A footpath in Crewe is "severely damaged" after a HGV took a shortcut down a narrow residential street, with a local councillor angered by the situation.

On Tuesday 20 August, a heavy-goods vehicle diverted down Shakespeare Drive, (not an official diversion route), with chunks of pavement been ripped up.

This incident comes after a section of Sydney Road, between Crewe Green Roundabout and Stephenson Drive, closed on Monday 22 July.

Shakespeare Drive is predominantly made up of bungalows, housing a high number of elderly people (Nub News).

These works have been taking place for the new 146-home Sydney Place development, being constructed by David Wilson Homes.

Crewe East councillor, Hazel Faddes (Labour), told Nub News: "I visited the location of the severely damaged footpath on one of our narrowest roads in the area, which has a 7.5 tonne limit for a reason.

"I understand the frustration felt by drivers at the number of road works in the area, but HGVs should be sticking to the official diversion, especially those travelling to and from the two building sites on Sydney Road. 

"On 20 August, a HGV had used Shakespeare Drive rather than the official diversion causing a substantial amount of serious damage to the footpath between the junction with Laureston Avenue and Elliot Close in Shakespeare Drive.

"This section of footpath has been partially demolished due to the actions of an inconsiderate HGV driver who did not use the official diversion route.

"Shakespeare Drive is a narrow street with some vulnerable people living there and many do like to walk along the footpath, meeting neighbours, taking their dogs for walks, or catching the bus. 

Crewe East councillor, Hazel Faddes (Labour) (Cheshire East Council).

"I cannot imagine how fearful they are at present seeing the large HGVs coming along their tiny street, and looking at the destruction which has occurred.

"I would ask drivers to be considerate of where they are driving and ask those with HGVs especially those going to the two developments near to Shakespeare Drive, David Wilson Homes and Seddon Homes to use the official route.

"I have previously contacted developers with this request and my contact has reiterated this to drivers but this does not seem to be working. 

"I forwarded photos of the destruction to the developer and asked him to meet me on site."

The section of Sydney Road is expected to fully reopen by the end Friday 30 August.

It is hoped the damaged Shakespeare Drive footpath can be renewed in the near future.

This incident comes after a section of Sydney Road, between Crewe Green Roundabout and Stephenson Drive, closed on Monday 22 July (Nub News).

Cllr Faddes said: "I have stressed the importance of making the footpath safe, talking to developers about how we can stop this destruction and make our residents feel safer, and as soon as possible I have asked for the footpath to be renewed.

"The issue of this road being used as a rat-run must be looked at, I attended again on Wednesday, and have asked an officer to visit with me at some point in the near future. 

"Residents of this street have rightly had enough, and I have asked if the length of the road closure can be shortened as well as asking what can be done to make this road safer."

READ MORE: GCSE Results: Crewe school celebrates 'excellent' grades with two standout performers.

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