A canal towpath in Nantwich is to undergo a major overhaul to improve access for the public.
Cheshire East Council says it is to spend £55,000 – from developer contributions – to improve the towpath near Queen’s Drive along the Shropshire Canal to prevent becoming too muddy for passers-by.
The project will see improvements beside the canal towpath between bridge number 89 – the Red Stripes Bridge – through to bridge number 90 at Green Lane, where the upgrade will also include improvements to the steps at the north end.
It aims to ensure the local community can use the canal-side for cycling, walking and fishing all year round.
It’s hoped the improvements will also encourage boaters to stop and visit the town.
Cllr Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be able to assist the Canal and River Trust with funding this important project.
“Members of the public should see a huge difference alongside the canal thanks to this important investment.”
Sarah Lalieu, enterprise manager at the Canal and River Trust, said: “The canal system is a tranquil haven but the towpath now is currently like a muddy puddle, making it difficult to walk along the canal.
“We know that being by the water can boost health and wellbeing so the work to improve the towpath will enable the local community to use this great asset on their doorstep.”
The project is the latest phase of improvements in Nantwich following the refurbishment of Nantwich Aqueduct and installation of the new play equipment at nearby Marsh Lane.
The improvements programme is a partnership initiative between the council and the Canal and River Trust.
The work has started and scheduled for completion by November 2018.
For further information, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
(Pic for illustration only and not of towpath section)
Be a lot cheaper to buy everyone a pair of wellies. And anyway, it’s not particularly muddy on this section, compared with (say) the Llangollen branch near Wrenbury Hall.