AN improvement project has begun along the Bollin Valley Way, which connects Partington and Macclesfield through 25 miles of stunning countryside.

The work is being delivered by the Bollin Valley Partnership with funding from the Veolia Environmental Trust, who awarded a grant of £12,413 made through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The first leg of the popular long-distance walking route between Partington and Dunham is being made accessible for all.

This project will see the stiles along the route being replaced with gates, providing access for many more people including the disabled and families with pushchairs.

Signs to direct people will also be installed, as well as additional seating.

Community Projects Officer at the Bollin Valley Partnership, Emma Houghton, said: “It is great to see the work starting on this project. The Bollin Valley Way provides a great route connecting rural villages through much of our magnificent countryside.

"These improvements will make this popular route much more accessible, enabling many more people to enjoy what it has to offer.”

Executive director at the Veolia Environmental Trust, McNabb Laurie, added: “We have been able to support these improvements through the Landfill Communities Fund.

"Accessing greenspace is known to have positive effects on people’s mental and physical well-being, as well as broaden people's understanding and appreciation of nature. For these reasons alone it is vitally important that greenspace is made accessible for as many people to enjoy what it has to offer as possible."