VILLAGERS are being urged to ‘stand up and be counted’ to support a campaign for a second river crossing at Winnington.

The call comes from Phillip Evoy, the clerk of Barnton Parish Council, which is to press for another bridge over the River Weaver between Winnington and Barnton.

The campaign has been prompted by concerns over the traffic impact on the local roads of the development of Winnington Urban Village.

Mr Evoy recently said the need for a second bridge to take the pressure off the single lane Winnington swing bridge had become more pressing because of the months of planned roadworks linked to the creation of the urban village.

Residents of Barnton and neighbouring parishes are being asked to come forward with ideas and support for the campaign, which is looking at launching an e-petition to spark a debate on the crossing issue at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

If a petition receives at least 1,500 signatures it will be scheduled, should the petition organisers wish it to be, for a debate by the full council.

Mid Cheshire Against HS2 campaigners are due to have the issue of the proposed HS2 rail link discussed at full council after presenting a petition containing almost 1,700 signatures to the authority.

The campaign is being led by parish council chairman Dilys Hooper and Mr Evoy.

“Almost everyone I speak to supports a second crossing, and they are disgusted that after decades of being promised one we are still waiting for another bridge to reduce the traffic queues,” said Mr Evoy.

“We’re encouraging anyone who has strong views on the issue to contact us to help to take this campaign forward, either with offers of help or ideas.

“The parish council is very passionate about this issue, and would appreciate practical support from residents of Barnton or the outlying parishes who are being and will be affected in the future by the increasing traffic.

“It’s time for people to stand up and be counted.

“We need a little time to develop an effective strategy for the campaign, and one of the plans we are looking at for taking it forward is for an e-petition to get a debate on a second crossing at Cheshire West and Chester Council, which would require 1,500 signatures.”

If anyone would like to support the campaign, or can offer any practical help or ideas, please email Mr Evoy on barntonpc@aol.com