Homes close to CYCLOPS junction works covered in dirt, claims resident

Tony Forshaw is a long-term carer for Sean, who is a wheelchair user, and the pair live on the corner of Clock Face Road and Chester Lane, which he claims is inaccessible and permanently covered with dirt.

Since November, work has been underway on the CYCLOPS junction - which claims 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 neighbours and nearby businesses.

Tony said his home is ‘permanently covered in dirt and dust’ and that Sean is struggling to get out of the house.

He said: “We live opposite The Bull and Dog, and I’ve got desperate now for all this work to end because not only has it destroyed the view from our house, now all the greenery of the former roundabout now being gone, but it’s caused loads of muck.

“When all of this started, we were told other than partial road closures, we wouldn’t be affected.

“However, we now have dirt blowing into the house and all over the car – it's all permanently covered in dirt and dust.

"I’ve had to have the car valeted twice now because it’s driving me mad.

Tony at the edge of the tarmac near the works (Image: Tony at the edge of the tarmac near the works)

“They have closed all access to our houses, so we’ve got to do sometimes scary manoeuvres to get in and out to park and poor Sean can’t go out with the nurses and has to struggle to walk halfway down Chester Lane to their car.

“The workmen are helpful, and I know they have a job to do, but I’m so annoyed at the council causing so much upheaval to transform a roundabout that had nothing wrong with it.

“The noise is ridiculous, so that and the dirt mean I can’t open Sean’s window at night, which isn’t fair to him.

“We’ve seen some near misses as no one knows how to use it and all the greenery has gone, leaving us with bright lines on tarmac instead.

“I know it’s meant to be for cyclists and pedestrians, but it’s mostly used by cars, and it’s just been made difficult, constantly loud with traffic and an eyesore for residents.”

A St Helens Borough Council spokesperson said: “Due to its location on the road network and closeness to homes, businesses and schools, as well as Lea Green Railway Station, the CYCLOPS junction has been a challenging project to deliver but one we have been determined to carry out with due consideration for everyone in the neighbouring area.

READ: Bull and Dog bosses say junction works have been a nightmare

“Unfortunately, projects of this scale and complexity are difficult on the ground, but we’re assured that our contractors have made every effort to reduce noise and dust impact on nearby homes.

"Throughout the works we’ve maintained open lines of communication to ensure that residents, businesses, and general motorists and others, are notified of key project milestones and have the opportunity to raise any concerns and queries.

“We apologise to local residents for any inconvenience they may have faced during the construction works and thank them for their cooperation during this time.

"We are pleased to say that work is coming to an end, with a completion date of Monday, September 4 set, subject to weather conditions, which will significantly enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, resulting in smoother journeys for all road users.”