Sponsored by
Tram crossing to shut despite fury
The tram crossing open at Lauderdale Avenue, Anchorsholme and (below) Coun Tony Williams who helped lead the battle.
CAMPAIGNERS have lost a last ditch attempt to keep a tram crossing open.
Town hall chiefs have confirmed a decision to close the junction at Lauderdale Avenue in Anchorsholme after it was brought before the council’s executive for a fifth time.
The crossing is now expected to be formally closed to traffic in time for the launch of the new tram service at Easter, although residents are considering a costly legal challenge.
There will still be pedestrian access across the tracks.
Anchorsholme ward councillors Tony Williams and Paul Galley have led the fight.
Coun Williams said: “The fact this decision has been challenged and called in on three separate occasions and been considered five times by the Labour executive shows we have been able to prove there are both doubts and concerns as to the legality and safety of this council’s determination to close the Lauderdale crossing.”
Click here to register with The Gazette website to enable you to comment on stories.
Coun Galley added: “It is very frustrating, and we have now exhausted the call-in process. There now follows a series of questions from residents of the area in regard to their house title deeds and the value of their properties that may have been affected by the closure of a right of way that was granted in 1896.”
Residents are considering seeking a judicial review of the decision.
A 3,000-signature petition opposing the closure was submitted along with concerns from emergency services.
However, the council executive said the crossing needed to be closed to allow the new supertram system to run efficiently and safely, given the increased speed and quietness of the new rolling stock. Following consultation, objections were received in response to the closure order.
The issue went before the scrutiny sub-committee which agreed to refer the decision back to the executive once more.
Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette and like our page on facebook to keep up with all the latest news.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 12 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.