TRAFFIC congestion in the centre of Whitegate village is set to be tackled with the creation of a drop-off and community green space.

Whitegate and Marton Parish Council is seeking planning approval for the scheme, which is earmarked for land adjacent to Whitegate Primary School.

A planning application has been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council by the parish council, which is seeking a solution to parking and traffic congestion in the centre of the village at school dropping-off and pick-up times.

A report submitted with the application said the congestion has been an issue for many years, having been identified in the Whitegate and Marton Village Design Statement in 2003.

The proposed drop-off and green space would be created at the back of the vicarage and school playground, and would also serve as an overflow parking area for community functions.

The application includes a footpath link from Cinder Hill to St Mary’s Church graveyard extension.

The site earmarked for the scheme is mainly rough grassland south of the school playground, with the vicarage garden forming the eastern boundary.

“The proposed access road and drop-off will reduce vehicle movements around the green and allow the safe dropping-off and picking-up of school children, which will be an enormous benefit to the whole community,” said the report.

“Staff parking will remain outside the school as at present, and access for children will be straight into the rear of the school, which will improve pedestrian safety.

“The proposed path will allow safer access for pedestrians to the rear of the school without having to walk into the road past October Lodge where the pavement runs out.

“This path will run to the rear of the school and churchyard and also provide an alternative safe, attractive route to the graveyard and its recent extension. These paths will also be suitable for wheelchair and buggy use.”

“The scheme has been designed to address the issues of traffic safety due to school traffic, and at the same time creating an attractive community space and safe, accessible link to the rear of the school and church.”