It has been a very wet and windy day, but this afternoon I met with Cheshire East Highways at Leighton Academy school to discuss ongoing road safety concerns on Minshull New Road.
Many residents have asked why the planned safety scheme for Minshull New Road, linked to the North West Crewe Package (NWCP) near the hospital, has not yet been delivered. I have been seeking updates on this ever since the new roads opened last summer and continue to make it a priority.
Residents regularly raise concerns about speeding traffic, narrow and often flooded footpaths, difficulties crossing the road, and general safety issues around the school. I highlighted all of these points during the meeting and asked the highways officer to walk the full length of the road on both sides of the school so these issues could be seen first hand.
The NWCP included plans to improve the roads around the new hospital and provide safer access for pedestrians and cyclists. Part of the original plan for Minshull New Road was to close the section outside the school to reduce traffic and improve safety. However, this has not yet happened. One key reason is that Minshull New Road is currently a bus route. Closing it immediately would require relocating bus stops to new locations, likely near the undeveloped land close to the hospital. This would affect passengers and requires careful planning to avoid disruption.
Traffic monitoring is currently underway to gather detailed information about vehicle speeds and usage. This data will be used to develop a safety plan that addresses concerns while maintaining access for public transport. Possible measures could include changes to crossings, new traffic calming measures, revised parking arrangements, or partial closures. Any proposed changes will be put out to consultation so residents can provide feedback before any decisions are finalised.
I have requested a further meeting once the monitoring work has been completed and will continue to do my best to ensure this remains a priority. I will provide updates to residents as soon as there is progress to report.
I would welcome your feedback on this issue, you can contact me here
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