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News 25 May 2010 There is a wide range of activities from canoeing and cycling to a relaxing boat trip along the Bridgewater Canal. Events include boat trips along the Bridgewater Canal, cycling events, rowing events and an exhibition about the Bridgewater Way. Further details can be found on the events section of the Bridgewater Canal website (www.bridgewatercanal.co.uk). The 2 mile stretch between Sale and Stretford is part of 12 miles of work in Trafford which will extend north of Stretford towards The Trafford Centre. This stretch is part of the Bridgewater Way, which is a unique 65 km scheme that will regenerate the canal towpath and create a new route for cyclists. When the £8 million project is complete it will attract over half a million visitors a year. The Sale to Stretford section of the towpath is one of many schemes across the UK funded by sustainable transport charity, Sustrans, using a £50m award from the Big Lottery Fund which was won in a national TV vote in 2007. A Memorandum of Understanding between Sustrans and its partners at Trafford Council and Peel was signed in December 2008. This confirmed the partners’ continued commitment to the project and pledged £250,000 from Sustrans’ lottery award to improve the towpath for cyclists and walkers and provide a series of links into the community. Cllr Ken Weston, Chairman of Trafford Bridgewater Way Steering Group, said: “I’m delighted to see this project come to fruition and hope to see as many local people in Trafford as possible coming along to take part in the celebrations. The Bridgewater Way is one of the Borough’s great assets and the work that has been carried out has made this stretch of the route more attractive and accessible for all users.” Louise Morrissey, Director of Land and Planning at Peel said, “We are delighted to open this section of the Bridgewater Way in Trafford. The works have opened up the canal side to all users enabling people to enjoy the beauty of this valued historic asset.” Peter Green, Sustrans Area Manager for the North West, said “We are immensely pleased to be opening this new walking and cycling route. Trafford is really leading the way in giving its residents more sustainable travel choices. The Bridgewater Way makes it easier for people to do more short local journeys on foot or by bike to reach local shops, schools and amenities whilst keeping away from the busy roads in the area. It is the second of nearly 80 new schemes to be completed across the UK and provides a great waterside environment which we know will be enjoyed by everyone in the coming years."
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