A TOWN councillor is calling for action to stop M6 traffic being diverted past homes in Middlewich as drivers avoid being sent to Congleton.

Cllr David Latham says up to 70 residents have raised their concerns about cars, vans, coaches and lorries all using Booth Lane and Lewin Street in the early hours while nighttime closures are in place on the motorway.

He wants Middlewich Town Council to push Cheshire East Council on the matter, and is calling for the support of Fiona Bruce MP – but borough chiefs insist M6 traffic is not being sent through the town on its way to Sandbach.

Cllr Latham said: "Many people complain of sleepless nights, of their house shaking, noise, dust and fumes.

"How can this be fair when there is an alternative route using the A50?"

The independent member says residents have suffered with the issue for two years, and with roadworks set to last another 18 months he insists the town has suffered enough.

But CEC insists it does not divert traffic down Booth Lane and Lewin Street – although its alternative route from junctions 17 to 18 turns a four-mile drive into a 13-mile jaunt.

“For planned closures between junctions 19 and 18, the diversion route is the A556, A530 King Street, Centurion Way on to the A54 back to the M6," a CEC spokesman said.

“When the M6 is closed between junctions 18 and 17, the diversion is along the A54 into Congleton (Wagon and Horses roundabout) on to the A534 to J17. No traffic is diverted along Booth Lane or Lewin Street.

“The A50 is not part of the advisory diversion route as there is a low bridge near Holmes Chapel.”

Highways England confirmed that the official diversion route for M6 closures between junctions 17 and 18 currently runs to the east of the motorway, avoiding Middlewich.

Cllr Latham added: “If that is the official diversion route than that is the first I’ve heard of it. Nobody in their right mind would go to Congleton.

“If that is the preferred route then they need to police it properly. Enough is enough now – Middlewich people are sick and tired of it.

“It will only be a matter of time before there is an accident with two lorries and then there will be hell to pay because our roads will just stop.”

The matter is set to be discussed at next Monday’s Middlewich Town Council meeting.