Hoghton Street cycle lane bollards removed.

The controversial cycle lane installed along the length of Hoghton Street last September has been removed. Contractors have removed the bollards and the brackets that were fastened to the road surface.

Southport MP Damien Moore said at the time: “These new cycle lanes are a step backwards by Sefton Council. The scheme is not serving residents or businesses in Southport.

“We want people to come into the town centre and we want to make that decision convenient, particularly at a time when businesses are trying to rebuild after the adverse impact of this pandemic. “This is not a time to be turning residents and tourists away from our town centre or making their experience of our town more difficult. It has to be accessible.

“We want people to be able to drive into Southport town centre and visit local businesses.

“Sefton Council is usually telling the Government that it is short of money. Creating a new cycle route here, which will see them lose up to £137,000 in revenue a year just through the loss of pay and display bays on Hoghton Street, is a case of Sefton Council shooting itself in the foot.

“There has been no consultation with local businesses, many of whom have contacted me to express how concerned they are at the damage these new cycle lanes are already causing.

“I am not against cycling, and I support measures to increase cycling and walking in Southport under the right circumstances and in consultation with local residents and businesses.

“But these new pop-up cycle lanes cannot be created at the expense of local businesses and threaten their existence at a time when they are trying so hard to recover from the pandemic.”

In a report to councillors, Sefton Council said it hopes that the improved cycle network will encourage some users, particularly those travelling on short journeys, to cycle or walk.

They added that “it is also acknowledged there is limited alternative parking around Hoghton Street, so at busy times spaces may not be available and vehicles may divert elsewhere.”

The council report added that the income generated by the pay and display bays to be removed was £137,000 in 2019/20. This was a combination of parking charges and penalty notices.