People are invited to have their say on options to improve the accessibility and preserve the heritage of Kilnhurst Weir along the Rochdale Canal in Calderdale.
Kilnhurst Weir is one of seven weirs on the stretch of Rochdale Canal between Todmorden and Luddenden Foot.
Calderdale Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, has been working with the Canal & River Trust and Arcadis to investigate potential accessibility improvements to the weir. This work builds on the £2.1million walking and cycling improvements on the canal towpath between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategy, Cllr Jane Scullion, said:
“The recent improvements to the canal towpath have greatly improved access along the Rochdale Canal and these off-road routes are really popular with walkers and cyclists.
“The options being considered at Kilnhurst Weir would not only further enhance accessibility right along the canal towpath, but also make the area safer. When the weirs are in use, the water can be high which is hazardous. The proposed improvements would support safer journeys and allow access for cyclists or those using wheelchairs or pushchairs.
“The proposals have also been designed to reflect the heritage of the area, to ensure that any modifications are sympathetic to the existing surroundings.”
Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said:
“We’re determined to create a stronger, fairer and better-connected region so everyone has the same opportunity to get on in life. Making places like Kilnhurst Weir more accessible is one example of this.
“I’m proud we’ve invested more than £9.5 million in upgrading canal towpaths across West Yorkshire. This helps plug gaps in our transport network and connects people with access to work, education and important green spaces.”
Three options are now being presented for consideration, with people being asked to share their feedback on the plans by visiting the dedicated Your Voice page.
The options, along with artist’s impressions of each, are available to view online at yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/kilnhurstweir(external link). They range from improving and extending the existing facilities, to creating new walkways and extending the bridge.
In addition to the online resources, there are also two drop-in events for people to view the proposed options, complete surveys and speak to the project team:
• Kilnhurst Weir, Key Sike Lane, Tuesday 7 March 10am – 1pm
• Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Thursday 9 March 10am – 1pm
The deadline for feedback is Monday 30 March 2023. The feedback received will be used to help inform development of the designs.
Those requiring extra support can email: yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk, call: MetroLine on 0113 245 7676 or write to: FREEPOST Consultation Team WYCA (no stamp is required).
ENDS