New pathway promotes safe exercise

 

A new pathway in Nantwich has opened up and will help promote exercise as well as a safer route to schools.

The scenic route links together Taylor Drive and Edmund Wright Way, and will allow schoolchildren to travel safely to Malbank School and Sixth Form College and Millfields Primary School. Before the path opened up, the only access was along the busy Marsh Lane.

The path crosses the river tributary on Taylor Drive and is perfect for walking or cycling during any time of the week.

The route has cost in the region of £60,000 and the funding has been drawn from local developer contributions and Sustrans, a travel charity.

Cheshire East Council applied for the funding and oversaw the building of the new pathway.

Councillor Michael Jones, Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, said: “Cheshire East Council is keen to do all it can to encourage people to get out walking and cycling, especially young people.

“This new multi-route path is a huge step towards creating a healthy and sustainable borough and we actively encourage that.”

Councillor Arthur Moran, ward member for Nantwich North and West, said: “This new route links in with other cycle networks across the area and perfectly complements the schools’ travel plans.

“Both schools actively encourage pupils to walk or cycle to school and they have installed new parking facilities for bikes for this purpose.

“We would now urge parents to encourage their children to walk or cycle to school, especially as the weather picks up, so that they can benefit from the exercise and fresh air that travelling to school can offer.”

Angela Miller, school business manager at Malbank School and Sixth Form College, said: “We are extremely grateful for this new route, which will benefit children coming to Malbank. 

“We are now hoping that this safer route to Malbank will encourage more and more children to get on their bike, or walk to school, and enjoy the summer weather.”