AMBITIOUS plans to raise £5m to save the historic Lion Salt Works have been unveiled.

At a public meeting in North-wich Memorial Hall on Friday, the Lion Salt Works Trust revealed its vision to restore the crumbling Victorian site to its former glory.

The project includes restoring the collection of buildings and workshops to become a working museum, with salt-making returning to the site for the first time since trading ceased in 1986.

Visitors will be able to see the salt-making process in action and even buy samples at the end of their tour.

Another exciting part of the plan is to turn the works into an eco-museum - a centre of excellence where processes of renewable energy can be demonstrated.

Chester-based architects firm Donald Insall Associates has been working closely with the trust on how to best restore the works.

The firm, which notably worked on the restoration of Windsor Castle following the devastating fire of 1992, has designed a hi-tech centre that will consist of an oak-framed and oak-clad building replicating the way salt was made in the 19th Century.

Explaining the importance of restoring the site, project director Andrew Fielding said: 'We often take for granted what is on our own doorstep - but around the world, the Lion Salt Works is recognised as a monument of significant importance.' The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the BBC and even the influential European Route of Industrial Heritage organisation have recognised its importance.

Mr Fielding continued: 'These organisations have already pledged financial support for the Lion Salt Works and we are now asking local people to get behind the project and help save such an important part of our heritage.'

The news comes just months after the Lion Salt Works shot to fame on the BBC's Restoration programme.

Recently the Lion Salt Works was also designated as a scheduled monument which gives it the same protection as famous landmarks such as Stonehenge.

Mr Fielding added: 'The buildings are very rare - they are the last working examples in the UK and there are only two other examples - one in Colorado, USA, the other in Salins-les-Bains, France.

'When restored, we can create a fascinating tourist attraction - a working museum producing white salt by the evaporation of unrefined brine using salt pans. The salt will be sold to fund the upkeep of the museum, café and visitor centre.'

The project is expected to take about three years.

Although Heritage Lottery has already funded the preliminary feasibility studies at the Lion Salt Works, the trust must now apply for full funding for the project.

A grant application will be submitted to the Heritage Lottery by December 31, and will take four months to be assessed.

Once funding is decided, the trust will be able to finalise how much additional cash will be required to complete the project.

It hopes to raise the additional funds in a number of ways including organisations offering grant aid; fundraising events organised by community groups; pledges and donations; and money from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the European Route of Industrial Heritage.

Mike Cooksley, chairman of the Cheshire and Warrington Tourism Board, spoke at Friday's meeting and told the audience how the restored works would link with the Anderton Boat Lift in making Cheshire a major tourist attraction.

Mayor of Vale Royal Anne Hooker was also present and said: 'This is our heritage - when the Lion Salt Works is restored it will be another jewel in Vale Royal's crown.' If you think your business may be able to help, call Andrew Fielding on 01606 41823 or 07749 765 203.