CHESHIRE FA’s decision to press ahead with plans for its Vision 20/20 football facility at Knights Grange in Winsford is good news for mid Cheshire as a whole, a Northwich town councillor has said.

The county’s football association confirmed today, Tuesday, that the site at the former Winsford golf course was its preferred option, despite Northwich locations having been mooted since the scheme was announced last year.

The multi-million pound proposal, which includes a 3,000-capacity stadium and 4G pitches as well as a hotel and spa, is set to create jobs and attract thousands of visitors to the area every year.

Cllr Sam Naylor, who sits on Northwich Town Council and Cheshire West and Chesyter Council, which is a partner in the scheme, said the move – coupled with a recent £2 million-plus boost for facilities at Moss Farm – is good news for mid Cheshire.

He told the Guardian: “It’s disappointing from a personal point of view because I had my heart set on it being in Northwich.

“But obviously, the site that was designated in the Dane Valley at Rudheath is for one reason or another just not suitable.

“It’s good news for mid Cheshire because last week at the budget we put £2 million into Moss Farm, and in terms of a super complex at Winsford which Northwich clubs will be able to make use of.

“At Moss Farm, that infrastructure needs updating, with car parking and changing facilities. Together, it’s fantastic news for wellbeing and sport in the area.”

It is hoped that CWAC’s Moss Farm funding will be matched by outside bodies in another capital boost for Northwich as a town, which can work alongside regeneration at neighbouring Winsford.

Cllr Naylor added: “At the end of the day we have had £80 million into Barons Quay, £14 million into the leisure centre, improvements to the gyratory system, and we are going to have big changes at the Weaver Square regeneration.

“In terms of inward investment, Northwich has done really well and I have to say that I am pleased for Winsford. It has been disregarded for a long, long time.

“Northwich has always had a good relationship with Winsford, and – as a council – we now need to work to get the transport sorted between the two towns.

“We want first class transport links to improve the connectivity and make the most of the investment we are seeing.”