COUNCIL officials have defended a decision to close roads ahead of a traveller funeral which occurred before Easter.

Cheshire East Council was responding to criticism from businesses about insufficient warning ahead of the funeral service of Felix Rooney, at Knutsford Methodist Church on March 26.

The decision led to the early morning closure of Princess Street and the later shutting of Tabley Hill Road, for the funeral, interment.

Traders claimed that with hundreds of travellers expected to descend on the town, the closures killed off business with many shoppers choosing to stay away resulting in many shops and pubs closing or operating restricted hours. It also led to rush hour congestion for many motorists.

Steph Cordon, Cheshire East Council’s head of communities, said: “The council and Cheshire Constabulary worked hard to support residents businesses and ensure safety, when up to 1,500 travellers were expected to attend the funeral.

“The decision to close some roads was taken at a meeting between us and the police on Wednesday, March 25.

“Our aim was to keep delays to a minimum but for safety reasons the following road closures were in place with local diversions clearly signed.

“Local residents and businesses were informed and during the closure, police made arrangements to facilitate deliveries to businesses on Princess Street."

In the event, the funeral was attended by up to 600 mourners who attended the 300 capacity church, with the service relayed over speakers to those outside.

The travellers good behaviour won plaudits from Knutsford vicar Reverend Rob Cotton, whose church hosted the event, saying claims he investigated that crime had been committed while the travellers were in town were untrue.

Ms Cordon added: “The cost to the council and police of closing roads is minimal. This has to be set against the much greater potential cost of failing to manage a situation in which up to 1,500 people and 400 additional vehicles were expected to converge on the town.

“We would like to thank everyone for their co-operation and we are pleased that the day passed off peacefully."