A major route leading to Chester is closed this morning due to flooding, raising concerns for local commuters and motorists. According to traffic service reports, the A540 Chester High Road is blocked both ways from Mudhouse Lane to Damhead Lane, resulting in significant delays for drivers traveling between Chester and Wirral. The persistent rain combined with flurries of snow and ice over the weekend has caused flooding across numerous areas, prompting local authorities to advise motorists to avoid the route until conditions improve.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings unfolded recently at Chester Magistrates Court, highlighting two separate incidents involving local residents. Steven Huckle, 36, of Alvaney Road, appeared before the court for driving without insurance and under the influence of alcohol. Huckle, who held only a provisional license at the time, was trying to move his friend’s car when police pulled him over on December 14 of the previous year. The officers utilized automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, which flagged Huckle's vehicle as having no insurance. During the breath test, he recorded 46 micrograms of alcohol per 100 milliliters of breath, exceeding the legal limit.
Chris Hunt, Huckle’s solicitor, explained to the court, ‘He thought he was ok alcohol wise, and nearly was, but had no licence and insurance.’ Despite Huckle's absence from the court, he received a 14-month driving ban, along with fines totaling £120 and additional costs.
On another front, Sophie Dawson, 33, from Eastham, faced court for shouting racial abuse at Chester railway station last June. Charged with using racially and religiously aggravated language, she pleaded guilty to the charges during Friday's proceedings. Reports indicate Dawson expressed her views aggressively, declaring, ‘This is a white country and is English,’ before launching verbal attacks at officers present, including derogatory slurs ignited by her feelings of frustration during the arrest.
Dawson, appearing ashamed of her actions, remarked, ‘I am disgusted with myself.’ Her solicitor attributed her behavior to medication for her mental health issues, which when mixed with alcohol, exacerbated the situation. He pleaded for leniency, citing her early guilty plea and the unfortunate circumstances leading up to the incident. Chairman of the bench, Mark Turner, cautioned her, stating, ‘Learn from this, and you’ll be a beter person from it,’ before fining her £80 and ordering her to cover court costs and additional surcharges totaling £112.
These incidents reflect broader issues facing the Chester community, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility and respect for others as well as the consequences of one's actions, especially when under the influence of substances. Residents are reminded to adhere to both legal standards and societal norms, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.
The flooding situation continues to develop, and updates will follow as conditions change and authorities respond to the challenges presented by weather-related disruptions.