Paving the way in Kirklees Valley

Date published: 02 July 2010

A new link in the Kirklees Valley path network is to be built by Tottington and District Civic Society.

The path will go from the footbridge over the brook at the bottom of Kirklees Street to the heathland behind Tottington High School's playing fields, allowing access to the Kirklees Trail at Sunnywood Lane.

There will also be improvements to the track from Kirklees Street to Tower Farm, and it is hoped that work will start in the autumn.

The project has been made possible thanks to a £15,000 grant from Pilsworth Environment Company, and a further £5,000 from Bury Council.

The path was the idea of the Friends of the Kirklees Valley, which meets twice a year to discuss how the valley can be improved. The Friends group comprises individuals and local societies with an interest in the valley and is attended by representatives of the council.

Jack Kenneford, chair of Tottington and District Civic Society, said the society supported the development of the valley as a Local Nature Reserve and submitted the project as a way of making it easier for people to enjoy the valley.

Councillor Dorothy Gunther, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This is a good example of the community and council working together. The valley is a valuable resource and I hope to see many more such projects.”

For further information, contact Paul Robinson, Local Nature Reserves officer, on 0161 253 7668 or 07766 137689.