Holey budget cuts! What happened to our main road?
SEFTON Council is facing criticism after the controversial new surface of Lord Street began crumbling after a matter of weeks.
A new black surface was applied over six weeks in autumn, replacing the red surface that had become a landmark in the town.
The black surface was used as it cost half as much as an alternative red.
But the surface is already showing signs of wear, with holes and uneven patches appearing, notably near the junction with Eastbank Street. Residents and councillors have now criticised the quality of the work done last year.
One resident, who did not want to be named, contacted the Visiter and said that the road was in a sorry state. She added: “Lord Street is supposed to be special, not the same as everywhere else. Actually, it looks worse now it’s covered in holes.”
Cllr Fred Weavers said that the council’s “frugal attitude to resurfacing Lord Street is already coming back to haunt it”.
He said: “When councillors disagreed with putting cheap Tarmac down on Lord Street, the ruling Labour Party met objec- tions, scorn and derision but it now appears that the life of the road surface is not 25 years, but three months.”
Sefton Council has defended the work done, saying that the treatment chosen was of no lower quality or durability than the previous one.
A spokesman said: “Regular inspections of Lord Street have highlighted a small number of carriageway defects.
“All defects are being monitored and we have made the contractor aware.
“While the current surfacing material is considerably more cost-effective than the asphalt previously used, this has no impact over its quality or durability.
“A final report of defects will be given to the contractor at the beginning of the spring for them to rectify and ward councillors have already been informed of this.”