Proposals to create a multi-user route through the Carrs have been given a boost by the formation of a working group tasked with progressing the scheme.
Currently the paths through the park are eroded and liable to flooding in places, but the proposed path, which will run from the Parish Hall to near Twinnies Bridge, would be built away from the river and be wide enough to cater for wheelchair users, walkers, pram-pushers and cyclists.
Creation of the route would link into an existing network of cyclable routes to Styal and around Manchester Airport.
Membership of the group, chaired by Graham Beech, includes Friends of the Carrs, CycleWilmslow, a Cheshire East/Town Councillor, disability groups and the National Trust.
A path suitable for all park users was first proposed in The Carrs Plan, drafted by Macclesfield Borough Council in 2003, but it was never implemented. The idea was also advocated by CycleWilmslow in 2008 and the Wilmslow Local Area Partnership (LAP) have included it in their action plan.
Graham Beech said: "This idea has been around for some time and would be of real benefit to park users. Some parts of the path are falling into the river, wheelchair users must find it very difficult. It would be better to give park users the option of a path in the middle with a quality surface."
Colin Shepherd, Chairman of Friends of the Carrs said: "There is a desire for a path, there have been other pressing issues such as river bank erosion and balsam but it will be good to see the project move forward to provide a better link to Styal and a leisure route for everyone."
Rob Sawyer, Chairman of CycleWilmslow added "We fully support this project; a high-quality route through the Carrs would enable cycling to be legitimised and improve access for a wide variety of park users."
It is hoped that £37,500 of funds, resulting from the Water's development at Stamford Lodge will enable a route survey to be carried out some time within the next 12 months."
Photo: Graham Beech.
