UNIQUE plans to build a new tower at Risley Moss look set to be approved this week.

Warrington Borough Council is aiming to build a new observation tower at the beauty spot after the last one was destroyed by fire.

Vandals torched the wooden structure but now plans are in place to build a new iconic structure in its place.

The scheme will be discussed at Wednesday’s meeting of the development management committee in the Town Hall.

The new tower will not be on the same site as the original site is not suitable.

But it will be two-storeys as was the original.

Warrington Guardian: Risley Moss viewing platform

The planning documents state: “There will be indoor and outdoor platforms for visitors to the park to get an elevated view across the lowland peat bog and surrounding landscape and to allow views of previously unseen perspectives of the developing moss land and animal species such as basking reptiles.”

Birchwood Town Council has written to ask if access for disabled people could be included in the design.

But the planning documents state it would be too costly to include ramps, which were also not part of the original structure at the park.

The project has been funded by FCC environment, Warrington Borough Council and donations from people angered by the fire.

Council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “The delivery of a new Risley Moss tower is really important for the community, so I’m delighted that the project is progressing so well. With funding and a high quality design in place, it’s now all systems go.

“The new Risley Moss tower will be a huge asset to our much-loved nature reserve and will benefit local people for many years to come”

The application has been recommended for approval.

Warrington Guardian:

A model of the tower was shown at a recent meeting of the Risley Moss Action Group.