Eco track is leading the way forward

May 23 2008 Chester Chronicle

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly footpath in the village of Ashton Hayes has been officially unveiled.

The new 500 metre footpath runs alongside Church Road and is made from recycled road planings with the kerbs being created from recycled plastic.

The late executive member for highways and transportation John Burke, who died last year, was also the local member and pressed for the provision of the footpath which now will be complemented by a bench with a commemorative plaque to his memory.

Colleague and friend county councillor Eveleigh Moore-Dutton who has taken over the executive role said: “For many years children and local residents have had to walk along a muddy grass verge which is now transformed into a footpath, encouraging road safety and keeping with the village’s campaign to be carbon neutral.

“The need for this footpath was also highlighted when Ashton Hayes Primary School worked with Cheshire County Council to develop their travel plan.”

Rob Ford, headteacher at Ashton Hayes Primary School, said: “We are very excited about the new footpath. This will open up opportunities for us to make use of the trains from Mouldsworth Station for school trips as well as encouraging more families to walk to school.”