Kirklees Missing Link - No progress on linking 2 key greenways

[wiggydiggy]

Fears public ‘misled’ over Kirklees’ Spen Ringway plan

Local to me are two greenways, one is a lot longer than the other but both are excellent for traversing the many towns on the formal railway beds. The longer one has recently been resurfaced (though only half the length for some reason ) but the two routes are not connected. Anyway it turns out that the plans to link the two routes have changed "...with the council admitting its plans changed due to soaring costs...." and there is no progress. I don't think it should be that expensive given the route is entirely walkable, and no major works required so this is a bit of a disapointment.

The limit of the existing track (Bridge under High Street Heckmondwike)


Lots of information here on the former railway: http://lostrailwayswestyorkshire.co.uk/leeds new line 3.htm

 

[Time Waster]

I reckon there are a lot of missing links in Yorkshire. I mean there are a lot of paths or cycle paths leading to nowhere in towns and cities. I never really thought of Leeds being cycle friendly myself.

 

[DCLane]

@wiggydiggy - the part which was upgraded is in Bradford's territory, not Kirklees, and was narrow and bumpy: https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/...kheaton-and-oakenshaw-set-for-upgrade-4504698

This has been going on for a number of years, including the land at the far end of the Ringway possibly being put up for sale. Sadly I can't see anything being done whilst Kirklees teeters on the edge of bankruptcy.

Don't get me started on them spending £30 million on a hotel in Huddersfield whilst apparently not being able to afford anything for travel/exercise such as this project and others which were planned. My comments would put this thread into NACA territory, change lots of my comments into 'replacement' words and probably get me a ban.

 

[wiggydiggy]

I reckon there are a lot of missing links in Yorkshire. I mean there are a lot of paths or cycle paths leading to nowhere in towns and cities. I never really thought of Leeds being cycle friendly myself.

Its one of the reasons I've just bought a GPS, I'd like to go out for a ride between what I know are two nearly connected routes and have the GPS work out the middle bit for me. These aren't just cycle paths though, they are two heavily used mixed use greenways that could be so much more useful if they just connected them up a bit.

Leeds is getting better but the pace of change is glacial, and if I didn't have off street (and indoor) parking at work I'd never cycle in.

@wiggydiggy - the part which was upgraded is in Bradford's territory, not Kirklees, and was narrow and bumpy: https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/...kheaton-and-oakenshaw-set-for-upgrade-4504698

This has been going on for a number of years, including the land at the far end of the Ringway possibly being put up for sale. Sadly I can't see anything being done whilst Kirklees teeters on the edge of bankruptcy.

Don't get me started on them spending £30 million on a hotel in Huddersfield whilst apparently not being able to afford anything for travel/exercise such as this project and others which were planned. My comments would put this thread into NACA territory, change lots of my comments into 'replacement' words and probably get me a ban.

I don't think its boundary related. The BBC Article says the funds came from central government and both Calderdale and Kirklees were involved so it seems weird only to do half. Sustrans website doesn't say why only half of it was done either. I might have to try asking one of esteemed MPs if they can help. I do know Two years ago a different section of it was due to be upgraded but I don't think that actually went ahead at all.

Which end is the land possibly being sold? I know its temporarily closed at the Ravensthorpe end I think as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade but I always thought the plan was it will re-open.

 

[classic33]

Non of it is in Calderdale, who are giving priority to getting cyclists off the roads in Halifax town centre.

 

[DCLane]

Which end is the land possibly being sold? I know its temporarily closed at the Ravensthorpe end I think as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade but I always thought the plan was it will re-open.

It's the Ringway land near Walkley Lane that's been considered for infill and further development. A previous planning attempt is here.

The Ravensthorpe-Dewsbury section is closed until 2027, with a diversion in place.

I've ridden bits of the Ringway from Cleckheaton, but always come off at Heckmondwike. Must have a look down that way. The house where your photo is has caused some controversy over the extension in the photo (Daily Mail link). It's only a short section needing connecting up which baffles me as to why it's not been done already.

 

[wiggydiggy]

It's the Ringway land near Walkley Lane that's been considered for infill and further development. A previous planning attempt is here.

The Ravensthorpe-Dewsbury section is closed until 2027, with a diversion in place.

I've ridden bits of the Ringway from Cleckheaton, but always come off at Heckmondwike. Must have a look down that way. The house where your photo is has caused some controversy over the extension in the photo (Daily Mail link). It's only a short section needing connecting up which baffles me as to why it's not been done already.

Ah I see it, thanks. Pretty much the same idea as has already been done then, not sure I'd fancy living in a railway cutting though!

I've only ridden that Greenway that one time, it's pretty and historically interesting but isolated from the Spen Valley Greenway for now.