CREWE'S rail gateway has been earmarked as a top priority in the county council's new transport strategy.

Cheshire's draft Local Transport Plan has now been released for public consultation and residents have until the end of the month to make their views known.

The blueprint pinpoints five major schemes to take forward should Government funding become available.

Crewe's rail gateway is second on the list in terms of priority, second only to plans for the Alderley Edge by-pass.

Other issues to be tackled in the five-year strategy include reducing congestion, making roads safer and improving the quality of local bus and rail services.

The council's executive member for the environment Andrew Needham said: "This seventeen page document is extremely important because it sets out transport framework aspirations and strategy in Cheshire from 2006 until 2011.

"We thank everyone who gave us their views last year when we first launched this update and we have now reached the stage when we can put forward proposals.

"Key issues include tackling the estimated 28% increase in traffic levels in Cheshire in the next 15 years and helping the 19% of Cheshire households without a car.

"We would ask people to come forward and tell us their views so that the Local Transport Plan is truly representative of the people of Cheshire."

The consultation document is available at all Cheshire libraries, at main county council offices, and online at www.cheshire.gov.uk

Responses will be considered by the county council and a provisional plan will be sent to the Department of Transport in July.

mhilditch@guardiangrp.co.uk