IT'S going to be green and it's got the support of Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan.

More than £1.5m will be spent on transforming the Medlock Valley in east Manchester into a zone where people of all ages can enjoy fishing, walking or visiting a discovery centre to learn more about the area.

The zone runs through the heart of east Manchester from the edges of the city centre, past Sportcity, historic Phillips Park and Clayton Vale to the eastern boundary.

Blues boss Keegan joined local youngsters to help launch a plan which has been drawn up by the city council and the New East Manchester revival organisation who have worked closely with residents and local businesses.

The work has been overseen by a group, which includes Groundwork Manchester, the Environment Agency, Red Rose Forest and the North West Development Agency. The project is also closely linked to the development of an environment zone at Phillips Park.

This will include a community farm which will be moved into the park from Turner Street, Clayton, and the development of the discovery centre which should attract more visitors.

Keegan said: "As a club we are committed to the local community and the work that is taking place as part of the regeneration of the area." Council leader Richard Leese said: "The launch of this strategy reinforces the efforts to improve the quality of life for people in the area by unlocking the potential of the valuable green space that exists in east Manchester."

Jo Fraser, Medlock Valley project officer, said: "We will begin to cut back overgrown vegetation and renew and replace fencing where appropriate.

"I will also be working closely with the community to help organise and promote events and attractions in the valley that will bring more visitors including families to use the area in a positive way. Plans are underway to improve ponds for fishing and create orienteering trails and new education packs for nearby schools."

Harmesh Jassal, the new deal for communities environment manager, said: "It is our aim to breathe new life into the Medlock Valley making it an attractive and pleasant, green environment." Tweet