CAMPAIGNERS believe Whitegate faces grave danger unless drastic steps are taken to cut traffic.

The warning follows the publication of a report into countryside traffic by the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

Local CPRE chairman Stuart Hogg, who lives in the village, said: "Villagers would readily identify with the findings of the survey as an increasing volume of traffic, generated by the new Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club, hurtles through the village.

"Even more traffic will result from the new estate of 50 executive homes, each with the provision for up to three cars, being built adjoining the golf course. The daily delivery and collection of around 100 children from the village school is an accident waiting to happen."

The survey, entitled Rural Traffic Fear, questioned over 1,000 people with well over half feeling threatened by country traffic. Now the CPRE wants the government to lower rural speed limits.

Parish Clr Robin Creed said: "The problems in Whitegate are well-known, and there is a serious danger at the school already.

"But we are aware that the county council seems to have a very limited budget for road safety measures. All we can do is keep the pressure on."

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