Speeding, litter…the issues that worry people at Culcheth

SPEEDING traffic, the environment and litter – all issues that have been raised by residents of Newchurch ward, Culcheth at a series of consultation events held by local councillor Margaret Webber.
The events were held to help ensure residents’ concerns are prioritised as part of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council’s forward planning.
Cllr Webber said speeding traffic was a worry for many residents –  particularly for the elderly and parents with young families.
She said: “In many parts of Newchurch, speeding is a serious problem. Areas like Newchurch Lane and Hampson Avenue are being used as a ‘rat run’ to avoid the village centre, and parents are rightly concerned about the safety of children and young people.
“That is why the parish council is working with partner agencies to follow up on residents’ suggestions of a speed camera or better speed signage at the worst-affected locations.
“The issues are very similar on Warrington Road, where speeding continues in spite of the existing restrictions.
“Residents have suggested that there should be a 20mph restriction and a
speed bump on the main road south of the school in order to slow the traffic appropriately before the crossing.
“Elsewhere in Newchurch, we are working with the borough council on behalf of households on Downham Avenue to ensure overgrown chestnut trees are properly maintained. And we have taken up the cause of residents who live in sheltered accommodation at Chatburn Court.
“Here, the 20mph sign at the entrance suggests it is a through route when in fact it is a cul-de-sac. Lorries often use this entrance to turn round, when it is in fact totally unsuitable.”
Parish council chairman Cllr Joan Grime, who is also a borough councillor, said: “From the work our parish councillors do to improve our
village environment, to the borough council’s delivery of significant projects like refurbishing Shaw Street Recreation Ground, or our local MP Helen Jones fighting for residents affected by HS2 in Parliament, all of our efforts help to ensure that our community is a welcoming and
inviting place to live, with a strong local economy and good employment opportunities.”
Councillor have arranged a litter pick on Shaw Street playing fields in the coming weeks, led by Cllr Jacqui Johnson.