WINSFORD residents will have the chance to learn more about future plans for the town’s new Academy building at a drop-in session next week.

The event will be held at the Winsford E-Act Academy, in Grange Lane, on Wednesday, October 19, between 5.30pm and 8pm.

Representatives from the Academy, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the proposed main contractor, Kier Construction, will be on hand to share the plans and answer questions.

Councillors are also hoping the session will provide an opportunity to expel residents’ fears over increased traffic and parking in the area.

Clr Lynda Jones said: “This is the first phase of consultations and we are hoping that local residents will join us at the drop-in session to hear the design plans and share their views.

“Following on from a petition that I received on behalf of the council, I am aware that a number of residents have concerns and many proposals are now under consideration by the design team.

“This is a tremendous step forward in the education of our young people and we need to ensure that the projects gets the kind of whole-hearted community backing that it undoubtedly deserves.”

Andrew Taylor-Edwards, Academy principal, said a new building has the potential to transform the educational experience of thousands of pupils.

He added: “State-of-the-art facilities in an aesthetically inspiring environment will give the community something to be truly proud of.”

A planning application is due to be submitted in December with construction starting as early as next spring.

The whole project is expected to be completed by summer 2014.