PLANS TO CHANGE THE FACE OF TOWN (From Warrington Guardian)

PLANS TO CHANGE THE FACE OF TOWN

PLANS for a major regeneration of Winsford have been revealed that would see much of the town transformed.

The proposals are still in their early stages but they would include a redevelopment of the Weaver Valley corridor with the possibility of a bridge across the river and a marina.

Jeremy Owens, head of environmental policy at Vale Royal Borough Council, said: "There is enormous potential and this is very exciting.

"We will be looking to create new footpaths and improve opportunities.

"We are also talking to British Waterways about the possibility of a marina."

One of the long term possibilities the regeneration programme could include is the linking of waterways in the area.

It would link the Weaver Navigation at the point where it comes very close to the Shropshire Union canal in Middlewich.

Mr Owens said: "It is still very early days and that is quite aspirational but we don't want to rule anything out.

"We have a number of partners on board already and we will be looking to put together a brief and engage in consultation in April."

The plans have been welcomed by councillors who are keen to improve facilities in the town.

Town and county councillor Tony Hooton said: "I think there are a lot of interesting developments that will improve Winsford.

"Everything is now dropping into place as part of the Winsford Gateway and I think the Learning Zone will be the catalyst for that.

"We now need to formally put this into a plan."

Clr Peter Gannon is also enthusiastic about the development.

He said: "This will hopefully attract people to the town and once they are here we want to keep them here. We need better leisure facilities and this sounds like great news."