A MIDDLEWICH Town Council member has called for answers after Cheshire East Council announced works to resurface roads ahead of the Tour of Britain.

Labour councillor and avid cyclist David Williams says he has lobbied the council to help local cyclists in the past, but received no response.

Now, with less than 50 days to go until stage three of the Tour passes through Middlewich on September 6, the council has confirmed it will bring Nantwich Road and Booth Lane up to scratch.

“I’m a cyclist and a cycling fan – I think it’s great that Cheshire has got this stage and that it’s coming through Middlewich.

“We are constantly asking CEC to do thing that will benefit local cyclists, but this is because of professionals who do not pay council tax.

“We have to put up with poor grass cuttings – they don’t want to engage me on these sorts of things.

“We want to see more cyclists in the area because we have traffic problems – the Tour of Britain is great for highlighting cycling but we want to see more improvements.

“It’s great that they are doing it but it’s a shame that they are only doing it because of pro cyclists.

“The event itself is marvellous. Anyone who is around on the day should come and stand on the road and see them bombing along. It’s quite a spectacle.”

Cllr Williams, who also organises events for cycling club Wobbly Wheels, also voiced concerns about misleading suggestions that Middlewich could appear on a live television broadcast.

ITV4 will broadcast live from 1pm to 4pm each day, but, according to the schedule, cyclists will pass through Middlewich at around 12.25pm.

Middlewich Town Council is planning to promote the town with banners and flags at points along the route for the cameras.

At Monday's town council meeting, Cllr Williams attempted to challenge the minutes of the events committee meeting where the idea was considered.

However, he was informed he had breached meeting rules and could not challenge the decision until the next meeting on Monday, September 19.