New routes make trips easier for cyclists

Kirklees councillors meet tomorrow to discuss plans for a network of routes to the south and east of Dewsbury that will run towards the boundary with Wakefield at Ossett.

The first phase will see a route from the town centre to Preston Street, Earlsheaton, with a branch route crossing the river Calder to the canal towpath in Savile Town.

A report to tomorrow's Cabinet committee says: "Dewsbury's town centre is somewhat cut off from local communities in Earlsheaton, Chickenley, Ossett and Savile Town by the hilly topography, busy roads, the river Calder and the Calder & Hebble Navigation.

"Seemingly short journeys can therefore appear inconvenient, unattractive and hazardous.

"The aim of this project, together with future phases, is to reconnect these neighbourhoods to the town centre and provide a means for residents in those areas...to access Dewsbury by sustainable, low carbon forms of travel."

Phase one of the plan will provide these routes:

A 1km section using existing roads from Dewsbury Town Hall via the Rushworth Road subway to Longcauseway and Sands Lane.

Construction of a ramp from Sands Lane playing fields to the railway embankment and 0.6km of path to Preston Street (off Middle Road, Earlsheaton). From there users will use existing roads and paths to Earlsheaton and Chickenley.

Construction of a 0.6km path to provide the link to Savile Town using existing bridges over the Calder and Mill Street East.

A ramp will take users to the canal towpath of the Dewsbury Cut. Further routes along 0.6km of canal towpath will take users to the Savile Town canal wharf.

Phase one will cost 370,000, with money coming from the council and possibly outside sources such as the Lottery and charity Sustrans.