EVER fancied hopping on a boat from Winnington straight into town ?

Cllr Sam Naylor, Labour Cheshire West and Chester Council member for Winnington and Castle, shared his vision for the town’s future transport links at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

After praising the new Northwich Transport Strategy, which was adopted by CWAC at the meeting, he admitted he would like to see greater use of the town’s historic waterways – with the introduction of water taxis.

“I’ve got this kind of vision,” he said.

“With the extra thousands of people that are now living in Winnington Village and will continue to populate that development, and all the people living in Barnton, I just think it would be fantastic if they could hop on some fast water taxis from Winnington straight into Barons Quay.

“I think it would be really revolutionary and popular.”

Water taxis are already in use on the Manchester Ship Canal – taking passengers to Salford Quays and the Trafford Centre.

The newly-adopted Northwich Transport Strategy sets out 58 proposals to improve the town’s roads, cycle and pathways, railway network and bus services – but neither the River Weaver nor the River Dane feature in the document.

Cllr Paul Dolan, Labour member for Winnington and Castle and cabinet member for adult social care, presented the strategy to cabinet on behalf of Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure.

He added: “On the question of air quality, I agree that things like waterways and encouraging the use of public transport, getting changes in behaviour, and walking to school are all part of the agenda.

“In terms of the links to other things we’ve got going on in the town – some of these changes are already happening, there are real improvements being seen in the town.

“I think we are on the threshold of a new era for the town.”