ANGRY residents have staged a protest against parking and traffic chaos in their area.

Residents at the Bache in Upton made their views clear to the deputy leader of Cheshire County Council David Rowlands (Con, Mickle Trafford) during a visit arranged by Upton Grange Conservative team leader Jill Houl-brook.

They are now calling for Cheshire Highways to under-stand and solve the problems.

On Saturday, about 20 people turned out for the protest at 10.30am on the corner of Bache Avenue and Upton Drive and 127 have signed a petition organised by Mrs Houlbrook.

People living on Bache Avenue, Mill Lane, Pine Gardens and Liverpool Road say their concerns relate to:

Parking across driveways

Drivers ignoring yellow lines

Parking in the local bus stop

Staff from the Countess of Chester Hospital using Bache Avenue as a car park

Upton Drive becoming a rat-run for speeding drivers.

Adrian Allwright, of Bache Avenue, said: 'This has been going on for a number of years. We have a big problem with cars parking on the pavement, making it very awkward and even impossible at times for people to get through.

'My main complaint is that there isn't enough enforcement. There needs to be action or people using the hospital will continue to park here.'

Mrs Houlbrook said: 'This has gone on for years and years but has got worse since the hospital started charging for car parking.

'The residents of Bache have real and valid concerns and this has gone on for too long - I hope that we can find a solution.'

At Mrs Houlbrook's request, Cllr David Rowlands has now arranged for the matter to be discussed at the next highways meeting in March.

'Cllr Rowlands was very receptive and listened to the residents.

'I think it was very positive because he got to understand the problem and the residents can have more confidence that their concerns will be tackled,' she said.

Cllr Rowlands said: 'I can see why people are angry here and I promise we will study the options and communicate with residents.'

thomas.sieber@cheshirenews.co.uk