Warrington & Co secures £364k for Linking the Locks project

The Coastal Community Fund has awarded £654k to Warrington and Halton’s Linking the Locks project, to develop business opportunities along the Sankey Canal.

The successful joint bid saw the collaboration of Warrington Borough Council, Halton Borough Council and the Sankey Canal Restorarion Society (SCARS).

Delivered by Warrington & Co., the Linking the Locks project will look at various ways of improving support to businesses along the stretch of the Sankey Canal between Spike Island in Widnes and Fiddler’s Ferry Marina in Warrington.

The project will include the surrounding business parks and industrial areas adjacent to the canal.

It will also look at apprenticeships opportunities, business and employee training and ensure that companies are kept aware of local and national initiatives and any associated funding support.

Heading up the scheme will be Warrington & Co.’s newest recruits; Jonathan Aghanian as business development & marketing officer with Joanne Lomax as business development & marketing co-ordinator. Funding for these new posts comes from the grant awarded by Coastal Communities.

Jonathan said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this project during such an exciting time for development within Warrington and Halton. I look forward to working closely with everyone with a vested interest along the Sankey Canal as we take this project forward”.

Steve Park, managing director at Warrington & Co. said: “There is great scope for development along the historic Sankey Canal, not only in terms of infrastructure but also in supporting new and existing businesses in the area.

“I’m delighted to have Jonathan and Joanne on board and have every confidence that they will drive this project to success.”

Cllr Linda Dirir, executive board member for highways, transportation and climate change, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ve received funding from Coastal Communities to help regenerate and revitalise this area of the town.

“Built in 1747 our historic Sankey Canal was the first modern canal to be built in England. This neglected asset kick started the Industrial Revolution but despite its historic importance it has sadly been neglected over the years and largely left forgotten. This funding will give us the opportunity to work with our colleagues at Halton to maximise its potential to create and enhance employment and leisure opportunities.”

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