THE Salt Regatta will take place on Winsord’s new-look marina this weekend.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has invested more than £40,000 to upgrade the tired-looking marina in time for the event.

The crumbling riverbank has been stabilised by strengthening the existing gabions and installing new ones where necessary, with a new steel beam providing extra support.

Councillor Brian Clarke, said he was ‘thrilled’ with the brand new quayside.

“The River Weaver is a fantastic asset for Winsford but the lack of adequate marina facilities has meant it has been woefully under-utilised for leisure purposes.

“These wonderful improvements have created a first-class marina that can now be used as a formal stopover point for boats cruising the Weaver.

“The Salt Regatta will be the perfect showcase for the new facilities and I am very much looking forward to next weekend’s celebrations.”

A new decking area provides an attractive and safe area for people to disembark from moored boats and a gate has been installed in the fence providing access from the decking to the grassed area.

A stop tap now provides access to a water supply and mooring rings are to be installed in time for the regatta.

Dredging work has also been carried out to ensure a safe passage for river craft.

The work has been carried out by the Council’s Environmental Services team with the assistance of volunteers from local groups including the Prince’s Trust, Winsford Anglers and the River Weaver Navigation Society.

Councillor Lynda Jones, Executive Member for Growth and Innovation and a Winsford local Member, added: “This work has truly transformed the marina, creating a safe and attractive place for mooring boats that is fitting for its scenic location.

“We hope the new facilities will help to attract more leisure craft to Winsford, showcasing the town as a tourist destination and providing a boost for the local economy.”