A SURVEY has shown overwhelming support for a proposed country park behind the Countess of Chester Health Park.
An investment of up to £800,000 could create 72 acres of paths, cycle routes, landscaping and wetland to attract birds and wildlife on an area which includes a former landfill site.
It is hoped the park, which could open in 2013, would be used by residents of Blacon and Upton as well as health workers and patients.
A total of 531 people responded to a consultation with 96% of respondents saying they thought the park vision was a good idea.
The survey also revealed 95% of respondents would use the site, an increase of 36% compared with current informal usage.
There were some negative comments such as a concern about user behaviour including littering and failing to clear up dog mess.
And there mixed views on proposals for car parking at the site with some requesting extra parking while others were opposed.
Good quality paths and cycle ways were the most popular choice for improving the site.
A total of 106 people expressed an interest in getting involved with the park through volunteering which could involve hedge-laying.
Most of the land is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency, with adjacent parcels belonging to Morris Homes and health trusts.
Charity Groundwork Cheshire was brought in to carry out a consultation on behalf of the landowners plus Cheshire West and Chester Council and Blacon Community Trust.
There is no secured funding for the project at present however Groundwork will be investigating potential funding sources.
The consultation aimed to help the partnership meet funder requirements and provide the public with an opportunity to share ideas.
