Motorists are being warned of potential delays as hundreds of mourners are expected to attend a Traveller funeral in Blacon.

Police are advising motorists to prepare for major delays as roads will be closed while the procession makes its way to Chester Crematorium for the ceremony at 2pm on Friday, January 30.

The procession is expected to create delays on the A5117, A5032, A41 and the A5116, and could even impact motorists travelling on the M56 and M53, police have warned.

Members of the Gypsy and Traveller community are likely to travel from all over the country to attend the funeral of a grandfather, named by friends as Pudgie Evans, who tragically died earlier this month after being electrocuted while collecting scrap metal.

Mr Evans who was said to be 54-years-old and have lived in Elton, died at the Countess of Chester hospital after the high crane he was using struck an overhead power cable, giving him a severe electric shock during the accident at a farm in Ince.

Residents living in Blacon received a letter from Cheshire West and Chester Council advising them of potential disruption as the procession makes its way from Parklands in Elton to Holy Trinity Church.

The letter, posted by residents on facebook, was written by the Gypsy and Traveller Co-ordinator Dawn Taylor and advises residents of road closures. Police have also released details of the procession and one resident believed between 1,500 and 2,000 people were anticipated to attend.

Blacon Avenue will be closed for safety reasons between noon to 2.30pm, between Parkgate Roundabout and Saughall Road – a local diversion will be in place for emergency services, local residents and businesses, say police.

The funeral procession is expected to leave Parklands in Elton at 12pm before taking the following route:

  • Onto the A5117 towards Ellesmere Port
  • Left onto A5032, Whitby Lane
  • Left onto A41, Liverpool Road
  • Right onto A41, Liverpool Road
  • Right onto Countess Way
  • Onto Blacon Avenue
  • It will arrive at Holy Trinity Church at 12.30pm, before heading to Blacon Crematorium for 2pm.

A spokesperson for Cheshire police confirmed there would be an increased police presence saying: “Due to the large numbers of people expected to attend the funeral officers will be available to deal with any resulting traffic issues."