AN official ceremony has been held to dedicate a new cycleway in Burtonwood in memory of a much-missed former councillor.

Terry O’Neill Way is a 1.5km tarmac path running between Hayley Road South in Burtonwood and junction eight of the M62.

Its formal status is a cycle track, with a right of way on foot for shared use by pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities.

It will improve access to and from the Omega employment site as well as the Gemini retail park.

Terry O’Neill’s wife Cath and family joined the mayor of Warrington Cllr Maureen Creaghan, Charlotte Nichols MP, Warrington Borough Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden and deputy council leader Cllr Cathy Mitchell for the official opening ceremony and the unveiling of a new ‘Terry O’Neill Way’ street sign.

The cycleway consists of a 3.5m wide path with grass verges, new fencing and new lighting along its length.

In the south, it links into the existing shared use path running around the west side of the junction eight roundabout and links into the rest of the Warrington shared use network on Skyline Drive, Burtonwood Road and Charon Drive.

Cllr Creaghan said “I was delighted to be part of the official opening of this fantastic new cycleway, which will be a real asset for the local community.

Terry ONeill Way

Terry O'Neill Way

“It is a wonderful way to remember Terry O’Neill, and it will provide a lasting tribute to the tireless commitment he gave to our borough.”

Cllr Mitchell commented: “Terry was a wonderful servant to our town and to his constituency of Burtonwood and Winwick, and I am delighted he is being honoured through this new cycleway.

“It is a fantastic project which will bring huge benefits to cyclists and pedestrians for many years to come, connecting Burtonwood to the wider cycling network in Warrington, improving safety and supporting businesses.”

The £1.25million scheme has being funded by a combination of government money via Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, council borrowing and section 106 funding from Omega Warrington.

Terry O’Neill Way forms part of the Omega local highways project – a series of initiatives in west Warrington to provide additional highway capacity, enhance network resilience, and improve cycling and pedestrian facilities.

Cllr Hans Mundry, cabinet member for highways, transportation and public realm, said: “This new cycleway will make a real difference to local people, promoting safe walking and cycling and providing an important new link on the Warrington cycling and walking network.

“It is fitting that the cycleway has officially been named in honour of our former council leader, who dedicated his life to making our entire borough – including his own constituency of Burtonwood and Winwick – a better place for everyone.”