Canal paths to be made fully accessible

The funds will be spent on work on the Rochdale Canal between Todmorden and Luddendenfoot

More than £2.5m is to be spent on improvements to walking and cycling routes, including canal paths, bridges and zebra crossings.

The work includes making the stretch of the Rochdale Canal between Todmorden and Luddendenfoot fully accessible for the first time.

Calderdale councillor Scott Patient, cabinet member for climate action and housing, said work on the route had already made a "big difference" for people travelling along the towpath.

He said: "The route is really popular with people enjoying activities such as walking, jogging and cycling and this funding will allow more people to safely enjoy this part of the canal."

He added: "When the weirs are in use, the water can be high, which is hazardous.

"The improvements will support safer journeys and allow access for cyclists or those using wheelchairs or pushchairs.

"The plans will make the roughly 12-mile stretch of towpath from Luddendenfoot to Walsden fully accessible for the first time in its history, with step-free access opening up opportunities for all."

The plans were based on feedback collected for improvements to Kilnhurst Weir in 2023, and include input from local disability groups.

Calderdale Council was granted £700,000 for the work from the government's Active Travel Fund and £1.85m from the Consolidated Active Travel Fund, via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Around £400,000 of the grant will be used to support work in partnership with the Canal and River Trust to improve access across the seven weirs on the Rochdale Canal, which will begin later this year.

New bridge decks will be created at each weir, improving accessibility and making the area safer.

Other improvements include renewing zebra crossings at schools and signage upgrades in Brighouse and Halifax.

Further improvements are planned for the towpath between Todmorden and Walsden as part of the Active Todmorden project, funding for which came from the Todmorden Town Deal.

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