Fury over plans to change Knutsford's busy Canute Place roundabout

Cheshire East Council wants to replace the existing crossing on the A50 King Edward Road at the Canute Place roundabout with a puffin crossing.

Planners are also proposing to close the Gaskell Avenue arm of the roundabout and turn this road into a cul-de-sac.

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The public has until January 19 to comment.

Knutsford Town Council is opposed to both proposals.

In a statement, the council said: “The town council does not object to the slight relocation of the crossing, noting it is proposed to be closer to the roundabout than the original plans to which we objected.

“However, we object to the change of crossing and believe it should remain as a zebra crossing which prioritises pedestrian movement over car movement and not change to a controlled crossing where those wishing to cross must wait for the traffic lights to change.”

This is where Cheshire East Council wants to instal a new puffin crossing to replace the current zebra crossing at the Canute roundabout (Image: Cheshire East Council)

CEC believes moving the crossing further away from the roundabout will improve the flow of traffic.

The council has submitted a planning application to remove the zebra crossing and replace it with a puffin crossing.

In a statement, CEC said: “Light controlled pedestrian crossings are preferred by the elderly in highly trafficked locations.

“It was agreed that a puffin crossing situated some five metres south of the current zebra crossing would be a preferred option.”

One resident described it as ‘a terrible idea’.

CEC also believes that making Gaskell Avenue a cul-de-sac will ‘simplify the roundabout to help it cope with increased traffic flows’.

Cheshire East Council wants to close the Gaskell Avenue arm of the Canute Place roundabout and turn it into a cul-de-sac (Image: Google Maps)

Knutsford councillors do not agree.

In a statement, the town council said: “We are not convinced that the change is necessary and believe it will detrimentally impact other traffic flows.

“Any residents wishing to access Cranford Avenue would need to use Stanley Road, by the railway station, or Tabley Grove, resulting in increased traffic on other roads.

“This point is a practical cut through to access parts of the town where one-way systems limit access, so we believe it will be more of a frustration and issue than it will solve.”

Residents can send comments or objections to consultations@cheshireeasthighways.org by January 19, 2024.

One man said: “If this crossing is to be changed, I believe it needs a central reserve with traffic lights.

“The crossing opposite the Courthouse can be very tricky as it has no reserve or central lights.

“Even when the crossing is showing cross for pedestrians, I find you have a good look around large vehicles as some motorists don’t see the red light telling them to stop.

“The same would be true at the proposed new crossing.

“It should be noted that the current crossing has a refuge and amber flashing light.”

One woman added: “I think a lot of high school kids will keep to the shortest route where the crossing currently is, increasing accidents and risking children’s lives.”