AFTER attending the public launch of the Northwich Transport Strategy last week in Barnton I felt elated.

There are a range of exciting proposals for the town centre and wider urban area, including a new bridge, new roads, improved junction layouts, upgrading Northwich Rail station, increased bus provision, new cycle ways and paths. So much to take in.

Then I read the following sentences in the NTS booklet: ‘...not everything will go forward. Giving us your comments will help us to address as many concerns as possible...’. Reality hit home.

Many of the proposed changes are easy to implement and the costs to the council acceptable.

One of my main concerns, due to my daily commute, is the Winnington swing bridge and the congestion and sometimes stationary traffic on the bridge blocking the entire junction.

There is a proposal to reduce this congestion, which includes the long-term provision of building a new bridge at a different location over the River Weaver to provide an alternate route.

The actual cost of building a new bridge with a connecting road system no doubt will be considered prohibitive by the council when other less costly minor improvements can be made.

There are a further five public drop-in sessions being held during October and November. The NTS proposals are also available to view online with an online feedback survey for the public to complete.

This is our chance to influence the council’s decisions so please take the time to complete the feedback form and have your say on the future transport and infrastructure for the Northwich area.

Alison Wilton Winsford