Thursday, 3 July 2025
Funding boost for canal improvement work
Over £2.5million of funding has been secured to support improvements to popular walking and cycling routes in Calderdale, including work along the canal between Todmorden and Luddendenfoot.
The canal at Hebden Bridge. Photo: HebWeb
Calderdale Council has been successful in its bid for funding to support improvements to active travel routes in the borough. The funding received is part of the fifth phase of the Government's Active Travel Fund (£700k) and Consolidated Active Travel Fund (£1.85m), via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Around £400k of this significant funding will support work in partnership with the Canal and River Trust to improve access across the seven weirs on the Rochdale canal between Todmorden and Luddendenfoot.
New bridge decks will be created at each weir, improving accessibility and making the area safer. The planned improvements are based on feedback collected as part of previous engagement work which asked people to choose their preferred option for improvements to Kilnhurst Weir. These improvements will make travelling along this stretch of the canal fully accessible for the first time.
Detailed plans for the seven weirs will now be developed, with planned delivery later this year.
The works will complement recent work to the canal towpath between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge, as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's City Connect programme.
The latest active travel funding will also support further improvements planned to the towpath between Todmorden and Walsden as part of the Active Todmorden project, supplementing funding from the Todmorden Town Deal.
Other improvements supported by the funding include renewing the markings of zebra crossings at schools across the borough and further signage upgrades in Brighouse and Halifax.
Calderdale Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said, "The improvement work along the Rochdale Canal between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge has made a big difference for people travelling along the towpath. The route is really popular with people enjoying activities such as walking, jogging and cycling and this funding will allow more people to safely enjoy this part of the canal.
"When the weirs are in use, the water can be high which is hazardous. The improvements will support safer journeys and allow access for cyclists or those using wheelchairs or pushchairs. The plans will make the roughly 12 mile stretch of towpath from Luddendenfoot to Walsden fully accessible for the first time in its history, with step-free access opening up opportunities for all.
"The plans are based on local feedback, including input from local disability groups, and also reflect the heritage of the area, to ensure that any modifications are sympathetic to the existing surroundings.
"This multi-million-pound fund will also support work as part of the Active Todmorden Town Deal project, as well as further improvements elsewhere in the borough."
The canal at Hebden Bridge. Photo: HebWeb