Road safety is a hugely important topic and, alongside speeding issues in Elswick and Wrea Green, a major concern remains Skew Bridge on Blackpool Road, Ansdell. Last autumn saw Harrison Bretherton lose his life in a road traffic accident, the second fatal incident on that stretch of road since 2016. While accidents can never be entirely prevented, the risk of death or serious injury must be reduced as far as possible, and I have been pushing for major upgrades on the road.
Off the back of these discussion, Lancashire County Council have carried out an in-depth assessment of the bridge and its surrounds, agreeing to cut back vegetation and ensure that street lighting and signage is unobstructed and clearly visible. I still want to seem more done, and I have asked that a crash barrier be considered, with the County Council and Network Rail now working together to investigate this proposal.
Having met with Harrison’s family on several occasions I have been deeply moved by their determination to see that something good comes of this tragedy. Through ‘Harrison's 22nd Mile’ the family have raised over £11,000 for the Fire Fighter’s Charity and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, two causes with a personal link to Harrison. You can read more about their campaign here: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/1888/harrisons-22nd-mile/
Last week I brought together the key agencies to discuss the progress made since last summer’s flooding. Many of the causes of these repeat issues have finally been identified and, while this will take time, work is underway to remedy them. In some places this the relatively simple task of removing tree roots that have damaged or blocked drainage pipes and culverts, while in others we will need to see more complex work to upgrade highways drainage or balancing ponds.
Lodge Close in Freckleton is an example of the transformational impact that these works can have. Drains were surveyed last year, with United Utilities carrying out the necessary remedial work soon after, and the road is now in a three-month monitoring period ahead of being removed from the flood risk register.
Although the causes are more complex, I want to see similar action at locations like Ribby Road in Wrea Green, the areas around Douglas Avenue in Wesham, and the developments off Blackpool Road in Kirkham. These devastating flood waters have repeatedly damaged homes and taken such an emotional toll on residents, they must become a thing of the past.
Congratulations to AFC Fylde who pulled off a shock result this weekend in beating second-placed Bromley. It was fantastic to see that the winning goal came from 19-year-old Danny Ormerod just months after signing his first professional contract. The team have hit a run of form in the early part of this year, with three wins in their last four matches. While the Coasters remain in the relegation places, these results show the team’s fight and give them a real chance of survival as the season approaches its business end.