Green light secured for more improvements to Spen cycle route
The Spen Valley Greenway is set for more improvements in Cleckheaton after the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust secured a Certificate of Lawful Development from Kirklees Council.
The planned improvements include the installation of lighting on the greenway between Tofts Road and Laithe Hall Avenue, as well as an enhancement to the path on the same stretch.
Sarah Bradbury, Network Development Manager said: “We are delighted to have confirmation that we can carry out our works to improve the Spen Valley Greenway, and make it more accessible for everyone.
“Our plans for lighting will help people feel safer using the greenway to travel to and from work or school, in evenings, and on short winter days.
“We are currently seeking funding to make the improvements to this well-loved route, which is part of National Cycle Network Route 66”.
Funding is being sought from Active Travel England and, if secured, it would be the third major improvement scheme on the greenway in recent years.
The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust worked with Kirklees Council last year to lay a new smooth surface and improve access ramps along a 2km stretch of the popular path between Cleckheaton and Liversedge. The team also installed new LED lighting along this section, to improve visibility and safety, and also widened the path to three metres to give everyone more space on the route.
In 2024, the trust upgraded the section between Oakenshaw and Cleckheaton.
The Spen Valley Greenway is a 12km-long traffic-free route between Ravensthorpe in Dewsbury and Low Moor railway station in Bradford. It runs parallel to the A638 and offers a healthy, sustainable alternative to commuting by car.