The first part of an exciting greenway that will link Crewe and Nantwich, has been unveiled.
The Mayor of Crewe, Councillor Jacquie Weatherill, was joined by Sustrans’ regional director, Peter Foster, other local councillors and specially invited guests for the event at Crewe Golf and Leisure Club (on Wednesday, December 1).
After a speech by the Mayor, the group made the short trip to the newly-installed bridge, between Crewe Golf Course and King George V Playing Fields. The ribbon was cut and Phase one of Sustrans’ Connect2 Crewe-to-Nantwich Greenway was officially open.
A handful of guests brought their cycles along to experience the cycleway for themselves.
The greenway will create a 4km rural corridor between the two towns, alongside the A530 Middlewich Road.
It will be set well back from the main road, connecting the excellent riverside walks in Nantwich with Crewe’s historic Queens Park, which is undergoing a massive restoration.
Phase one runs from King George V Playing Fields to the Rising Sun pub, at Wistaston. Last month, three bridges were installed along the route.
The project forms part of Sustrans’ Connect2, which is developing new walking and cycling routes across the UK.
Sustrans, the charity that enables people to make more of their everyday journeys by foot, bike and public transport, won £50m from the Big Lottery Fund for Connect2 following a public vote in 2007. Part of this award is being used to help fund the Crewe-to-Nantwich greenway.
Cllr Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “I am delighted to see that the first part of this project has been completed.
“This project will open up parts of our countryside to people and there is no doubt this project will enhance the Cheshire East environment.”
Cllr Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Where possible we should always try and leave the car at home and walk or cycle to our destination.
“Hopefully this greenway will make it easier for people to do this and improve health opportunities for people in Cheshire East.”
Cllr Robert Parker, ward member for Crewe West, said: “This greenway will really benefit Crewe and I am sure it will be a popular route for people of all ages.”
Peter Foster, North West regional director for Sustrans, said: “It’s great to see this section of the Connect2 project open for use, enabling people to walk and cycle through their local area. I’m sure it will be used a great deal over Christmas.
“This is just the first step of a wider project, which will make it much easier and safer for people to get between Crewe and Nantwich without having to rely on their car.”
Cheshire East Council, in partnership with Sustrans, is running a competition in the south Cheshire Chronicle newspapers. One lucky reader will have the chance to win a bicycle of their choice up to the value of £400 from JE Williams and Son in Crewe.
For the chance of wining please answer the following question: How long is the Connect2 Crewe to Nantwich Greenway ?
Please send your entries into:
The Chronicle Office
Victoria Street
Crewe
Please ensure you indicate your name, age if under 16, address, post code and daytime telephone number or email address.
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