Story and images by Dowhigh. For more Dowhigh news visit: https://dowhigh.co.uk/news/
A Southport road damned as having “the shabbiest street surface in Britain” has been given a new lease of life after winning a national competition.
Dowhigh joined forces with the Daily Express and JCB to help the residents of Knob Hall Lane in Churchtown, which was plagued with dozens of potholes.
Local residents Gillie Bishop and Jane Noble nominated their road to the Daily Express which was working with JCB to find the “shabbiest street surface” where The Cruncher – JCB’s Pothole Pro machine – would go and dig out all of the potholes ready for repair.
A Dowhigh spokesperson said: “With over 40 potholes scattered across the quarter mile stretch of road, it’s easy to see why this road needed help.
“And when it came to the actual repairs, due to Dowhigh’s close relationship with JCB, we were asked if we could help… and of course we said yes!”
Watching the event were local councillors Sinclair D’Albuquerque and Mike Morris.
Sinclair said: “What a fantastic gesture for local firm, Dowhigh, to come to the rescue of the residents of Knob Hall Lane, Southport.
“The issues with their road have been ongoing for decades and Dowhigh’s generous offer to supply tarmac and workers following a competition win by resident, Jane Noble, will improve the road and make it safer for all the users of the lane.
“I would like to pass on my gratitude to them on behalf of the residents.”
Mike Morris said: “It was great to spend the day speaking to residents and seeing the works progress. I want to put on record my special thanks to local businesses JCB and Dowhigh for offering to complete these works free of charge.”
Southport MP Damian Moore said: “I salute the Daily Express, JCB, Dowhigh and all residents for this creative solution to a long-standing issue.”
Dowhigh Director Trevor Murray said: “We had a team of three laying down the tarmac and we used about 10 tons. Some of the holes were 12cm deep.
“The JCB machine works very quickly and we are just so pleased to get involved and help the people in this street.
“It’s one of the worst roads for potholes I’ve seen. The residents will see a big improvement. It is a lot safer now. “
Once all of the works were completed, the residents staged an impromptu street party to celebrate the improvements made.
Gillie Bishop kindly sent Dowhigh a card stating “For the lads of Dowhigh Ltd who sorted the pot holes in our lane. It looks like they did such a good job we won’t need them back again!
“Every man in the team was a professional whilst friendly too, they never stopped until they had finished as there are loads of potholes to do!
“From the bottom of my heart I can but truly say they did a tremendous job having worked so hard all day. So a big thank you is in order the Dowhigh Lads have done us proud as far as pothole filling goes, Dowhigh certainly stands out from the crowd!”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
