Topic: Liverpool City Council

[ToneLa]

if you want trams anyway may I suggest Sheffield?

their service is lovely, great - Manchester don't come into it (as in music, as in life)

[LuverlyRita]

if you want trams anyway may I suggest Sheffield?

their service is lovely, great - Manchester don't come into it (as in music, as in life)

Sheffield had a brilliant public transport system in the 1970s. They used buses. The keys to their success were that fares were heavily subsidised (dirt cheap in fact), they were very frequent (you never needed a timetable) and the routes ran around the city as well as in and out of the centre. They didn't need any special infrastructure and if a road was blocked, the buses were easily diverted. They were so good that it really wasn't worth using a car most of the time.
The new tram system may run efficiently but I'd wager they're not cheap and based on my last visit, the number of cars parked and on the roads has grown exponentially.

[CraigDS]

Manchester trams are frequent and even reliable but they're still by and large bloody awful, crammed, violent, stuffed with idiots, nothing to envy

I've lived in Manchester since last Sept (and have used them for 5yrs prior as my gf's from this way), live maybe 100m from a met station, and use them 3 or 4 times a week... they are amazing IMO.

Sure at busy periods they can be packed, but in general they are really regular, clean, relatively quiet, cheap, and pretty fast and efficient. Never seen any issue on them at all, and I'd imagine are as safe for that as any other form of public transport.

[Red Beret]

Public transport in Liverpool is chaotic. It could definitely benefit from a tram system. Hell I even think there's a business case for a new elevated metro following close to the Overhead Railway route.

The old dock system up by Herculaneum is full of houses and poorly served by public transport. There's only really the 500 bus that runs along the dockside road, and Brunswick station isn't necessarily handy for everyone. It's perfect for an elevated metro with stops relatively close together. Being raised, it wouldn't interfere with the road system, and would be a quick and convenient way into the city centre. It could descend to street level around Stanley Dock to serve the Vauxhall area, with maybe a terminus and depot located near to Sandhills.

But then as I said in the Merseyrail thread, it's taken them 50 years to build Headbolt Lane station. And Southparkway was 30 years late and built in the wrong place. The city is run by cabbages.

[So… Howard Philips]

Public transport in Liverpool is chaotic. It could definitely benefit from a tram system. Hell I even think there's a business case for a new elevated metro following close to the Overhead Railway route.

The old dock system up by Herculaneum is full of houses and poorly served by public transport. There's only really the 500 bus that runs along the dockside road, and Brunswick station isn't necessarily handy for everyone. It's perfect for an elevated metro with stops relatively close together. Being raised, it wouldn't interfere with the road system, and would be a quick and convenient way into the city centre. It could descend to street level around Stanley Dock to serve the Vauxhall area, with maybe a terminus and depot located near to Sandhills.

But then as I said in the Merseyrail thread, it's taken them 50 years to build Headbolt Lane station. And Southparkway was 30 years late and built in the wrong place. The city is run by cabbages.

Have the City Council any say in where South Parway was built? Thought that would Betwirk Rail or one of its predecessors.

But yes, the City is run by cabbages of either Labour or Lib Dem variety.

[Red Beret]

Have the City Council any say in where South Parway was built? Thought that would Betwirk Rail or one of its predecessors.

But yes, the City is run by cabbages of either Labour or Lib Dem variety.

The station was built by Merseytravel, but one would assume the council would have had some input on some level. My main point was just to illustrate the general incompetence of anyone in charge of anything in the city.

[So… Howard Philips]

The station was built by Merseytravel, but one would assume the council would have had some input on some level. My main point was just to illustrate the general incompetence of anyone in charge of anything in the city.

As I agreed with.

[Red Beret]

As I agreed with.

[ianburns252]

Trams we should have kept, but having lived in work for Manchester for a bit

No, it's a shithole - don't envy it . I wish Liverpool had a more socialist handle on transport (happy for our Merseyrail guys to strike) but take it from me , Manchester trams are frequent and even reliable but they're still by and large bloody awful, crammed, violent, stuffed with idiots, nothing to envy

Yet another Manchester idea that "on paper - sound"

Liverpool trams way back before I existed, now that was a sad loss - would love them back, but here's the key bit - run with competence and consideration

Copy Manchester? No thank you. If we ever do this again, let's do our own way.

I'd take a monorail, anythin - one of the best cities in the world and it feels transport-wise like, if anything, a regression

Go to Portugal and it's vaguely third-world but the underground stations have water flooding out in the morning to clean the platform - yet again, us, you, we, are gettin fucked over

So I don't envy Manchester,  but I do envy other cities and places - which is very sad.

I think that is a bit harsh.

Used to spend a lot of time in Manchester and I've never seen major issues with business or violence. Maybe certain times of day, or certain areas of the city but that is hardly a fault of the tram network itself on the violence issue (and on over filling you could argue they should have longer trams but also people could just be patient and wait 10 mins)

It speaks to greater societal issues - being the need for people to behave in that manner, to intimidate others, to take their issues out on the world. You need to help solve the wider issue with greater social funding and removing disadvantages but also ensure sufficient staffing on trains in terms of guards etc.

The principle of the network and how it extends so far into the suburbs are surely an overall net positive

[Claire.]

Are One Stops still appointment only, and if so, how do you make an appointment?

They've fucked up my council tax by making a change which resulted in a new account number and then took a direct debit payment and that payment is not showing in my new account (this was in January) and I've tried to contact them and got nowhere. Want it sorted before new council tax year.

[SamAteTheRedAcid]

Are One Stops still appointment only, and if so, how do you make an appointment?

They've fucked up my council tax by making a change which resulted in a new account number and then took a direct debit payment and that payment is not showing in my new account (this was in January) and I've tried to contact them and got nowhere. Want it sorted before new council tax year.

Try this page Claire: https://liverpool.gov.uk/contact-us/one-stop-shops/central/

(there are a few to choose from)
Looks like you have to ring for an appointment for your chosen problem - perhaps yours comes under 'payments'?

[Claire.]

Cheers mate, their website is frustratingly awful!

Though very interesting that you can phone someone to make an appointment but seemingly not phone anyone to like, sort stuff out Hours mean I'll need to take holiday as well, joy!

[KevLFC]

Council tax bill is shocking. Hope they spend it on something decent...

[PeterJM]

Council tax bill is shocking. Hope they spend it on something decent...

Probably just waste it as usual.

[Claire.]

Cheers mate, their website is frustratingly awful!

Though very interesting that you can phone someone to make an appointment but seemingly not phone anyone to like, sort stuff out Hours mean I'll need to take holiday as well, joy!

Okay so this in fact bollocks, the number they say is for appointments you can sort stuff over the phone, and to give them their due, they were really helpful and said it's their fuck up.

[Red46]

This place has had so much going for it over the years but the rank incompetence and sheer lack of imagination, foresight and vision from our city fathers has blighted us for decades and decades. From knocking down the customs house to knocking down the original cavern to nearly knocking down Anfield and the Albert Dock to allowing our UNESCO status and the Beatles festival to disappear.....I could go on forever. Enough to make you weep.

[So… Howard Philips]

This place has had so much going for it over the years but the rank incompetence and sheer lack of imagination, foresight and vision from our city fathers has blighted us for decades and decades. From knocking down the customs house to knocking down the original cavern to nearly knocking down Anfield and the Albert Dock to allowing our UNESCO status and the Beatles festival to disappear.....I could go on forever. Enough to make you weep.

I was over in Liverpool on Monday. I thought Matthew Street was low rent but that row of faux Irish pubs opposite Central Station would put any visitor off the City.

At least there will be a partially built stadium next to the sewage works on the Dock Road.

[liverbloke]

This place has had so much going for it over the years but the rank incompetence and sheer lack of imagination, foresight and vision from our city fathers has blighted us for decades and decades. From knocking down the customs house to knocking down the original cavern to nearly knocking down Anfield and the Albert Dock to allowing our UNESCO status and the Beatles festival to disappear.....I could go on forever. Enough to make you weep.

think back-handers, back pockets and landlords and you'll have your answer

[Claire.]

Okay so this in fact bollocks, the number they say is for appointments you can sort stuff over the phone, and to give them their due, they were really helpful and said it's their fuck up.

They might've acknowledged this fuck up, but they're stil yet to sort it out, only 6 months and no response to my email.

[John C]

Make a formal complaint here Claire.
https://liverpool.gov.uk/contact-us/complaints-and-feedback/make-a-complaint-about-most-council-services/

[Claire.]

I was just looking on my bank and there's a deposit of automated credit from 'Liverpool CC' - which I can only assume is the council, but it's for more than the payment they lost in the system.

Is it normal for them to do a refund like this? I can't find anything in my council tax account, be arsed chasing them up.

[Shankly998]

This place has had so much going for it over the years but the rank incompetence and sheer lack of imagination, foresight and vision from our city fathers has blighted us for decades and decades. From knocking down the customs house to knocking down the original cavern to nearly knocking down Anfield and the Albert Dock to allowing our UNESCO status and the Beatles festival to disappear.....I could go on forever. Enough to make you weep.

While there's much rightly to condemn the council for, they have suffered savage cuts in funding from the party in blue and this does play a role in holding the city back. I actually think Liverpool will be due a further renaissance later this decade. With a Russell group university, cheaper housing costs than many places in the country, great cultural heritage and lots of greenspace there's lots to attract young aspiring professionals to the city. With more equitable funding from central government Liverpool could be due for a further rebound.

[Red Beret]

If only LCC spent as much money cleaning Lime Street as they do ripping it up to put in pointless cycle lanes.

It's only been open a few months and it's filthy af.

[PeterJM]

If only LCC spent as much money cleaning Lime Street as they do ripping it up to put in pointless cycle lanes.

It's only been open a few months and it's filthy af.

I was in town yesterday for the first time in a long while and was shocked how filthy and litter strewn it is.

[rob1966]

If only LCC spent as much money cleaning Lime Street as they do ripping it up to put in pointless cycle lanes.

It's only been open a few months and it's filthy af.

I don't blame the council, I blame the scruffy twats who drop the litter in the first place.

[Son of Spion]

If only LCC spent as much money cleaning Lime Street as they do ripping it up to put in pointless cycle lanes.

It's only been open a few months and it's filthy af.

And they'll be messing around with the Strand yet again. As if the seemingly endless roadworks didn't cause enough chaos last time, they are about to start 'phase 2'. 

Drivers have been told to "get over it" according to the Echo yesterday.

[Red Beret]

wtf is phase 2? 

[So… Howard Philips]

And they'll be messing around with the Strand yet again. As if the seemingly endless roadworks didn't cause enough chaos last time, they are about to start 'phase 2'. 

Drivers have been told to "get over it" according to the Echo yesterday.

Drove down it last week and it seemed fine.

[Son of Spion]

Drove down it last week and it seemed fine.

They haven't started yet. Hopefully it doesn't cause the chaos it caused when they did Phase 1. It was a nightmare of seemingly endless tailbacks.

[John C]

I don't blame the council, I blame the scruffy twats who drop the litter in the first place.

Indeed mate, these people who litter are fucking tramps.

[Red Beret]

I don't blame the council, I blame the scruffy twats who drop the litter in the first place.

It's not litter as such mate - it's actually dirty. It's grubby and black all over, like oil or something. Probably gum too. It needs scrubbing.

[gazzam1963]

wtf is phase 2? 

Is it something at the bottom of Leeds street near old hall street , the new Isle of Man ferry terminal looks nearly complete and I’m sure the junction at leeds street is having work done to facilitate access to this

[Son of Spion]

wtf is phase 2? 

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/work-major-road-scheme-set-27030717?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

Sorry it's the appalling Echo site.

[rob1966]

It's not litter as such mate - it's actually dirty. It's grubby and black all over, like oil or something. Probably gum too. It needs scrubbing.

I was in town at Easter and to be honest I still spend my time staring at St Georges Hall, so don't notice the floor.

Living in such a soulless city as Manc, it blows me away every time I go home. Chatting to mates last night who went into Liverpool for the first time ever the other week, they loved the City, said it's beautiful compared to Manchester, she was absolutely blown away by the architecture and they had a great day out.

[Red Beret]

I was in town at Easter and to be honest I still spend my time staring at St Georges Hall, so don't notice the floor.

Living in such a soulless city as Manc, it blows me away every time I go home. Chatting to mates last night who went into Liverpool for the first time ever the other week, they loved the City, said it's beautiful compared to Manchester, she was absolutely blown away by the architecture and they had a great day out.

I love the industrial, working city architecture of Manchester, but I imagine daily exposure would be a bit of a grind. Liverpool is far greener and has more regal architecture - maybe that's why I notice the grubby pavements more.

[Livbes]

I was in town yesterday and it was bouncing, loads of Americans, I suspect from the cruise ship that was in but it had a lovely vibe in the sun and warmth. Totally understand re: floors looking grubby,  I agree. We've not had any rain in weeks, could be playing it’s part.

Chance of some heavy storm Saturday when it really heats up but not much in the next few weeks it seems, can see them getting worse before better.

[Red Beret]

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/work-major-road-scheme-set-27030717?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

Sorry it's the appalling Echo site.

Oh look. The expected cost was £47m, but now it's £66m.

Seriously, why do they even bother with these fucking estimates? We all know they're going to go over budget. I'd hate to think they had a meeting and said, "We reckon it's going to be £35m, but we'll say it's £47m, to account for cost overruns."

Almost 15 years of austerity and this is what the council thinks it should be spending its fucking money on. Try fixing the pot holes and lousy road surface on Park Road you wankers!

[Son of Spion]

^
Don't get me started on Park Road.

I've been driving up and down that road for the last twenty years and it's been nothing less than a disgrace in all that time.

[Livbes]

Mate is over from the Isle of Man. Was at some gig last night.

Just said in a big group of mates from all over that Liverpool could do with a big Power wash. He’s not wrong. The streets are manky. This council are a piece of shit.

[So… Howard Philips]

Mate is over from the Isle of Man. Was at some gig last night.

Just said in a big group of mates from all over that Liverpool could do with a big Power wash. He’s not wrong. The streets are manky. This council are a piece of shit.

Parts of the City Centre are a disgrace and some of the shite bars that have appeared over the last couple of years don’t help.

I know the Council are strapped for cash but they should at least make an attempt at making the Centre clean. Mind you the real culprits are the gobshites who dump there litter in the first place.