Mixed reaction as ‘rat run’ road blockage set to end

ACONTROVERSIAL temporary closure of a ‘rat run’ road in Ormskirk will end, it has been confirmed, sparking mixed reactions from residents.

Yew Tree Road in Ormskirk had temporary blockages installed by Lancashire County Council in 2020, to stop vehicles using it as a through route.

The measure saw traffic being diverted to surrounding roads under the partial closure and was then extended, despite vocal opposition from nearby residents at the time.

The partial closure was part of a government initiative to help people safely visit local businesses as Covid 19 restrictions were eased, meaning that only pedestrians and cyclists could travel the full length of the road.

The idea behind the scheme was aimed at increasing football whilst helping people avoid public transport, and was one of a number of initiatives introduced across the country, with similar schemes being rolled out nationwide under the Government’s emergency active travel fund.

Last June, the council said the Yew

Tree Road scheme would be removed if lockdown restrictions were lifted, but restrictions were then extended by the Government to July and the temporary scheme was not lifted, with the county council saying in August it would be keeping some temporary measures which it believed had had a ‘positive impact overall’, including Yew Tree Road.

Now councillors have announced that the road closure notice on Yew Tree Road will finish, with the planters and signage being removed as soon as possible, following consultation with local residents.

Nikki Hennessy, Lancashire County Councillor for Ormskirk division, told the Advertiser that following formal consultation ending in December, and having spoken to local residents and met with officers at County Hall, the decision had been taken to reopen the road.

She said that out of 167 comments from residents, 38 % were in favour of the closure and 62% were against it, while a petition against it could not be considered since it was received after the consultation closed.

Highlighting how officers noted that traffic was displaced as a result of the closure, she said Scarisbrick Street in particular, did not have capacity to absorb the increased traffic which resulted from the closure.

She told the Advertiser that the planters and signage would be removed as soon as possible, while a new Toucan crossing would be put in place across the A59 next to Yew Tree Road to enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

She said: “I have worked closely with local residents before, during and after the consultation to ensure their opinions and experiences were heard by officers at County Hall.

“I have had meetings and discussions with the officers and cabinet for highways to review technical advice.

“Officers were clear that traffic was displaced as a result of the closure.

“It was noted Scarisbrick Street, in particular, did not have capacity to absorb the increased traffic.

“It is recommended that Yew Tree Road reopen, the temporary closure notice is finished on 6th March. The planters and signage will be removed as soon as possible.”

Emphasising how speeding on Yew Tree Road was an ‘ongoing concern’, she said solutions were being looked at on the matter. She said: “Speeding on Yew Tree Road has also been recognised as an ongoing concern in reaching the recommendations.

“The cabinet member has agreed to look into solutions as a matter of urgency.”

She added: “Officers have agreed to look into a traffic survey which I have asked to be part of the recommendation in the cabinet report in April. However, financial constraints are likely to limit potential developments.”

The revelation has prompted mixed reactions from residents in the area.

Gareth Blacoe, 46, a resident of Yew Tree Road, said almost all the residents on the road had been in favour, and said speeding was an issue.

The dad of two said: “The cars thunder up and down here when it is open as it is a straight road.

“When does the rat run just become the way?

“The deliveries come to the retail park, and the HGVs come down here, and it’s a residential area.

“90% of the residents on this road are against the road reopening. On a street like this, there are children playing out, and there are elderly people. It’s a straight road and the traffic zooms through. Most people drive responsibly – but it’s the 10 % who don’t that cause accidents.

“If somebody gets killed, what happens then?

“It’s 20mph on here, but not many people do that. There has to be either speed bumps, which nobody wants, speed cameras, or chicanes, to slow the traffic down, which I think would be a good idea.”

However, the move has been welcomed by residents in surrounding roads which have been affected by the road closure.

One resident,who lives on nearby Croftson Avenue, said: “The closure has not been great.

“I’m really pleased that they’re going to reopen Yew Tree Road.

“It’s inconvenient for us, if you want to get on to the A59 – and it’s quite dangerous.

“They have had signs blocking Yew Tree Road for almost two years.

“We weren’t consulted on it at the time, and the signs just went up, and they made the decision without consulting us.”

Lancashire County Council was contacted for comment.