Calderdale schools are set to benefit from funding to support safer, active journeys for pupils, parents and staff.
Calderdale Council has secured £900,000 from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of Active Travel England funding to improve routes and access to schools.
Five schools across the borough will benefit from the funding, which will be used to develop and deliver improvements to crossings and junctions around the schools to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier and safer.
Work will include new road layouts, wider pavements, safer crossing facilities as well as landscaping improvements to support sustainable drainage.
Improvements will take place at:
- Abbey Park Primary Academy, Illingworth – Including a new signalised crossing and the relocation and upgrade of the existing crossing. A new pedestrian path will also be added.
- Bowling Green Academy, Stainland – Including changes to the road layout and the introduction of vehicle access restrictions. A new crossing will support access to a relocated bus stop and new visitor cycle parking will be introduced. Landscaping improvements will include tree planting to create a living ‘green screen’ in front of the school.
- Ripponden Junior and Infant School – Including the upgrade of the existing crossing to a signal-controlled version, with wider pavements to allow more space for people crossing.
- Trinity Academy Grammar – Including the extension of the school street zone to improve pedestrian safety.
- Withinfields Primary School, Southowram – Including changes to the existing road layout and the introduction of a new zebra crossing. Landscaping and drainage improvements are also planned.
The improvements will help to build a safe, healthy and attractive environment for people of all ages to walk, wheel and cycle as part of their journey to and from school. Work is due to take place in summer 2025.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“We want to make it easier and safer for people to choose active ways to travel to and from school. It’s brilliant news that we’ve been able to secure funding from Active Travel England through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, for improvements at five schools across the borough.
“Walking, wheeling or cycling as part of the school run is not only great for people’s health and wellbeing, it also benefits our environment by reducing traffic and emissions – supporting our net zero ambitions. It’s also a great way to socialise with other people and can help children to develop habits that last a lifetime, supporting healthier lifestyles in the future.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:
“Projects like this will make it easier and safer for pupils, parents, and staff to choose walking, wheeling or cycling for those short, everyday journeys.
“By encouraging people to get around more actively, we’re bringing about so many benefits for their health and wellbeing, reducing congestion and tackling the climate emergency.
“It’s also a vital step to creating a modern, integrated transport network that connects people across West Yorkshire.”
By making roads safer through improved active travel options and accessibility, the investment supports the Council’s commitment to road safety and the West Yorkshire Vision Zero Strategy – a regional plan to eradicate all road deaths and serious injuries across West Yorkshire by 2040. To find out more about Vision Zero, and sign the pledge to make a commitment to bring about change, visit www.visionzerowy.co.uk(external link)
More information on walking, wheeling and cycling in West Yorkshire can be found at: https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/walk-it-ride-it/(external link).
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