VILLAGERS from Weaverham have backed a proposed housing development that would include the building of a pavement on a dangerous corner in the area.

Parents from both the village playgroups, Wallerscote Playgroup and Bizzy Bees Playgroup, as well as youngsters from Weaverham High School and representatives of disabled groups, have thrown their weight behind the plans for the junction of Wallerscote Road and Northwich Road.

Developers Anaconda Investments Ltd, from Cuddington, are looking to build eight houses and six flats on the site, demolishing two derelict shops and four semi-detached houses in the process.

More than 1,000 people have signed a petition in favour of the plans, calling for Vale Royal Borough Council to approve the development.

And sisters Sophie and Katie Ellison, of Wallerscote Road, drew up their own petition - getting 100 signatures from pupils at Weaverham High School.

They want the development to go ahead so that a new footpath will be built, making it safer for them to walk to school.

The developers have offered to contribute enough land to build a pavement, as well as positioning the new buildings well back from the corner to improve visibility for both motorists and pedestrians.

Company director Amy Elliott-Smith said there had never been a pavement at this point on the road.

She said: "In the old days it wasn't a problem because there wasn't much traffic but today there are heavy vehicles and numerous cars using the junction at the same time as children are walking to and from school and parents are taking toddlers to playgroup.

"Pedestrians are forced into the path of oncoming traffic coming around a blind bend. It's an invitation to disaster."

The company is aiming for the development to be the first sustainable housing development in Vale Royal, with high levels of insulation and materials taken from sustainable sources.

Miss Elliott-Smith said: "Here there is a glaring opportunity for improvement and we are very pleased to discover we have so much support from the people in the village."

rbabington@guardiangrp.co.uk