MOTORISTS are still tearing down Marbury Lane - even though the road is supposed to be closed.

The lane, a vital link and short-cut between Northwich town centre and the northern surrounding villages, was shut off to traffic almost a year ago after three young men were killed in an horrific car crash at the canal bridge.

The anniversary of their deaths is just a few weeks away, but still highways officials have not yet made a firm decision whether to spend thousands of pounds making the road safe or close it forever.

But outraged villagers have revealed that unauthorised traffic has been racing down the country lane regardless.

A Marston resident, who asked not to be named, said: "Marbury Lane is supposed to be closed.

"I walked along the road today thinking I could wander all over the road, but I was constantly having to jump to the side to let cars pass.

"Old people, young people, middle-aged, all with that look that said get out of my way, we're coming through."

A spokesman for Cheshire County Council said if people are using the road they are doing so "at their own risk".

"A safety audit has been carried out and £175,000 would have to be spent just to get the road to adoption standard," the spokesman added.

"So, obviously people shouldn't be using the road and if they are, it is at their own risk.

"It's closed to traffic at the moment. The only vehicles that should be using it are those that require access to their houses or works traffic that needs to use the road for the land reclamation project - to reclaim semi-derelict land for the Mersey Forest wildlife reserve."

The safety audit report has been sent to Vale Royal Borough Council for consideration and a decision is expected within the next few weeks as to the future of the road.

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