A DRIVING manoeuvre described as dangerous is to be banned in a town centre in Cheshire West, after Highways bosses listened to concerns.

The decision will mean motorists will no longer be able to make a left hand turn from Watling Street on to the High Street/Weaver Way by Natwest Bank in Northwich.

It comes after residents and the town council made requests to Cheshire West and Chester council to investigate the potential of implementing a proposed no left turn order.

Despite the difficulty in pulling off the turn, it is said to have become more popular since the pandemic, when less traffic on the roads, emboldened drivers to take the short cut through the town.

In a statement made to the town council last week, it was revealed how the junction had originally been remodelled as part of the installation of the town's one-way system.

The statement read: "The junction was designed to make the left turn manoeuvre from Town Bridge into High Street / Weaver Way very difficult to undertake and as indicated on the traffic signals, all traffic should proceed ahead.

"The straight-ahead arrow on the traffic signals provides guidance on the allowed direction of travel."

"The introduction of the order advertised is viewed as a potential solution to the concerns raised in that it will enable the introduction of signage to further act as a deterrent to road users.

"If this is then breached in future, it would also enable Cheshire Constabulary to undertake the necessary enforcement if it is encountered.

"This will improve road safety around a busy junction for all road users."

Speaking to the Guardian about the move, town mayor, Cllr Sam Naylor, said he was glad to finally get something done, as it had been causing issues for a long time.

He said: "I've been campaigning about this for ages.

"What you've got is people coming over the bridge and turning left and it's just not suitable.

"It's just not designed for doing that and it's dangerous."

The change is expected to come into force soon and will be funded by Cheshire West and Chester Highways.