CHESHIRE East Council has promised to consider imposing a weight limit on Lewin Street.

Cllr David Brown, deputy leader for CEC, discussed the proposal during a meeting on the outline business case for Middlewich Eastern Bypass on Wednesday, April 12.

The use of the road in the past has been known to cause persistent problems for traffic congestion, air quality and pedestrian safety.

He responded to concerns raised by Cllr Jonathan Parry, Middlewich Town Council, over the excessive use of Lorries and HGVs in Lewin Street.

Cllr Brown said: “I am prepared to give consideration to a weight restriction to be implemented when the bypass is open.

“Along with a number of other potential complimentary measures and improvements that have been raised.”

Cllr Parry said: “At the end of the day I would love a weight limit in Lewin Street as soon as possible.

“The bypass is only happening because of pressure put on CEC by local councillors, we need to continue that pressure to ensure it is used correctly.

“The road is too narrow for Lorries and HGVs and causes all sorts of problems.

“To have this a step closer is nice but we’re still a long way off and I’m not entirely convinced.”

An outline business case has been developed by CEC to present to the Department for Transport in search of a £47 million to complete the project.

Construction of the bypass will lead to fewer heavy vehicles passing through Lewin Street to access their relevant depots.

A decision on the grant from the DfT is expected during the summer.