Denby Dale Walkers are Welcome Group, writes that the Coast to Coast Trans Pennine Trail ( www.transpenninetrail.org.uk) is a huge asset to the North of England and we were delighted when, in 2011, East Peak Innovation Partnership (EPIP) was able to fund a new extension to the trail from Kirkburton & Denby Dale. This Kirkburton/Denby Dale link comprises both an on-road & an off-road route.

This year Denby Dale Walkers are Welcome group successfully applied for further funding, via EPIP, from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to effect much-needed improvements to 2 sections of bridleway on the off-road route – on Bank Lane bridleway (leading from Barnsley Road, Denby Dale towards Upper Denby) and on Long Lane (leading from Thunderbridge towards Shepley). Match funding for the project and a short-term loan were secured from the Rural District Committee of Kirklees Council, to whom we are very grateful.

The work, undertaken by local contractors, was completed in early June and we are very pleased with the result.