Emergency powers close Stockton Lane as a cut-through (From Warrington Guardian)

Emergency powers close Stockton Lane as a cut-through

WARRINGTON Borough Council and Cheshire Police have used emergency powers to temporarily close the canal road where two teenagers were killed.

Stockton Lane, in Grappenhall, closed as a through route, last Thursday. It will be shut for around four months.

The closure has been agreed following the deaths of 17-year-olds Gemma Biggin and Stephen Abbott.

Phil Johnson, assistant director for transport, said: "I apologise personally for any problems this temporary closure may cause and we will do our very best to respond to any individual difficulties people may have as quickly as possible.

"I would also like to acknowledge the support given for this action by the majority of residents in the area."

The joint decision has been taken to eliminate any potential risks to road users.

The action has been taken in advance of any recommendations from the ongoing inquiry into the crash, which is being carried out by Warrington Road Policing Unit, on behalf of the Coroner for Cheshire.

Letters have been sent to people and businesses affected by the closure, following preliminary consultations that indicated the majority of people supported the idea.

The closure has been brought about using emergency powers and will be followed by a temporary closure order.

Signs will be displayed at both ends of Stockton Lane to inform drivers that it is no longer a through road.

However, it can still be used by residents and businesses to access their properties and premises.

As reported in last week's Warrington Guardian, crash survivor Anthony Bond, aged 17, has handed in a petition to the borough council asking for a crash barrier on the road.