No change to speed limits is criticised by MP
WEST Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper is urging Lancashire County Council’s highways department to reconsider its decision to leave Ormskirk’s County Road speed limit unchanged.
Despite safety concerns raised by numerous residents of County Road, the highways department has A FRUIT sauce manufacturer is planning to bring 40 new jobs to Skelmersdale.
Fruitapeel, an industry leader in production of fruit and confectionery sauce, has sought approval from West Lancashire Borough Council to turn an existing warehouse into one of its factory units.
The site it is seeking planning permission for is Degrave House in White Moss Business Park. The owners of the judged that there should be no change to the current 40mph speed limit.
Junctions at both Hayfield Road and Southport Road have a history of accidents, with the Hayfield Road junction incurring nine accidents in the past five years alone.
But the county council said that it would not consider taking further action unless there were more speed-related casualties.
Additionally, no alternative road safety or traffic improvement measures building, Moorgarth Properties (Luxembourg) Sarl, have said that parts of the site have remained empty for months.
Part of the building is used as a call centre.
ID Planning, the planning consultancy firm working on behalf of the owners, has told the council: “The nature of the business is compatible to surrounding occupiers and will assist in securing significant inward investment and job creating have been considered.
Ms Cooper said: “I am urging Lancashire County Council to take a proactive approach and not wait for more casualties to occur, or even fatalities.
“County Road has many junctions some with lights and some without, and we should be ensuring that the road is as safe as it can possibly be to reduce the chances of further accidents occurring.
“Government guidance might steer one way, but common sense opportunities for the area.’’
Fruitapeel has 64 employees and makes more than 500 bespoke products.
The firm posted on its website in July this year that it was ‘‘on the look out for exceptional talent to join the Fruitapeel team’’ – although currently there are no vacancies advertised.
It has a 50,000sq ft manufacturing plant in Simonswood, Kirkby, which has a capacity of 400 tons per week. and local knowledge needs to have influence so we are not waiting for a death on the road before action is taken.
“It is disappointing that Lancashire County Council have the power to reconsider the speed limit on this road but seem comfortable with not addressing the issue.”
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