Donation puts pathway improvements on track

A popular West Yorkshire green space has undergone more than £27,000 of improvements aimed at making it safer and more accessible for the local community.

Bowburn-headquartered Esh Construction has completed new footpath and staircase works at Spen Bottoms in Cleckheaton after securing £27,470 through YORhub’s YOR4Good Fund.

Also known as Mann Dam, Spen Bottoms covers around 30 hectares of green belt close to Cleckheaton town centre and is a popular destination for walkers and dog owners.

The two-week programme saw overgrown vegetation cut back and a new footpath created using locally sourced materials.

Esh also replaced ageing steps with a new staircase featuring anti-slip railway sleepers, providing a safer route between the viaduct and woodland.

Rachel Hanlon, social value coordinator at Esh Construction, said: “It’s extremely important that our commitments go beyond the construction site, allowing us to build meaningful relationships and a lasting legacy in the local communities we serve.

“We are passionate about bringing our civil engineering expertise to these projects, using a skill set that extends the scope of our projects to make a positive difference to the environment and local areas through initiatives like this one.”

The work was carried out on behalf of Spen Valley Civic Society and Friends of Spen Beck/Mann Damm, which are both members of the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group.

Caz Goodwill, secretary of Friends of Spen Beck Mann Dam, added: “The works here at Spen Bottom really were needed, as the steps were particularly dangerous, and they serve a vital connection between the viaduct and the main green area.

“This important green area is so close to the town centre, and we want people to enjoy it, so accessibility is extremely vital. 

“We’re really looking forward to seeing how the completed work will enable the community to reap the benefits of the area.”

Funding was secured through Esh’s social value commitments on the £6.4 million A638 Dewsbury to Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor scheme.

The contractor is delivering the six-mile project on behalf of Kirklees Council, with the scheme designed to provide safer active travel opportunities across the area.

The Spen Bottoms improvements also support Kirklees Council’s wider masterplan for the site, which aims to enhance biodiversity, connectivity and accessibility while increasing the green space’s cultural value for the community.

David Shepherd, executive director of place at Kirklees Council, added: “Spen Bottoms is an important green space for the local community, and we’re pleased to see this investment helping to improve the area for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“The work carried out by Esh Construction, alongside the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group, is a great example of how partnership working can deliver meaningful improvements to our local spaces. 

“The new footpath and staircase will help improve access around the site, while the work to the surrounding woodland will help enhance the area for people and wildlife.

“We look forward to continuing to work with local groups and partners to build on these improvements and support the long-term vision for Spen Bottoms.”

Max Rathmell, chair of Spen Valley Civic Society, added: “The improvement works that have taken place to the path are crucial for the enjoyment of the local community, allowing people to feel safe when they’re travelling into, and around the area.

“These works are just one part of the wider Master Plan for Spen Bottoms, but it’s a fundamental aspect, and the security the regeneration is creating will greatly encourage people to come along and enjoy the area.”

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