WITH the arrival of a new parish council in Lostock has come a new debate on the closure of the A556 junction at Birches Lane.

The long-running issue has left the two sides of Lostock divided, with some determined to keep the junction closed because of its 'death trap' reputation - while others agree it is dangerous but feel it should be reopened under the control of traffic lights.

Residents in Lostock Green feel they have been cut off from Northwich because they now have to make a round trip to get into the town centre.

Villagers voted in favour of closure at a public meeting in 1998.

However, at last week's meeting of the new-look Lostock parish council, members agreed to approach Cheshire County Council to see what other options are available regarding the junction.

The move was made with a view to possibly launching fresh consultations on the options.

Parish Councillor David Rouse accepts the junction is dangerous as it is, but has called for a right turning from Birches Lane to be installed and controlled by traffic lights.

He said: "A number of people have made it clear that they are unhappy with the situation. We've been fobbed off with a cheap solution.

He added: "A large majority of people want that junction re-opened safely. The whole junction as it's being constructed now is a nonsense. It's dangerous and with all probability contravenes several laws. There is a safer alternative."

However, Borough Councillor Ann McEllin remains opposed to the move and commented that closure was the safest option, according to expert advice.

She said: "We put a leaflet round all the houses and had a meeting that was completely open. We had experts there and every one of them sad that the safest option was to close that junction. When I asked for a show of hands I roughly counted at 2:1 in favour of closure."

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk