Woolfold Gap project in the running for lottery money

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 03 April 2007

A long-awaited Bury project for cyclists and walkers has been long-listed for inclusion in a proposed "Connect2’lottery bid by Sustrans, the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity.

The Woolfold Gap Connect2 scheme proposes the completion of the Kirklees Trail on the former Holcombe Brook railway line by extending it 1km from its current end at Pickering Close to Brandlesholme Road. When connected with the existing Woodhill bike path it would offer walkers and cyclists a safe, green and traffic-free route stretching from Greenmount to Bury town centre. The extension would include a new bridge across the Kirklees Brook to replace the railway viaduct that was demolished in 1974. The project is expected to cost in the region of £750k.

"Connect2’ is one of the projects being considered to compete for a  single multi-million pound grant from the Big Lottery Fund's Living Landmarks: The People's Millions competition. The winner will be decided by public TV vote in Winter 2007/08. Sustrans is working with partners around the UK to overcome long-standing barriers such as busy roads, railways or rivers that are dividing communities and making it difficult for people to travel by foot or bike as part of their everyday lives.Graham Atkinson, Bury Council’s Executive Director for Environment and Development said: "We are really pinning our hopes on the cash boost from the Big Lottery Fund. The extension of the trial would encourage visitors to cut down on traffic congestion and pollution and allow them to enjoy magnificent scenery along the way. Please pledge your support for our project by visiting the website."

The Woolfold Gap is one of a number of similar projects throughout the country being considered by Sustrans, for inclusion in their final "Connect2’ bid. People are being asked to register their views and support for the schemes on the Sustrans Connect2 website

At the end of April the Connect2 long list will be reduced to a short list, so the council will be told if the Woolfold Gap project will be included and ultimately become part of the TV vote.

Connect2 bidtrail take a healthy transport option, ,onSustrans Connect2

To find out more about the scheme and register support, contact Sustrans, the charity behind Connect2, by visiting the website www.sustransconnect2.org.uk or calling the information line 08450 581 373. All pledges of support must be received by 23 April.