PLANS to install stronger barriers on a Stockton Heath road yards away from Manchester Ship Canal look to have taken a step forward.

A 72-year-old died after her car went into the canal at the junction of Egerton Street and Ellesmere Road last March and calls have since been made to install greater protection for motorists.

Peel Ports, which operates the canal, was represented at Stockton Heath Parish Council's meeting last Tuesday to discuss development work set for the town but other issues also came onto the agenda.

Following a presentation from Warren Marshall, Peel's group head of port planning, and the councils's transportation service manager, Stephen Hunter, Cllr Celia Jordan (LD - Stockton Heath) raised the matter of improved safety for those driving close to the canal.

"I have spoke to Peel about it and I think it is in hand to put stronger barriers in place," she said.

Cllr Jordan and parish councillors were also keen to address the need for renovation on each of the three swing bridges which pass the canal in the town - each of which are the responsibility of Peel.

The crossings are based on the A5060 Chester Road, the A49 London Road and the A50 Knutsford Road.

Cllr Jordan asked: "Can't you make a little concession?

"It would make such a difference as one can not just let it get worse."

The cost to refurbish the three bridges with paint would reach £2.5million according to Peel but despite no solid plans to make improvements, Mr Marshall remains adamant the sites will not suffer.

"We will maintain it and will not let it get worse," he said.