VIEWS of George Stephenson's famous 'Nine Arches' viaduct are being made clearer as trees are cut down along two new sections of a cycle track network.

One of the stretches will eventually link the full length of the Sankey Canal route from St Helens through to Widnes.

And, at Newton-le-Willows, work is progressing between Bradley Lock and Wharf Road on a section that includes new drainage ponds to reduce the risk of flooding.

A key benefit of the plans is the cutting back of overgrown trees, which will improve the views of George Stephenson's famous viaduct, built between 1828 and 1830, across the Sankey Canal. The Grade I listed structure is described as "the earliest major railway viaduct in the world".

St Helens Council's cabinet member for a green borough, Councillor Seve Gomez-Aspron said: "The new pathway is a vital economic link across three boroughs. As well as providing a sustainable transport route to current and future economic opportunities, it's also a welcome recreational facility.

"By addressing historic drainage issues we've also been able to install new wildlife zones which, along with the council recommended areas at Vista Country Park, means that biodiversity along the route can be promoted and encouraged."

The Sankey Valley route runs from Widnes to St Helens via Warrington, Newton and Haydock. Along the way it takes in St Helens town centre, Haydock Industrial Estate, Sankey Valley Trading Estate, Earlestown, Parkside, Omega and Gemini Retail Park.