THE council has been forced to retract statements made about the regeneration of Northwich in one of its own newsletters.

In its latest ‘You Said, We Did’ newsletter, sent out after the Marbury ward focused community forum, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) stated that the mines stablisation project at Barons Quay has been signed off.

But back in September Clr Mike Jones, CWAC’s leader, said it could be another two years before the mines were given their final certificates to say they were stabilised and safe to build on.

A spokesman for Cheshire West and Chester Council said that, despite the newsletter, the mines project had not yet received its certification.

He said: “The situation remains the same – the stabilisation of the mines is still being monitored and we anticipate that this will be the case for some time to come.”

The same ‘You Said, We Did’ newsletter also revealed information which has yet to be made officially public.

This included a summary about British Waterways working with a named developer on proposals for the marina site, which could include a new marina, houses and retail or food and drink outlets.

It also featured plans to remove subways and proposals for a trial gyratory system for town centre traffic.

A more detailed outline of CWAC’s plans for the Northwich Culture and Recreation Centre in the newsletter has forced the council to divulge extra information.

Councillors are expected to set aside £11m for the project when the executive committee meet to discuss the budget tonight, Wednesday.

Proposals for the centre include a 500-seat multi-purpose hall, a smaller multi-use hall and dance theatre, squash courts, a gym, a 25m and six or eight-lane swimming pool, wet and dry changing facilities, a health suite, including sauna, steam room, relaxation room and a health bar, a restaurant and a coffee shop or bar.

It may also see the library, Dane Walk Adult Day Care Centre, Shopmobility, the registrar and information centre relocated under its roof.

The CWAC spokesman said: “It’s quite obviously not going to be your average sports centre.

“It’s going to be a cultural centre for Northwich, capable of hosting all sorts of events and, potentially there could also be a community aspect as well.

“It will embody all that’s best in present day sports and cultural facilities.”

He emphasised that plans could change to meet demand and circumstances.

The council is still considering sites for the centre, but once a location has been decided work will start within two years.