£2.5 million ‘walk, wheel and cycle’ Todmorden plans revealed
Plans have been unveiled to make it easier to get around the West Yorkshire town
Town deal £2.5 million plans aimed at making walking, wheeling and cycling in Todmorden have been unveiled.
Towpath improvements, resurfacing of a town centre pathway link and some new cycle parking in the town centre all form part of the programme presented by Calderdale Council in partnership with Todmorden Town Deal Board.
Better lighting in, and improving crossings around, the town’s Centre Vale Park will also be part of the package.
The proposals include improving the Rochdale Canal towpath between Todmorden town centre and Walsden village, making the route more easily accessible.
Resurfacing of the “Tipside” path running between the social housing flats at Hallroyd Crescent and Todmorden Market will bring similar benefits.
The latter route is also part of National Cycle Network Route 66, so improvements will help create a safe and accessible route for walking and cycling.
New cycle parking is planned for the town centre.
Wider pavements are planned around Todmorden C of E School, also supporting access to Centre Vale Park, and a new puffin crossing and bollards will be installed to improve safety.
Town centre public space improvements are planned, including a new public space close to Mr Beans cafe, which is opposite Centre Vale Park on Burnley Road.
New signage with clearer information for residents and visitors to help them choose routes to get around complete the package.
The £2.56 million Active Todmorden project aims to create healthier communities by enabling everyone to walk, wheel or cycle for everyday journeys and improve access to the town’s attractions, and is one part of the £17.5 million Todmorden Town Deal regeneration programme, funded by the UK Government.
Calderdale says it engaged with the community on the updated proposals for Active Todmorden in November 2024.
Proposals for a cycle lane, which had been subject to opposition, were dropped.
Feedback from that engagement has informed the final plans for the project, which have been further developed over the last six months.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport, Coun Sarah Courtney, said work on Town Deal projects was progressing well.
“I’m delighted that we’re able to reveal the final plans for the Active Todmorden project, supporting improved access around the town.
“Thank you to everyone who shared their feedback throughout the development process.
“We believe that we now have a project which will really benefit the town, making it easier and safer for people to get around and expanding opportunities to explore the town’s distinctive natural landscape,” said Coun Courtney (Lab, Calder).
Pam Warhurst, Chair of Todmorden Town Deal Board, said the final plans now revealed for the Active Todmorden project would “achieve a fantastic mix of improvements that help connect our places and spaces in a more coherent and inviting way, supporting people and visitors to enjoy using our independent shops and markets and complementing the wider investment into a better Centre Vale Park for all.”
Seven projects make up the Todmorden Town Deal and in addition to work on active travel and public spaces, work also includes the redevelopment of Todmorden Town Hall and the town’s Hippodrome Theatre, improvements at Centre Vale Park, including its bowling pavilion and historic bandstand, and also at Todmorden Community College; and the creation of a new Enterprise Centre at Ferney Lee.