MP comments on disruption over CYCLOPS junction works near …
In recent weeks, the Star reported how landlords Mike Fishwick and Sara Cunningham have been living in "an absolute nightmare" since the works have been underway from November.
The CYCLOPS - which will aim to prioritise the safety of pedestrians and cyclists - segregates cyclists from motorists, aiming to reduce the possibility of collisions or conflict – while making pedestrian crossing times quicker.
However, partial and often almost full road closures have been in place throughout, severely affecting the neighbouring businesses, particularly the Bull and Dog pub.
After the initial report, hundreds of Star readers reacted to the news that the business has been affected by the works.
The works are set to be completed by Monday, September 4 – just days before Reminisce on September 9.
Commenting on the works and disruption, Marie Rimmer MP said: “It is a real shame the impact that the roadworks are having on the Bull and Dog pub and other local businesses.
"I sympathise completely with the landlords of a true great St Helens institution.
“I have seen the reports that many local residents and Star readers have been visiting the pub in a show of support and I think this is simply wonderful and shows the great spirit of our community.
“I would hope that the roadworks could be brought to a conclusion as soon as possible to help local residents and vital businesses like the Bull and Dog pub get back to normal.”
Last week council bosses have apologised for any "any disruption and inconvenience" caused by the CYCLOPS junction works - and set a timeframe for its completion.
The local authority said it wanted "to thank the local community for their patience and understanding during the construction period.
What is the CYCLOPS project?
Replacing the roundabout by the Bull & Dog pub on Marshalls Cross Road, the CYCLOPS forms part of the £15m St Helens Southern Gateway scheme, a partnership between St Helens Borough Council, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Northern Rail to help make sustainable travel an easier choice for commuters who use Lea Green Railway Station, one of the borough's busiest stations.
The CYCLOPS is close to several primary and secondary schools and sits next to Lea Green Railway Station, which is undergoing a major refurbishment, as well as a number of cycle routes to encourage residents and visitors to consider more active forms of transport for shorter journeys to help achieve net zero carbon targets by 2040.
As part of public engagement relating to the scheme, the council has held information drop-in events with residents, with the road safety team going into nearby schools to teach children and young people how to operate the new facility.
Project contractor, St Helens-based Huyton Asphalt, has delivered on a number of social value initiatives, including job opportunities and donating to worthy causes such as St Helens Borough Council’s Christmas toy appeal.
How does it work?
The outer ‘ring’ of the junction is a cycle path, acting like a roundabout with signal-controlled crossings. This will allow those who cycle to cross over the junction or make right turns unrestricted by cars or foot traffic, creating a safe route to travel.
The inner ‘ring’ of the junction is dedicated to pedestrians, with those walking and cycling getting the same green light signal in all directions at the same time, but on a separate ring of paths in the middle of the junction.
There will be well-defined zebra crossings on each side of the junction to provide a safe place to cross the cycle lane for pedestrians.
All motorised traffic stops at the lights whilst cyclists and pedestrians have their green light signal.
Once pedestrians and cyclists have passed, motorised traffic will get the green light signal to continue driving and use the junction like normal.