CWAC pushes ahead with RGF schemes

Cheshire West & Chester Council has appointed Kier Group to carry out major improvement works as part of the Ellesmere Port Regional Growth Fund programme.

Kier will work alongside the council's highways contractor, Ringway. The project includes £2m of alterations to Ellesmere Port's M53 junctions, with large-scale landscaping and clearing works, increased street lighting and the upgrading of roads around junctions 7, 8, 9 and 10.

A new pedestrian and cycleway along North Road and Overpool Road will also be introduced.

Following a successful bid for £6m from the government's Regional Growth Fund by Ellesmere Port's development board and Cheshire West and Chester Council, the first RGF project on New Bridge Road was announced in January.

RGF projects will include the construction and upgrading of roads, remediation of land, improved transport links and environmental improvements aimed at securing investment at Hooton Park, Port Bridge Water, the former Cabot Carbon site, New Port Business Park and the former BP Stanlow site.

Robert Mee, chairman of the Ellesmere Port development board, said: "Improving perceptions of the town for residents and visitors is one of the key objectives of the Ellesmere Port Development Board's Strategic Regeneration Framework.

"The M53 is the gateway to Ellesmere Port and this ambitious project will go a long way towards that – the initial perceptions people gain when visiting the town are vitally important in attracting new investment and creating a sense of pride."

Cllr Mike Jones, leader of CWAC Council, said: "I am very excited at the success we are achieving in the regeneration of Ellesmere Port and the jobs being created by working with investors who now want to come to the town.

"The gateways to any town or city will always imprint a lasting impression on visitors and potential investors. Attractive and well-managed transport links project a professional character for the area."