A 'neglected' section of towpath on the Leeds-Liverpool canal appears to be getting funding to improve its surface, after a government announcement.
Included among £52.6m of measures across West Yorkshire is a project to complete the remaining 2km of towpath for the walking and cycling route between Leeds and Skipton.
The announcement was made by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The section between Riddlesden and Silsden was completed in 2018, while work on the Bradley to Kildwick stretch is nearing completion.
Silsden Town Councillor David Loud recently invited officials to come and see what he called the 'dangerous' stretch of towpath between Silsden and Kildwick, after postponing a mass cycle ride along the canal that had been planned for 1st August this year.
Now the 'missing' section will receive £500,000 of government funding, as part of measures to help boost tourism and leisure as well as a providing 'sustainable, sustainable, low-cost, travel link to access local employment and skills opportunities.
The cash allocation comes from the £900m national 'Getting Building Fund'.
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leader of Bradford Council, said: “The 15 projects that were put forward to receive funding are integral to West Yorkshire’s economic recovery plan and will ensure the benefits are felt across a wide range of communities and economic sectors.
“The projects focus on areas vital to a successful, and inclusive recovery, such as regenerating our towns and cities, support for business investment and jobs growth as well as opening up new walking and cycling routes.”
Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP said: “We want to build back better to fuel a green economic recovery across the country by investing in infrastructure, creating jobs and building the homes people need.
“That is why, we are investing £900 million in shovel-ready projects through our Getting Building Fund, including £52.6 million in West Yorkshire. This funding will unlock homes, create new jobs and deliver investment in commercial and green spaces and a much-needed boost to the local economy.”
Other projects in West Yorkshire include £7m for the Business Growth Programme to help local businesses recover and adapt following the lockdown - and new office spaces and a replacement market hall in Bradford city centre.
Classical music to stay at Ilkley & Keighley stations
Northern trains named among least reliable operators
One year anniversary for “invaluable” forces Breakfast Club
Date set for Ilkley's Annual Town Meeting
Medal haul for Ilkley Swimming Club
Be part of this historic moment in Ilkley’s story
Addingham man conducts wedding in German in Skipton's twin town
Visionary composer Andrew Wasylyk to perform in Ilkley this September
Calls to 'respect the moorland' following theft of signs on Ilkley Moor
Fourth event in the CAI series Your World, Your Vote
St George celebrated in Keighley
Keighley Playhouse Presents: Jack Popplewell's Hilarious Comedy "Busybody"
Friends of Ilkley Rail Station holds first volunteer day
Spring opening announced for Ilkley Lido
Go behind the scenes with 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' writer
Plans approved to bring former Skipton department store back into use
Celebrate the beauty of cherry blossom at Keighley’s Cliffe Castle
Village inn reopens after full refurbishment
Woman dies after emergency crews attend Skipton bus station
Charity appoints new Keighley-based arts and heritage officer
