Lache - Backies work underway

Work has started at the Backies in Lache. As part of the Lache Action Plan, the former landfill site is being transformed into a green space area for wildlife and residents to enjoy.

The first task started earlier this month was the clearing of a considerable amount of fly-tipped waste. Any future incidents of fly-tipping will be managed through a collaboration between the Council and Sanctuary Housing enforcement teams.

Work has begun on constructing an accessible path, installing seating areas and signage, and creating a welcoming gate to the 8-hectare site. These improvements are designed to make the Backies a more inclusive space, inviting more people and families to get outside in nature.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation said:

“It’s brilliant that work has started at the Backies in Lache. We promised that this site would be transformed as part of the Lache Action Plan, and we’re keeping our promise, turning a former landfill site into a green space area for residents and wildlife to enjoy.

“The first step of this work has been clearing litter and fly-tipped waste, thank-you to all those in the community who helped with the clean-up efforts. Thanks also to all the partner organisations who have supported this project with funding and resources. The improvement works are continuing and when they’re done, the Backies will be a space that the community can be proud of.”

The site will remain closed for several weeks during the fly tipping removal and earthworks for health and safety reasons. The site will be reopened as soon as possible after these works are complete and it is safe to do so.

The project has been made possible thanks to funding from the FCC Communities Foundation and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from Chester Zoo and local development partners. The full transformation is expected to be completed in early 2026, with ongoing habitat and community enhancements led by volunteers and the Chester Zoo-supported Networks for Nature project.

Full details of planned improvement works are available online at: 

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/regeneration-of-west-cheshire/chester-regeneration/lache-action-plan/the-backies-lapa-fields

The Lache Action Plan consists of four elements aiming to help improve the neighbourhood for residents and guide investment in the area.

The four Action Plan projects are:

• Lache Park (Sycamore Drive) - new children’s play area equipment, including inclusive play, to support improved facilities for children. Completed in  July 2024.
• Backies/LAPA Field – work has started to improve  the 8-hectare former landfill area for wildlife and residents to enjoy as a green space amenity.
• Lache Community Centre – Refurbishing the building to improve facilities for residents and help improve its financial and environmental sustainability. Initial phase completed March 2025 – with café now operational.  
• Traffic/road improvements on Hawthorn Road and Poplar Place – Consultation has been completed on the options to better manage traffic, making it safer to walk or cycle, and improving the way the area looks and feels.

Pictured - Removing fly tipping.