RESIDENTS are invited to have their say on the future of the town centre subway.

They are being asked what should happen to the subway once new pedestrian crossings are in place.

The consultation runs from next Monday, October 6, until November 30, and is being launched by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Northwich Town Council on the future of the Chester Way underpass.

Residents are being asked whether it should be retained or filled in once three new ground level pedestrian crossings are installed at the same location.

Filling in the subway would lead to the creation of more community open space outside the new Memorial Court as the existing walls around the junction would be removed. The cost of filling in the subway is estimated at £500,000.

Councillor Lynn Riley said: “The subway was built in the 1960s when this type of crossing was popular, and in recent times there has been a movement towards subways being filled in.

“However, the Northwich subway is inspected weekly, is generally in good condition and has no issues with crime and disorder or litter.

“We want to get local views and suggestions, and the big question is all about what is going to work best in Northwich.

“There are costs associated with closing up a subway, but this is not the only option on the table and something very different could help put Northwich on the map.”

The new crossings - due for completion this month - are being funded under the Government’s Pinch Point initiative as part of the project to make permanent the gyratory system.

They will be connected via a central island and have similar entry and exit points as the subway, at Weaver Square, the new Memorial Court and the former council buildings.

Anyone wishing to take part can complete a survey, which is anonymous, at cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/consultation.

Paper copies are available from Northwich & Winsford Locality Team, Wyvern House, Winsford, call 288843 or email northwichwinsfordlocality@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.