Volunteers from Cheshire West and Chester Council and Network Rail have helped to transform an open space near Saxon’s Lane play area in Northwich.
An opportunity arose to work in partnership with Network Rail’s volunteer programme and the local community to carry out a site clear up along the boundary with the existing railway line.
The site clear up event was organised by Network Rail volunteers working with the council’s Localities, Play, Streetscene and Ranger Teams.
Ward councillor Susan Kaur and Georgia Winstanley from Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s Greenbank Hub also took part.
Earlier in the summer an extensive public consultation with the local community and stakeholders asked for ideas on how to enhance the site and it had been identified as a priority area for possible improvement.
Work included cutting back overhanging trees, raking the boundary fence, strimming overgrown vegetation, shredding green waste and extensive litter picking.
The council’s cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, Cllr Louise Gittins, said: “This work was a good opportunity to support the aspirations of the local community and will hopefully be the first stage of a wider play and open space improvement programme for Saxon’s Lane.
“It’s great how making an effort to improve a site boundary contributes to making the site so much more welcoming.”
Andrew Griffin from Network Rail’s stakeholder team said: “Cheshire West and Chester Council is dedicated to improving Saxon’s Lane play area and it was great to be part of that. Clearing vegetation and litter near the railway has already made a significant step to improve the appearance of the area and it will be exciting to see what the council has planned next.”
