Plans for gritting route axe on hold
PLANS to axe roads in Macclesfield from gritting routes have been put on hold in the face of huge opposition and safety fears.
Among those set to be cut were Whirley Road, which has a bus route and primary school and nearby Birtles Road as well as Gawsworth Road and Dark Lane, in Gawsworth.
But Cheshire East Council has said the decision will not be implemented before there has been ‘further scrutiny’.
This will take place at a meeting on March 16 following a public outcry including residents, councillors and even the headteacher of Whirley Primary, who criticised a lack of consultation.
A council spokesman said: “Proposed changes to a number of highways policies and plans, referred to as ‘well-managed highway infrastructure’ were considered at four meetings of environment and regeneration overview and scrutiny committee.
“They were informed by public consultation before being considered by cabinet on Tuesday, February 4.
“Cabinet approved the recommendations in the report, however this decision has been called in by members.
“Therefore, the recommendations within the report to Cabinet cannot be implemented until the proposals have been further scrutinised.
“The matter will now be referred to the environment and regeneration overview and scrutiny committee by the council’s monitoring officer.
“It is intended that this will be placed on the agenda in time for the scheduled meeting on March 16.”
Whatever the outcome, it is expected the decision will be effective from October this year.
A total of 247 roads across the region were listed for the axe following a review.
Others were added though totalling just under half the length of road lost with the council blaming changes in government funding and guidelines.
An online petition against Whirley Road being cut was launched by ward councillors Rob Vernon and James Barber, attracting well over 500 signatures.
In response to criticism council leader Sam Corcoran has said ‘lessons will be learned’ over the consultation.