A DEAL worth £1 million to rescue the Lion Salt Works has fallen through over questions about its impact on tourism.

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) rejected Cheshire West and Chester Council’s (CWAC) bid for the money towards the major restoration project amid fears that it will not attract enough people through its doors.

An NWDA spokesman said: “We have reviewed the proposals for Lion Salt Works but unfortunately will not be able to provide funding.

“The NWDA must ensure its funding is directed into projects which will increase the number of visitors and have a significant impact on the visitor economy.

“The NWDA feels that this project will not be able to deliver the major tourism impact that we would require.

“We recognise that across Cheshire there are similar-sized tourist attractions and feel our efforts are better directed in working with the tourist board to market that whole cluster of attractions.”

However, CWAC has vowed to plough on with its plans to develop the Lion Salt Works as an industrial heritage museum and visitor attraction.

Executive member for culture and recreation, Clr Richard Short, said: “We are naturally disappointed with the decision because we believe the project is an important part of this authority’s plans for leisure and recreation in the Weaver Valley and should be seen in that context.

“We have worked extremely hard for some months to provide a much enhanced scheme which would bring widespread economic, social and cultural benefit to the area, in addition to improving the industrial heritage offer within the Weaver Valley.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council owns the salt works – a listed building and scheduled ancient monument – and has a statutory obligation to preserve the building.

The current programme of council-funded ‘enabling’ work is designed to ensure the safety of the 19th century building and to pave the way for project development.

Clr Short added: “Work will continue as planned with any disassembled sections being restored to their former condition.

“In the meantime, we will take stock of the situation, look for alternative funding and possibly consider whether we need to look at re-shaping the scheme to meet our reduced financial options.”

In March last year, the Heritage Lottery Fund announced a £4.96 million award towards the total cost of the £7 million project.

CWAC’s website says ‘matched’ funding has been provided by the former Vale Royal Borough Council (£750,000), North West Development Agency (£750,000), Cheshire County Council (£100,000) and a European Union Grant of £350,000.