In February 2022 the government Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities agreed £22.1m funding for the seven projects of the Warrington town deal programme.
One of the seven projects is the sustainable travel programme, which includes a scheme to upgrade part of the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) in west Latchford, between Wilderspool Causeway and Greenall's Avenue behind Morrisons supermarket.
The existing route between Wilderspool Causeway and Greenall's Avenue has narrowed over the years by trees and bushes and has a poor surface. In winter and after heavy rain the path is an unpleasant experience for most users, especially for wheelchair users and mobility scooters . There are also some steeper sections and pinch points which also make it difficult to use.
The proposed scheme will provide a wider path (up to 3.5 metres where space permits) with a surface such as tarmac which will be more weather resistant and harder wearing. It will be very similar in design to the recently completed section between Knutsford Road and Wilderspool Causeway.
Knutsford upgrade
This will benefit people walking, cycling, using mobility scooters and wheelchairs. It will also help people travel sustainably, healthily and safely.
The access to/from Wilderspool Causeway will also be upgraded to improve the gateway effect onto the TPT at this location. This would also serve to improve the pedestrian/cycle access towards the Morrisons superstore.
The works associated with the scheme is unlikely to impact on residents who back onto the path. Most of the improvements will be along the line of the existing path. We have had permission from Peel Ports Ltd to carry out the works as the path is on their land.
Currently there are a number of trees along the route, the vast majority of which we will retain due to their importance to the TPT environment. However to facilitate the scheme and to prevent future root damage and leaf drop onto the new path, we will need to remove a small number of trees. A Tree survey has been carried out which confirms the numbers, species, age and condition of the tree stock.
The scheme is scheduled to start on site in January 2023 and complete by April 2023.
Our aim is to upgrade the path prior to the closure of the Stockton Heath swing bridge in April 2023 so that it can be used as one of the diversion routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
The consultation will last five weeks between 27 June and 1 August. This will seek the views of users of the path, local residents and any key stakeholders with an interest in the TPT. The consultation strategy includes a letter drop to adjacent residents, this project web page, press release and social media.
A drop in consultation event has been arranged for Wednesday 13th July between 14.00 and 19.00 at the Morrisons store on Greenall’s Avenue. The draft plans will be available to view, and members of the project team will be present to answer any questions. We look forward to meeting you.
Please provide your responses using the online survey
All responses will be considered to help inform the detailed design of the scheme.
Please email your comments on the proposed scheme to active travel.
