RESIDENTS in Oakmere have welcomed plans which they say will solve increasing parking problems on their road.

Mid Cheshire Bridleway Association is seeking planning approval from Cheshire West and Chester Council to use undeveloped quarry land for a parking area and improved access to serve the Oakmere Way.

The Oakmere Way is a dedicated two-mile bridleway linking the Whitegate Way with Delamere Forest, and was completed in the spring of 2014.

The route follows land to the northern edge of the Cheshire Sands Quarry from Stoneyford Lane, linking with Station Road through a strip of woodland owned by the Crown Estate.

Since opening it has proved to be very popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The only public parking in the area is available in Delamere Forest or at the Whitegate Way.

As a result some people visiting the bridleway park their cars on Stoneyford Lane, sparking complaints from residents and causing damage to verges.

However a solution is in sight with a plan for a 10-space car park off Stoneyford Lane next to the eastern end of the Oakmere Way.

The site earmarked for the car park is in an area of overgrown scrub and bramble owned by Tarmac Trading Ltd, and the parking scheme is being supported by residents and Oakmere Parish Council.

“At the moment there is indiscriminate parking in Stoneyford Lane in the vicinity of the access to the Oakmere Way,” said Paul Mathews in a letter to Cheshire West and Chester Council on behalf of the residents’ association for Crabtree Green Court in Stoneyford Lane.

“This is causing obstruction, damage to verges and dangers to the other traffic on Stoneyford Lane, which is not inconsiderable both in volume and speed, and to the users of Oakmere Way as they disgorge their children, dogs and horses.

“The Oakmere Way is a great facility for the residents of Stoneyford Lane and the community in general, and the usage is increasing, which means the problems are getting worse.”

Oakmere Parish Council said the proposed car park would be a valued asset, which would promote the use of the path for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

“The parish council has previously received complaints from residents in the area regarding visitors using the Oakmere Way parking along the grass verges,” said the council.

“The introduction of a car park would alleviate this problem, which local residents have encountered since the opening of the Oakmere Way.”

Tarmac Trading has agreed to make the site for the parking available to Delamere and Oakmere Parish Council on a long-term lease at a peppercorn rent.

Discussions are taking place with the parish council with a view to it leasing and managing the site.