Ex Councillor David Barton speaks up on Southport's alleyways.

David Barton wants to see alleyways be classified under a new official two-tier system

Written by David Barton

A prominent campaigner for the heritage of Southport is recommending that alleyways be classified under a new official two-tier system thereby providing the best rote forward for everyone- be this time of day through an open corridor or controlled access at those at the discretion of adjoining properties.

Alleyways are narrow lanes, paths or passageways often frequented by pedestrians that usually run between, behind or within buildings in older sections of municipalities. They often comprise the remnants of the original street network, with some dating back to Medieval times in the UK and Europe.

In places such as Southport Merseyside that were established in the 18th Century onwards alleyways were built as a right of way or used as an ancient footpath. In older North American towns and cities they were predominantly based at the rear of properties for deliveries and refuse collection and continue to be used as such today.

In 1875 alleyways became a core feature of British Placemaking during national legislation changes enacted where the features would run along the back streets of terraced houses with ginnels connecting them to the street every fifth house. Today many still remain and are often depicted on TV Serial dramas including Coronation Street and Eastenders.

David Barton, former Councillor for the Dukes Ward covering the Town Centre and West Birkdale, is advocating for a more simplified and streamlined use of alleyways as envisaged by the first Placemakers so not only in keeping with correct legal statutory requirements, but also serving a key purpose in the 21st Century.

The community campaigner, whose ultimate focus has been and remains the restoration of Southport, believes that both those domiciling and frequenting the area can benefit from a practical system that considers everyone’s best interests. As an original way of navigation these can also mark a great way of exploring any one local area and all its associated parts.

Mr. Barton says: “I am advocating a two-point system that accommodates both versions of alleyways. Firstly, those that lead to other streets and secondly those that lead to a terminus at the other end. In some instances, this approach has already been deployed by the relevant stakeholders, however this remains a concern for others still where the concerned parties may be beset with administrative costs and prolonged time incurrences.”

He says: “I am specifically advocating that where alleyways interweave the high street and side streets, for instance Lord Street, Gordon Street, Stanley Street and West Street, that larger iterations remain accessible during the daytime, unless an agreement may be sought to utilise these for refuse collection, for instance West Street and Hulme Street as two key examples.

“Should these then be granted automatic authorisation to the adjoining properties and businesses to prohibit use during evening hours into the early mornings, where security surveillance may otherwise be an issue, this would reduce the burden significantly on all local authorities and the associated persons concerned.”

“I would also advocate that due consideration is given by the Local Authority itself to permit automatic enclosure with alleygates at no additional cost where a terminus exists to ensure that private residences are given full and due respect at all times. Where a particular area may attract unwelcome visitation, these areas should be permitted to enclose an alleyway for an allotted time thereby still retaining accessibility.”

“Having canvassed the high street previously and through my continued discussions to date with key figures, I would implore Sefton Council to give as much support to the high street’s role in becoming a glistening retail destination once again both here and elsewhere across the Borough. These simple steps would address and solve a series of long-standing concerns for many people and ensure the best outcome for everyone.”

“Furthermore, it is essential that whether it be the actual buildings themselves, alleyways or another civic aspect that all such covenants and agreements are so honoured as set out by the original Placemakers in their Leases. These people managed to achieve tremendous sustained economic success in their lifetime by utilising what was already constructed so this should be no different now when globally people are making huge changes to their everyday lives to address the Climate Crisis.