RESIDENTS are being asked to help in the next stage of a five-year countywide transport strategy blueprint.

Cheshire County Council's draft local transport plan proposals have been released for public consultation and residents have until Friday April 29 to make their views known.

Five major schemes have been identified to take forward if Government funding becomes available, including the Northwich Vision.

The county council has also been given clear support to tackle a number of key issues by 83 per cent of residents and organisations that took part in an earlier exercise.

Plans include reducing congestion, making roads safer, tackling speed issues and improving the quality of local bus and rail services, maintenance of road and bridges, support of town centre improvements, the economic growth of the county and regeneration in Northwich.

County Clr Andrew Needham, environment executive member, said: "This 17-page document is extremely important because it sets out transport framework aspirations and strategy in Cheshire from 2006 until 2011.

"Key issues include tackling the estimated 28 per cent increase in traffic levels in Cheshire in the next 15 years and helping the 19 per cent 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 Have Your Say is available at all Cheshire libraries and main county council offices.

Residents can also write to The LTP Team, Backford Hall, Chester, CH1 6EA, ring 01244 603595 or email info@cheshire.gov or log on to www.cheshire.gov.uk.