Fylde Council to conduct investigative works on Lytham street

Thursday, 6 March 2025 10:45

By Central Radio News

Fylde Council is exploring ways to enhance Clifton Street for residents, visitors, and businesses while preserving its heritage charm.

Proposed improvements include upgrading Victorian-style streetlights with energy-efficient heritage-style columns featuring banner arms, hanging baskets, electrical sockets, and integrated artwork.

Addressing safety concerns, the Council is also investigating solutions for uneven pavements caused by tree root expansion. Many of the trees, located on privately owned land, have led to pavement heave, creating trip hazards and injuries.

To explore potential solutions, the Council commissioned an independent arboriculture report by experienced arborist Andy Nicol in the autumn of 2024, but the extended work on the Kirkham Futures Project meant that the work in Lytham was not yet ready to start. The report assessed the health and impact of the existing trees and recommended root pruning as a potential alternative to full tree replacement, helping to mitigate pavement damage while retaining the tree canopy coverage.

To test this approach, specialist contractors will conduct root pruning trials during the weeks commencing 10 and 17 March 2025, using air spades to carefully inspect one tree per day. Lancashire County Council will assist by lifting paving, securing work areas, inspecting roots, and restoring surfaces.

Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: " Work on the trees in Lytham can now move forward, following the successful completion of other key projects. With capacity now freed up, our regen team is committed to focus on addressing long-standing concerns about pavement safety while ensuring the town’s green spaces are protected and enhanced. Dovetailed with this work will be improvements to the Victorian-style streetlights.

“This next phase is a vital step in maintaining a safe environment for residents and visitors, and we remain committed to finding the best solutions that balance heritage, safety, and sustainability. We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we move forward with this important project.”

A full public engagement process will follow once investigations determine the best course of action.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, news@central.radio

More from Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde News

St Annes paddling pool set to make a splash again after repairs funding agreed

Essential repairs will be carried out on the paddling pool at St Annes after funding was agreed by Fylde Council.
Hunt is on for temporary ‘pop-up’ home for heritage trams

Blackpool Transport is on the lookout for a suitable location from which to temporarily display the town’s iconic and much-loved heritage fleet.
Major uproar at plans for 100-home development in Fylde countryside village

A lush meadow which has been part of people’s childhood memories in the Kirkham and Wesham area for generations desperately needs saving from a massive housing scheme, say campaigners.
Blackpool Council update on Adult Services progress after last year’s ‘inadequate’ CQC rating

A damning CQC report on Blackpool’s Adult Social care last year has ended up being a positive wake-up call which has improved services, an annual report concludes.
Community stewardship set to continue at Lytham Assembly Rooms

Lytham Assembly Rooms, home to Lytham Library, is set to remain in the hands of the community that has cared for it for decades, after Fylde Council’s agreed to transfer the freehold of the historic building to Lytham Town Trust.
Contractors working together to create new community hub in South Shore

Contractors working with Blackpool Council have joined forces to create a new community space in South Shore, aiming to upskill residents and help create a more resilient community.
Windfarm cabling reaction and full route explained

A government decision to approve a controversial cabling scheme to connect a pair of offshore windfarms near Fylde to a power station in South Ribble will leave the local landscape it cuts through changed forever, campaigners against the plans have warned.
Duke brings right Royal touch to Blackpool’s Stanley Park for centenary

Cheering crowds of excited children waved union flags as the Duke of Edinburgh paid a special visit to Blackpool’s Stanley Park to help celebrate its centenary year.