Parking row

A PARKING row in Longbarn looks set to continue after a residents' group said a refusal by Warrington Borough Council to make Harpers Road 'access only' will be investigated.

In April last year, the council rejected calls to make the road accessible only by residents.

Homeowners say the road is used as a rat run, while there are also parking problems on Burnett Close, reportedly caused by cars of staff who work at the National Crime Agency site nearby.

Geoff Orange, chairman of Longbarn Residents' Association, said: "We complained to the Local Government Ombudsman following the decision of the traffic committee.

"Our complaint has been accepted for investigation, and a letter has been sent to the council's CEO for response by February 2."

The council decided in April that residents had failed to prove there were traffic or parking problems on Harpers Road.

Mr Orange said the decision showed the council was 'out of touch with reality'.

He added the council had suggested contacting neighbouring businesses and requesting employees do not park in the residential area.

However, the LRA is insisting on an access only restriction, or permit parking scheme for residents

 

Bayleaf rumours

RESIDENTS next to the Bayleaf restaurant in Longbarn are growing concerned at rumours the site is going to be sold off for development.

However, Clr Geoff Settle (Poulton North - LAB) said Warrington Borough Council has confirmed no planning applications have been made.

Neil Cunningham, secretary of the Bayleaf Bowling Club, which uses a bowling green next to the restaurant, is among those to have expressed concerns.

Clr Settle said: "(The council) have not received any queries or planning requests and that came from the top."

However, Clr Settle warned the restaurant is a brownfield site, and could be suitable for housing, if an application was made.

He added he would support any campaign to keep the bowling green in use of the community.

 

Padgate Lane

CALLS have been made for police to clamp down on speeding on Padgate Lane.

Poulton with Fearnhead Parish Council has requested Warrington East NPU patrol to see if cars are speeding, particularly in the early morning.

 

Police surgery

ORFORD residents can raise issues with Cheshire Police at a new monthly surgery.

Hosted by Mid-Orford Residents' Assocation, the surgery will take place on the first Monday of every month.

All are welcome to attend Orford Community Centre, Festival Avenue, between 10am and 11am.

The first takes place on Monday, February 2.

 

Bruche Park dog fence

DOGS could soon be blocked from entering a play area at Bruche Park as part of site improvements.

Poulton with Fearnhead Parish Council said the borough council is considering a fence to stop dogs from going on the play area.

Improvements to footpaths in the park between Paddington Bank and Larkfield Avenue are also set to be delivered as part of flood defence work this year.