The Bridgewater Way has been short listed to be part of Sustrans ‘Connect 2’ bid for the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks: The People’s Millions competition.

 

During April, we asked members of the public to pledge their support of the scheme; which was for the Sale and Stretford areas of the Bridgewater Way, to be short listed and incorporated as part of Sustrans larger bid ‘Connect 2’.

 

The Bridgewater Way, would like to thank all those who pledged their support for the scheme. Those schemes short listed were based on feasibility of scheme, practicality, political support and number of pledges. We have now been informed that the Bridgewater Way has been made one of the final 79 schemes who will all benefit from funding if ‘Connect 2’ is successful in its bid.

 

Funding allocated to the Bridgewater Way would allow for works in the Sale and Stretford areas of the Bridgewater Way in Trafford to take place; particularly concentrating on improving the quality and number of access points to the route as well as improving the surface of the towpath itself.

 

The final Connect 2 list has been whittled down from over 400 original submissions from Councils and other organisations throughout the UK. After consultation, a shortlist of 130 projects was compiled and registered on the Connect 2 website where members of the public could pledge their support for each scheme. Through this process a final list of 79 was then decided.

 

Nearly 5 million people live within a mile of the 79 projects being submitted to the Big Lottery Fund.

 

John Grimshaw, Sustrans’ Chief Executive, says: “Connect2 would transform the way people move around their communities and have a positive impact on people’s health and the environment, now and for generations to come. It is the most exciting Sustrans project since we received a £43 million Lottery Grant in 1995, to develop the National Cycle Network.

“So far we have had thousands of messages of support for the projects. We urge people to continue to back Connect2 in their area by pledging support on our website – www.sustransconnect2.org.uk.  The more people we can engage, the more likely Connect2 is to succeed.”

 

Please visit www.sustransconnect2.org.uk for more information on the Sustrans Connect 2 Bid