'We don't need one-way system' - Southport locals

18 hours ago

News image — Neil Campbell says the restrictions are already having an impact

BBC An image of Neil Campbell who is wearing a yellow polo top, he has his arms folded and is standing to the left of a yellow sign with the words Parking Suspension on it. — Neil Campbell says the restrictions are already having an impact

Some residents living in the village of Halsall are calling for temporary traffic restrictions brought in over the weekend to be lifted immediately.

Measures were introduced on a number of roads in the village for the duration of the British Open Golf at Royal Birkdale, Southport.

The restrictions include no parking on some affected roads and a one-way system on New Cut Lane which sees it closed at the junction with Guildford Road.

Lancashire County Council, which is responsible for the roads said: "The temporary measures have been put in place to help manage traffic associated with the tournament, including park-and-ride services."

A parking suspension sign, it is yellow and has a big white area with writing on it about the closures. The sign is in front of a green bush. — Signs have gone up in the village about the restrictions

The temporary rules have been introduced for an initial nine days, but could end up being longer depending on what happens with the tournament.

Neil Campbell who lives on New Cut Lane said: "This is my fourth Open since living here and we've never ever had this amount of traffic management in the whole area and I think it's just far too much."

He claimed the restrictions were already having an impact: "It's major disruption for residents and businesses, there's a number of infirm people who require carers turning up, they're being restricted and yesterday there was a food delivery company that was turned around that was off to deliver someone's weekly shop.

"The farming community can't attend to their crops and it's harvest time and if they wish to get around the area it's a four mile, 20 minute detour, we do not need the one-way system."

Campbell added: "What is really needed is an immediate review of the situation and come up with a better plan straight away, there are no major traffic problems here."

Peter Bell, Highway Regulation Manager, Lancashire County Council, said: "Sefton Council is administering temporary traffic restrictions on a small number of roads in the Ormskirk area as part of transport arrangements for The Open Championship, which have been agreed by Lancashire County Council."

"Information about the restrictions was advertised in advance and residents in the affected area received notification before they were introduced."

Sefton council has been contacted by the BBC.