The council has been successful in obtaining £320,000 to make improvements to the TPT between Whitbarrow Road and Reddish Crescent in Lymm. The investment is managed by the charity Sustrans as part of a national grant from the Department for Transport.

This section of the Trail was last upgraded in the late 1980’s when a red shale path was constructed. Over the years the surface has deteriorated, so that it becomes very muddy and wet following rain, making it impassable for most users.

The path has also become overgrown with trees and shrubs, reducing its width, and there are several, old A-frame barriers which restrict the use of the trail for many people, who are unable to get through them.

The aim of the upgrade project is to provide a 3.0m wide all-weather surface which will allow for all- year-round use. As well as catering for people walking and cycling, the new path will allow easier access for people in wheelchairs, mobility scooters and families using pushchairs and prams. Provision for horse riders will also be made, where space permits.

The council is now carrying out a three-week engagement exercise, beginning on Wednesday 24 November, so that local people can have their say on the design of the scheme. It will give people the opportunity to make comments and have their questions answered, with feedback received helping to inform the final scheme design.

Following the public engagement exercise, the detailed design will be completed, with the works anticipated to begin early in the New Year. It is likely that this part of the TPT will need to be closed for the duration of the works, at which point the council will provide details of a diversion route. 

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for transportation, highways and public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “This section of the Trans Pennine Trail has been in need of refurbishment for many years - so it’s great news that we now have the funding in place to carry out these improvements. However, we haven’t forgotten the other parts of the TPT which are also in need of improvement. We will continue to seek external funding to improve all of the TPT in Warrington.

“This investment will give this area a new lease of life, providing a wider, higher quality surface for cyclists and pedestrians and improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

“We are now at the design stage of the project, and are looking for people’s views and feedback. Please get involved, have your say and help us deliver a scheme which will benefit people for many years to come.”

You can view a full description of the scheme at warrington.gov.uk/TPT-Lymm – and then get involved in the engagement exercise in the following ways:

• Email your comments and feedback on the design of the scheme, or submit any questions, to activetravel@warrington.gov.uk
• Attend the drop in public event at the Village Hall in Lymm on Wednesday 1 December between 4.00pm and 7.00pm, to see a display of the project plans and speak to council officers involved in the scheme. (Dates to be confirmed)
• Register your interest in attending a meeting at the project site with members of the active travel team – again, by emailing activetravel@warrington.gov.uk

Ecology surveys have already taken place to check on local wildlife, protective species and invasive species. In addition, a tree survey will record all mature trees to confirm their type, age, condition and location.

Earlier this year, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced £30 million funding for Sustrans to spend on the National Cycle Network. It has kick-started dozens of infrastructure upgrades across the UK. The council has submitted a bid to Sustrans for further funding to upgrade other sections of the Trail and National Cycle Network 62. 

For more information on the project and to get involved in the engagement exercise, visit warrington.gov.uk/TPT-Lymm