Sefton Council's Consultation Hub

Feeback on Southport Eastern Access Improvements Scheme – We Asked, You Said, We Did.

A public consultation was held on the Southport Eastern Access Improvement scheme in two stages. Both stages used the same information, with key stakeholders being offered a meeting or in person visits to discuss elements of the plans in more detail.

Stage 1 – Focused on key stakeholders identified by the Council, and those who have an interest in the land on which the scheme will be delivered, either through a freehold, leasehold, or statutory undertaking.

Stage 2 – Wider public engagement. This ran from 3^rd November to 23^rd December 2023.

The Southport Eastern Access improvement scheme area is on the eastern approach to Southport Town Centre and is recognised as having a mixture of light industrial, retail, and residential uses. The area can experience traffic congestion particularly at peak hours and on days when significant numbers of visitors travel to the town. It also   and has limited walking and cycling (active travel) links. This can cause traffic delays and air pollution, as well as limiting the accessibility of employment and leisure opportunities for those choosing more sustainable modes of travel. The aim of the scheme is to therefore to tackle these issues and create safe walking and cycling routes whilst also improving traffic conditions. This will enhance safety, the overall public realm and attractiveness of the routes/area.

We asked for comments of the proposed changes for the eight junctions and walking and cycling improvements.

Since the public consultation, the Council have agreed on the phasing of how the scheme will be delivered. The phases are below:

Phase 1 – To be delivered in 2025.

• Bispham Road Junction
• Sussex Road Junction
• Foul Lane Cycleway Enhancement (corridor improvement).

Phase 2 – To be delivered in 2026.

• Kew Roundabout

Phase 3 – To be delivered in 2027 (subject to funding).

• Castlemore Junction
• Meols Cop Active Travel
• Hampton Road Tiger Crossing
• Virginia Street Roundabout
• Bridge Street Junction

FINDINGS OF THE CONSULTATION

Within the Your Sefton Your Say survey the public had an opportunity to comment on all individual elements of the scheme. The main findings and answers to some key queries and concerns can be found below:

There were 17 responses from stage 1 and 241 from stage 2 to the online surveys. All have been reviewed and analysed alongside the 16 emails responses that came directly via the Transport Planning inbox, which have been responded to.

We have picked out the key themes and concerns and tried to answer them below:

1. CONGESTION CONCERNS

Overall congestion

A common theme from the Southport Eastern Access consultation was concerns how the proposals may result in more congestion.

Congestion during construction

Another theme related to congestion was the impact on journey times as part of the construction phase.

2. SAINBURY’S

The new Sainsbury’s Southport superstore is planned to open February 2024 and will add a new supermarket offering for Southport residents. The consultation responses raised concerns how the new store may add further congestion to the Kew Roundabout area.

3. DISPLACED PARKING

Displaced parking was raised as a concern from the consultation throughout a couple of the junction improvements.

4. ACCESS TO PROPERTIES

Comments were received from properties that proposed plans would amend vehicular access to properties.

5. FLY TIPPING

Fly tipping had been raised as a concern with plans associated with Foul Lane being closed at Castlemore junction.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS

• Comments were received for concern of loss of trees and greenspace.
• Noise and air pollution were raised in consultation responses.

7. BISPHAM ROAD

• Comments were received that fully segregated cycle lanes should be proposed instead of lightly segregated cycle lanes which the Council are looking further into.
• Concerns that the Bus 46 (Russel Road – Carr Lane) will be impacted by the proposed banned left turn from Norwood Road to Tithebarn Road were raised.

8. SUSSEX ROAD / NORWOOD ROAD

Comments were received by residents that the proposals do not go far enough for improving cycling and walking infrastructure along Norwood Road.

9. FOUL LANE CYCLEWAY ENHANCEMENT

Comments were received that the proposals of opening up Foul Lane to vehicles will result in rat-running as motorists try to avoid Norwood Road / Meols Cop Road.

10. KEW ROUNDABOUT

Comments were received regarding making Kew Roundabout a signalised junction to improve the flow of traffic and to hopefully make for safer driving conditions.

11. CASTLEMORE JUNCTION

Comments were received for Foul Lane to remain open at the Castlemore Junction for vehicles, and not just solely for walking and cycling.

12. MEOLS COP

Comments were received from businesses and residents how the proposed plan will directly impact parking.

13. HAMPTON ROAD

Comments were received that the proposed cycle infrastructure and one-way road layout arrangement on Hampton Road will directly impact access to properties.

14. VIRGINIA STREET ROUNDABOUT

Comments were received regarding pedestrian and cycling crossing infrastructure at Virginia Street Roundabout. It was for proposals to go further with having a zebra crossing on all arms of the roundabout and not just the St James Street arm, improving safety and access for all directions.

15. BRIDGE STREET JUNCTION

Comments were received that proposals do not improve walking and cycling infrastructure at similar levels to other junction improvements. For example, active travel infrastructure should be prioritised over on-street parking, to encourage alternative forms of travel.

1. CONGESTION CONCERNS

Overall congestion

Proposals for SEA have been designed to both improve conditions for motorists as well as walking and cycling. Traffic modelling has been undertaken for all key junctions. There is an intention to create a parallel route for traffic along Foul Lane and Wennington Road, which should both ease congestion and improve this route for cyclists.

Congestion during construction

Sefton Council appreciate that during the construction phase period an increase in congestion may be experienced by some road users. Construction is to be carefully phased and organised with other developments / planned works to reduce the delays in travel time.

2. SAINBURY’S

The Council has undergone traffic modelling to confirm roads have enough capacity. The development has its own transport assessments undertaken as part of the planning process

3. DISPLACED PARKING

This will be further considered as part of the design process and fed back accordingly to designers and was mainly in relation to Haig Avenue and phase 3 improvements.

4. ACCESS TO PROPERTIES

Sefton Council are aware of these comments and are contacting property owners to find workable solutions. It should be noted that the Council are prioritising properties which fall within earlier phases to be contacted first. A vehicle tracking exercises will be undertaken to confirm that vehicle access meets all standards.

5. FLY TIPPING

The Council are considering with designers’ ways in which areas can be planned to minimise fly tipping.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS

The Council are in discussions with Green Sefton around the whole scheme including trees. In addition, this scheme is one of the first schemes to be going through a carbon assessment process which will include the consideration of trees and the need to mitigate this and replace / replant.

7. BISPHAM ROAD

• The Council are looking further into where light and fully segregated cycle lanes / infrastructure are appropriate. It should be noted that some areas of development are constrained to the available space / width of the highway.
• Discussions have been held with Merseytravel regarding the whole scheme and these improvements will not affect the bus routes.

8. SUSSEX ROAD / NORWOOD ROAD

Enhancing cycling connectivity along Norwood Road was investigated by the Council. This route was not deemed appropriate due to carriageway width and the principle nature of the road, in that it’s a main road connecting the north of Southport to Kew Roundabout. A more appropriate parallel route was agreed to be safer, this being Foul Lane Cycleway Enhancement and up Wennington Road.

9. FOUL LANE CYCLEWAY ENHANCEMENT

The Council are aware that reopening Foul Lane up to vehicles will inevitably result in surrounding roads experiencing vehicles, this being the reason mitigation measures are currently being developed for Norwood. Measures will be agreed with Ward Members and the community. The Council have undertaken modelling for these proposals and further modelling will be done as part of developing the final designs and business case. Mitigation measures will be implemented before Foul Lane is opened to vehicles.

10. KEW ROUNDABOUT

Making Kew Roundabout signalised to improve the flow of traffic has been taken onboard and is being investigated by the Council.

11. CASTLEMORE JUNCTION

Castlemore Junction is to be delivered in phase 3, 2027. Sefton Council have taken feedback onboard and are using this to inform further designs.

12. MEOLS COP

The Council are looking into achieving safer streets for school pupils while minimising the impact onto the local community. Sefton Council are keen to accelerate delivering Meols Cop School Active Travel improvements in an earlier phase, but this is subject to funding.

13. HAMPTON ROAD

Different cycle lane and one-way road layout arrangements are being considered for Hampton Road so that access to properties is minimised. The Council are also in communication with both the school and church regarding this.

14. VIRGINIA STREET ROUNDABOUT

One of the main aims of this scheme is to improve conditions for both cycling and walking. The Council welcome comments of how conditions of the proposals can be further improved. Comments relating to more zebra crossings have been fed back to the design team accordingly. It should be noted that the scheme has limited funding available. However further ideas could form part of the mitigation process and / or future schemes in the area.

15. BRIDGE STREET JUNCTION

Bridge Street Junction is to be delivered in phase 3, 2027. Sefton Council have taken feedback onboard and are using this to inform further designs.

Feeback on Maritie Corridor Improvements Consultation – We Asked, You Said, We Did.

A key stakeholder and public consultation were held on the Maritime Corridor Improvements scheme in two stages. Both stages used the same information, with key stakeholders being offered a meeting or in person visit to discuss element of the plans in more detail as required.

Stage 1 – Focused on key stakeholders identified by the Council, and those who have an interest in the land on which the scheme will be delivered, either through a freehold, leasehold, or statutory undertaking. This began August 2023 and is ongoing.

Stage 2 – Wider public engagement. This ran from Friday 22nd September to Thursday 26th October 2023.

The Maritime Corridor area reaches from Switch Island to Netherton Way (A5038), including Ormskirk Road (A59) and Dunnings Bridge Road (A5036). Our plans are focused on improving transport links throughout the area by improving junctions and introducing better walking and cycling routes along Dunnings Bridge Road (A5036), Netherton Way (A5038), Bridle Road, Park Lane, Heysham Road and Atlantic Park Drive. We want to make it easier for vehicles, cyclists and those walking to move around the area and utilise employment, educational and retail / leisure opportunities.
The Improvements were split into six sections on Your Sefton Your Say:

•Dunnings Bridge Road Improvements
•Park Lane Improvements
•Vesty Road to Deltic Way Improvements
•Netherton Way Improvements
•Bridle Road Improvements
•Heysham Road Improvements

Each of the improvements had visuals designed to make them easily understandable. All images had alt text to allow for interaction with screen readers. The information was also available in hard copy format on request. The Council emailed all Protected Characteristics Groups as identified by the Councils Equality and Diversity Officer. We also contacted local cycling and walking and community groups.

As a result of the available funding for the improvements, they have now been split into three phases.

FINDINGS OF THE CONSULTATION

Within the Your Sefton Your Say survey the public had an opportunity to comment on all individual elements of the scheme.  The main findings and answers to some key queries and concerns can be found below:

There were 6 responses from stage 1, however it is noted that further conversations are still taking place between the land agent and landowners in relation to specific elements.

There were 102 online survey responses from stage 2 of the engagement. All have been reviewed and analysed alongside the 9 emails responses that came directly via the Transport Planning inbox, which have been responded to.

We have picked out the key themes and concerns and tried to answer them below:

1. CONGESTION CONCERNS

Overall congestion

A common theme from the consultation was concerns how the proposals may result in more traffic, particularly on Park Lane, Dunnings Bridge Road and Ormskirk Road.

Congestion during construction

Another theme related to congestion was the impact on journey times as part of the construction phase.

2. AIR POLLUTION

There were major concerns about the air quality in the area being bad and possibly getting worse, particularly around the schools in the wider area. There were queries over whether the air quality was currently monitored and plans to improve it.

Green walls and other initiatives need to be considered.

3. RIMROSE VALLEY

The Maritime Corridor is not linked to the potential Rimrose Valley Road scheme and neither are dependent on each other at all in terms of delivery or funding. 

4. REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE / CROSSING POINT ON DUNNINGS BRIDGE ROAD

There was a misconception that the replacement crossing on Dunnings Bridge Road was linked to the Maritime Corridor scheme. There was suggestion of a underpass if a new bridge could not be built.

5. CYCLE LANES – USAGE AND VALUE

There was some key concern that cycle lanes were a waste of money and would not be used.  There was questioning about whether the wider cycling improvements would actually be used.

6. CONSULTATION WITH CYCLING ORGANISATIONS

It was queried if Merseyside Cycling Campaign and Sustrans had been consulted on the plans.

7. DUNNINGS BRIDGE ROAD

• Comments were received that the plans would just cause more congestion for motorists and widening the space for motorists should be considered.
• Comments were made that cycleway and footways which are already there just need resurfacing.
• New crossing was supported but thought not to be in the right places and should give priority to cyclists and walkers.
• There were concerns over abrupt stop of cycle lanes on one side (eastern side).

8. PARK LANE

• Concerns that would impact dropped kerbs at properties 148- 154.
• Concerns would restrict areas for visitors and residents to park.
• Suggestion to change speed limit to 30mph instead of 20mph.
• Traffic may turn over the cycle path.
• More bins needed on Park Lane and Park Lane West.
• Needs to link to other networks for cyclists better.
• Suggestion of parking layby by the takeaway / shops.
• Suggestion of changing traffic light timings and having a crossing near to our Lady of Walsingham Church.
• Bus stops should be lay by so traffic can flow easier.

9. VESTY ROAD TO DELTIC WAY

• Concerns that this route would not be used by cyclists.
• Concerns that this route would still be busy with HGVs.
• Suggestion that more trees needed along this section.
• Needs to be better linked up to existing cycling networks.

10. NETHERTON WAY

• Concerns were raised over the removal of the bus lay by on Netherton Way near to the school which may cause collisions and more congestion.
• The designs were a little hard to understand and look a bit busy and confusing.
• Congestion and backlash from drivers could be expected.

11. BRIDLE ROAD

• Noted that raised tables are needed at all side roads. Current designs do not provide a continuous cycling route.
• Pinch points will not be alleviated and this will cause more problems for HGVs.

12. HEYSHAM ROAD

• Sustrans were in favour of this element of the scheme however made some suggestions around creating proper barriers for cyclists, which have been passed onto the scheme designer.
• HGVs will cause dangers if turning.
• Will cause traffic to build up on Dunnings Bridge Road, Ormskirk Road, Park Lane and Copy Lane.
• Signalise the underpass and let cyclists and walker go at separate stage to traffic.
• Needs lights at Galgate Drive.
• Flooding and drainage issues need to be sorted first.
• Does not link up to existing cycling network.

1. CONGESTION CONCERNS

Overall congestion

• Proposals for Maritime Corridor Improvements have been designed to both improve conditions for motorists as well as those walking and cycling. Traffic modelling to predict how the changes will affect the roads has been undertaken for all key junctions.
• Further traffic surveys and modelling are currently taking place near to Heysham Road, which will explore the effects of the potential closure of the underpass.

Congestion during construction

• Sefton Council understand that during the construction phase an increase in congestion will be experienced by road users. Construction is to be phased and organised with other developments / planned works to reduce the delays in travel time.

2. AIR POLLUTION

The council monitor air quality throughout the area and the transport team are working with colleagues in our Energy and Environment Teams to look at future monitoring and mitigation that may be needed. In addition, plans to replace and retain trees are being undertaken with Green Sefton who manage the green space across Sefton. We are also looking in detail at the carbon emissions assessment of these works and how we can manage these.

3. RIMROSE VALLEY

The Maritime Corridor is not linked to the potential Rimrose Valley Road scheme and neither are dependent on each other at all in terms of delivery or funding. 

4. REPLACEMENT OF BRIDGE / CROSSING POINT ON DUNNINGS BRIDGE ROAD

The Council’s plans are not related to the former footbridge or its replacement. The replacement of the footbridge in some format is the responsibility of National Highways (previously known as Highways England) and a scheme is currently in development. 

5. CYCLE LANES – USAGE AND VALUE

The scheme has been designed to benefit all users including those in vehicles and those walking and cycling. The aim of the improvements is to make the area more accessible for those who may not have access to a car / vehicle. This is linked to the funding which focuses on offering better access by more sustainable ways of travel.

It is highlighted that there were also positive comments about the cycling elements within the responses with people stating that the routes would be used.

6. CONSULTATION WITH CYCLING ORGANISATIONS

Merseyside Cycling Campaign, The Trans Pennine Trail and Sustrans were consulted as part of the engagement process. A detailed response has been received from Sustrans on certain elements of the designs and these have been passed onto the scheme designers.

7. DUNNINGS BRIDGE ROAD

The Council have modelled the effects of these improvements on traffic flows and the scheme is designed to alleviate congestion. An additional lane is provided at the Dunnings Bridge Road/Atlantic Park junction, providing additional capacity at this location, and there are no areas where carriageway space is being removed.

The cycling lanes and footway on Dunnings Bridge Road is limited at present and the improvements are designed to enhance the existing infrastructure, bringing it up to current standards, as well as linking into the wider network. Footways and cycleways within the scheme boundary will be resurfaced as part of the scheme.

Comments in relation to the position of crossing points and the need to link up to existing cycling networks have been passed on to the designers. The scope and budget for these improvements is limited however the Council are exploring further how to provide an integrated cycling network across the wider Borough.

8. PARK LANE

This element of the project will be delivered in Phase 3. The Council are continuing discussions with key stakeholders around the improvements and the designs are currently under review for this part of the scheme. This review will consider all design related comments.

9. VESTY ROAD TO DELTIC WAY

The Council are continuing discussions with key stakeholders around the improvements and the designs are currently under review for this part of the scheme. This will consider all the feedback.

10. NETHERTON WAY

The Council are continuing discussions with key stakeholders around the improvements and the designs are currently under review for this part of the scheme. This will consider all the feedback.

Following a detailed review of the bus lay-by on Netherton Way, including stakeholder engagement, a decision has been made to retain the existing bus lay-by.

The Council are also aware that The Salesian Academy of St John Bosco have plans to rebuild on the school site and are in discussions with the school.

11. BRIDLE ROAD

Design related comments in relation to side road crossing and pinch points have been passed onto the designers. This element of the scheme is also being discussed with Active Travel England.

12. HEYSHAM ROAD

Comments in relation to the position of crossing points and the need to link up to existing cycling networks have been passed on to the designers.

The scope and budget for these improvements is limited however the Council are exploring further how to provide an integrated cycling network across the wider Borough.

The designs for this element of the scheme are being reviewed based on recent traffic surveys and modelling.

Extra Care Allocations Policy

A pledge from the Sefton 2030 vision was to work together to ensure Sefton people have housing choice across all types and tenures across the Borough. One housing option that will support this is Extra Care Housing.

Extra care housing is a specialist housing provision that combines accommodation with care and support services designed to offer safe, private, and secure accommodation.

The draft Extra Care Allocations Policy details the eligibility, process, and system for applying for Extra Care Housing in Sefton.

A public consultation process was conducted from Friday 10th February 2023 for a period of two months to Tuesday 11th April 2023.

We Asked: -

The survey consisted of five questions and comment sections for each and a generic comments section (also including twelve optional equality monitoring questions).

The focus of the consultation and engagement was: -

1)           Extra Care Eligibility

a.           Local Connection

b.           Age Threshold

c.           Support needs

2)           Allocations Process

3)           Nominations Process

Responses received included fifty-two from individuals and two stakeholder groups one of which included ten participants at Parkhaven Extra Care Housing Scheme.

• 89% agree with the proposed criteria of local connection.
  • Eighteen comments received in relation to the proposed criteria of local connection.
  • Although 89% agreed comments around allowing applicants with close family and carer connections to the borough was highlighted. Agreed to monitor these applications but no change to policy as this could lead to current residents not being able to access extra care housing. This would also leave us open to challenge and would be difficult to manage and apply.

• 92% agree with the proposed age criteria of 55+.
  • Nine comments received in relation to the proposed age criteria of 55+.
  • Some minor mixed comments re upping and lowering the age limit and ensuring careful consideration is given. Overall positive and no changes to the criteria.
• 87% of response agreed with the proposed criteria to also consider people under the age of 55.
  • Fifteen comments received in relation to the proposed criteria to also consider people under the age of 55.
  • Some positive comments and views.
• 96% agree with the proposed criteria to also consider people with support needs.
  • Eight comments received in relation to the proposed criteria to also consider people with support needs.
  • 96% in agreeance but some comments and amendment to 3.3 and actions around the care and support specification agreed.
• Seventeen additional comments received through the generic question around the policy.
  • Some positive comments and overall, no action required.

Our first Extra Care Allocations Policy has now been produced and approved following this feedback.

Amendments included: -

• Agreed to reviewing the wording of 3.3 of the policy and an action to follow up with Housing Providers re succession rights of tenants.
• Minor amendment to 3.2 and well put comment re siblings and which will amend 3.3 to reflect.
• Amendment to 3.3 and actions around the care and support specification agreed.

The policy was shared with cabinet members and was sent to cabinet for approval on the 1^{st of} February 2024.

The policy was also be published on the “Your Sefton, Your Say” platform.

An implementation plan is now underway to ensure the policy is embedded and does what it has set out to do.