Highways England has pledged to work with the people of Sefton after fighting off a council’s judicial review over its A5036 Port of Liverpool access scheme.
The government-owned company said that following last month’s judicial hearing, which backed its decision to exclude a tunnel from options in the initial consultation, it will begin statutory consultation in the New Year over plans to provide a replacement road through Rimrose Valley.
Highways England said the new dual carriageway through Rimrose Valley will be ‘transformational’ – for people living along the existing A5036, the facilities at Rimrose Valley Country Park and in tackling congestion.
Regional delivery director for the North West, Tim Gamon, said: ‘We note the outcome of the judicial review and would like to say that now, more than ever, we want to work with the community surrounding Rimrose Valley to deliver a solution which benefits everybody.
‘Our message is whether you are a resident, road user, business or regular user of the park please come and get involved in the consultation events so we can work together to get this right for everyone.’
Highways England said its ‘legacy approach’ to delivery will ensure both the park’s facilities and the existing A5036 will be improved while the new road will help relieve congestion across the whole of the local network.
Sefton Council, which brought the judicial review, said it believes it lost the case because the Government and Highways England failed to make adequate financial provision for the full range of options, including a tunnel. It said: ‘The judge was clear in his statement that the budget for the scheme was a political decision and not a decision for the courts.’
Council leader Ian Maher said: ‘I will be seeking legal advice to see if there’s anything else we can do as I firmly believe that the tunnel option is the only option which could balance the need for improved access to the port with the needs of the local community.’
He added: ‘They have agreed to spend billions on a tunnel under the River Thames but ruled out building one in Sefton because it cost too much. It just smacks of double standards and reinforces my belief that we are treated as the poor relation in the North.’
According to webpage for the scheme, the ‘further public consultation’ was due to take place in summer/autumn 2018 ahead of a planning application, subject to approvals, in Spring 2019.
