Linnets welcome new junction bid
RUNCORN Linnets FC has welcomed the plans for an extra M56 motorway junction near the nonleague side’s ground.
A club spokesman said junction 11a of the M56 will improves access for away fans and home supporters who do not live in Run- corn.
He said this could be complemented by construction of the Mersey Gateway bridge and investment in redeveloping the Murdishaw Avenue area, which is due to have Lidl supermarket built nearby.
The Halton Arms is also due to make way for a redeveloped Linnets clubhouse.
Public consultation events are taking place this week over the junction 11a plans, which would like the M56 to Murdishaw roundabout and Whitehouse Industrial Estate.
Residents can speak with Highways England officials at the sessions, the first of which took place at Murdishaw Community Centre on Monday, January 23. the Three more are scheduled: Preston Brook Village Hall, Sandy Lane, WA7 3AW, 10am-4pm on Saturday, January 28; Halton General Hospital, Hospital Way, WA7 2DA, 10.30am-1.30pm on Tuesday, January 31; and Holiday Inn Runcorn, Wood Lane, Beechwood, WA7 3HA, 4-8pm on Wednesday, February 1. Options being considered for the junction focus on whether to have a Murdishaw roundabout or crossroads junction. A Runcorn Linnets spokesman said: “The exciting developments planned for Halton Sports and Murdishaw Avenue also offer many opportunities with a prospective new clubhouse for Runcorn Linnets and also additional retail and leisure facilities elsewhere on the site. “These will obviously attract people to the area and we’d hope to work closely with our new neighbours so we can all make the most of the possibilities that open up.” ●