A NEW one-way system could be created in Northwich town centre to stop a rat run and problem parking.

Highways officers are looking into making Percy Street a one-way road towards Chesterway to stop motorists cutting through and parking on the residential roads in the area.

Northwich Town Council conducted a survey of residents in Percy Street, School Way, Priory Street, Whalley Road and Church Walk following changes to car parking at Memorial Court which changed long stay parking to a four-hour maximum.

Councillors were concerned that this would displace parking into neighbouring residential streets as the car park was traditionally used by workers in the town.

Cllr Andrew Cooper, from Northwich Town Council's planning and environment committee, said: "We consulted with residents about three things.

"First whether they would be interested in having a permit parking scheme in the area.

"Second one of the residents suggested converting the compound is on Whalley Road field to a small grass parking area for residents.

"Third whether residents would support changing Percy Street to a one-way.

"On the back of that Cheshire West and Chester Council is going to have a look at the proposal for a one-way because there was fairly overwhelming residents' support for that.

"There was a bit of a mixed response on the issue of permit parking – a lot comes down to whether residents should have to pay for it or not."

An earlier investigation into permit parking by Northwich Town Council suggested that there would be a £60 annual charge for residents, which councillors thought to be excessive.