Pensioner vows to leave if West End doesn't improve

Photo Neil Cross
Morecambe resident Jim Speed is complaining about the state of town's West End — Photo Neil Cross Morecambe resident Jim Speed is complaining about the state of town's West End

Jim Speed said he may be forced to leave his home on Brunswick Road in the West End where he has lived for 13 years if things don’t change.

The 67-year-old said the area has become a “derelict dumping ground” and has campaigned for months to get street lighting fixed behind his home, which he said was removed when new flats were built.

Mr Speed has also tried in vain to pursue help via the local authorities and Morecambe MP David Morris.

“The whole area is just getting derelict,” said Mr Speed, a retired engineer manager for Stagecoach.

“I have no family here, it is not a place where I want to be living anymore. Do I stay and hope it gets better or do I stay and my house price goes down?”

Margaret Pattison, Heysham North Ward councillor, has tried to help Mr Speed and spent several weekends weeding the area.

Coun Pattison said: “He just wants some action. I have contacted the county council, there’s not a lot else I can do. There are still plenty of things to do in the West End. There are new shops opening, festivals to go to.”

Meanwhile a housing regeneration scheme is being planned on nearby Bold Street. PlaceFirst, who are also behind the redevelopment of houses in the Albert Road area,has been named as  preferred developer.