AN official report has been drawn up - advising that Marbury Lane be kept closed.

The report has been written by Cheshire County Council experts who suggest spending money on surrounding roads instead.

The document was put together following a public meeting about Marbury Lane, which has been closed since last November.

But the report has angered campaigners who accuse council chiefs of ignoring the views of Northwich people.

Borough councillor Brian Jamieson said: "What is the point of a consultation exercise when you are going to take no notice of what local people think?

"I can't accept that Marbury can be closed until other roads are improved.

"It is no good telling someone they are going to have a nice new park when they can't get their children to school or get to work.

"Until Winnington Bridge is improved or ultimately replaced Marbury Lane must remain open." Earlier this month more than 3,000 signatures protesting over the Marbury Lane closure were handed over to the county council. Many councillors who have read the report are astonished that public pressure has seemingly failed to persuade planners that Marbury Lane is a vital route into Northwich.

Cheshire County Council's environment committee will meet later today, Wednesday, to discuss the document. And any decision they reach will then have to be confirmed by the full council.

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