A COUNCILLOR'S fears over traffic and water pollution following completion of the Omega South development were eased on Tuesday at a meeting with the council's chief executive.

Cllr Stefan Krizanac (LD – Westbrook) and Callands resident Stephen Wielebski held talks with Steven Broomhead to put forward their concerns.

Mr Wielebski was keen to address the need for the council to take a proactive approach in tackling congestion in and around the site following development.

"Traffic will also affect residents in Callands and at times the council seems to have ignored this issue," he said.

"We have to be realistic as we don't live in a perfect world but having lived here for 27 years I can see it is getting worse."

Cllr Krizanac shared the views of Mr Wielebski but he admitted he was 'absolutely delighted' with the co-operation of Mr Broomhead.

"I am very concerned about a lot of issues raised that we have not got an answer for as the plans are set to have big implications for the town," he said.

"I am worried about traffic and also the ponds and pollution to the water going into Callands.

"The meeting went really well and the conversation was very useful as he took everything on board – it is very pleasing to see that Mr Broomhead has this strong community spirit and is listening to the concerns of residents and councillors.

"He has ensured us that he will do everything in his power to make sure everything is properly scrutinised and there are no loopholes.

"We discussed traffic issues and he ensured me that the council is looking at different scenarios to tackle the problem and he also touched on measures to tackle the water issues."

The council insists residents' concerns are a 'paramount priority' and it is tipping major road and railway plans in the next two years to play a key role in easing traffic.

"We are constantly working to increase economic growth and to ensure the prosperity of the town and its residents," said council leader Terry O'Neill.

"A paradox of economic growth and its success is of course increased traffic in and around the town – the council is working hard to address these issues.

"Later this year Skyline Drive will open at Omega which is a £10 million highway connecting junction 8 of the M62 to Omega Boulevard by the Royal Mail depot, this will significantly reduce traffic impact on urban roads in the immediate area.

"A further £5 million was secured through the local growth fund for improvements to junction 8 itself which will further ease traffic flows and a public consultation will be held on proposals for these improvements later this year.

"Additionally, plans are now well progressed towards the creation of Warrington West railway station at Chapelford.

"Subject to final approval on funding, work should start on site in 2016 with the new station due to open in 2017 – this will be a huge asset for the west of Warrington, encouraging commuters to use the trains rather than the road and further help alleviate congestion."

Despite being pleased with the meeting, Cllr Krizanac is determined to keep a close eye on development of the highways around the site.

He added: "I am concerned with the construction of the link road, between the M56 and M62, and it is a big concern for residents as there is going to be a lot of traffic on that stretch of road."

Mr Broomhead added: "The meeting was very constructive – clarity was given that all planning applications for Omega are subject to full public consultation and all members of the public are encouraged to submit their views."