A CHANCE to shape an exciting vision for the Sandstone Ridge between Frodsham and Bickerton is being offered.

Led by Cheshire County Council with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Sandstone Ridge ECOnet Partnership will work with communities and businesses to identify projects to benefit the landscape.

These will involve expanding and linking areas for wildlife, increasing opportunities for public use of the ridge and supporting rural skills through training.

The partnership was launched by county council chairman Barrie Hardern at an event in Burwardsley, hosted by the Bolesworth Estate.

The launch was attended by several organisations including the National Trust TARMAC and Cheshire Community Council.

'The Sandstone Ridge is one of the county's most striking natural features,' said County Councillor Hardern.

'This new partnership offers communities throughout the 20-mile route an opportunity to make a difference to its future development.

'The creation of wildlife habitats, combined with increased opportunities for public enjoyment, has potential to bring money into Cheshire through tourism.'

The partnership has been kick-started with £49,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to fund a county council officer to develop the projects.

Projects are expected to be financed through the HLF's Landscape Partnerships Scheme.

Individuals, community groups and businesses with an idea for a project can contact ECOnet project development officer Mike Wellman at Cheshire County Council on 01244 603195 or e-mail mike.wellman@cheshire.gov.uk