Crewe to Nantwich Greenway

Work has started on a major cycleway project that will link Crewe and Nantwich.

The Crewe to Nantwich Greenway aims to create a 4km rural promenade between the towns along the A530 corridor.

It will be set well back from the main road connecting the excellent riverside walks in Nantwich with Crewe’s historic Queen’s Park, currently undergoing a massive restoration.

The greenway will let people visit both of these areas easily by foot and by bike.

Initial construction work will focus on Queen’s Park and the King George V playing fields. It is hoped all the work will be completed by November 2011.

Cheshire East Council is working closely with the charity Sustrans, which promotes environmentally-friendly ways to travel, on the £1.4 million scheme.

A working group and stakeholder group has been established, involving community

representatives, to deliver the Greenway.

One of the features of the scheme is a portrait bench which will include three cut-out metal figures.

These figures will be associated with the local area. They could be historical characters, local icons or contributors to local industry.

People are being asked to send in their nominations to phil.tomlinson@cheshireast.gov.uk or ring him on 01270 686421.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services said: “It is great to see that work has started on this project. The Crewe to Nantwich Greenway is a vital scheme that looks to improve transport links and boost the local economy.”

Cheshire East Councillor, Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing said: “Hopefully the new greenway will encourage both local people and visitors to the area to get out and enjoy the outdoors, be that on foot or by bike.

“We are constantly being told to increase our physical activity and leave the car at home. Hopefully this new route will encourage people in the area to get out and enjoy our beautiful countryside.”