I met with the Leeming family who own St Annes miniature railway, original owner Frank Hessey, and the train’s driver Stan Oliver.
Plans are in motion to replace the sea wall and improve our sea defences. That work does need to be carried out and brings with it the opportunity to improve the area.
However, I am concerned that there does not appear to have been enough consultation over the changes with the owners of the railway, and not enough discussion over its future.
It appears there is plenty of opportunity to retain the railway in one form or another – even improve it – so I will be writing to Fylde Council and the Environment Agency, which is funding the flood defences, to ask for a round table discussion with the owners of the railway to find a best way forward for all concerned.
I met County Coun Tim Ashton in Ansdell to look at issues on Rossall Road in Ansdell last week. The road surface is simply not good enough. There is patch upon patch upon patch and we agreed, speaking with a resident on the road, that the only solution is to have it completely resurfaced. The hardcore stone at the base of the road is completely exposed in several areas, with large stones loose on the surface.
It is also concerning to hear that one of the drains has been blocked to road level for years – despite the county stating the reports had been dealt with. Failure to unblock drains caused further damage and wear to the road.
The summer weather this weekend brought thousands of visitors to our towns. I’m delighted to see our businesses booming once again and operating in a Covid-safe manner. Please enjoy the sun, keep to those final coronavirus regulations, and get vaccinated as soon as possible to help make sure we keep the virus at bay. It is vital we avoid a third spike – I do not want to see our local businesses having to operate under strict conditions again.