‘Common sense has prevailed’, a councillor has declared as an overwhelming majority of people rejected a proposal to fill in a Northwich subway at a cost of around £500,000.
People in Northwich were asked by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) and Northwich Town Council what should happen to the Chester Way underpass once new pedestrian crossings are installed.
More than 500 people responded to the consultation, with a crushing 86% in favour of retaining it.
The cost of filling it in, including public realm works, was estimated to be £500,000.
Northwich councillor Sam Naylor, who was vehemently opposed to losing the subway, said: “I am delighted that common sense has prevailed, and that in these times of austerity, the people of Northwich do not want to see money spent unnecessarily on filling in a well-used subway.
“It is particularly pleasing that the consultation had such a large response, with more than 500 people making their views known.”
Liam Byrne, a resident of Northwich, said filling in the subway was a ‘silly suggestion that would have increased safety hazards for pedestrians and slowed traffic flow’.
But he added: “On a more positive note, the council now has half a million pounds available which it can put to good use; by upgrading our public library which it has shamefully neglected, for example.”
Executive member for localities Cllr Lynn Riley said the result makes it clear that the subway is ‘valued by local people’ and she hopes its supporters will continue to work with the councils to improve it.
Cllr Naylor added that he would like to see the underpass brightened up and suggested inviting children to submit designs in a competition.
“There is an opportunity for some kind of artistry.
“You go to Chester and London and it’s all about their history – Northwich has got a lot of history so it should be reflected,” he said.
A spokesman for CWaC said it will now work with the town council to consider how the subway could be improved, based on suggestions made in the consultation responses.
