Southport MP Damien Moore Welcomes Shelving of Cycle Lane Expansion Plans

Southport MP Damien Moore has welcomed the announcement from Sefton Council that their controversial cycle lane plans have been put on hold.

The Council made the announcement on 5 January, following over five months of deliberation over whether to impose the plans against the views of residents or not.

Had the scheme gone ahead, the proposals would have cost in the region of £1.35 million.

Cllr John Fairclough, the Cabinet Member with responsibility for this scheme, has said that the Council will now come up with alternate proposals. Damien Moore MP has made clear that any new plans must not include Southport.

In November 2021, the Council finally published the results of their consultation with residents and businesses, which showed overwhelming opposition to the plans in Southport.

Damien Moore MP said:

“I welcome this announcement. It has been clear since the plans were first published that they did not have the support of residents, and I am glad that Sefton Council have finally acknowledged this.

“I remain concerned that the Council may simply tweak existing plans and bring them forward once again later in the year. They need to be clear that any alternative plans will not include Southport.

“We also need clarity on the 'temporary' lanes added in the town centre - local businesses and residents must not be left in limbo. The Council need to confirm whether they will take down the lanes added in 2020.

“The lanes on Hoghton Street and Queens Road replaced on-street parking for visitors, residents, and businesses, which will be much-needed over the busy summer months this year.”

Cllr Sinclair d'Albuquerque added:

“I'm delighted that the hard work of Damien, myself, and Conservative colleagues has paid off.

“There is still work to do, with the focus now being on ensuring these plans do not come back in the future in Southport, and that the temporary lanes in the town centre are removed.”