A SCHEME to reduce the speed limit on a busy stretch of the A556 to 50mph is expected to be discussed by parish councils next month.

Northwich Town Council has proposed that the road could have its speed reduced from 60mph to 50mph between the Hartford traffic lights and the Gadbrook Park roundabout.

It is writing to parish councils, which are expected to discuss the plan at their forthcoming meetings.

But the idea looks set to face opposition, and Cllr Tony Lawrenson, Cheshire West and Chester Council member for Rudheath and Witton, believes the scheme would make traffic problems near Gadbrook Park worse.

He told the Guardian: "It's a bit of a nonsense because of the volume of traffic at Gadbrook Park.

"Traffic problems are already bad as it is and this will cause even bigger issues, it would be better to leave it as it is."

A move to reduce the speed limit would be designed to help improve road safety, particularly when approaching both the Davenham and Gadbrook Park roundabouts.

Chris Shaw, clerk at Northwich Town Council, told the Guardian that the move would enforce the advisory speed limit in place in some parts of the A556 – which is often ignored by drivers.

Cllr Patricia Parkes, CWAC member for Hartford and Greenbank, said that although no decisions had been made by Hartford Parish Council, she could see both benefits and drawbacks to the scheme for residents.

She added: "I'm personally quite torn. It could help to reduce noise for Hartford residents, but at the same time you want to keep traffic moving.

"I don't have the stats but I'm not aware of the road being particularly prone to accidents, and we have a pedestrian crossing at the lights in Hartford."