Road safety measures are top of the list of local priorities for residents in Cheshire East's Willaston and Rope Ward and over the years local Councillors have spent a lot of their time working with the Highways team trying to achieve them.
Rope Lane, in particular, is an ongoing concern as it is a very busy road that is often used as a rat run. Although it is 30mph for it's entire length, with 20mph outside of Shavington High School at the beginning and end of the school day, speeding traffic is still an issue. Coupled with this many pupils attending the High School and Berkeley Primary School have had to try to cross Rope Lane at it's busy junction with Bankfield Avenue and for many years they have had to dodge through the traffic to get to school.
A new puffin crossing has just been installed to make the area safer for everyone.
Sarah Pochin, Cheshire East's Willaston and Rope Councillor says:
"I'm delighted that, at long last, we have been able to get this crossing in place, it has been needed for a very long time. I would like to thank Cheshire East's Highways team for the work that they have put in to make this happen. I am very happy that pupils walking to school will now have a safe place to cross Rope Lane. Over the years Rope Lane has had other road safety measures put in place but this crossing is the icing on the cake."
Councillor Margaret Simon says:
"I am so pleased that the crossing is now in place, it has taken many years to achieve it. It was one of the very first things that I got on to a list of local Highways projects to be considered when I was first elected to represent the area back in 1999. One of the frustrating things about being a Councillor is that we put ourselves forward to get things done for our local communities but sometimes it can take a long time for a project to come to fruition."
Chairman of Rope Parish Council says:
"It's fantastic that this crossing is finally in place for our local children and residents to use. I too would like to thank everyone who has pushed for this to happen to make Rope a safer place."