Ministers 'should consider Leek road plans'
A politician is calling for the government to consider planned changes to a Staffordshire town's road system.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is planning to change the layout of the road system around Leek as a new supermarket is built nearby.
Steve Povey, UKIP councillor for Leek North, wants the government to call in the roads' decision and consider the result of a parish poll over the plans.
The poll, which is non-binding, will be held later this week to gauge opinions.
Mr Povey said it was important for people to give their views and for these to be considered by the government.
He said: "This is democracy. People could vote 'yes' - they like the road scheme, or they could vote 'no'.
"Whatever the majority is - we abide by the majority."
Developers are preparing to start work on a new out-of-town Sainsbury's store on the Churnet Works site near Leek.
The proposals include plans to change the layout of the road system to improve traffic flow as well as access to the store.
Part of Leek town centre will become pedestrianised, new traffic lights will be built and some roads will become one way.
Some residents have complained this could lead to smaller routes becoming rat runs for traffic.
Mr Povey has previously expressed opposition to the new Sainsbury's store which was approved last month.
He said it would affect trade in Leek as people would be encouraged to shop "out of town".
However, Sainsbury's said the new development would complement the town.
The firm said the scheme included affordable housing, public open spaces and money towards community projects.