Weaver Way work to start

This week's Chronicle reports that the project to create the ambitious Weaver Way for walkers and cyclists will start soon. The £300,000 scheme will improve 72 miles of existing rights of way within the Weaver Valley Regional Park from Audlem in the south to Frodsham in the north over the next five years.

Audlem was included in the Regional Park after Audlem Online and then local newspapers asked why the park was originally planned to extend only as far south as Nantwich. The project manager for the park, Shea O'Neill, recently spent a day in Audlem discussing various projects that could contribute to the park's appeal.

The Rural Enterprise Board has granted nearly £130,000 to allow the first stage to take place. Further money is being provided by Cheshire County Council and British Waterways. Initially, parts of the towpath between Nantwich Marina and Acton Canal Bridge will be refurbished and work will also start at Frodsham at the northern end of the park. Design and development work will follow covering the proposed 72-mile route. Further grant bids will be needed to raise the rest of the funds to finish the route. Residents will have their say on the proposed route of the Weaver Way next May.

Cheshire County Council environment executive member Andrew Needham said: "This work will be a significant step in creating the Weaver Valley Regional Park and could open up funding opportunities. It is also important in linking towns and villages in the park as well as providing access to the four million people who are within one hour's drive away from the park. Having covered most of the park myself – on foot, cycle and boat – I can see its potential, both now and in the future."

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