The Canal & River Trust, the nation’s largest canal charity, in partnership with Calderdale Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is delivering improvements to the towpath network across the region, to enable walking, wheeling and cycling and encourage more active journeys by creating a welcoming, safe and accessible environment.
The next phase of this programme aims to improve areas of the towpath along the Rochdale Canal, between Rochdale Road in Todmorden and Birks Lane, Walsden. This 2.6km (1.6-mile) section of historic towpath is located on the edge of the Pennines and connects settlements in the upper reaches of the River Calder.
Proposals
These proposals include:
- Improving the towpath surface to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle and make it more accessible for people with mobility difficulties or people who use mobility aids to access the route
- Widening the towpath, where possible, while also keeping grass verges and native plants and trees to support wildlife
- Installation of new signs and removing any unnecessary access barriers.
With research showing that time spent by water can help people feel happier and healthier, and with more people looking for a local escape on their doorstep, these works will make it easier and more appealing for people to get out and explore.
Funding
The overall budget for the package of proposed schemes is £1.35 million, with £790,000 available for Phase 1 between Rochdale Road in Todmorden and Hollins Lane, and £604,000 available for Phase 2 between Hollins Lane and Birks Lane, Walsden.
Funding for Phase 1 is from the Todmorden Town Deal. The Town Deal is a £17.5 million investment awarded to Todmorden from the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund.
In September 2019, the government invited 100 places to develop proposals for a Town Deal. This is part of the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund for levelling up the UK economy. Towns across England were invited to bid for funds to work with the government. This addresses growth constraints and makes sure there is a course of recovery from the impact of COVID-19.
Funding for Phase 2 will be provided by the Active Travel England’s Consolidated Active Travel Fund (CATF) via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. Active Travel England grant funding is provided by the Department of Transport to support local transport authorities with producing cycling and walking facilities.
Timescales
Phase 1 between Rochdale Road in Todmorden and Hollins Lane will commence in the coming months, but there is still time to make amendments and to take account of any issues raised as part of this consultation. This phase is programmed to be completed by summer 2026.
Phase 2 is programmed to commence at the beginning of 2027, with completion in spring 2027.
Public engagement
Engagement will take place from 18 May until 23rd June 2026. Local residents, businesses and canal users are encouraged to share their feedback on the proposals. Comments received will inform the design process.
