by Garry Clarke
WARRINGTON council’s decision to choose a revised Red Route for the proposed new Western link has raised fears over air pollution from extra traffic congestion in a residential area and highway dangers for local school children.
A well attended meeting, organised by “Communities United Against The Warrington Western Link” was held at Eagle Sports Club following the announcement of the amended Red Route as their preferred option for the controversial Warrington Western Link road,
The re-designed route would link A56 Chester Road with the A57 Sankey Way at its junction with Cromwell Avenue providing a passageway to the A49 Winwick Road and connecting the motorway network, M62 and M56, north and south of Warrington.
The building of the proposed new road would require the demolition of eight houses at its Chester Road end and numerous business premises as well as the historic Sloop Inn on Old Liverpool Road, as well as the loss of a large area of Sankey Valley Park.
The meeting, attended by Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid and Amanda King Great Sankey South councillor, heard the concerns of residents affected by the proposed new road, as many people from Penketh, Great Sankey and Walton spoke with passion about the areas in which they live.
Primary concerns raised apart from the demolition of properties included a new proposed access to Hood Lane South from Sankey Way, additional air pollution from the extra traffic which would lead to health issues and extra traffic congestion in an all ready very busy residential area.
The possible hazards to the safety of school children having to cross another busy road to get to St Gregory’s School was also raised as was access difficulties for pedestrians attending the Peace Centre, David Lloyd Fitness Centre and Crosfields Recreation ground, which hosts numerous junior, and senior, sports teams.
Along with the prospect of vehicles using the Western Link Road as an alternative to the new toll road over the River Mersey, the impact of extra traffic using Cromwell Avenue, and the impact on areas north of Sankey Way such as Old Hall – Westbrook – Callands – Chapelford – was also discussed.
All ideas and suggestions put forward will be collated and “Communities United Against The Warrington Western Link” will, working in conjunction with several groups opposed to the Warrington Preferred Development Option Plan, put together an action log for moving forward.
Further details can be obtained from the groups Face Book page or by e mailing [email protected]
Warrington Borough Council will be holding a further consultation on their Red Route proposals with three public events are being held to enable the community to find out more about the recommended route and discuss this directly with members of the project team. The events are being held as follows:
Saturday September 23, 10am – 5pm
St. Werburgh’s Community Centre, Boswell Avenue, WA4 6DQ
Sunday September 24, 10am – 5pm
The Peace Centre, Peace Drive, WA5 1HQ
Monday September 25, 9am – 5pm
Golden Square Shopping Centre, Sankey Street, WA1 1TD
Alternatively views can also be expressed to the council via the feedback form on their website warrington.gov.uk/westernlink
