THE historic Linking the Locks project aimed at helping breathe new life into businesses and organisations along the historic Sankey Canal between Warrington and Widnes has been officially launched.
Delivered by Warrington & Co. the Linking the Locks project is a joint project between Warrington BC, Halton BC with specialist input from the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS).
Linking the Locks will provide a package of support to businesses and organisations located along the route of the Sankey Canal.
As events were held at True Fit Golf Centre, Cuerdley and Catalyst Science Museum, Spike Island and were attended by a mix of local businesses, partners and key agencies in Warrington and Halton, delegates reacted positively to news of the project’s aims which includes:
•Financial Support with Apprentice Wage Costs
Allowing businesses to pay at least National Minimum Wage to their Apprentices, improving retention, long-term development and attracting the best candidates
•FREE support with Recruitment
Including advertising, pre-screening and ongoing support once the Apprentice is in post
•Accessing wider business support from local partners
Additional training/development needs are met using local b2b referrals, accessing relevant funding support wherever applicable
•The long-term vision for the Sankey Canal
Both Warrington BC & Halton BC aim to re-establish the historic canal to full navigation, thereby generating new leisure/tourism and business opportunities to both boroughs
Speaking at the events, Jonathan Aghanian, Warrington & Co., said: “This is a unique programme for small-medium businesses based along the historic Sankey Canal route.
“Not only will the project make a valued contribution to improvements in the local environment, crucially it will enable businesses to access financial assistance and expert guidance on recruiting and retaining skilled Apprentices/Trainees in the local area.
“Coupled with the ability to access wider support from our partners in this project, it really does present a fantastic opportunity for organisations within Warrington and Widnes”.
Picture shows Jonathan Aghanian and Joanne Lomax, assistant officer on the project, at the Sankey Canal.
