Plans for a significant upgrade to one of Liverpool’s most debated roadways, **Queens Drive**, will proceed following a decision by the city council despite opposition concerns regarding consultation practices. The council approved a **£1.8 million** contract for improvements aimed at enhancing journey times, reducing congestion, and increasing safety on this busy route, particularly around **Sefton Park**, **Mossley Hill**, and **Penny Lane**.
The decision, finalized during the council’s meeting on **December 16, 2023**, has sparked controversy among local politicians. Opposition members voiced their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as inadequate consultation on the sensitive nature of the roadworks. A heated discussion took place at Liverpool Town Hall, where **Liberal Democrat** councillors expressed their apprehensions about the project.
Cllr **Richard Kemp CBE**, who spearheaded the opposition’s call for a review of the decision, articulated his concerns regarding the lack of community input. He stated, “I regret the lack of consultation and I regret the quality of the report submitted to you. This raises more questions than answers,” highlighting the tragic context surrounding the area due to previous fatalities caused by flooding.
The council justified the need for the upgrades, emphasizing the essential improvements to the carriageway, footpaths, and drainage systems. These upgrades come in the wake of criticism regarding the local authority’s management of flooding in the vicinity, especially following the deaths of **Elaine** and **Philip Marco** in **August 2023**. A senior coroner noted that officials had failed to adequately assess the risks posed by flooding in the area, prompting further scrutiny of the council’s response.
Cllr Kemp reiterated the importance of considering the community’s voice, stating that “common sense dictates” that the lack of statutory consultation should have been overlooked given the area’s sensitivity. He also pointed out that the report was compiled during a period when the road was closed due to flooding.
In defense of the project, Cllr **Dan Barrington**, the cabinet member for transport and connectivity, asserted the council’s duty to maintain road safety and sustainability. He cited the coroner’s findings and the improvements undertaken by **United Utilities** to mitigate flooding risks. “We have to provide resilience to the network,” he stated, emphasizing that while the improvements would not completely eliminate flooding risks, they would help minimize road closures and disruptions.
The council expressed that delaying the improvement works would only lead to a further decline in road conditions, potentially increasing future repair costs and complications. They affirmed that timely upgrades align with the council’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon status by **2030** and promoting a sustainable transport network.
Ultimately, the council committee supported the cabinet’s decision to proceed with the upgrade. This move marks a significant step in addressing the ongoing issues surrounding **Queens Drive**, a road that has become emblematic of the city’s infrastructure challenges and community concerns.
