A ROMAN Soldier, a roundhead civil war soldier and a Crewe railwayman turned up to the unveiling of the town’s new 4km traffic-free rural corridor to Nantwich.

The historical characters were joined by civic dignitaries to open the joint Cheshire East Council and Sustrans project.

The Connect 2 Crewe-Nantwich Greenway is set back from the A530 Middlewich Road and has been six years in the making.

All three characters are represented in steel around a customised portrait bench close to the road leading up to Alvaston Hall Hotel.

A toucan crossing has also been installed close to the Rising Sun pub to allow people to access the greenway across the busy A530. The speed limit has also been reduced.

Clr David Topping said: “I am delighted that this greenway is now officially open and it opens up parts of the countryside that have previously been inaccessible.”

Clr Walton added: “It was an honour to officially open this new greenway and it was great to see so many people there who will all be able to use this new route.

“Hopefully it will persuade more people to leave the car at home and get out in the fresh air and take some exercise.”