to develop

A REGIONAL park running for 25 miles down the spine of Cheshire has the potential for major recreational, leisure and economic benefits.

The first conference to discuss the concept of regional parks across the north west took place in Frodsham, which will be the northern gateway to the Weaver Valley Regional Park.

Stretching to Middlewich and county council land regeneration projects in Northwich and Winsford, the new park would be within one hour's drive of more than four million people.

Aims include building on the park's salt legacy to celebrate its heritage created over centuries of salt extraction and processing within the Weaver, Dane and Wheelock Valleys.

This would be used to regenerate towns and rural areas, promote tourism and recreation and boost new business opportunities.

Cheshire's environment executive member Andrew Needham said: "It could take several years before all these plans become a reality, however the main concepts for all regional parks were agreed at the conference.

"The conference was a positive step forward and also gave all key decision makers from local, regional and national organisations in the private and public sector, a deep understanding of the range of opportunities available as well as how to develop ideas."

Supporters of the Weaver Valley Regional Park include Cheshire County Council, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Vale Royal Borough Council, Congleton Borough Council, British Waterways, the Mersey Forest, Groundwork, Mersey Basin Campaign and the Environment Agency.

Jon Griffiths, British Waterways Wales and Border Counties general manager, added: "The Weaver Navigation provides the vital connecting link within the regional valley park.

"Boating has already increased by 500 per cent since the reopening of the Anderton Boat Lift in 2002 and the river has huge potential for promoting new leisure and tourism."