Funding boost for walkers and cyclists in Woolston

WORK has been completed on a revamped pathway, providing a link from the New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail to Woolston Park.

Funded from the Council’s 2016/17 Active Travel budget, the improvements include an upgraded route for walking and cycling, picnic area and crossing point at Manchester Road.

The New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail Group have been instrumental in raising the area’s profile, securing additional funds through the neighbourhood board to provide picnic tables and benches and regularly carrying out practical work days in the area to benefit the community and local wildlife. The group has also carried out bulb planting in the area.

Cllr Higgins said: “This upgraded trail is great news for the community. It will be a real asset for local people, providing cyclists and pedestrians with an open, attractive and accessible way of getting around the area.

“We are committed to investing in our green spaces and the dedication and support of the New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail Group has been crucial in making these works a reality.

“It’s a great example of how, by working with local people, we can make real improvements in our communities.”

Ian Johnson, Chair of the Heritage and Ecology Trail Group added: “I’d like to thank all of those involved in this project. This significant improvement really does show what working together can achieve.

“We have also agreed other project areas as part of our wider plans for the trail which, with the same partnership approach, we should be able to deliver, incrementally, over the coming years.

“These will bring real benefits for local people, for group visitors, such as schools, and for wildlife.”

The works have been completed by contractor Network Surfacing Ltd, who were also responsible for the Westbrook-Dallam greenway, which opened in 2015.

The scheme lies on Route 3 of the Warrington strategic cycle network, as shown on the Warrington cycle map at www.warrington.gov.uk/cyclemap.