Another area of Chester will one day have its own country park

Work to convert a former landfill site into a green space for wildlife and residents has now started.

The Backies, an eight-acre former landfill site, forms part of the Lache Action Plan endorsed by the council’s cabinet last November.

Lache councillor Alex Tate says she is excited that the regeneration project at The Backies could emulate the likes of the Countess of Chester Country Park in the future. She points out the facility will benefit many people south of the River Dee and will greatly benefit leisure opportunities.

Plans for how the space will be improved for different species of wildlife and as a green space for locals to enjoy are being developed in a partnership between residents and Cheshire West and Chester Council's landscape designer, ecologist and community and regeneration teams.

Initial works have been carried out before the bird nesting season starts. They include works to trees in different states of collapse near paths, removal of diseased trees to allow for an extra pathway into and through the area, and the removal of roots to help make paths level. Concrete posts may also be removed to help improve the grassland and encourage biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

The Backies is one of four key projects which make up the Lache Action Plan, which also include improved facilities and play equipment for children at Lache Park (Sycamore Drive), refurbishment of Lache Community Centre and improvements to roads and traffic management on the likes of Hawthorn Road and Poplar Place, making it safer to walk or cycle and boosting the look and feel of the area.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cheshire West and Chester cabinet member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“This is just the first phase of our plans that have been developed in ongoing consultation with residents and the Friends of The Backies group and we thank everyone involved for their enthusiasm working on this project.

“We are now working in collaboration to develop the longer-term plan for the site and then put bids together for funding to carry out the next phases of the works for more improvements to the site such as footpaths, benches and a new entrance gate.”

Updates on The Backies project will be posted on a revamped Lache Action Plan website from early March.

Pictured – Lache councillor Alex Tate enjoying a dog walk at The Backies.