PENSIONERS and disabled people are being offered help next weekend to sign a petition supporting the Bridge2Barnton campaign.

An online petition launched by Barnton Parish Council for a second river crossing between Barnton and Winnington has attracted 1,200 names.

The parish council is organising a paper petition alongside the e-petition, and has petitions in Barnton, Winnington, Weaverham, Sandiway and Northwich.

At least 3,300 names are needed to force a debate on the issue at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

For people who may have difficulty signing online or getting to the shops which have petitions the council is willing to take petitions to homes.

“For older residents, and anyone who is disabled, in Barnton, Anderton and Little Leigh, we are happy for people to contact the parish council so we can bring the petition to them to be signed,” said council chairman Dilys Hooper.

The council is taking calls until next Friday, July 31, from people who would like the council to bring the petition to their home for them to sign.

“Councillors will then bring the forms to people’s homes next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, August 1 and 2. Please make the effort, as this will be the last opportunity to pull together.

“Everyone who uses the Winnington bridge is well aware of the chaos that happens when an accident happens, the bridge breaks while open or roadworks elsewhere send a far greater volume of traffic than normal down the route over the River Weaver.

“We are looking for all villagers, surrounding villagers, commuters and any affected people to sign the petition on the Cheshire West and Chester Council website or the petitions at local shops.

“Let’s make this petition count. We need at least 3,300 signatures just to get the issue debated at Cheshire West, and have until September 4 to exceed that figure.

“We would obviously like to reach the target number as soon as we can – it’s all down to us to make it happen.”

Anyone who would like to sign the petition at their home can ring the council on 07849 344940.

The council is also seeking volunteers prepared to collect petition signatures, including at Winnington Urban Village.

Petitions are available in Barnton at the Spar garage, the launderette, Coopers Hair Centre, Eastern Spice, The Paper Shop, Steve’s Hair Centre, Hormbreys butchers, the Co-op and the library.

They are also available in Winnington at Little Angels Day Nursery, The Works Gym, Londis and Winnington Brownies.

There are also petitions at the launderette in Weaverham, Sound Technique in Sandiway, LA Fitness and Arriva Buses Northwich/Winsford in Northwich, and Chartoria Hair Design in Castle.

“Any other outlet wishing to take part by having a petition for the public to sign, or if you have any ideas of how to drum up more support, please contact us,” added Cllr Hooper.

Anyone wishing to have a petition emailed to them should email bridgetobarnton@gmail.com.

Updates of paper petition points can be found on the Barnton Village website – www.barntonvillage.org.uk.