MULTI-million pound plans to transform a major Northwich roundabout will face scrutiny at a public inquiry next week.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) has put forward proposals to dramatically alter the roundabout at the junction of Chesterway, Leicester Street, New Warrington Road, Manchester Road and Station Road.

The £3.4million roadworks will make the roundabout bigger in a bid to increase its capacity so it can cope better with future developments like the regeneration of Barons Quay and the new Memorial Court.

The scheme also includes a number of pedestrian crossings and nearby parking.

Plans were first revealed in summer 2013 after CWAC won 'pinch point' funding from the Government to do the work along with Northwich's gyratory system.

They faced controversy as traders and residents in Station Road feared the size of the new roundabout and what it would mean for parking, bus stops and traffic flow.

The proposal also hit a stumbling block in spring this year when the Secretary of State for Transport identified some changes that needed to be made to the description of the scheme in the official paperwork to aid clarity.

During the public inquiry an independent inspector will hear representations and consider evidence in support and opposition to the proposals.

The inquiry takes place at CWAC's offices at Wyvern House, in Winsford, and starts at 10am on Wednesday, December 17.

It is expected to last for two days.