AN amphitheatre is coming to Middlewich to add more sparkle to the town's Roman heritage.

Middlewich Town Council, through its clerk Jonathan Williams, has secured a £59,000 grant from the Rural Recovery Fund to have an amphitheatre built at the Bull Ring for people to enjoy, which will complement the Roman Middlewich Festival and activities.

The work has been put out to tender but it is hoped that it will be in place by November.

Clr Chalky White, who has been part of the application process, said: "I have to say we couldn't do projects like this without Jonathan's expertise and knowledge of the grant process.

"I am looking forward to the work because one of the things that people are annoyed about is the abuse of that area.

"It will build on the Roman heritage of the town and the annual festival and highlights that we can celebrate Roman history in a modern way."

The Rural Recovery Fund has been established to provide money for projects in market towns.

Nicola Lavin, programme manager for the fund, said: "We are delighted to support it because we think it will make a big difference to Middlewich town centre. There will be eight activities planned for the site and Middlewich market could also be moving there.

"We feel that people will want to stop off in the town to see it and local people will get enjoyment out of it.

"Market towns are an important service centre to the wider hinter land.

"As a fund we aim to improve the image and infrastructure of towns and villages to encourage tourism and development."

The fund is only available until 2008 and to find out more about what is available and how to apply, ring the Rural Recovery Fund on 01270 619077.

jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk