A major £110,000 investment in an area of Ellesmere Port green space has improved access and facilities for the local community.
The project, funded by Peel Holdings and Local Sustainable Transport Funding bid for by Cheshire West and Chester Council, has created a main pathway running the length of the Lime Street site, with additional paths stemming from it to a number of access points along New Grosvenor Road.
Carried out in partnership with Groundwork Cheshire, new seating, bins and fencing have been installed and, at the two main entrances, chicanes to prevent access for cars and motorbikes and dropped kerbs and fitted tactile crossings have been positioned.
Significant tree and vegetation clearance works were also undertaken - opening the area up and improving visibility for users and ensuring local residents can now use the area in all weathers, with full accessibility for people with limited mobility, prams and pushchairs.
Executive member for localities, Cllr Lynn Riley, said: “The improvements to Lime Street’s open space have created a new important link for residents to the station and town centre; in particular residents from Rossmore are now able to get to both without having to walk or cycle directly alongside the motorway.
“It also forms part of the 50km of green routes being developed around Ellesmere Port and we have seen a lot of use since its completion, with large numbers of people now walking their dogs there, families crossing the site to get to Westminster School and the nearby Surestart Centre and employees from businesses at Rossmore using the area during lunch breaks.
“I hope local residents feel the money has been well spent on bringing a previously ineffective and overgrown space back into wider use as a resource that can benefit the community as a whole.”
One of the most significant changes is the removal of vegetation leading to the back of Lime Street, where an informal path lay overgrown, full of fly-tipped waste and attracting anti-social behaviour. There is also now a view into the site from Hollymere and Lydden Road properties.
Groundwork Cheshire project manager, Fiona Cowley, said: “Groundwork undertook a consultation with residents in partnership with the council’s Our Place Locality Team and managed the works with landscape contractor Booher Construction.
“The police had asked that something be done about the overgrown area at the back of Lime Street, so we have cut back the overgrown trees and a formal path has been installed leading to a chicane and low fence.
“I am really pleased with the outcome of this project, this was previously a bit of a no-go area for residents as it was difficult to get through and there was a lot of rubbish to negotiate but it’s now a really handy shortcut for anyone going to Westminster or beyond.”
Local member, Cllr Pat Merrick, said: “We want local people to be able to enjoy their amenities, as well as being able to access services and employment opportunities.
“I hope this route and the open space will now be used by many more people. The works have really brought new life to this space, it makes you realise what a great resource we have on our doorstep.”
Cheshire West and Chester Council is investing more than £13 million in improving local transport links and promoting greener and smarter travel after successfully securing £4.578 million of Department of Transport Local Sustainable Transport Funding.
The council’s project ‘Connect to Jobs’ will help encourage more people to get into work by walking, cycling or using public transport.
The project will help to deliver the council’s ambitious agenda for economic growth, increase access to jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
Lime Street resident Phillipa Watton said: “My son goes along the new path on his roller skates and he and his friend love it for their bikes as well.
“It is now much easier to get to Hollymere as well, in the wet weather I would have to go round the road way.”
