MIDDLEWICH Vision is under new leadership.

Julia Brumby, who worked for the former Congleton Borough Council's community safety partnership, has taken over as project coordinator for the town’s regeneration project.

Speaking to the Guardian last week, she says she is now determined to put Middlewich at the forefront of tourism and heritage schemes in the region.

“I want Middlewich to be the community regeneration pioneer,” said Julia.

“We’re building on solid foundations. I want people to be impressed, think of us as the leaders and say: ‘That’s how it’s done’.

“Community engagement is what interests me greatly and this is the opportunity to make the most of that with this job.”

In October, former project manager Stephen Dent admitted that Middlewich Vision had ‘slowed down’ as the group had lost its project coordinator Caroline O'Brien about a year ago.

But Julia has now filled the power vacuum and is reviewing the working groups, which highlight environment, transport and accessibility, economic and social and community issues in the town.

“I need to find out what’s outstanding and drum up some enthusiasm,” she added.

“Cheshire East Council is a whole new ball game so we need to put Middlewich on the map.

“I have really enjoyed meeting the people of Middlewich. Their passion for the town and the area is quite something.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm and wanting the town to be the best. The amount of volunteers is quite extraordinary.

“If you can work with groups like that it’s of reciprocal benefit. We can build something really good.”

Julia, who works in the Middlewich Town Council headquarters in Lewin Street, told the Guardian that Middlewich Vision’s main long-term goal is the Town Wharf project.

This is a scheme to transform a derelict warehouse and cottage into a canalside cafe, visitor and heritage centre with boating facilities.

Julia said: “I’d like to get something that really gives the town a centre for tourism and heritage and really brings people into Middlewich that don’t know the town.”

The new project coordinator also told Middlewich residents not to worry after the Guardian revealed that Northwich Vision had come to nothing.

Julia added: “Middlewich Vision is safe because it’s community funded and what the community wants.”

One of Middlewich Vision’s most successful projects was the £300,000 upgrade of the 2.2km of towpath along the Trent and Mersey Canal between Croxton Trail and the junction of the Wardle Canal in the town centre.

Another current project is the plan to build a lorry park in Brooks Lane to prevent lorry drivers from parking illegally in Middlewich overnight.