Improvement and repair work at a popular green space has been completed after the contractor donated more than £27,000 for the project.

Spen Bottoms, also referred to as Mann Dam, is a 30-hectare area of green belt space located within the boundaries of Cleckheaton town centre. Over time, sections of woodland area had become overgrown, and the existing steps were old and in need of replacement.

Esh Construction has now been able to carry out the work, on behalf of Spen Valley Civic Society and the Friends of Spen Beck/Mann Dam, both of which form part of the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group.

Vegetation has been cut back, while a new footpath and staircase have been constructed using locally sourced materials. The new staircase was built using anti-slip railway sleepers to provide a safer and durable route from the viaduct to the woodland.

A new footpath and staircase have been created at Spen Bottoms in Cleckheaton to make the area more accessible and safer for the public. Pictured from the left are Rachel Hanlon, social value co-ordinator at Esh Construction; Max Rathmell, chair of Spen Valley Civic Society; and Caz Goodwill, secretary of the Friends of Spen Beck/Mann Dam.

placeholder image — A new footpath and staircase have been created at Spen Bottoms in Cleckheaton to make the area more accessible and safer for the public. Pictured from the left are Rachel Hanlon, social value co-ordinator at Esh Construction; Max Rathmell, chair of Spen Valley Civic Society; and Caz Goodwill, secretary of the Friends of Spen Beck/Mann Dam.

Rachel Hanlon, social value coordinator at Esh Construction, said: “It’s extremely important that our commitments go beyond the construction site, allowing us to build meaningful relationships and a lasting legacy in the local communities we serve.

“We are passionate about bringing our civil engineering expertise to these projects, using a skill set that extends the scope of our projects to make a positive difference to the environment and local areas through initiatives like this one.”

Caz Goodwill, secretary of the Friends of Spen Beck/Mann Dam, said: “The works here at Spen Bottom really were needed, as the steps were particularly dangerous, and they serve a vital connection between the viaduct and the main green area.

“This important green area is so close to the town centre, and we want people to enjoy it, so accessibility is extremely vital.

The new footpath was constructed using locally sourced materials.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing how the completed work will enable the community to reap the benefits of the area.”

The site has been identified as an area of significant importance by the community, leading Kirklees Council to develop the Spen Bottoms Master Plan, which aims to improve the biodiversity, connectivity and accessibility, as well as raising the cultural value of the area.

David Shepherd, executive director of place at Kirklees Council, said: “Spen Bottoms is an important green space for the local community, and we’re pleased to see this investment helping to improve the area for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“The work carried out by Esh Construction, alongside the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group, is a great example of how partnership working can deliver meaningful improvements to our local spaces.

The new staircase was made using anti-slip railway sleepers to provide a safer and durable route from the viaduct to the woodland.

“The new footpath and staircase will help improve access around the site, while the work to the surrounding woodland will help enhance the area for people and wildlife.

“We look forward to continuing to work with local groups and partners to build on these improvements and support the long-term vision for Spen Bottoms.”

Max Rathmell, chair of Spen Valley Civic Society, added: “The improvement works that have taken place to the path are crucial for the enjoyment of the local community, allowing people to feel safe when they’re travelling into, and around the area.

“These works are just one part of the wider master plan for Spen Bottoms, but it’s a fundamental aspect, and the security the regeneration is creating will greatly encourage people to come along and enjoy the area.”