Hebden Bridge Web

Plans for for improving towpath axed

Sunday, 3 December 2017

Plans to create a high quality cycling and walking route between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge have been axed. The proposals, part of the West Yorkshire City Connect programme, had already received Government funding.  Public consultation on the proposals took place in Todmorden last December, and detailed designs were drawn up by consultants working for City Connect.

Now City Connect Officers have decided to scrap the scheme, and the one million pounds plus Government funding originally earmarked for the Todmorden – Hebden Bridge section  will be spent on schemes in Leeds and Bradford.

The decision to axe the scheme has been met with outrage from local cycling and walking campaigners.

Reid Anderson from Cycling UK said, “The City Connect website says that the project aims to improve the existing route between Todmorden and Brighouse following the existing National Cycle Network Route 66. What is now proposed does nothing of the sort;  the Todmorden to  Hebden Bridge section has been axed, and the City Connect Officers have refused to upgrade Route 66 between Hebden Bridge and Luddendenfoot.

"The condition of the towpath between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge is atrocious, and the A646 is no place for inexperienced cyclists”.

Concern has also been expressed at the lack of public accountability for the decision to axe the scheme. Reid added, “In February 2016 I asked City Connect Officers to set up a process for involving local Councillors and local cyclists in decisions affecting City Connect in Calderdale, but I was ignored.”