Fury over closure of Gaskell Avenue and town centre roundabout changes

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

Planners also propose closing the Gaskell Avenue arm of the roundabout and turn this road into a cul-de-sac.

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Incensed town councillors are calling for an 11th hour reprieve - two weeks before the work is due to start.

Knutsford town councillors Christopher Gray, mayor Colin Banks and Rex Mears protest over the closure of Gaskell Avenue (Image: Supplied)

Cllr Peter Coan, who is also a member of CEC highways and transport committee said: “This is a ridiculous proposal and will cause massive inconvenience to both pedestrians and motorists alike.

“On street parking for residents will be removed and school coaches may well use residential streets as short cuts to avoid the gridlock. “Knutsford town councillors with a wealth of local knowledge have long objected to this proposal.”

Planning permission granted to Crown Estate in 2019 required junction improvement works be undertaken before the 100th house at the Tabley Park development was occupied.

The application included a transport assessment which identified that without intervention, the development would lead to congestion on King Edward Road and Northwich Road.

For more than two years, the town Council has been calling on Cheshire East Council and developers Redrow to abandon the proposals to close the Gaskell Avenue arm, arguing it is a key route for school buses and local traffic.

The plans also involve removing parking from Stanley Road to enable the section from Gaskell Avenue to become two-way for coaches to access the Academy.

Cllr Gus Watson said “Our roads are congested enough without the illogical and inconsiderate closure to Gaskell Avenue.”

The works have been commissioned by Redrow through a s278 agreement with Cheshire East Council which requires Redrow to fund the costs.

Cllr Christopher Gray said: “Cheshire East has not provided any definitive technical evidence to justify the closure nor do they appear to have taken into account the resulting necessity for large vehicles including refuse lorries having to turn round in deficient turning head in a location where pedestrians are numerous.”

Cllr Rex Mears added: “We are asking Cheshire East Council and Redrow to stop the closure of Gaskell Avenue which is scheduled for two weeks’ time.

“This closure has not been justified and it is not supported by residents and workers of Knutsford.

“It is a useful route for local people when the A50 is busy and provides relief from congestion.”

Mayor Cllr Colin Banks said: “The junction of Stanley Road and Northwich Road will cause undue burden on traffic flow, especially as there is poor visibility turning out into Northwich Road.

“I’m concerned that school children crossing the roads in the area will have extra dangers to look out for too.”

Cllr April Johnson added: “It’s not acceptable for Cheshire East Council to inflict this closure on us without proper consideration.

“If a road can be closed without justification that sets a dangerous precedent.

“Local knowledge is key to closures having minimum impact on our town and our views have not been taken into account.”

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

The Guardian has asked Cheshire East Council for a comment.