A CAMPAIGN to save lives on a main Middlewich road - which has the backing of nearly 1,000 residents - has gained a warm reception from councillors.

Members of Cheshire's highways and transportation local joint committee for Congleton have given their support in principle for the bid to bring in a new pedestrian crossing near Glastonbury Drive, off busy Nantwich Road.

The road - which has already been the scene of a number of accidents - is now the subject of the attempt to bring in the new measures, which would be expected to cost about £30,000.

Progress on the proposal is to be discussed at a meeting next Monday before being referred back to the committee to establish availability of funding and its priority in the county-wide list of suggested highways improvements.

Congleton borough and Middlewich town councillor Mike Parsons has voiced concern about the lack of a pedestrian crossing on the road, which he says a lot of people need to cross at peak times.

Speaking after the county council meeting, he said he was encouraged by the response of members.

He said: "We are looking at hopefully being able to do something with this proposal, while recognising that it is all about funding it."

Next Monday's informal meeting will attempt to progress the campaign further and the matter is then expected to be considered again by county councillors at a later date.

Welcoming the outcome of last Monday's meeting, Nantwich Road resident Hazel Bowen - who faces dicing with death on a daily basis on the busy route while walking her dog, said: "It's encouraging to see that the proposal is to be considered in some depth.

"It is high time for something to be done along here as there are people's lives at risk from the heavy flow of thundering traffic.

"I'm just hoping this can be resolved as quickly as possible."

jbrakell@guardiangrp.co.uk