Rural Highlights – Informing the Future 27 February 2008

Cheshire County Council and The Rural Enterprise Programme are hosting an event highlighting areas of good practice by the Programme and some of the projects that have received funding. Some of the Market Towns in the Weaver Valley will be present showcasing the projects they've successfully completed. The event is to take place at the Macdonald Portal Hotel, Tarporley, on Wednesday 27 February 2008.

Public Sector delegates - 2.00pm - 4.30pm
Private Sector delegates - 5.30pm - 7.30pm
(times are approximate)

There will be representatives from the NorthWest Development Agency to speak about future funding in Cheshire. A buffet will be served during the evening and there will be an opportunity to meet the speakers and ask questions. To register please contact -

Mandy Sibthorpe
Tel No: 01270 619077

Riversdale Bridge in the Heart of the Weaver Valley is a Big Lottery Winner

Northwich in the Weaver Valley, Cheshire is to benefit from the reinstatement of the popular Riversdale Swing Bridge, creating a safe and attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists over the River Weaver.

Until its closure up to 1,000 people crossed the bridge daily, using it particularly to reach local schools and colleges. The bridge is an integral part of the Weaver Way a 119km walking and cycling route being developed down the central spine of Cheshire at the core of the Weaver Valley.

The Connect2 bid – a package of 79 community-based schemes across the UK - beat three other bids competing in The People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway following a televised public vote on ITV.

The Chair of the Weaver Valley Board, Mike Cooksley said: “I am delighted, What truly fantastic news for the Weaver Valley and especially the Weaver Way”.

“We all need to take action to combat climate change and the reinstatement of Riversdale Swing  Bridge will make it easier for a large number of short journeys in Northwich to be made on foot or by bike”

The bid was put forward by leading sustainable transport charity Sustrans. Its CEO John Grimshaw said: “This is a fantastic Christmas present! We are delighted that Sustrans’ Connect2 has proved itself the peoples’ favourite in the public vote and won the £50million from the Big Lottery Fund.

“We are immensely grateful to the Weaver Valley Team and everyone who got behind the Riversdale Swing Bridge to make their votes count.

“Ultimately the real winners will be those thousands of people who will now be able to Connect2 their shops, schools, workplaces and each other every day!”