A deal should be secured in the next few weeks between the owners of Northwich Marina, British Waterways and a private company which has pledged to take the site over - continuing with its original use and maximising the town's waterfront.

The marina's business Northwich Marine, at the site on the River Weaver just off Chester Way, was declared bankrupt in May.

Since then British Waterways have been actively marketing the site through agent Richard Smith, of Fifield Glynn in Northwich.

"We've had a lot of interest in the site and have now decided to proceed with the preferred tenant," said Mr Smith.

"All those short listed had proposals to continue the use of the marina."

Before the war the marina was privately owned and sometime after, when British Waterways was created, it bought the site as Hayhurst Yard for boat repairs.

Five years ago it was leased out to the partnership - Northwich Marine.

The site, which offered mooring, a slipway and chandlery, also has historical interest with some listed canal boat blocks.

John Trangmar, officer in charge of Northwich Sea Cadets, is one of the many who welcome the news.

He said: "It was very sad when Northwich Marine went bankrupt. The marina itself has been there for a very long time - it's part of Northwich's heritage.

"It's the only part of the river which has had any life on it and where anyone has made any effort.

"I'm very pleased with the news and will certainly look forward to using the slipway there."

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