One of Liverpool's most popular streets is to undergo some crucial changes after a 'botched' transformation that was widely criticised by those living and working in the area.
Lark Lane in Aigburth, South Liverpool attracts people from far and wide with its impressive offer of bars, restaurants and independent businesses.
Situated next to Sefton Park, it has long been a destination for those travelling from around the city region and further afield.
But for the last couple of years, many of those working on, living around and visiting the area feel that the famous lane has been somewhat let down by the presence of unsightly orange traffic cones.
Liverpool Council said more details about the Lark Lane improvements will be forthcoming soon.
Read more: Lark Lane venue's plans spark row
The cones and bollards were put in place in the summer of 2020 as part of the Liverpool Without Walls scheme - which aimed to support city hospitality businesses and allow them to seat more people outside during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The scheme was seen as a success in city centre areas like Bold Street and Castle Street, where planters were put in place and roads closed to create a thriving cafe culture scene in the summer months in particular.
But there was far less love for the Lark lane scheme.
While many were happy to see a one-way traffic order introduced to limit the number of cars travelling through the street, the orange bollards that were put in place - and remain to this day - were always seen as a cheap and unattractive measure.
Businesses in the lane this week spoke of their frustration at the continued presence of the 'unsightly' bollards.
Gordon Baker, owner of the Remains to be Seen antiques shop, who lives above his business on Lark Lane, has made his feelings very clear with a sign in his shop window exclaiming 'what a load of bollards.'
He said: "The bollards are a disgrace, they’re really cheapskate and an insult to residents. They’ve truly disfigured the Lane.
“The fact that they’re still here feels almost as if the council are laughing at us.”
Other business owners we spoke to were a little more equivocal, but all felt it was time to move forward from the temporary bollards.
Ross Barr-Scragg of Scragg's Barbers said the cones have helped to alleviate traffic and allowing traffic in the area to be fairly free-flowing.
But he added: "The bollards are pretty unsightly and they’re now littered across the road. Now is a great opportunity to put something in place that is more aesthetically pleasing."
Robert Gutmann owns five food and drink businesses on Lark Lane - Love and Rockets, Polidor, The Old School House, The Ink in the Well and the Bookbinder.
He said he felt the original scheme was 'of a very poor standard', adding: "I totally support the one-way system, but I have always thought that a much better overall solution is required for Lark Lane.
"As someone who is heavily invested in Lark Lane, financially and emotionally, I would like to see a new scheme that is attractive as the area deserves."
Tito Press is the owner of Press Bros. Coffee, which opened up just a few months ago in the famous Aigburth Street.
He said: "The one way system has definitely improved the road, but long-term it would be good to do what they’ve done on Bold Street with the planters.
"We don’t have seats outside yet, but we’re applying for a licence to do so. In the summer, you probably won’t want those plastic bollards here. They’ve been a great temporary measure but something a bit nicer on the eyes would be great going forward - a little bit of colour, some plants, something like that.
“Even though it would still be a bollard and it’s still serving its purpose, it would be good if it looked nice as well. "
Changes on the way
It's pretty clear from those who are invested in this unique area of South Liverpool that a better scheme of infrastructure needs to be put in place.
And it sounds like this is on the way.
A residents meeting was held this week, where it was explained that the orange bollards are set to be replaced with a combination of black and white bollards - deemed to be more in common with the area - or wooden bollards alongside wooden planters.
It is understood that the one-way system will remain in place via what is known as an Experimental Traffic Order.
Upon installation of the new measures, there will be a six-month consultation period, with a view to there being a more long-term plan for Lark Lane created over a wider 18 month period.
Liverpool Green Party leader Cllr Tom Crone represents the area and said he is pleased about the proposed improvements.
He said: "We are glad the council are taking steps to improve Lark Lane.
"We understand the reasons why the Without Walls scheme was originally introduced, it was important to support businesses and social distancing when the pandemic was at its peak.
"However the implementation was botched with unsightly orange bollards and poor design that affected accessibility and led to problems for residents.
"We hope the new design with planters and different bollards will be more in keeping with the Lark Lane conservation area.
"Most importantly there will be a 6 month period of consultation, during which we hope the council are finally going to listen to what residents from around Lark Lane need for their area. We will be pushing for this consultation to be a chance for residents to have a genuine say about the long term future of Lark Lane."
Liverpool Council said more details about the Lark Lane improvements will be forthcoming soon.
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