Dear Mr Williams
I am writing to you in response to the petition “Build the by-pass first”, that you have submitted to the Council for consideration.
The Council understand the congestion issues that are currently experienced in Middlewich, particularly on the A54 corridor that runs from the M6 at Junction 18 through Middlewich to Winsford. The Middlewich Eastern Bypass is expected to help alleviate some of these congestion issues and is required to deliver additional housing in the area.
The Council continues to work with the developers of the Midpoint 18 site to progress a bypass, which would secure employment as well as providing traffic relief.
The Council remains extremely committed to delivery of a bypass, as it is seen as essential for the town centre. As a result the Council are considering how it can take the lead role in delivering the bypass, rather than rely upon the existing Section 278 agreement, and is already in dialogue with Network Rail given that any new road will have the cross the railway at its southern end.
We will continue to work with the Local Members, the Local MP and Town Council as the scheme progresses.
Kind regards
On Behalf of Cheshire East Council Strategic Infrastructure
Thanks for the response, I’m sure that you will not be surprised to hear that I don’t think it is satisfactory. To make you aware the following resolution was passed by Middlewich Town Council last night:
“That Middlewich Town calls upon Cheshire East Council to bring forward a schedule of works for the completion of the eastern bypass with a start date before the end of 2016.”
I don’t believe this response satisfies the wishes of the more than 1,500 Middlewich residents who signed the petition and as the number of signatures exceeded Cheshire East’s threshold for the matter to be put on the agenda of a full council meeting, I would be grateful if you could advise me of the arrangements for this and when it will happen.
Regards
Cllr David Williams
Middlewich Town Council
