A REGIONAL park in the Weaver Valley could be on the cards to encourage tourism and leisure activities in the area.

The project was on the agenda at the Vale Royal County Forum when members were informed of discussions between the county council and North West Regional Development Agency (NWRDA) to explore the possibility of establishing a regional park within Cheshire.

Assets

Support is being sought for a park to be based on existing assets in the Weaver Valley, including those arising from the County Councils land regeneration activities near Northwich, Winsford, Middlewich Frodsham, Sandbach and Nantwich.

The NWRDA has agreed to fund the substantive costs of a feasibility study into the viability of a Weaver Valley Regional Park.

David Blackburn, of environmental planning, said: "The idea to approach the NWRADA came about after the recognition of all the developments in the area over the last 20 years.

"The emphasis is on economic benefits and the aim of a regional park is to increase the economic viability of an area and to encourage tourism.

"It is also for local people as we want to recreate resources so that they do not have to travel far to enjoy the countryside and outdoor activities.

"A feasibility study is being carried out and once we have the results we will be approaching the NWRDA with our proposal to convince them that the park would be beneficial to the area."

The results of the feasibility study are due in the next few weeks when more information on progress will be announced.

jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk