Reports from Crosby Area Committee

The Crosby Area Committee meeting, held in Hightown on Wednesday evening, proved to be a lively one. It was always going to be so with some real lively topics up for debate.

·         The Council’s response to the severe snow fall last month. This topic caused the greatest debate with residents venting their justified frustration towards Sefton’s Chief Executive, Mrs. Margaret Carney, who was good enough to attend the meeting alongside two of her officers. It was a pity the cabinet member didn't attend - despite an invitation to do so.

·         North End Lane. The full report was delivered by an officer from Technical Services about the possible options to make the junction at North End Lane and the Formby By-pass safer. Councillor Gibson raised his concern that firstly the second option within the report, to close the central reservation off, was ill thought. Cllr. Gibson argued that closing off the central reservation would cause problems for emergency service access; the importance of which was highlighted last weekend with the fire at the Hightown Club (pictured). Secondly, Cllr. Gibson suggested the report could go further and the option of speed reductions on the by-pass alongside a left hand side feeder lane should be considered.

The junction concerned technically falls into the Formby Area boundary therefore no final deliberation or action can be taken until the Formby Area Committee has sat and discussed the options too. Your FOCUS team will continue to press for this matter to come to a sensible, and economical solution.

·         Based on calls from Manor Lib Dems the Committee all agreed to improve the signage of ‘Another Place’ in the Crosby Area (pictured right).

·         It was confirmed, and agreed by all Councillors, that a grant of £250 from the Area Committee budget would be given to George Moore Court, in Thornton.

·         Edgemoor Drive – this road is now being monitored with regards to traffic safety and the speeding of cars by Technical Services. This issue was raised by your Manor Ward Lib Dem FOCUS team.

·         Thornton Primary School - Shortly before Wednesday night's meeting of the Crosby Area Committee, there was a rumour circulating that the redundant building left following the closure of Thornton Primary School, in Thornton, was to become an educational centre for 'errant youths' . In other words a reform school.

Quite correctly the Chairman of Thornton Parish Council raised the issue at the Area Committee and learned that this is far from the case.

The school is to have a considerable sum of money spent on it and is to become an educational centre for very seriously disabled youngsters in the 16 to 19 age group who cannot complete their education at other schools.  The Crosby Area Committee was reassured that there is no threat to the community and a useful school for the area, helping many children.