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THORNTON ACTION GROUP
The latest meeting of TAG took place on the 19th May.
Members reported on the Clean Sweep Operation organised by Wyre BC in which they had taken part. Surveys were carried out in Norcross and Staina Wards identifying places where litter or graffiti or vandalism or pot holes or pavements are a problem. The state of the pavements with cracked, uneven and wobbly flags presented a potential hazard particularly to the elderly. Parking on pavements was a principal cause of such damage. Residents visiting the shopping centre were asked for their views on Thornton. In general people thought Thornton was a good place to live although many raised the issue of anti-social behaviour.
Although not in the Clean Sweep area, the state of Royle’s Brook around King George’s Playing Fields was raised. This issue has been brought to the attention of the Environment Agency.
The waste processing plant opened on May 17th but will not be fully operational until September/October. Pheasant’s Wood residents will be monitoring HGV traffic which will be in distinctive company livery. These lorries must by law use Amounderness Way but a decision is still awaited about the use of Bourne way/Eros Roundabout. The opportunity still exists to increase tree cover in Thornton. So if you are aware of any sites (over one acre) then tell Global Renewables.
HGV traffic is still causing problems on Skippool Road, because of the queues caused by the bridge works on the A 585. TAG has written to over a dozen haulage firms whose vehicles have been taking this shortcut and causing stress for residents. I have received just one reply – full marks to Montgomery Transport of Northern Ireland for their sympathetic response. Members reported that having reached Thornton centre, some lorries are using Lawsons and Trunnah roads as a short cut. These roads have a 7.5 tonne weight limit and their use by HGVs is illegal.
Members were concerned about the flood risk in Thornton – both from the Wyre overtopping its bank and from heavy downpours which do not drain away. These issues were to be raised with the Environment Agency at the next Wyre Flood Forum.
TAG is a group of Thornton residents who seek to make Thornton a better place. We have a working group of 20 and we extend an invitation to all residents to join our work. Our concerns include the increased pressure on local roads, access to and from the area, the risk of flooding and the loss of open spaces. Our next meeting is on Wednesday June 30th at 7.15 pm at Thornton Methodist Church.
Howard Phillips Chair of Thornton Action Group
P.S. County Councillor John Shedwick and I met representatives of Lancashire Highways to discuss the present traffic problems. It was reported-
A The difficulties experienced on Skippool Road would go on until the bridge works are completed on the A585 (mid July).
B A complete ban on HGVs using Skippool Road could not be justified on grounds of cost because of the limited numbers of HGVs “normally” using the road and the fact there have been few accidents.
C Nevertheless it was accepted that the blind bend at Thornton Hall did create problems and that it might be possible to put in place a “not suitable for HGVs” between Lamb’s Hill and Skippool if funds were available.
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