BOROUGH chiefs have welcomed a new strategy to cut congestion in Northwich – but a Conservative councillor warns it could be improved.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet voted to adopt the Northwich Transport Strategy at a meeting on Wednesday.

The document features 58 recommendations on how to improve the town’s transport network – with ‘high priority’ schemes including increased capacity at Winnington Bridge and the A559 Hartford corridor, while other schemes are rated as ‘medium’ or ‘low priority’.

Cllr Paul Dolan, Labour member for Winnington and Castle and cabinet member for adult social care, presented the plans to councillors today on behalf of Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure.

He said: “I’m very pleased to present this both as a ward member for Northwich but also to acknowledge the dedication and time that’s been given to produce this comprehensive and extensive report, that I believe is both innovative and exciting.

“It also demonstrates real engagement with residents, and I believe it will be a blueprint that will stand the test of time.”

Consultancy firm Mott MacDonald has produced the list of recommendations following CWAC’s public consultation on the strategy, which was held last year.

The strategy is designed to identify the measures which should be taken if funding and development schemes are put forward for Northwich, and Mott MacDonald recommends that the strategy is reviewed every five years.

Cllr Sam Naylor, Labour member for Winnington and Castle, told the cabinet that the strategy was a positive move for the town – and that he hopes it can improve air quality and cut congestion.

He said: “I’m not over-exaggerating, but when I’m walking along standing traffic you can taste – even chew – the pollution that’s coming out of vehicles.

“There are also issues about getting into the town centre. Sometimes it’s a lottery about which route to take or avoid.

“But the positive thing is this is now documented evidence, it’s there should Government or other funding schemes become available. It’s a really positive strategy.”

Cllr Gaynor Sinar, Conservative member for Davenham and Moulton, also welcomed the strategy but warned it could be better – suggesting improvements to the traffic lights at Weaver Way should be made a top priority.

“Motorists are finding it very confusing and life-threatening events occur on a daily basis,” she said.

“The solution I feel would be better signage and the use of a box junction to prevent parking. There was an incident where an elderly gentleman parked at the junction, not realising it was a major traffic position, and he got his car towed away.

“I think this would be part of addressing the public’s concerns in this area.”

She also suggested improvements to the Hack Lane and Jack Lane junctions of the A533 in Moulton.

Cabinet members unanimously voted to adopt the strategy, and Cllr Dolan told Cllr Sinar her feedback would be considered to improve the document.