At a recent Cabinet meeting councillors reviewed the Council's policy of removing existing highway rights from private streets and publicly maintained highways.
The policy was revisited to encourage local residents to take over control of their streets and reduce the need to maintain highways at the public expense. The Cabinet agreed that it will consider requests from residents who wish to remove the general public's access to their roads and obtain a Stopping Up Order.
Each case will be looked at on its own merits. If it is considered that 'Stopping Up' will not inconvenience any one, the highway can be declared surplus to public need and local residents agree to meet the necessary costs then Cheshire East Council will apply to the Magistrates' Court for an order to stop up that length of the highway.
A Stopping Up Order blocks the public's right of access and means that residents take responsibility for the maintenance of their road, including liability for winter maintenance.
The Council must publicise the proposals, invite representations from the public and undertake consultations with the Parish Councils and statutory undertakers, such as gas, water, electricity and telecommunications providers.
According to the minutes of the recent Cabinet meeting residents of some private streets within the Borough have indicated a wish to remove the highway rights and prevent general access.
