Calderdale Council Announcement on Active Todmorden Project

Todmorden residents are invited to have their say on updated plans for walking and cycling routes through the town.

The Active Todmorden project is one of the eight projects which make up the £17.5 million Todmorden Town Deal programme, which is funded by the UK Government and overseen by Todmorden Town Board.

Calderdale Council is the project lead for the Active Todmorden scheme, on behalf of the Todmorden Town Board.

The project will enable more people to walk or cycle as part of their everyday journeys and improve access for everyone to Todmorden.

Cllr Sarah Courtney, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport said:

“We want Todmorden to continue to be a strong and thriving town, a place for everyone, where people want to spend time and enjoy their surroundings.

“So we’re very committed to improving opportunities within the town for walking and cycling, whether it’s to pop to the shops, take the kids to the park, call into one of our local cafes or the market, meet friends or simply take a stroll to enjoy the fresh air. It’s great for our health, our air quality, our climate and our wellbeing.

“We recognise that there’s been significant public interest in the current proposals for the Active Todmorden project and I want to thank everyone who has given their feedback so far.

“We know from this, and from conversations with the Town Board, that some people have concerns about the scheme in its current form specifically around Patmos Gardens on Burnley Road.

“It’s really important that we get the right scheme for Todmorden. As the project lead we will now review how this particular section fits with the other parts of the scheme, and explore alternative options for that particular location, so that we can deliver a scheme that works for the programme and for Todmorden.

“Then we’ll hold a further engagement session so that people can take a look at the revised options and let us know what they think.”

Pam Warhurst, Chair of Todmorden Town Board said:

“We’re pleased that the Council continues to listen to the views being put forward during the engagement process and that they’re working in partnership with the Town Board on the development of the Active Todmorden project, which will improve the experience of visitors and locals alike whether they’re shopping in our local independent shops and market or getting out into the great countryside on our doorstep.”

Residents and businesses will have the chance to comment on the new proposals at an engagement stall to be held at Todmorden Market in October. Dates will be advertised nearer the time.

For those unable to attend, the plans and engagement documents will be made available (here) at www.todmordentowndeal.co.uk

The £3.2 million Active Todmorden project is designed to promote healthier communities and create a more attractive and welcoming town which aims to:

• Provide an accessible and attractive pedestrian environment in the town centre and on the routes into the town
• Improve pedestrian access and strengthen links between the Rail Station to the town centre
• Establish a spine walking and cycling network, using the Burnley Road corridor for connections north/south.

For more information about the Todmorden Town Deal, visit www.todmordentowndeal.co.uk and www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk for Active Todmorden and other major projects across Calderdale.

The Town Deal programme aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. The UK Government has offered Town Deals to 101 places that submitted proposals, committing over £2.35bn of investment across around 700 projects nationwide.

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