WALKERS and residents have a safer route to Ness Gardens following the opening of a new pathway to the popular attraction.
A successful collaboration between Neston Town Council, Ness Gardens and Cheshire West and Chester Council Highways service has resulted in the pathway being created on Ness Gardens land.
Little Neston and Burton councillor and Ness town councillor Kay Loch said: “We are very grateful to Ness Gardens for allowing a permissive footpath to be created on their land to allow a safe walking route.
“The approach to Ness Gardens, much used by walking groups and local residents, followed a blind bend in the road where there was no room for a footpath.”
Kevin Reid, director of Ness Botanical Gardens, said: “We are delighted with the new footpath as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism.
“About 97% of our visitors come to Ness by car and we want to provide alternatives to car use.
“We are grateful to the Friends of Ness Gardens for supporting this project on this their 50th anniversary year.
“The footpath is proving very popular already not only to Ness Gardens but also for dog walkers and ramblers as a through route to Burton village and the new RSPB facility beyond.
“Access to the gardens remains permissible to registered guide and assistance dogs only.”
The pathway has been funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council Highways service, Neston Town Council, Friends of Ness Gardens and a contribution from Cllr Loch’s member’s budget.
Any community group, organisation or individual can apply to their local councillor for aid with funding for a project. Grants must be in excess of £250.
Ness Gardens was founded in 1897. The gardens were passed to Liverpool University in 1948 with the stipulation they be kept as a botanic gardens.
They attract 100,000 visitors a year.
