THE battle is on to save Marbury Lane from permanent closure. (From Warrington Guardian)

THE battle is on to save Marbury Lane from permanent closure.

This week sees the launch of the Guardian's own petition, Marbury Lane Must Stay Open, designed to warn Cheshire County Council not to close the vital link forever.

And borough councillors Norman Wright and Venca Frame were among the first names on the sheet.

"I feel there will be terrible trouble if the lane is closed," said Clr Frame, chairman of Barnton Parish Council.

"Any closure will flood Winnington with traffic, and that will have dire consequences for the town traders when people in Barnton and Anderton decide they have to go to Warrington instead."

Clr Wright added: "My fears are for people in these villages when they need the emergency services. If they can't use Marbury Lane, then it's a detour of eight miles around Great Budworth before they can get here.

"That's especially true if and when Winnington swing bridge is off for repairs."

The lane was shut in November after a car containing three young men plunged into the Trent and Mersey Canal, killing all three.

County councillors have delayed a decision on permanent closure until the public has its say.

People can express their views at an open meeting at Northwich Memorial Hall on February 23.

But Clr Wright says the time to act is now.

"Voices are well and good, but the county council has always responded better to complaints which come in writing," he added. "I'm asking all the villagers I represent to add their names."

The Guardian has been flooded with letters and telephone calls in support of keeping the road open.

Paul Rosa, of Dyar Terrace in Winnington, says the road needn't ruin Marbury's natural beauty.

"It could become a scenic drive," he added.

"It has given me and my family many years of pleasure as we have driven through it on our way out of Northwich. It's lovely, with cars as well as without."

Clr Margaret Morgan, of Marbury Road, added: "People use the lane to get to their jobs, schools, colleges, meetings and to go shopping and not as a rat run. Users should protest against the closure at any opportunity."

Copies of the Guardian petition will arrive in post offices and newsagents today, Wednesday. If you want a batch of petitions for your shop, ring Nick Hallissey on 01606 43333.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.