WORK to enhance a community pool for anglers and wildlife is set to begin.

Stanners Pool, located within Sankey Valley Park to the north of Cromwell Avenue, is being enhanced thanks to a partnership between Warrington Borough Council, Dallam and District Community Angling Group and the Environment Agency.

Together, they have developed a scheme which will see the creation of a new waterbody linked to the existing pond.

The new-look facility will provide increased provision for angling, as well as improving the habitat for wildlife and enhancing the parkland landscape for the local community and park visitors.

Works have now commenced on site, with earth works expected to be completed by the end of this year.

New planting, seating and angling pegs will follow, with the new landscape mirroring that of the existing pool.

Excavated material from the new pond will be laid on site and will naturally recolonise with a diverse range of plant species local to the area.

To celebrate the start of the project, which has taken a number of years to develop, the council’s cabinet member for leisure and community, Cllr Tony Higgins, joined colleagues from the Environment Agency, members of Dallam and District Angling Group and local police Inspector, Dan Haddock, to cut the first turf.

Cllr Higgins said “This is a fantastic project, which will enhance the park and bring real benefits to local anglers.

READ> Why fewer taxis are available to Warrington residents

“It will provide them with new opportunities to work with the whole community to share their knowledge, provide engaging activity for people of all ages and promote responsible use of the facility.

“At the same time, this investment will bring real environmental benefits by improving the parkland landscape for the whole community to enjoy and get closer to nature.

“I am delighted work on the project is now under way.”

The construction phase may result in the temporary diversion of path routes and restricted access to the work sites within the parkland for public safety.

The council apologises for any disruption caused while this work is carried out.