A SURVEY of Winsford's River Weaver - conducted by an organisation dedicated to protecting and preserving the waterway - has earmarked more than 100 vital improvements to be made.

The research was carried out by the River Weaver Navigation Society to gather information about the state of the river banks, paths alongside, heritage items, access and facilities.

Priorities identified for Winsford included:

The restoration of the swing bridge for crew operation at Newbridge to give full access to the upper three miles of river.

Reopen access for barge traffic from Winsford Salt Mine, thereby reducing lorry traffic.

Extend trip boat tourism opportunities and encourage Winsford to make better use of its river.

The River Weaver Navigation Society, which has members across Cheshire, has been working to improve the river from Winsford to its confluence with the Manchester Ship Canal for two years.

It holds regular meetings with navigation authorities, local government and other waterways organisations to meet its objectives.

Spokeswoman for the society, Margaret Pitney, commented on the society's work.

She said: "In April 1997, it was decided that there should be an organisation to represent the River Weaver, a body which could focus all the interests of the Weaver on its fullest possible commercial and leisure use.

"It was felt that this lovely river was totally substandard compared with other waterways, very little having been spent on it which is of use to others.

"Thus was born the River Weaver Navigation Society, whose objectives are to preserve, protect and improve the River Weaver and its immediate environment.

"The newly formed committee looked for ways in which it should take forward the wishes of its members and concluded that it would be premature to rush into a course of action without a substantial fact finding activity.

"A survey of the river undertaken this year identified over 100 matters requiring attention."

Members of the public who are interested in joining the society should apply to Andy Greenwell, Hon. secretary, River Weaver Navigation Society, 102 Elmwood Road, Barnton, Northwich, CW8 4HG, who will be pleased to accept suggestions or comments on all aspects of the River Weaver.

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