TRIBUTE gates at a Davenham playing field have faced delays because of the state of a potholed road.

Memorial gates were to be installed at the entrance to Laburnum Road playing field in tribute to villagers who lost their lives in the Second World War.

But Laburnum Road itself is pitted with potholes and, as it is unadopted by Cheshire West and Chester Council, needs all property owners to pay for repairs.

Residents have agreed to fund resurfacing work but owners of the Bargain Booze franchise at the corner of Laburnum Road and London Road are not ready to part-fund repairs yet.

The gates are to be paid for from the Welcome Home Fund, set up around 60 years ago with the original aim of building a village hall in memory of the fallen, but trustees of the fund are worried about the appearance of the road.

Parish councillor Arthur Wood, also a trustee, said: “I’ve been concerned about the situation on Laburnum Road and whether it’s a good idea to have memorial gates there.

“The original intention was for a village hall and that’s not going to happen, we’ve got £9,500 in the fund and I would appreciate a steer from the parish council for us.

“Does the progress, or the lack of progress on Laburnum Road make a difference to the parish council’s view?”

Clr Brian Robinson said: “We would like the road to be tidy so that the approach to the gates sets them off.

“We could perhaps hold them until Laburnum Road is sorted out.”

The council decided it was still in favour of the gates and urged trustees to press ahead.