A GROUNDBREAKING project funded by European money looks set to create a major promenade for pedestrians and cyclists along the River Dee.

Chester has been given a £400,000 cash-injection by the European Union to help create a riverside route between the Groves and the Old Port area.

The city has secured the money through its involvement in a six-way international partnership called Water in Historic City Centres.

Chester has also been given an additional £200,000 to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise and information with other European cities involved in the project.

A total of more than seven million euros has been divided up between the members, which are Chester in the UK, Breda and s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, Ghent and Mechelen in Belgium and Limerick in Ireland.

Each city has an important relationship with water and the aim is to make the best use of waterfronts for

both residents and visitors. Lessons learned from the project will be used to help other European cities make the most of their historic waterways.

Councillor Jim Latham, the city council's portfolio holder for development and regeneration, recently travelled to Limerick to sign the part-nership's draft protocol on behalf of Chester.

He signed the document in the presence of Pat Cox, president of the European Parliament, and was accompanied by fellow councillor Reggie Jones - portfolio holder for money and property.

It is hoped that work on the Chester walkway and cycle route will start in the Old Port area in the New Year.

Cllr Latham said: 'As well as providing a practical journey route for pedestrians and cyclists, the promenade will enhance the attractiveness of the city by creating a whole new experience for residents and visitors.

'Creating new public spaces along the River Dee will hopefully open up a hidden part of Chester and intensify the river's historic relationship with the city.

'Chester's involvement in this exciting international partnership will help people get greater access to and enjoyment from the Dee - a river that has played an important part in the city's history from the beginning.'

The funding for the project will specifically come from the European Regional Development Fund through the Interreg IIIB North West European Programme.