4:50pm Sunday 1st November 2009
VILLAGERS last week met to discuss their concerns about an extension of the proposed A556 bypass.
One of their main fears was how residents would get to nearby roads if highways officials blocked off access to the current dual carriageway.
“A lot of people expressed their concerns about what is happening,” said Clr Tony Jackson, chairman of Tabley Parish Council.
“We’ve asked them to give us comments and we’ll make a decision at the next meeting.”
The Highways Agency recently revealed plans to extend part of the proposed A556 bypass.
Bosses unveiled three options for the stretch between the M6 roundabout and Over Tabley.
Tabley Parish Council has been asked to submit its comments as part of a public consultation.
But last week Clr Jackson said the village authority would not reveal its views until members and residents had been given more time to consider the proposals.
Clr Jackson said his parish authority wanted to do its best for the villagers.
“We all have our opinions, but we want as many opinions from the parishioners as possible and we’ll go with the majority,” he said.
The Highways Agency says the extension is needed because similar plans were shelved as part of a motorway widening scheme.
One option – the brown route – is to do nothing and go ahead with the existing bypass plans.
Another suggestion – the red route – includes the creation of a new section of road through nearby countryside.
But that could mean Tabley Parish Hall is demolished and rebuilt elsewhere.
Finally, the other option – the blue route – involves turning part of the current A556 into a dual carriageway and knocking down two houses.
Residents and workers based along the road would no longer be able to access the 1,968ft stretch directly.
Clr Jackson said some villagers were concerned they would have to use alternative routes to the A50 and other main roads.
“It’s about how it will affect their lives,” he said.
“Most people are concerned about how if affects them personally.
“It’s a very, very difficult situation because there are advantages and disadvantages for everyone.”
Experts are still designing the larger part of the bypass.
The Highways Agency wants to build the new dual carriageway from Over Tabley to the M56 roundabout, bypassing Mere and Bucklow Hill.
Tabley residents can submit views on the proposed extension to clerk@tabley parishcouncil.co.uk or call parish clerk Sarah Sherwood on 01606 785502.
To send comments to the Highways Agency before December 18 visit high ways.gov.uk/A556Improvements
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