It is nearly 6 months since arsonists burned down the Risley Moss Cruden Observation Tower and there has been much discussion as to what should replace it.  The good news is that Warrington Borough Council are committed to replacing the old structure, but with what is uncertain at this stage.  Consultations are ongoing and in the New Year there will be a public consultation on the proposals which Risley Moss Action Group (RIMAG) will make public as soon as possible.

RIMAG are coordinating the fund raising efforts of the local community and many donations have been channelled their way.  One such donation came from Spectrum Striders, who used  income from the Birchwood 10K in August to raise a donation of £500. Janet Redpath, the 2017 Spectrum Striders Race Director, along with committee member Jenny McIntyre, presented a cheque to the rebuilding fund. The Race Director said this was a way of the runners putting something back into the community.  The cheque was received by Mark Cozens of the Warrington Borough Council Ranger Service and Dr Paul Speake, Chair of RIMAG.

Groups have also raised funds by completing the Three Peaks Challenge of Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis or donating to the fund via a GoFundMe page, along with donations from the Friends of Birchwood Forest Park. Specific fund-raisers have been organised by RIMAG and a trio of local Mums, Emma, Sian and Karen known affectionately as the Coven, who organised the Halloween Event raising £2,500.  The total for the fund now sits at over £7300 and RIMAG intend to organise more events in the coming months.