Path is closed for Town Park regeneration
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MORE than a mile of path has been shut to the public for ‘upgrade’ works in a Runcorn beauty spot.
The Weekly News was first alerted to the Town Park scheme in mid-October but has now visited the scene.
Situated between where the path forks at the ski slope at one end and Norton Lane at the other, Halton Borough Council said the project is part of the Town Park masterplan.
A spokeswoman for the local authority confirmed when asked that trees are being removed under the scheme but said the woods would be improved overall by the end of the project.
When the Weekly News visited the scene, thick muddy verges could be seen lining the path, whether viewed from the ski slope end or near Norton.
The spokeswoman said no planning application was needed for the works
● because the pavement, although public, is not classed as a ‘right of way’.
Runcorn Town Park’s £1.4m masterplan was revealed in December last year and revealed a slew of proposals.
They included creating a northern ‘heritage hub’ near Norton Priory, a central ‘youth activity hub’ at Phoenix Park, and a southern ‘adventure hub’ by the ski slope.
A BMX track has already been installed at Phoenix Park as part of the works, and the cafe at Phoenix Park has re-opened, now called CHI.
The masterplan also set out to officially recognise and set the park border to protect it from further housing development.
The council spokeswoman said: “It does involve removal of some trees and greenery, but overall the woodland will have been improved by the end of the project.
“It is the upgrading of over a mile of footpaths – widening and resurfacing to create a circular walking route and better linkages – and habitat enhancements – woodland works and hedgerow improvements.
“It’s part of the Town Park masterplan.” £488 £688