Meeting called to discuss controversial proposals for new crossing and one-way system

Wilmslow Town Council has called an additional Planning Committee meeting to discuss proposals to install a new Puffin crossing on Knutsford Road and introduce a one-way system on Church Road following concerns over the safety of children attending nearby schools.

The Council's proposals, which include relocating the bus stop to Gravel Lane, will be considered by the Planning Committee today (Tuesday, 30th August). The meeting will be held at Wilmslow Parish Hall and commence at 6pm - the agenda can be viewed in our events calendar.

These proposals have proved controversial amongst local residents and business owners who will be affected by the changes to the current layout of the road system.

Having conducted a survey of the current uncontrolled crossing point on Knutsford Road, close to the junctions with Church Road, Upcast Lane and Gravel Lane, Cheshire East Highways have identified a need for a signal controlled crossing for pedestrians.

Additional changes include the introduction of a one way system on Church Road, from the entrance off Knutsford Road to the junction with St Johns Road, because visibility for motorists will be reduced once the crossing has been built.

The Council is also proposing to relocate the bus stop lay-by that is currently on Knutsford Road to Gravel Lane to make way for the new Puffin crossing.

David Nelson wrote in favour of the proposals saying "And not before time. A double whammy too, hopefully stopping all parking on the convenience store corner which is dangerous for all road users, except those who think they can park where they want. For once I'm impressed with Cheshire East."

However, many local residents have expressed their disapproval of the proposals and concerns that they will not solve the problems.

Greta Wright said "As with everyone else child safety is paramount . But why everything else!!! And moving the bus lay-by onto the blind corner of Gravel lane is unbelievable - if it is a lay-by and not a stop where is the land coming from for a lay- by ? Also a lot of blue badge holders use the parking spaces in place at the top of Gravel lane - I can't imagine parking still available opposite a bus lay-by!! Several small businesses rely on easy access . As other people have proposed surely traffic calming is suitable for all ??"

Sarah Paterson wrote "Of course child safety is paramount but this seems a sledge hammer to crack a nut. Deliveries to the corner shop will be very difficult and the hairdressers on Gravel Lane will lose all parking including disabled.

"Why can they not have a zebra crossing with a crossing patrol at school times and speed warning beacons on the approach?"

Tracy Aston commented "I am unsure why the crossing cannot be positioned further down Knutsford Road away from Church Road? Surely this would provide a safe place to cross but not change the road access and avoid forcing increased traffic down Welton Drive impacting on the safety of the children that live on this and all of the adjoining roads."

Parish Councillor David Jefferay, who lives on Knutsford Road, considers the proposal to be "ill-conceived".

He wrote "It does nothing to slow traffic down and the crossing is now nearer to the bend than the island currently is so there's a greater risk of someone being hit by a car traveling at speed."

David Jefferay added "Also, people currently park at the junction (Knutsford Road and Church Road) to 'just nip into the shop' - they shouldn't but they do. Nothing will change except they'll now be on a pedestrian crossing which is even more dangerous. Furthermore, I'm willing to bet that you'll get people reversing onto Knutsford road to avoid going round the one way system.

"Moving the bus stop around the corner onto Gravel Lane is lunacy. When the bus stops, traffic will back around the corner onto Knutsford Road. Why would you move the bus stop from a very safe layby to an on-road position just around a corner?"

Councillor Jefferay also raised concerns regarding the potential impact on the village store saying "I know the shop doesn't make a lot of money as it stands and it will certainly be adversely affected by the proposal. It may sound melodramatic but the crossing may well be the straw that broke the camel's back. I've lived in that area most of my life and the shop really is the hub of the community; all that's left (except the church) since the newsagents, post office, butchers and greengrocers went! It would be a massive loss to the community who rely on it."

The Village Store has been run for the past 14 years by Graham Hurd, 69, and his partner Kate Boon, 70, who are hoping to be able to retire soon and sell the business to new owners.

Graham said "These proposals have been drawn up to spend a very significant amount of our rates and taxpayers money without any direct consultation with ourselves or indeed any of the other businesses in the area."

He added "If these proposals go ahead it is likely that sales will fall further because we will lose all of our passing trade from commuters and local tradesmen who will not be able to stop anywhere in Knutsford Road and will be deterred from turning into Church Road because of the protracted exit route via Links Road and Welton Drive. It will also be extremely difficult for our suppliers who deliver in 12 ton lorries with rear tail-lifts and often in the case of Londis deliveries in a 15 ton articulated lorry.

"It remains to be seen whether we would be able to sustain our business if this happens and it is likely that we would have to close the store and face significant financial losses when we would have to sell our home to clear the outstanding loans on the business and freehold premises.

"Having said that our concerns are that the proposals will not actually solve the problems being experienced of congestion in Upcast Lane and speeding southbound traffic on Knutsford Road."

Please share your views on the proposed changes via the comment box below.

Local residents are requested to email their comments to Cheshire East Council, including your name and address.

Tags:
Knutsford Road
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Gary Barton
Tuesday 30th August 2016 at 10:17 am
The location for the proposed crossing is not ideal. The school and a few local residents have asked for a crossing, but the layout of the roads around Davenport Green mean that there is no 'easy' location for a crossing. Because of the difficulties involved this is why there has been extra consultation with local residents. It was decided to hold an extra consultation process before formally advertising the crossing. The reason for this process is to listen to local residents and businesses and to have the debate openly. Puffin crossings are expensive and if the proposal is unacceptable to local residents then it will not go ahead. We need to try and improve safety for pupils going to and from Lindow school and this is one suggestion.
Pete Taylor
Tuesday 30th August 2016 at 10:23 am
Twenty's Plenty! If Manchester City council can introduce 20mph limits on 1800 roads (all at the same time, not phased in) why can't we have a 20 zone covering Wilmslow?
DELETED ACCOUNT
Tuesday 30th August 2016 at 1:03 pm
Adlington Road - no crossing of any sort despite the dangerous bend. Dean Row Road with its high volume of traffic accessing the A34, the only crossing is at the Summerfields end and not the school end. Handforth Road with its high volume of traffic, no crossing, just a 20 mph at school times. How and why is this road different? The article makes reference to Cheshire East's survey, is this one of their "official" surveys or is it an "unofficial" one? If it is the former where can details be found re traffic volume, number of accidents etc and what "triggered" the survey?