Plans for a new crossing on the busy A51 Nantwich Bypass could see home-to-school transport axed for Willaston children.
The new crossing is set to be installed on the busy Peacock Roundabout where the A51 bypass meets the A534 Crewe Road.
As there is no crossing currently, it is deemed an “unavailable walking route” for pupils in Willaston to talk safely to either Brine Leas or Malbank high schools.
This means they are eligible for free home-to-school transport.
But it has emerged that once the crossing is in place, it could be re-designated as safe “walking route” and allow Cheshire East to pull free transport.
Cllr Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: “Our investment in walking and cycling infrastructure is about more than just transport—it’s about creating safer, healthier, happier and more connected communities.
“The new crossing on the A51 is a vital step in improving access between Crewe and Nantwich and supports our wider ambitions for sustainable growth and environmental responsibility.
“This location is currently designated as an ‘unavailable’ walking route, meaning the council provides home-to-school transport for eligible children who need to cross the road safely.
“Once the new crossing is in place, the route will be reviewed to determine whether it can now be considered safe and accessible.”
Wistaston resident Jonathan White aired his concerns over the plan.
He said: “It would be deeply troubling if the installation of this crossing were used as justification to withdraw free school transport eligibility.
“Pressuring parents to have their children walk or rely on private vehicles, rather than ensuring access to safe and reliable transport provided by the local authority, is neither fair nor considerate – especially when these changes disproportionately affect families who may not have other options.
“The council’s response suggests that a route reassessment will take place only after the crossing is operational, and that parents will be notified in advance of any change to their child’s transport
eligibility.
“However, this process raises legitimate concerns. How will safety truly be measured? Will parents’ voices be considered in the reclassification?
“And what safeguards are in place to prevent a cost-saving exercise from being disguised as a safety enhancement?”
Cllr Goldsmith added: “Any decisions regarding changes to home-to-school transport provision will be made in consultation with local ward members and communicated to parents and schools in line with council policy.
“We’re committed to making active travel a practical and safe choice for residents of all ages.”
(Pic by Jonathan White)
seems any ideas are not always ideal, take for example the crossing with lights at cheerbrooke, many a time the crossing is red yet cars still go through them, especially from the roundabout as a left, the view on the corner is compromised, coming in the other direction it is the same, trees overhang the lights from 100yds back, yet those trees have been reported every year for 7 yrs now and nothing is done. safest way is do not expect vehicles to stop on red until both ways vehicles are stationary I USE THIS CROSSING DAILY AND EVERY WEEK THERE ARE CLOSE MISSES IN FRONT OF ME
We need these children to go to Shavington, as recent parents have found, we now have insufficient school places in Nantwich for Nantwich children
Absolutely a good idea. It requires all my driving skill to cross on my bike. The crossing at Cheerbrook works fine (with care). Maybe need rumble strips
To slow entrance to peacock roundabout.
it will be simple for the children to walk to the swimming baths in Nantwich –won’t it ! NOT
They must go to Shavington, they are not local to Nantwich, they are strangers and have no business in our town!
About time the council put a crossing here. Sooner the better
Has anyone tried to cross the road at the peacock roundabout, its manic, traffic hardly slows down whilst racing across the roundabout from the bypass, it does need a crossing
They should be going to Shavington, no sympathy
This will not help bikes travelling from Willaston to Nantwich. There fore not a sage route for children to cycle! An unfair scheme! Councillors take note please.
Similarly, the new pedestrian crossing at the reaseheath roundabout is so close to the roundabout that traffic chaos will result there too. A yellow box will be essential or we won’t be able to get out of barony rd going north at busy times.
Here we go again trying to save money by spending more money.
Puting pedestrians at risk while causing chaos on a very busy junction
Build a pedestrian bridge across the road.
The crossing is needed for adults to get across this road!!