Moving around the Skircoat area of Calderdale should soon be more pleasant, safe and convenient, as final proposals are agreed to improve streets around the ward.
Skircoat is a residential area to the south of Halifax that includes large parks, local retail centres and the Calderdale Royal Hospital.
Calderdale Council has secured funding from Active Travel England and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to support the development of proposals for positive changes in the area, helping to create streets that work for everyone.
The Skircoat Your Street Matters project has been informed by extensive engagement in the local area, with final proposals developed using feedback from the most recent public consultation in autumn 2024.
In total, 270 people attended one of the four consultation events, and 248 people provided survey responses. Common themes from feedback included issues with traffic, including parking and speeding, and a desire for improved crossings and pedestrian facilities.
Calderdale Council has now submitted final plans to the Combined Authority to enable delivery of the proposed improvements, which would include:
- Widening of paths and additional benches in Savile Park, with solar lighting to improve visibility.
- New pedestrian and cycle crossings on Skircoat Moor Road, Free School Lane and Savile Park Road to make it easier and safer to get to Savile Park.
- A new shared use footway/cycleway between Savile Park and Manor Heath Park.
- Making the closure for through traffic from Stafford Road to Huddersfield Road permanent, with additional landscaping.
- Closing New Lane to through traffic creating a safer and more enjoyable route for walking, wheeling and cycling
- A new footway connecting Birdcage Lane from New Lane, making the route safer and more accessible.
- New pedestrian and cycle zebra crossings on Skircoat Green Road to make it easier and safer to get to Manor Heath Park
- A School Street on Stafford Square to temporarily restrict vehicles at school pick-up and drop-off times (exemptions will apply).
Subject to approvals, the work should start later this year.
The Council has also been working with two local primary schools, Holy Trinity and St.Mary’s to trial the reintroduction of the school street on Swires Road, between the two schools.
This week, the road has been closed to traffic at drop off times. A ‘park and stride’ scheme continues to be in place until the end of the week, allowing cars to park at the nearby Arden Road Social Club and walk the rest of the way. The project supports active, safe, and healthy travel to school and is part of Calderdale’s ambition to encourage safer streets for children, families, and the wider community.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“Thank you to everyone who took part in the public consultation at the end of last year on the Skircoat – Your Street Matters project. Since the start of 2025, we’ve been busy collating and reviewing the feedback received, to develop a final set of proposals.
“The proposed improvements aim to make travelling around Skircoat safer, more accessible and more pleasant, addressing key issues highlighted by residents.”
Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“We want to improve walking, wheeling and cycling facilities across West Yorkshire.
“It’s great to see plans moving forward to make Skircoat streets more accessible and safer to get around.
“The public’s input has been vital as we look to create a better-connected region for everyone.”
The project is part of the Calderdale The Next Chapter(external link) work to grow the economy, reduce inequalities and build a sustainable future. ENDS