CONCERNS have been raised over the possibility of a major highway being used as a ‘rat run’ for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

The draft local transport plan proposes two major highway schemes to support the town’s growth – the Western Link and Warrington South garden suburb strategic link.

Both were raised during this week’s leader’s forum at Grappenhall Cricket Club, where council leader Cllr Russ Bowden was pressed by residents.

Cllr Bowden was told it would be ‘tragic’ for communities if the road was built primarily as a route for HGV drivers to use as a ‘rat run’, from junction 10 of the M56 and across to the Barleycastle trading estate area.

But it is feared it could be built to assist the proposed Six 56 Warrington and Eddie Stobart warehouses, rather than residents.

The Labour-run council says the Warrington South strategic infrastructure proposal describes new sections of highway that will be needed to link the proposed garden suburb development in south east Warrington with the existing highway network – including potential connections to the A49 Tarporley Road, A50 Knutsford Road, B5356 Grappenhall Lane and Witherwin Avenue.

The authority adds that it is ‘intended’ that any highway infrastructure will be of sufficient width to accommodate cars, high-quality public transport and walking and cycling routes.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr Bowden was also told the proposed Western Link is being built for the benefit of Peel Ports.

Warrington Guardian:

Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden

He did not specifically comment in response to the fears over the HGV ‘rat run’.

But on the Western Link, he said: “In terms of the fundamental parts of the LTP4 (local transport plan), one of the issues that residents talk about all the time is around congestion and air quality, particularly in the town centre.

“That is why the Western Link, as proposed, is a key part of the council’s strategy.”

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Furthermore, Cllr Bowden is confident many new residents who will take up homes in the town centre will use public transport, rather than their own vehicles.

“If you look at the type of housing in the town centre, for example, what we are proposing is high-density urban living space,” he said.

“Those homeowners and renters, fundamentally, will not have their own transport.

“It is a completely different expectation.”

The politician also commented on the controversial proposals Six 56 and Eddie Stobart.

Cllr Bowden added: “At the moment, any decision about Stobart or Six 56, if it comes forward, is dealt with under the existing local plan framework, existing policy and existing law.”