RESIDENTS in the Westy and Latchford area say they are annoyed by drivers ignoring the new road closures – and even driving on pavements to bypass them.

Planters, which are referred to as ‘modal filters’ by Warrington Borough Council, were installed on Grange Avenue yesterday morning, Tuesday.

They have blocked off the busy road as part of the council’s Central 6 Streets Plan – which aims to reduce vehicle traffic and improve conditions for those walking, cycling and living along the streets.

But yesterday hundreds of vehicles were spotted turning round at the planters due to not being aware of the changes.

A number of drivers even chose to ignore the new road closure and drove on the pavement and around the planters rather than turning round and driving around to the other side.

And some motorists are now using the road blockers as a place to park up while visiting nearby shops – including Bargain Booze and the chippy.

Warrington Guardian:

When the changes came into place yesterday, local business owner Carl Waldron – who is the steward at Grange Sports and Social Club and lives on site - told the Warrington Guardian how he is concerned about the impact the plans will have on his business but also on the safety of the many children and members who use his car park which is almost next to the planters.

Carl was worried that the car park, which can fit between 40-50 cars at a time and is often full of children, would be used as a U-turn point for vehicles once they reach the road closure.

And just a day into the new traffic changes, various vehicles, including wagons, have used the car park to turn around in already.

“My main concern is that my island in the car park is going to be used as a U-turn,” Carl said.

Warrington Guardian:

“When it comes to around 5pm we do have a lot of children using the 3G pitch and the outfields.

In a video taken by Carl outside of the club, various vehicles, including a pick-up truck, can be seen reaching the planters and trying to turn around – which Carl described as ‘absolute madness’.

Meanwhile another resident who was taking her child to school this morning, Wednesday, said there was ‘horrendous traffic’ from, Kingsway all the way through to Latchford due to the new road closures in place.