A local councillor has teamed up with a television personality, in his fight against a Lancashire village's pothole issue.

Labour South Ribble councillor, Paul Wharton-Hardman, said he is “fed up” of constantly emailing the county council about the potholes in Farington and not receiving a response.

Instead, Paul decided to become more creative with his approach and enlisted the help of Pineapple Dance Studio star, Louie Spence, to help get the message across.

Using Memmo, a platform where the public can order personalised video messages from celebrities, Paul asked Louie to address the council instead.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Paul said: “I ordered the video as I’m getting fed up of emailing and writing and getting nothing in return.

“I thought doing something different that had a funny edge would hopefully push Moss Side and Farington County Councillor, Michael Green,  to fulfil his elected duties and actually do something!

“The highway issues in Farington have been ongoing for many years, and the residents I represent deserve better than lip service from the County Councillor.”

 

 

In the video, Louie Spence said: “Hello Councillor Michael, darling, Louie Spence here. This is a message for you from Cllr Paul.

"Now, Paul has been trying to get hold of about the holes, the potholes, darling.

“Now, these aren't going to mend themselves, so could you be a darling, and when he sends you his next message, could you be a sweetheart and reply? Promptly? Ta.

“I normally give a turn and blow a kiss but if you’re not filling the holes, then sorry, you’re not getting it.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Labour South Ribble councillor, Paul Wharton-HardmanLabour South Ribble councillor, Paul Wharton-Hardman

Responding to the Twitter feed, Lancashire County Council said: “Thanks for your tweet.

“If you haven't already please report highways issues on our online system where you'll be able to track progress of your report.”

Paul replied: “Thanks for the reply - there’s some complex issues which I’ve tried to highlight as a Borough councillor with my county councillor, and it’s going to be difficult for me to report them online!

“This prompt reminds him to get back to me.”

County Councillor Michael Green said: "As the local county councillor, I have raised highways issues from Cllr Wharton-Hardman at Lancashire County Council.  The highways officers and Cabinet Member for Highways are aware of the issues being raised by him and he has received responses to them.  I have also discussed a number of these issues with him, including on a recent site visit.

"Since I have served the residents of my Division of Moss Side and Farington as their county councillor, I have secured numerous highways improvements, as well as other initiatives to create local jobs, provide library facilities and improve local bus services.

"Whilst further highway improvements are always subject to limited resources available to the highways team and decisions being taken on the basis of need across the county, I was instrumental in securing additional funds in 2021 which have since been used to carry out significant highways works in Farington.

"I will continue to make strong representations in the future on behalf of the residents of my Division of Moss Side and Farington for further highways improvements to be carried out by Lancashire County Council."