CONNECT 2 CREWE

The wheels are in motion for a major cycleway project in Crewe.

Connect 2 Crewe is aimed at developing cycling and pedestrian routes between Crewe and Nantwich.

Cheshire East Council has now committed to two phases of the initiative. They are:

· The creation of a 4km cycleway and pedestrian route from Queens Park to Rising Sun Public House including the route sections through King George V Playing Fields. Works are currently being tendered and are expected to start on site in the summer of 2010; and
· The construction of two bridges in King George V Playing Fields to cross streams. Works are expected to start onsite in the summer of 2010.
Funding has been secured from a variety of sources, including SusTrans, Waste Recycling Environmental Network (WREN), as well as Cheshire East Council’s Capital Programme.

Cheshire East Councillor, Jamie Macrae, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Prosperity said:

“Its pleasing to see this project is now underway. Connect 2 Crewe is a vital scheme which looks to improve transport links and boost the local economy.

“Cheshire East Council is hoping to secure external funding in order to continue with further developments within the Connect 2 Crewe project in the near future.”

Cheshire East Councillor, Andrew Knowles, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Health and Wellbeing said:

“As we all know, time spent doing leisurely activities can be limited because of busy working and family lives. I hope the cycleway will encourage local families to get out and about as well as attracting more visitors to the area.

“This scheme will guarantee space is made available for cyclists and walkers for decades to come.”

Cheshire East Councillor, Rod Menlove, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Environmental Services added:

“From an environmental point-of-view, this is an exciting project; Connect 2 Crewe is about encouraging everyone to leave the car at home and to walk or bike-ride around the town.

“Cycleways are an important part of ensuring more people can access and experience their local environment at first-hand.”