Cheshire City Council has announced that the 74-mile Weaver Way for walkers and cyclists in Weaver Valley Regional Park will be revamped over the next five years.

The existing rights of way link Frodsham, Sandbach, Middlewich, Nantwich, Northwich, Winsford and Audlem in Cheshire.

The Rural Enterprise Board has granted £130,000 towards the first phase – set to begin before Christmas – with the refurbishment of the towpath between Nantwich Marina and Acton Canal bridge.

Part of the route stretching from Frodsham Bridge to Bodens Lock will also be improved in July 2007.

Environmental executive member Andrew Needham said: “This work will link towns and villages in the park and improve access to four million local people.”