A BID to secure funding for an ambitious £1 million project to renovate Lymm Dam has taken another step forward.

The project application by the Lymm Environment and Heritage Group has been given stage one approval by the Heritage Lottery Fund, meaning that it is now likely to receive support should it develop on agreed lines.

The project contains improvements to Lymm Dam, including de-silting of the upper dam, the restoration of Crosfield Bridge, and path refurbishment along with an archaeological dig at the Slitting Mill, located in the nearby Slitten Gorge.

A project spokesman said: "Although there is a long way to go, we are delighted that our plans are considered viable for preliminary support by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"The next stage is to put together a more detailed project submission and secure additional funding partners.

"If all the necessary funding can be secured and approval given, we hope that work on the first phase of our plans will commence in 2003."

With an estimated cost of more than £1 million, a lottery grant is being sought for £660,000 with other funding coming from Warrington Borough Council, Lymm Parish Council, the Countryside Agency, The Forestry Commission and other agencies.

Work is currently under way at the dam to create a heritage trail from the dam to the village, linking the Slitting Mill and the Trans Pennine Trail. The trail is due to be completed early in the new year.

For further information on the project, call Lymm Parish Council on 753746 or the borough council on 442729.