A NEW proposed crossing to improve pedestrian and cycle links between Winnington Village and Northwich has split opinion.

Cheshire West and Chester Council wants to install a toucan crossing in Moss Road, around 60 yards north of Cromwell Road and 170 yards south of the existing crossing at the Winnington Lane junction.

The toucan crossing, so-called because ‘two can’ – i.e. pedestrians and cyclists – cross together, would include the installation of new traffic lights.

A CWAC Highways spokesman said: “As part of the Winnington Urban Village development, CWAC is looking to provide a safe pedestrian and cycle link to improve accessibility and connectivity between WUV and NTC.

“In order to facilitate safer travel along the route it is proposed to install a toucan crossing.”

While the council says the footpath would serve to make links to the town centre safer, some residents say the area would be better served by a crossing near to Moss Farm and the primary school.

Zoira Cook said: “It definitely should be nearer to the school.

“There is already a crossing at the junction of Moss Road and Winnington Lane. They need to sort a crossing first at the junction of Moss Road and Chester Road by the dentist. That is an awful road for people to cross.

“Having a crossing [where planned] would cause problems for traffic passing through double parked cars at the beginning of Moss Road.

“It would cause traffic to back up, and cars travelling the opposite direction wouldn't be able to get through.”

Although a safer walkway and cycleway to the town centre, via Verdin Park, would be welcomed by residents in the new village developments, the issue of road safety remains across more than one location.

“Why not both?” asked Stephen Eaton, another resident in the development.

“If the plan is to run a path through from the new estate through Winnington all the way to Verdin Park then this area is pretty ideal.

“As for a crossing near Moss Farm and the school, it seems crackers that it doesn’t have one already.”

Comments can be made on the application in writing by Friday, August 10.

Write to Kieran Collins, Highways Commissioner, Cheshire West and Chester Council Highways, Guilden Suton Lane, Chester, CH3 7EX