Cheshire East Council has defended the installation of cycle lane infrastructure on a Sandbach road following complaints from residents.

The measures were brought in during the summer with a two-way cycle lane being implemented on Middlewich Road, but the council has recently installed fixed infrastructure to prevent motorist access to the space.

Cllr Laura Crane, the council cabinet member for highways, said: "This active travel scheme was one of eight that came into effect from August 2020, as a first phase to improve routes to schools and workplaces, boost social distancing, encourage walking and cycling and improve our town centre environments.

"The move followed submissions by town and parish councils and local members of more than 500 local ideas as to what measures may work in their towns and villages. This is one step towards a network of cycle paths around the borough, which can be improved upon as and when opportunity presents."

Some on social media have slammed the cycling infrastructure as a "waste of money" and believe it will harm local businesses.

There have also been complaints about a perceived lack of consultation. Cllr Crane said in response: "Online consultation on the proposals was launched in July 2020, and widely publicised, and the measures were introduced on 29 September. The schemes were introduced at pace to comply with government (Department for Transport) rules on funding and implementation."

The councillor has said that the active travel schemes are "experimental" and subject to change should the ongoing feedback and revisions deem it necessary.

The other major active travel measure to be introduced in Sandbach is the introduction of a 20mph speed limit throughout much of the town centre.

Cllr Crane added that anyone can provide feedback on any of the active travel measure schemes on the Cheshire East Council website.