Work to strip away Birkenhead's ridiculed 'Wotsit Street' yellow and orange road markings is nearing completion, with Grange Road West now resurfaced and largely returned to a conventional appearance.
The street gained its nickname after Wirral Council introduced a colourful redesign last year, making the road one way and adding bright street furniture and road markings in an effort to tackle town centre traffic. Following a six-month trial and widespread mockery, the council confirmed the furniture and planters would be removed and parking reinstated, while the road would remain one way.
Resurfacing Complete
When the ECHO checked progress on November 5, Grange Road West had been resurfaced and now looks like a normal road again, although a few patches of orange and yellow remain on the pavements.
Council officials previously said the coloured markings had "generated significant concern." Wirral Council leader Cllr Paula Basnett had earlier stated that work to remove the markings was expected to be finished by the end of September.
Resident Reactions
Local resident Peter Martindale told the ECHO he is "much happier" now the coloured markings have largely gone, adding: "It's great to see it back to normal." He also said he is relieved the street will stay one way, believing it makes the area "much safer."
Married couple Frank and Deb were not fans of the design. Deb called the redesign "a total waste of money" and "quite ugly," while Frank said "it was the wrong place for something like that. If it was in Liverpool city centre maybe it would have worked."
Cost Concerns
Deb is not alone in questioning the spending. Cllr Basnett herself told BBC Radio Merseyside that the around £300,000 spent on the scheme was "a waste of money."
The ECHO understands the completion of the work is imminent.
