'NON-ESSENTIAL' roadworks taking place in Northwich and Winsford town centres will be suspended over the festive period.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has arranged a 20-day embargo to allow traffic to run smoothly across the borough over Christmas.

The suspension, which will also cover Chester city centre, Ellesmere Port, Neston and Frodsham, begins at noon on Sunday, December 20, and runs until midnight on Sunday, January 8.

Only essential emergency repairs to utility services will be granted permission to work on the road network in these areas.

A CWAC spokesman said: "At this time of year there is a significant increase in visitors in and around major shopping centres, in the run-up to and through the Christmas and New Year periods.

"A roadworks suspension has worked well in previous years helping freight, visitors and shoppers access the borough’s shopping and leisure facilities by keeping traffic running smoothly.

"The council may need to grant permits for work on the road network during these dates if emergency repairs are needed to ensure the supply of vital utility services to homes and businesses.

"The suspension only applies to the borough’s road network, however the Council’s Highways Service is working with the other network operators, including National Highways and Network Rail, to minimise the impact of any proposed works on their own networks, through promoting off-peak and night-time working."