WARRINGTON North is set to receive nearly £10million of Government funding for levelling up projects.

This comes as a bid put forward by Warrington Borough Council and the area's MP has been successful.

A proposal was submitted to the Government in August 2022, with sections of the bid being approved for funding.

Making the announcement on social media that funding had been granted, Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols said: "[I am] still digesting the full impact of today's Autumn Statement announcements and the economic impact assessments from the OBR and others. 

"Delighted however that, in amongst the other announcements, was the provisional award of up to £9.4million for the 'Warrington North - connecting the settlements' levelling up bid, and to have been recognised by the Chancellor as being a 'particularly effective local MP' in championing the project in his statement to Parliament. 

"I will be engaging with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Warrington Borough Council in trying to secure the successful delivery of the scheme as soon as possible."

The bid in question is described by the council in the following way: "Bid Two focuses on ‘reconnecting the settlements’ of Warrington North, with three new active travel routes implemented to improve traffic-free links between the rural settlements of Burtonwood, Winwick and Culcheth and urban Warrington.

"The routes would encourage modal shift and active lifestyles, helping improve the health and wellbeing of local people, as well as bringing environmental benefits."

In addition, two existing recreation facilities in Burtonwood are set to be upgraded:

  • The derelict pavilion at Burtonwood Recreation Ground will be redeveloped into a landmark structure for accommodating multi-purpose community activities.
  • Burtonwood Community Centre will be significantly extended to provide improved facilities for sports teams using the local pitches and additional space to support community activities.

The Government's letter confirming the funding says that this is conditional upon a 'validation check' and that the project should be delivered by March 2026, as per the proposed timetable.