We're making big changes at Lytham tip to stop horrific traffic jams and congestion issues for drivers
Improvements are being made to Lytham’s household waste recycling centre to manage congestion at peak times.
Work by Lancashire County Council, which operates the site at Saltcotes Road, is now ongoing to alter the layout of the site to create a separate loading area to allow skips to be changed with less disruption.
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The intention is to avoid the need to close the site for most skip exchanges and reduce the chance of people waiting to enter having to queue onto what is the main road between Lytham and Wrea Green.
The congestion at peak times prompted Lytham’s County Councillor, Tim Ashton, and Fylde MP Andrew Snowden to last year launch a petition calling for changes to the site, where layout changes introduced during the pandemic were still in place.
Lancashire County Council say that with annual visits having grown by more 30,000 over the last three years and are keen to make he changes in time for one of the busiest periods of the year its recycling centres.
Along with the changes, the council is also appealing to people to consider visiting when the site is quieter - before 11am and after 3pm - to reduce their wait.
County Coun Joshua Roberts, Lancashire’s cabinet member for rural affairs, environment and communities, said: "All of our recycling centres can get very busy at times, particularly on Bank Holidays and sunny weekends when people are working in their gardens or doing DIY.
"Lytham recycling centre is no different and operates perfectly well most of the time. However, its location on a busy rural lane means that on the few occasions that vehicles end up queueing on Saltcotes Road, other traffic is held up.
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"These changes will create a separate area for skip exchanges to reduce the number of occasions that we need to close the site, and reduce the likelihood of vehicles needing to queue on the road.
“Improving how the site operates will make everyone’s visits easier, particularly at the busiest times.
"People often ask me why we don't reopen the former recycling centre at St Annes to relieve the pressure on Lytham.
“This isn't an option as the land was sold after the site was closed in 2011, and why we're focused on making the Lytham site work as effectively as possible."
The changes to the site also include additional lighting, and clearer marking of parking bays.
The main improvements are due to be completed this week with some minor finishing works to follow.
Lytham HWRC is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm. The site is continuing to operate largely as normal while the improvements are ongoing, but people are asked to take particular care when they visit.
Mr Snowden said: “Thank you to everyone who signed our petition calling for these changes at Lytham tip.
“Just weeks ago the County Council insisted there was no problem but, as with care homes and potholes, it appears that if we put enough public pressure on the Reform administration, they will cave in and do the right thing.
“I am pleased they have now listened, accepted the concerns raised, and agreed to make these much needed changes so the site is safer and easier for everyone to use. I'd also like to say a particular thank you to County Coun Tim Ashton for being so persistent in pushing this issue forward for local residents.”
County Coun Ashton said: “I have been proud to work with residents and Andrew Snowden to force Lancashire County Council into taking action at Lytham tip.
“The work now underway will reduce delays, avoid unnecessary closures and cut queues backing up onto Saltcotes Road at busy times.
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“Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign. There’s more to do, but this is real progress.“
Coun Simon Newell, who chairs Lytham Town Council, said: “Lytham Town Council welcomes the decision of Lancashire County Council to alter the system of parking and deposition of household waste at the tip on Salcotes Road.
“The reversion to the pre-Covid system will facilitate the speedy and efficient deposit of waste and substantially diminish the traffic hazards and road blockages prevalent in recent years.”