Roads in one area of Merseyside have been branded a "disgrace" as temporary lights and dirty streets cause "chaos".
Work on hundreds of new homes in Halewood has started as part of Knowsley Council's 'masterplan' - with Redrow, Bellway and Miller on board to deliver the East of Halewood development. The sites are on fields off Baileys Lane and Greenbridge Lane, however, nearby residents have previously expressed their concerns over the pressures already being felt in the town.
A resident, who did not wish to be named, told the ECHO: "The state of Bailey's Lane is terrible. It's like a dirty track. It's about two inches thick with mud and no-one is cleaning it, so much so it's on the pavements too."
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The temporary traffic lights on Bailey's Lane are set to be in place for around 12 weeks with multiway signals in place. There is also a temporary one way system in place over at Finch Lane for essential works to be carried out.
Knowsley Council confirmed regular checks are undertaken to ensure roads are clear and traffic signals are working correctly.
Another motorist, who lives and works in the area, said: "The temporary lights are a nuisance. There's some at the top of the road (Bailey's Lane) and then further down at the bottom so there can be a backlog of traffic during peak time.
"You've got people flying through trying not to stop at another set of temporary lights, especially near the leisure centre, it's an accident waiting to happen. People are frustrated because it seems temporary traffic lights are forever being put up and taken down and back up again, but the road conditions are a joke.
"It's not just the lights, the roads are rotten because of the road and building works and cars are caked in mud. Not just that, there are little stones and blocks of dirt that are flying up. It's a nightmare.
"It's pointless cleaning your car, it's a disgrace. I appreciate there are building works and the need for temporary lights and whatnot but it's never-ending."
Some frustrated residents have even taken to social media to express their concerns in recent weeks. One social media user urged motorists to "take extra care at the temporary traffic lights" as cars have been causing "chaos" and blocking junctions.
To check out all the latest roadworks and closures in the borough, click here.
A Knowsley Council spokesperson said: "In order to facilitate the construction of 1,305 new homes in Halewood, highway and telecommunication improvements works are taking place. The highways works will improve junction capacity and traffic flow in the area and whilst these works are being undertaken, temporary traffic signals are operating in the area.
"The works that BT are currently undertaking at the junction of Lower Road, Bailey’s Lane, Greensbridge Lane and Church Road are due to be completed by Sunday, October 30. The works that the housing developer is currently undertaking at the junction of Bailey’s Lane and Halewood Leisure Centre are due to be completed in Spring 2023. Temporary traffic lights are needed for safety of road users, pedestrians and workers.
"Council Officers regularly visit the area to ensure traffic signals are working correctly and to also ensure that contractors are adhering to their obligations, including working within agreed working hours and ensuring the area, including roads, are clean. With any such development, and until access roads are installed, it can result in mud extending on nearby road surfaces but we impose strict conditions on developers to ensure that cleaning regimes are in place and we undertake regular inspections.
"One such inspection earlier today confirmed this and the developer has taken immediate action to clear this up as well as increase the frequency of cleansing. In addition the operation of the traffic signals will be monitored at peak hours and timings will be amended if necessary.”
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