AN ambitious scheme to drive Winsford’s regeneration by creating a second Cheshire Ring on the canal network is gathering pace.

Water-tight caissons would transport narrowboats on an inclined plane between the River Weaver to the Middlewich branch of the Shropshire Union canal.

The engineering marvel would adjoin the towns of the Weaver Valley and encourage water tourists to explore the scenic but under-used upper reaches of the river near Winsford.

It’s hoped the feat of engineering itself would create a tourist boom similar to that experienced by the Falkirk Wheel and kick-start water-side investment in Winsford, where more tourist pounds would be a boon for local business.

“It’s a huge opportunity for the three towns of Winsford, Middlewich and Northwich. Not just in terms of bringing more boats into town and leisure tourism, but in terms of regeneration and investment,” said Red Lion landlord, Damon Horrill.

“An increase in traffic on the waterways will demand more shops and better facilities.

“It could mean that the long-awaited regeneration of Winsford becomes a reality and a chance to redefine what the town means to people.”

Water tourism expert, Nigel Hughes, believes the dream could become a reality for around £4 million.

“The river actually comes within 20 metres of the Shropshire Union. That’s the point where the inclined plane would be.

“Imagine if you could do the Anderton Boat Lift and cruise a circular route in a week, visiting all the towns thank to the inclined plane.

“It would be a massive draw for boaters, and potentially a ‘write your own cheque’ situation for the amount of money it would bring in.”

Borough councillor, Brian Clarke, added: “This is a long term aspiration of the three towns in order to create a new Cheshire ring that will make mid-Cheshire as a whole a destination for tourism.

“To create a whole new system to cater for this will take time and planning. This is being progressed as part of the Three Towns strategy which is under the overarching strategy of the Weaver Valley Partnership Board, where we are all involved in setting the out the vision and guiding the direction so that each piece of the jigsaw fits in neatly with the other.”