RUNNERS should show their support now for a proposal to improve the track at Hartford Campus if they want to train there in the future.

A consultation started in October to gauge backing for the idea.

It also hopes to identify groups who might use it.

“Get involved and let us know what you think,” said Nicola Dunbar, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Development Board.

“This is an initiative that will potentially benefit hundreds of schoolchildren as well as sports club members and community groups in the area.

“If you would like to see better facilities, fill in the survey and make your voice heard.”

The development board, formerly Weaver Valley Partnership, Hartford Parish Council, Mid-Cheshire College and neighbouring high schools – Hartford Church of England and St Nicholas Roman Catholic – are involved too.

Together they have contributed to the cost of a study, to be carried out by Active Cheshire, into the proposal’s feasibility.

“We’re working collaboratively to make this happen for our three towns – Northwich, Middlewich and Winsford,” added Dunbar.

To begin with Active Cheshire has invited clubs, groups, individuals and residents to register an interest on its website at activecheshire.org

They can take part in the consultation, which runs until early in 2016, after completing an online form.

Alternatively, Active Cheshire will listen to responses at two open evenings in the village.

The first, at Mid-Cheshire College, takes place tonight, Wednesday, between 6pm and 8pm.

A second follows in seven days’ time at St John’s Parish Church, from 7pm.

“Mid Cheshire is in desperate need of a high-quality athletics facility,” said Cllr Sam Naylor, of Cheshire West and Chester Council.

“This sort of project is what motivated me to get involved in local politics, and I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”

He represents the council, which owns the land, in the partnership formed to work on the plan.

A 3G football pitch will be laid next door to the current gravel-based track after receiving planning permission.

“We excited to be part of a further development of the facilities on campus,” said Mike Holland, head teacher at Hartford high school.

“This will be a great addition.”