Eyesore sites may be made green

TWO neglected eyesore areas of Warrington may be transformed into green and pleasant places through a £17.3 million cash injection from the North West Development Agency.
Bewsey Tip and Woolston Canal will undergo a massive regeneration to make both sites green space areas for the public to enjoy, should they be chosen from a shortlist of 18 sites.
The announcement comes as part of Cheshire-wide scheme to create an additional 420 acres of green-space in different areas across the county.
The North West Development Agency has also committed to 15-years maintenance after the site transformations have been completed.
All funds made available are to be used as part of Warrington and Cheshire’s Revive Scheme, which aims to create new green spaces with improved public access including enhanced facilities and nature conservation.
Revive has been running for 22 years and has the overall objective of contributing to make the North West of England a viable investment proposition.
Director of Environment for Cheshire County Council, Tom McCabe said: “When it comes to improving the quality of life for the people of Cheshire, our Land Regeneration Team has a record to be proud of.
“NWDA’s substantial grant will not only finance the reclamation of large tracts of neglected and under-used land but for the first time, it will also provide the vital means to maintain sites once they are developed.
“It represents a sizeable investment in the quality of life and healthy lifestyle of future generations.
“County Council officers have been involved in discussions with a number of landowners for some time and the confirmation of regional funding should now allow us to finalise negotiations so that work can begin.”
Other areas competing for the chance to be re-developed under the scheme are in the Weaver Valley National Park stretching from Frodsham to Winsford.
Work is due to begin on the chosen sites later in the year.