Update and Good wishes from Rachel

Firstly -- 'The Village' looks wonderful as we welcome Christmas. May I thank 'our' voluntary organisations who make this happen and who also do so much for our community throughout the year.

Highway Matters:

1: Green Lane Temporary Lights: just as Billy has stated, it is hoped that works will commence in the New Year and at worst be completed by April 2023. In the meantime the temporary lights are in place for user safety and to hopefully avoid any further damage to the culvert.

2: Old Railway Bridge, Swanbach: the estimated cost of repair is prohibitive, but in the meantime regular call outs, road closure and emergency diversions bring additional cost to the Cheshire East highways budget.

My greatest concern are the emergency road closures which result in traffic navigating the network of lanes off the Market Drayton Road, often at commuter and 'school bus' time. I believe that in my recent meeting, the Highways Team were understanding and was pleased when they volunteered to see if they could attract funding from other potentially responsible organisations, in a bid to move these repairs forward.

3: Finnaker Bridge, Coole Lane, which was damaged last year is due to be repaired, this is likely to result in road closure/restrictions from January to March 2023.

4: I continue to seek a solution to address 'flooding at Corbrook'.

Airband -- Rural Fibre Broadband:

The Parish Council aren't aware of any contact by the provider. As Airband have suggested to me that they will contact the clerk, I will double check that they have the correct email address.

Cheshire Street -- Safe Crossing Point to School

Although the speed assessment failed to meet Cheshire East's criteria for a pedestrian crossing on Cheshire Street, in particular for families accessing our primary school from the Anwyl Development, I continue to seek solutions. I am now hopeful that a marked safe crossing point will be funding in the next financial year.

Finally, Happy Christmas Everyone.

Rachel

Audlem Ward Councillor