Work begins this week on a major revamp of Lark Lane, which will include the removal of some widely-disliked orange bollards.
The popular Aigburth street, known for its bars, restaurants and independent shops, had rows of bollards installed in the summer of 2020 as the council looked to facilitate more outdoor hospitality space during the covid pandemic. The move also saw the lane changed to a one-way system for traffic in a bid to make it more pedestrian-friendly.
While aspects of the council's work were welcomed, the orange bollards have been repeatedly criticised by those living, working and visiting the famous foody street. Some retailers have even placed signs in their windows complaining about them.
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Last month the ECHO revealed the council was finally set to do away with the bollards and bring in improvements to the area. The work will see the plastic orange bollards replaced with more in-keeping - and permanent - black and white bollards and planters to outline the extended seating areas for bars and restaurants.
The one-way system will remain in place via what is known as an Experimental Traffic Order. Upon installation of the new measures, there will be a six-month consultation period, with a view to there being a more long-term plan for Lark Lane created over a wider 18 month period.
The ECHO has now seen a letter sent to local residents, confirming that the revamp will begin this week. The letter, sent by council contractors Dowhigh Limited, states that the work will bring with it road closures on the famous road over the next three weeks.
The letter states: "These works will be completed under four phased road closures commencing on week commencing 14th March, with an estimated duration of 3 weeks.
"During the closure period there will be Traffic Marshall’s on duty supporting access and egress for residents and business deliveries. At times access may be slightly delayed ensuring the safety of the public and our operatives whilst they carry out the necessary improvement works."
The closures will be done in four phases, with phase one covering Lark Way to Little Parkfield Road, phase two covering Little Parkfield Road to Waverley Road and phases three and four running from Waverley Road to Livingston Avenue and Livingstone Avenue to Aigburth Drive respectively.
The works will include bollard replacement, carriageway patching repairs, installation of new signage, the renewing and installation of road markings and the installing of new planters.
