Lancashire County Council is to invest £1.5m in Guild Wheel project

Preston’s Guild Wheel project has been given a huge boost following the news that Lancashire County Council is to invest £1.5m in the scheme.

The ambitious scheme will create a 21-mile greenway around the city which will be used by thousands of cyclists, walkers and runners each year. It is the idea of local man Peter Ward and is being led by Lancashire County Council with support from Preston City Council.

County Councillor Geoff Driver, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “The Guild Wheel promises to be one of the best cycling routes in the country.

“Not only will it provide a more environmentally friendly way of getting around the city, it will be a place where people can take in Preston’s historic sites, keep fit and use purpose-built play facilities. The Guild Wheel will also be lined with trees and hedges attracting a variety of wildlife.

“The 2012 Guild promises to be a spectacular celebration of Preston’s history and heritage and I’m pleased to work with the city council on this scheme.”

The aim is to provide a route that can be used by people of all abilities for recreation, accessing the countryside, and getting to work and school. It will help people to lead a healthier lifestyle through exercise.

This scheme will also develop a green corridor, and bring wider environmental benefits such as an improved habitat for wildlife, upgrading play areas, and planting of trees and hedgerows.

Peter Ward, chairman of the Preston Cycling Forum, explained: “The idea is to create a fantastic cycling and walking route that thousands of people can enjoy year in, year out – a place for people to relax, exercise or just get from A to B easily no matter what their age or ability.

“I’m pleased this project is moving forward and the £1.5 funding, together with support from other partners will help make this idea a reality.”

Preston’s Guild Wheel Cycling project was launched four years ago. Although exact route details have not been finalised, the general course of the path has already been confirmed as follows:

From Avenham Park, the route will run along the river to the docks. It will then connect with the Ribble Link, running via existing cycle paths and quiet lanes to Brougton. It will then travel through the east side of the city and is likely to run via the Midgery Lane Cycle Track and Preston East Employment Area, before joining the riverside cycle path near Brockhole’s Bridge.

The route will feature a good surface with access for people with disabilities, monuments depicting Preston’s rich and diverse history and activity, adventure and play areas for children.

This is one of the many projects which will mark the 2012 Preston Guild. Preston’s Guild dates back to around 1179, when King Henry II granted the town its first royal charter, and is celebrated every 20 years. The Guild Week celebrations planned for 2012 are likely to include carnivals, processions, dances, firework displays, sporting events and much more.

Tags: Avenham Park, Guild Wheel, Lancashire County Council, Preston, Preston City Council, Preston Cycling Forum, Preston Guild, Preston Transport