MIDDLEWICH is set to be equipped with speed reducing ‘Smiley SIDS’ signs after the Town Council was put under pressure from residents.

Residents of Middlewich made their feelings known earlier this month after becoming highly concerned about the speed at which traffic approaches the junction where Croxton Lane meets King Street, which is a notorious black spot.

Middlewich Town Council has applied for the Smiley SIDS signs from Cheshire East Council.

Smiley SIDS are electronic signs that are designed to put social pressure on drivers to reduce their speed.

Clr Bernice Walmsley, of Middlewich Town Council, said: “I specifically requested the Smiley SIDS from Cheshire East because of the speeding problems on Croxton Lane and I have been assured we are on the list to receive them.

“Several residents have mentioned the problem of speeding along Croxton Lane towards the bridge and they even offered to put them out because they are quite portable.”

The application for the speed reducing signs came in light of concerns on Croxton Lane, however councillors want to deploy the signs all over the town, rather than just along the one road.

Clr Mike Parsons, ward member for Middlewich at Cheshire East Council, has been campaigning for speed reducing measures at the junction but thinks the signs should not stop there.

Clr parsons said: “We have got speeding issues all over Middlewich, not just Croxton Lane, so we need action all over.
“If we are going to deploy these signs then they need to go everywhere in the town.”

Gail Armstrong, who acted on behalf of the residents earlier this month to get speed calming methods introduced on Croxton Lane, says she is delighted that the town council is taking action.

Gail said: “The signs are a great starting point and is a massive leap forward.

“It shows the town council are clearly listening to the residents and a lot of credit should go to them if they deliver.”