A COUNTRY lane is being closed after a car careered into a canal, killing two teenagers.
Highway chiefs and police took a joint decision to shut Stockton Lane in Grappenhall, Warrington, while an investigation into the tragedy is carried out.
Gemma Biggin, from Grappenhall and Stephen Abbott, from Orford, both 17, died when the car Stephen was driving left the lane on a bend and plunged into Bridgewater canal.
Gemma and Stephen, who were both wearing seat-belts, were sixth form students at Priestly college, Warrington.
Two other teenagers, Jake Edwards and Anthony Bond, managed to escape from the submerged vehicle by smashing the rear wind-screen.
They have since presented a 1,000 name petition to the town hall, urging action to prevent another tragedy. The four-month closure comes ahead of any recommendations from the investigation.
Phil Johnson, assistant director for transport at Warrington council, said: "We will do our very best to respond to any individual difficulties people may have as quickly as possible.
"I would also like to acknowledge the support given for this action by the majority of residents in the area."
Emergency powers were activated by council chiefs for the closure.
Although through traffic will be diverted, local residents and businesses will still be able to use Stockton Lane.
