How you can help fix our pothole ridden roads

BACK in March, Council's all over the UK were fighting to deal with a legacy of pothole ridden roads found their job was to become even more frustrating as 'The Beast from the East' bad weather took a grip on the nation. The huge backlog in repair jobs has, as the RAC warned back in March, has led to even more problem on Britain's roads.

On Merseyside and throughout the Liverpool City Region, defects within the road surfaces of our road networks have lead to some potholes being flagged by residents as an immediate risk or hazard. Potholes can, if not dealt with quickly, easily become a peril to all road users, from motorists and cyclists, to even pedestrians.

Dangers of potholes when driving are not just from passing over the affected area, but also with people trying to avoid them. For example, the presence of damage roads can affect flow of traffic, as cars weave in and out to avoid damage to their vehicles. This desperate bid to avoid potholes can result in accidents as easily as directly hitting any potholes yourself.

In recent weeks we have had a number of local residents raising concerns about the number of potholes and poor condition of roads within the area. Sadly, potholes are an unfortunate and unavoidable occurrence on modern roads, but if you do spot a pothole in the pavement or road you are using, how do you report it? Oddly, it is not all that clear cut, as you might think...

If you're using a major 'A' road or Motorway that forms part of the UK's Strategic Road Network, within England and Wales, then it falls under the control of the Government owned Highways England. You can report it via contacting Highways England online via:- Gov.UK/Report-Pothole.

But not all 'A' roads are the same, for example the local Highway Authority is responsible for the Formby-By-Pass. That road is classed as a Primary Route Network (PRN) and not part of the UK's Strategic Road Network. But if you do report an 'A' road that is a 'PRN' via Highways England, we are told the report will be passed on, just how long that would take is not clear.

If the hole is located on a B road or any other 'minor road' sometimes known unofficially as 'C' roads, that can include a housing estate road, or a 'PRN,' that falls within Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) or surrounding areas, these are the website links you can use to report issues:-

► Liverpool City Council's website.

► Sefton Council's website.

► Halton and Knowsley Borough Council's website.

► Wirral Council's website.

► St.Helens Council's website.

Also it is with noting for neighbouring West Lancashire, roads full under Lancashire County Council and they also be contacted via it's website.

The same websites can be used for reporting defective or missing gully or grid covers in the road; defective, or missing man hole covers on the pavement (not on private property); defective or missing road signs; defective or missing street name plates or defective utility boxes.

It's probably worth remembering that it's always a good idea, should you drive over a pothole, particularly a deep one, to always check your vehicle for any tyre, and suspension and body work for any damage, at the next safe place.

Please also let us know about any potholes and if you have had any damage caused by them, for example, those on the Coast Road Weld Road Roundabout and the Cross Green, Formby Roundabout. Our newsroom email address is:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.

Child.Org to put on "Retro Bingo with a Twist" at Southport's Nostalgia Tea Rooms

COME and join in the fun and games, dedicated to all things retro, at an event that will take place at the Nostalgia Tea Rooms, Southport, on Friday, 18 May 2018. All profits going to:- Child.Org, an international children's charity.

If you have visited this absolutely fabulous venue, you will know that the "Retro Bingo with a Twist" event will be one of the highlights of the year for those attending. The multi award winning Nostalgia Tea Rooms, on Lord street, are known for transporting locals and non locals into yesteryear and the event will not disappoint you.

Organizer Maria from Child.org says:- "We couldn't think of a better place to host this spectacular event. Whether you were born in the 70's onwards or an avid fan, this event is for you. Retro Bingo with a Twist! is a fancy dress retro games atmospherically event, where everyone will be transported back in time by fancy dressing as their retro selves or taking inspiration from their favourite decade. The entertainment included a chance that will let you get your funk and your fun on, via winning absolutely fabulous prizes and dance your sins away. With games of crazy Bingo and Ice Breaker games, plus a chance to get a snap of their retro (fancy dress) self on a retro sweets background, boredom will not be on the cards. Music from the 70's to current chart hits will have everyone dancing on the ceiling! This is a one of a kind event in Southport, I cannot wait to see everyone's choice of fancy dressing! Fun, laughter and smiles will be flowing, and best thing of all, you don't have to run a marathon, you can just dance instead!"

Tickets available via the Nostalgia Tea Rooms, on Lord Street, Southport.

If you do not know what Child.Org International is all about, it believe every child deserves an equal opportunity in life. Child.Org International is a UK registered charity no. 1118528. The money raised will be used by the charity to fund projects that are tailored to a child's circumstances and break down barriers to child equality. They look at a child's circumstances and address whatever problems are standing in the way of their right to an education and a happy, healthy life. They also provide all the things a child needs, like:- food, health services, water, support and a safe place to be. They mainly work in Kenya, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Uganda.