More than 500 people turned out to help celebrate the completion of Stoke-on Trent’s newest road this weekend.
Families, individuals and runners from across the city took part in the Etruria Valley Fun Run along the Etruria Valley Link Road yesterday (Sunday 15 January).
The free event follows the postponement of the Santa Dash in December due to bad weather.
Participants were welcomed to the event by the Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Faisal Hussain, and treated to entertainment in the form of stilt walkers, a bubble performer and a singer.
Those taking part were among the first to experience the Etruria Valley Link Road – which links the A500 at Wolstanton to Festival Park - before it officially opens to traffic on Monday 23 January.
Councillor Abi Brown, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The Etruria Valley Link Road has been a huge project. It’s one of the biggest transport infrastructure projects delivered by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in decades.
“This new road is quickly going to become a key part of the city’s transport network and we are delighted to have been able to offer families and individuals from across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond the opportunity to experience it before anyone else.
“Thank you to everyone who turned up this weekend to help us celebrate its completion. I look forward to seeing motorists using the road very soon.”
Councillor Lorraine Beardmore, cabinet member for culture, leisure and public health, took part in the event with her family.
She said: “It was upsetting to have to postpone the Santa Dash last month but we have been working really hard ever since to ensure an event could go ahead soon.
“I was delighted to see so many people take part in the Etruria Valley Fun Run this weekend and join us for a really special celebration which has created memories and stories for the next generation to share of when they got to run across this amazing new road before it was even open.
“It was a fantastic, fun-filled event which raised a lot of money for some great local charities.”
The Etruria Valley Fun Run was a free event but participants were invited to make donations to the Lord Mayor’s charities – Brighter Futures and The Hubb Foundation – on the day.
Lord Mayor Councillor Faisal Hussain said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for helping to raise money for Brighter Futures and The Hubb Foundation – two charities which are very close to my heart.
“The Etruria Valley Fun Run brought everyone together for a great day and was a brilliant example of civic pride.”
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