RESIDENTS at Saxon Park have been forced to take a detour of around 45 minutes to walk from their homes to Old Liverpool Road after a gate on the route near the railway crossing on Quay Fold was locked.

The red gate, which is on land owned by Warrington Fabrications, has been shut on and off since January, leaving families to walk a much longer route through an industrial estate to reach the main road, shops and Evelyn Street Primary School.

Many residents have become frustrated with the situation and a meeting was due to take place today between council representatives and director of the company, Martin Simcock, who is concerned the current route is unsafe.

Mandy Kenny, who lives on the estate, said: “It does need something doing because it isn’t safe as it is now.

“The school run is a bit crazy and I can completely understand where Warrington Fabrications are coming from. But it has been a bit frustrating.

“I want the gate open for my kids because I don’t want them walking the other way - it’s not safe. The other route is horrendous, I wouldn’t walk it myself at night.

“The residents are getting very stressed now. The gate being locked means people are having to struggle with pushbikes and having to take children out of the pram to fold the pram down the fit under the gate, it really is a nightmare. Any elderly or disabled people are literally locked in."

The company is looking at plans to install a proper footpath between Saxon Park and Old Liverpool Road so residents can walk the route along Quay Fold near the Coach and Horses pub safely.

Mandy added: "I think it’s just crossed wires and it does look like we are getting somewhere. 

“It’s in everyone’s best interests to have a path. This has been rumbling on since the start of the year."

Mr Simcock said he has been working with residents and is keen to find a solution to the problem.