A NEW heritage trail which celebrates Newton-le-Willows' rich history will be unveiled later this month.

The new and improved Newton-le-Willows Heritage Trail and Health Walk which features a six-mile circular route which celebrates and remembers the town’s heritage.

After securing grants from Cory Environmental Trust in Britain (CETB), St Helens Council, and Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club, the Newton and Earlestown Community Group (NECG), in conjunction with local history groups, schools, doctors, and other community organisations designed and installed interpretation boards at key locations around the town.

They give details of the area's rich industrial heritage and information about many different interesting local landmarks, including Randall’s Arch and Newton-le-Willows train station.

There are also a range of resources available for schools to use to access the information along the trail, and a leaflet promoting the health benefits of walking, running, or cycling the route.

Angela Haymonds, CETB Trust Secretary, said: “The CETB Trustees are delighted to have helped such a worthwhile community project which provides information to both locals and visitors about the heritage of the local area. We hope the project encourages people to invest time into finding out more about the history of Newton-le-Willows.”

Newton councillor, Seve-Gomez Aspron, who is cabinet member for green smart and sustainable borough and vice chairman of the NECG, added: “The heritage trail was a fantastic addition to the town when it was first conceived almost 20 years ago.

"This modern revival shows what can be achieved when community groups and the council work together to secure funding.

“I’d like to commend the hard work of Debbie Fackey and Andy Hargreaves from the NECG who have donated hours of their time to compile the boards for this project, and would encourage residents to go out and enjoy our public open space and learn about our proud heritage.”

Phil Round, chairman of Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club’s community services committee, added: “The Rotary Club of Newton-le-Willows is pleased to support this project which has the potential to benefit our community in many ways through heritage, health and education initiatives.”

The Heritage Trail will be formally opened by mayor of St Helens, Cllr Dave Banks, and St Helens North MP, Conor McGinn, at 10am on Saturday, March 25 at Earlestown Market Square. This will be followed by a community walk around the route of the trail, and a celebration for invited guests.

More details about the trail can be found on newtonheritagetrail.com.