SIX years after a devastating arson attack tore through Risley Moss' observation platform, plans have been confirmed to rebuild it.

The plans are believed to have a raised structure installed on the site at the nature reserve by winter 2023.

However, eyebrows have been raised by local councillors who, despite remaining hopeful, say we have 'been here before.'

Warrington Guardian: The platform was a proud asset of the nature reserve until its demise nearly six years agoThe platform was a proud asset of the nature reserve until its demise nearly six years ago (Image: Newsquest)

Birchwood councillor Nigel Balding says that although residents can feel relieved that the observation platform will return, it is important to keep the pressure on Warrington Borough Council to ensure the plans are carried out.

Cllr Balding said: "We know that there are issues because the site is composed of materials from the wartime munitions factory in Birchwood, but these issues can be overcome if our area is prioritised.

"Every year that goes past is a missed opportunity for people to enjoy views across the moss land and benefit from the interpretation materials that can be installed."

Warrington Guardian: The tower was burnt to cinders in July 2017The tower was burnt to cinders in July 2017 (Image: Newsquest)

In July 2022, the council admitted to the Warrington Guardian that it did not have a timetable to replace the observation tower - this followed from the news in 2021 that Warrington Borough Council had lost a £250,000 grant to fund the project, as no work had started.

A new platform was proposed and agreed upon, and was even unveiled to more than 1,000 visitors at the Risley Moss 'Green Safari Day' in 2019, with Birchwood councillor - and leader of the council - Russ Bowden saying: "Looking forward to getting started in the autumn."

Now, however, it appears that work may finally be getting underway, with Cllr Balding claiming that a new platform should be in place by the winter.

Cllr Balding said: "I am pleased to report that the viewing area has been tidied up this year and plans are in place for a new raised viewing platform.

"We’ve been here before, and nothing has happened, but I’m told that a new platform will be installed this winter and I think we all have to keep the pressure on to make this happen."

Risley Moss' observation platform was burnt down almost six years ago, in July 2017 - local residents' groups have raised money to contribute to the project, with the Risley Moss Action Group going as far as to scrape together £12,000 for the rebuild.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian in July, Dr Paul Speake, chair of RIMAG, said: "We have been in contact with Warrington Borough Council since day one and have been banging our heads against the wall ever since.

"A generous public appeal was started and RIMAG still holds these funds awaiting WBC pulling their finger out and getting something done."

Warrington Guardian: Cllr Balding says that the platform should be rebuilt by the winterCllr Balding says that the platform should be rebuilt by the winter (Image: Nigel Balding)

However, it appears that the people of Birchwood may not have to wait much longer for the beloved platform to be replaced in the heart of the nature reserve.

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, a council spokesperson said: “We are currently working with a specialist to finalise the design and construction detail, with a view to the project being delivered later in the year.”