NANTWICH could be part of a possible regional park in a project designed to aid rural recovery.

With the county's agricultural and tourism industries still reeling from the Foot and Mouth crisis and September 11, the idea is a positive one that could generate a wealth of new opportunities.

The Northwest Development Agency has provided £20,000 funding to look into the possibility of transforming the Weaver Valley into a regional park.

The water-based park, which could become one of England's first regional parks, would encompass thousands of hectares in Cheshire Countryside linking both urban and rural areas.

Nantwich could be a big player in these plans.

NWDA area mgr Chris Koral said: "The regional park concept could provide many new opportunities, benefiting the Cheshire environment and the communities living and working with that environment.

"The NWDA sees the park as a real chance to improve the quality of urban life, support conservation and natural regeneration and increase tourism within the area.

County council executive member Andrew Needham added:

"I'm delighted that the NDWA has agreed to fund the feasibility study. Not only will the park improve the quality of life for local communities but it will also make Cheshire an even more attractive place to visit, thus helping to boost the economy.

"All of which, together with the important inclusion of several market towns, forms part of the county council's comprehensive plan for Rural Recovery."