Lostock Gralam Parish Council wants to bring an end to the debate about the junction at Birches Lane and the A556, which is currently closed.

The majority of residents in the area want the junction to be closed permanently, following several fatal road accidents there.

But some want a different solution to be found, such as installing traffic lights at the junction.

The parish council sent out a questionnaire five years ago asking residents what they felt should be done.

Most people wanted the gap to be closed permanently, while others called for traffic lights.

Councillors accept that not everyone will be satisfied with the final outcome.

Parish council chairman Shaun Wells said the issue had been dragging on and on.

He said: "Different people are asking for different things. There will be a meeting about it as soon as possible.

"We've got to do it right but we can't go rushing in to it."

Mr Wells said he would be consulting the Vale Royal Joint Highways Committee to find out what options were available to them before the public meeting.

He said: "There are some options that are just unworkable. The council will never build an underpass or a bridge but we're looking at other options.

"We're looking at the junction of the A556 with Hartford to see how well that works, as well as the junction at Plumley."

rbabington@guardiangrp.co.uk