A NEW set of 19 steps providing improved access to the footpaths on Pestfurlong Hill, Birchwood, Warrington has been completed following local fundraising.
The steps, leading from Silver Lane towards the paths, replace earlier steps which were in need of repair.
In the past, individual steps had been replaced frequently and it became clear a full renewal was needed.
The Friends of Gorse Covert Mounds provided funding of £650, raised by selling willow sculptures and running stalls at the annual Birchwood Carnival as well as at Risley Moss Green Safari Days and Birchwood WI Christmas Fairs.
A further £150 was donated by the Friends of Birchwood Forest Park Community Café and the project was managed by The Woodland Trust.
Nigel Balding, chair of the Friends of Gorse Cpvert Mounds said: “It’s wonderful to show visitors how their support has helped bring about such welcome improvements.
“By coincidence, there are 19 steps — echoing the title of an award-winning romantic novel. Perhaps this will become a fitting local name, complementing the much-loved willow tunnel near the top of the hill, a favourite spot for family photos and sometimes even surrounded by a fairy ring.
“I’d like to say a big thank you to our Woodland Trust site manager Neil Oxley for organising the new steps, and to all at the Birchwood Forest Park Community Café for their donation and continued support; this café is a wonderful resource for the community.”
