Sustrans Connect2 bid have won the Big Lottery Funds: The Peoples £50 million contest.

 

This now means the Bridgewater Way, which was one of the 79 scheme within the Connect2 bid will receive funding for works to the Sale to Stretford section of the Bridgewater Way to be undertaken. This funding will particularly concentrate on improving the quality and number of access points to the route as well as improving the surface of the towpath itself.

 

Mike Butterworth of Peel said, “The Bridgewater Way would like to thank all those who voted for the Connect2 scheme. Sustrans have done an excellent job at working with the schemes in local areas to help bring this funding to the much needed causes for the 79 schemes involved. The funding received for the Bridgewater Way Sale to Stretford Section will once again allow people to access the canal side more readily and enjoy the beauty of the canal”

 

Cllr Kenneth Weston said: “I am delighted that all the hard work put into the Connect2 bid has been successful. This funding will be of real benefit to Trafford's cyclists and pedestrians, enhancing the Sale and Stretford areas of the Bridgewater Way by improving the towpath and access to it. I want to thank all the people in Trafford and across the UK who voted for the scheme, as well as all the Trafford Council staff who worked on the project in conjunction with the Bridgewater Canal Trust and Bridgewater Way project team and will continue to do so."

 

 

John Grimshaw, Sustrans CEO:

“This is a fantastic Christmas present! We are delighted that Sustrans’ Connect2 has proved itself the peoples’ favourite in the public vote and won the £50million from the Big Lottery Fund.

 

“We are immensely grateful to Trafford and everyone who got behind The Bridgewater Way to make their votes count.

 

“As a massive public consultation exercise Connect2 has engendered a huge amount of goodwill from all sectors. It has confirmed our belief that people want to walk and cycle more when given the right surroundings. But the hard work starts now and there will be a huge amount to be done to make sure we fulfil all our obligations to the Big Lottery Fund. Ultimately the real winners will be those thousands of people who will now be able to Connect2 their shops, schools, workplaces and each other every day!”