A REGENERATION project to transform a Frodsham industrial estate and create employment has been cancelled following funding cuts from the North West Development Agency.

The first phase of the Frodsham Gateway proposal was earmarked for £100,000 funding – focusing on land to the south of the railway line on Sutton Islands – and featured new quayside and marine facilities, a business park as well as new transport connections.

Team manager for rural agenda and market towns Chris Capes said: “One of the things that was cancelled was some work down at the Frodsham Gateway business park and industrial estate.

“This was a feasibility study to work out how we could improve things.

“A piece of work was proposed looking at further opportunities for the site, like how we could better it and also create employment.

“We have been informed that it’s not going to take place.”

The NWDA announced on Monday it has to make £52m savings from its budget, ending more than 100 projects across the region. There are going to be further opportunities for development with further options and we are ready to go when further monies come forward,” added Mr Capes.

“We are looking at further opportunities for the future and supporting people in Frodsham and we are still pursuing those.”

As well as visitor amenities, future plans for the site included a park and ride connection into Frodsham town centre and a waterbus terminus on the navigation.

The project included the restoration of the disused Frodsham Cut enabling recreational craft to navigate the River Weaver to Frodsham and lead to further development.

Cheshire West and Chester Council deputy leader and Frodsham and Helsby councillor Les Ford said: “A study will be done at some point and what the outcome will be is some way off.

“This is going to happen all over the shop until the NWDA funding is sorted out.

“The hope is funding will come direct to the council and we can decide what to do.”

NWDA cutbacks- special report on pages 8-11.