MARBURY Lane could be reopened - thanks to an eleventh hour cash offer.

In a dramatic gesture, Vale Royal Borough Council has pledged money to help pay for short term repairs which would make the lane safe for cars.

Cheshire County Council, which is responsible for the lane, had been due to vote on its permanent closure today (Wednesday).

But following the borough council's offer - county councillors are likely to delay making any decision.

The move gives a glimmer of hope to thousands of people in Anderton, Barnton and Comberbach who had campaigned against closing the lane.

It has been temporarily closed since November last year.

Borough councillor Brian Jamieson said: "If Winnington Bridge was better we would not need Marbury Lane, but what we need is time to make the other roads in Northwich better.

"The borough council wants to see Marbury Lane reopened in the short term and doesn't believe the cost of repairing the road is the £1.25 million the county council have quoted.

"There are many public roads in Cheshire that are of a similar standard to Marbury Lane.

"We think that temporary repairs, such as filling in some of the pot holes, and reducing the speed limit on the road are short term measures which could be enforced and without costing the earth.

"And Vale Royal Borough Council is prepared to share the cost of temporary repairs to the lane and its maintenance."

He added: "I have said before that it's no use telling the people in Barnton and Comberbach that they are going to have a lovely new park when they can't get their children to school or get to work."

EX-BBC television journalist Martin Bell has joined the many celebrities paying tribute to murdered presenter Jill Dando.

Mr Bell, who is MP for Tatton, knew the popular TV star from his days as a BBC reporter and was shocked to hear of her death.

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