County Council Failing over Patchwork Quilt repairs in Ormskirk Town Centre say OWL

Our West Lancashire have criticised the lack of effective action from Lancashire County Council over the plague of black tarmac paving repairs in Ormskirk town centre saying that the lack of action from the council has led many residents to complain to OWL about the shabby make-do appearance.

One of those residents, is Steve Kyriacou who raised his concerns with OWL. He said, “Ormskirk town centre is a mess of a patchwork quilt. Service providers dig up expensive paving with little or no concern for the consequences and slap tarmac in, leaving an untidy and unkempt appearance in the main shopping area. No one in charge at the County Council seems to care.  Removing perfectly good block paving and replacing them with ugly tar, is akin to theft and should be investigated by the authorities to bring those responsible to account.”

OWL County Councillors Gordon Johnson and Adrian Owens have repeatedly raised the matter with the County Council over the past 18 months and say the problem is getting worse. Councillor Johnson said, “I wrote to the Director of Highways 2 months ago about the large number of open reports I had submitted relating to Railway Road; Moor Street; Moorgate; Aughton Street; Church Street; and Burscough Street.

They acknowledged that they had the power to fine utility companies that did not complete permanent reinstatements but that they had not done so. In the meantime, these companies are often getting away with a quick black tarmac job and leaving town never to return.”

County Councillor Owens concluded, “Lancashire County Council need to do so much better on this. For a specific reinstatement outside Solis tanning salon on Moor Street which is now more than 12 months, they are simply accepting what Electricity Northwest tell them. There is clearly no effective monitoring or chasing system in place. Electricity Northwest are now saying they need to source matching paving setts for the reinstatement. These should have been sourced at the time the paving was dug up or alternatively why don’t LCC hold a supply of the different setts used in Ormskirk town centre to avoid utility providers having long lead times for small quantities?”

I wrote to County Councillor Ella Worthington in July. She is responsible for Civic Pride. I still await a substantive response from her or any of her cabinet colleagues. Reform rejected an opposition amendment to bolster the Highways Inspector team at the budget. In any event, however they address it, the Reform Leadership need to get a grip on this matter.”