RAILWAY BRIDGE - RAISED KERBS

Residents may have noticed officers from CE Highways carrying out an inspection of the railway bridge on London Road/Wilmslow Road earlier today. This is in preparation for raising of the kerbs and footpaths on the westerly side of the bridge and follows an assessment by Network Rail into the likelihood of a vehicle ending up on the railway line in the event of a collision. Unfortunately, it will be necessary for the bridge to be closed for a period of one week whilst the work is undertaken; however, the good news is that CE Highways intend to resurface Wilmslow Road at the same time. I will give a further update when I have more information regarding the timescale for the project.

CONGLETON ROAD - PEDESTRIAN REFUGE

I am pleased to report that I am in discussion with CE Highways with a view to installing a central reservation on Congleton Road. The purpose would be to create a safer crossing point near Woodlands Court, as I have recently been contacted by elderly residents who have experienced difficulties in accessing the Bus Stop on the opposite side of the road. A central reservation would also act as a traffic calming measure, by narrowing the surface of the road at this location. Please let me know whether or not you agree that this would be a good idea. The scheme would be funded through residual Section 106 monies raised on the TESCO Express development on London Road.

JUNCTION PROTECTION - OAKHURST CHASE

I am pleased to report that the junction protection at Oakhurst Chase, announced recently via this blog, has now been completed. This scheme will be important in helping to improve visibility splays to Brook Lane, for residents and visitors to Oakhurst Chase. It will also help to facilitate access to and egress from Brookview Care Home by delivery vehicles. I would like to thank CE Highways for implementing this project so quickly, following my request earlier in the summer.

CEC TO LET LAND OFF WILMSLOW ROAD

I have been advised by CEC Assets Team that land to the west of Wilmslow Road (currently owned by the Council) is to be advertised "to let" for grazing purposes. I have quizzed CEC further to ascertain their intentions for the site and they have confirmed that this decision has been taken following the decision by Alderley Edge School for Girls not to proceed with their plans for the site. Lee Beckett (CEC Assets) confirmed to me that "to ensure the land is managed, maintained and that the Council receive a little income, then we are proposing to let the land on a temporary basis for grazing." The land in question lies opposite the Ryleys School Playing Field and is not the land in which David Wilson Homes have expressed an interest, which is in private ownership.

TRAFFIC SURVEY RESULTS

Earlier today I joined some of the Parish Councillors to collect traffic data at the junction of Ryleys Lane and Wilmslow Road. The purpose of the survey was to record how many vehicles were diverted through the village as a result of the temporary closure of Chorley Hall Lane.

Vehicles were recorded as follows:
- total no. of vehicles 399
- average no. of vehicles per hour 89
- total no. of cars 336
- total no. of vans 47
- total no. of lorries 15
- total no. of cycles 1

The assessment carried out by CE Highways earlier in the year, found an average number of vehicle movements at the same times of day (9.30am-2.00pm) to be 85 per hour, which means that all the vehicles recorded today were either there as a result of the road closure, or some of the vehicles affected by the road closure chose an alternative route to access Chelford Rd (e.g. via Nether Alderley).

Next Monday, we will be repeating the exercise to establish how many vehicles use this route when Chorley Hall Lane is open as usual. If anyone is able to help for an hour between 10am and 2pm, please let me know.

SEPTEMBER SPEEDWATCH RESULTS

On Thursday morning, I joined our PCSO and volunteers from the local community to carry out a speedwatch session on Ryleys Lane. Over the course of one hour (10am-11am) we recorded the following results:

Total number of vehicles exceeding the threshold (35mph) - 33
Total number of vehicles exceeding 40mph - 9
Highest recorded speed - 42mph
Number driving whist using a mobile phone (noted by PCSO) - 1

Our next session will be on Thursday 5th October, where the focus will be Heyes Lane. If you are able to spare an hour a month to help out, please contact me via the comments box below.