Work starts on problem garage site in Kirkby

Civil engineering contractor Wrenco will begin making improvements to a garage site in Kirkby on Tuesday, which is considered an eye-sore and magnet for anti-social behaviour by Knowsley Council.

The council said many of the garages on the Field Lane estate, between Beryl Walk and Clare Walk, are in poor condition and have attracted problems such as graffiti, arson and fly-tipping.

However, an investment of £150,000 from the council's working neighbourhoods fund is being put towards improving the safety and appearance of the site by installing new lighting and drainage and improving the highway.

Knowsley Council said the work follows a consultation exercise with residents in which they expressed an overwhelming desire to improve the highway and retain the garages in a much better condition.

The council said it will also use enforcement powers to ensure the improvements are maintained in the long term. If residents continue to neglect their garage, the council may step in and take ownership of it.

Once the first phase of improvements has been completed, the council added it is hoped that further works will be carried out at neighbouring garage sites.

Cllr Dave Lonergan, cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills, said: "The current site is extremely unattractive and has suffered from anti-social behaviour, so these improvements will be great news for the people who live in Beryl Walk and Clare Walk.

"However, real, lasting improvements can only be made with the support of all of the garage owners, so the council will not hesitate to take action against any owners who neglect their garage to the detriment of the local area."