housing and myself, One Vision have agreed to fund the refurbishment of the wooden eaves and also repair the roof. This is a really positive step forward."

Ken and Sue also helped youngsters from Stanley School clean up the building and surrounding area as part of their Community Cohesion activities.

Sue with Ken Bridge from North Meols Civic Society

Councillor Sue McGuire discussed the on-going plans for refurbishments of the Fog Bell on Marshside Road with Ken Bridge from the North Meols Civic Society.

As Sue explained "This is such a significant building for Marshside, its really important that we do everything we can to return it to its former glory. Carmel & I have been working with Ken and the North Meols Civic Society to ensure that the Heritage Lottery Bid for this area includes some funding for this renovation."

Police working in our area

Sue is pictured with police officers using

the speed camera on Park Crescent

Following a large number of complaints from residents in our area, Councillors Sue McGuire and Carmel Preston have asked the police to undertake a number of speed checks in our area. So far speed checks have been undertaken on Park Avenue, Cambridge Road, Marshside Road and Leyland Road. Other roads are set to be targeted shortly.

If you believe your road should be included please e-mail Sue or Carmel.