RESPONSE to Judith Lowe, from Rudheath – ‘Our opinions are ignored' – September 30.

I agree with many of the points made.

The CWaC consultation on the gyratory, Memorial Court and Barons Quay ultimately failed to address the issues raised by the community and Northwich Town Council.

The latest example is the proposed roundabout at Leicester Street. Highway engineers from CWaC designed the scheme in 2013 for a bid to the government for ‘pinch point’ funding.

CWaC was successful, receiving £3.4 million. CWaC then applied for planning permission to CWaC Planning.

Local businesses, residents and the town council raised concerns and objections about the impact the scheme would have, both during construction and in the long term.

As a result of the level of objections, the matter was referred to the Planning Inspectorate.

The day before the determination by the inspector, CWaC withdrew the application, stating: "We have withdrawn the Side Roads Order to allow us to consider the alternative proposals that have been recently submitted, in order to be fair to all parties."

The concerns, objections and suggested revisions to the layout of the roundabout were considered by consultants engaged by CWaC.

The conclusion being there were insufficient funds for the design changes proposed by the community and Station Road businesses to be included into the scheme.

If they had consulted the community and businesses prior to presenting the scheme for funding, it is likely they would have received sufficient funds to satisfy the well thought out revisions.

I am also sure that if you asked people in Northwich what they considered a pinch point, most would say Winnington Bridge.

I must make the point that the previous Conservative administration at CWaC Council was responsible. Their public consultation was a sham. People were ignored. We can remember on the plans exhibited at the early consultations the new swimming pool had eight lanes. We have six.

Northwich Town councillors objected to the proposal by CWaC to fill in the Chesterway subway.

This resulted in the town council carrying out a consultation with CWaC over a six-week period.

A huge majority of residents objected to the proposal saving £500,000 – an example that it is better if local people are consulted.

I am pleased that the new Labour administration at CWaC has agreed to work in partnership with Northwich Town Council and the community on the future plans for Weaver Square and the old council offices on Chesterway.

I also welcome the section Promoting Prosperity, Growth and Jobs in the new council’s Local Election Manifesto 2015 that specifically refers to Northwich.

"We will focus on the regeneration of Northwich by shaping the future of Weaver Square, protecting the assets at Moss Farm and seeking a sustainable solution to problems with Winnington Bridge."

A new council, a new approach with a breath of fresh air.

Cllr Brian Jamieson (Lab) Northwich Town Council Weaverham