A PETITION to get the Middlewich Eastern Bypass built has been launched by Labour candidates for Middlewich Town Council.

The petition, run by Labour candidates Rachel Pendleton, Martin Forster and Danny Robinson, calls on Cheshire East Council to immediately resume work on the bypass and complete it before any new major developments are opened.

Cllr Rachel Pendleton, who currently sits on Middlewich Town Council and is a Labour candidate for Middlewich in the May election, said: "Middlewich cannot cope with any more major development until the bypass is completed. It has now been delayed by over 30 years. In that time the town’s population has almost doubled.

"Congestion is a major issue for residents and local businesses. If the council wants Middlewich to take the burden of more major developments they must first complete the bypass. That is Labour policy, we will not support any further planning applications for major developments in Middlewich that impact on traffic in the town and don't have substantial benefits for residents.

"We are asking Middlewich people to support this position and if we can get 1,500 signatures the issue will be on the full council agenda straight after the election.

"We are not prepared to accept that there is no money for the Eastern Bypass. Future development in the town has to be sustainable and Middlewich has reached maximum capacity. It's time to draw a line in the sand and that is exactly what this petition does."

Labour's candidates are going door-to-door talking to residents and asking them to sign the petition. It is also available to sign online at cheshireeast.gov.uk

The petition launched by the Labour group is running alongside another calling on the government to act to get the bypass built. The organisers of both petitions have agreed to work together and combine them to present a united front to Cheshire East Council and the government.


The other petition can be found online at surveygizmo.co.uk/s3/2045418/Middlewich-Ideal-standard-factory-site