Canal towpath stretch reopens after upgrade
Simon Dewhurst/SustransA stretch of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal has reopened after improvements were made to make it more accessible.
The two-mile (3.2km) section between Hirst Lock in Saltaire and Primrose Lane in Bingley closed in October to be resurfaced and widened.
The route is now accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, as well as people on foot or bicycle, and meets national standards.
The work was carried out by walking and cycling charity Sustrans with the Canal and River Trust and Bradford Council.
SustransA "tar spray and chip" finish will be applied in spring to make the surface similar to that laid on the towpath past Salts Mill.
Saltaire to Bingley is part of route 696 on the National Cycle Network.
The work is all part of the national programme, led by Sustrans and funded by Active Travel England, to improve the quality of the National Cycle Network.
Josh Molyneux, Sustrans network development manager said: "We're really happy to be able to reopen the towpath in time for the Christmas holidays.
"This historic and scenic towpath is a very popular route for all ages, so we're delighted to be able to make it accessible to many more people, all year round."
Mark Robinson, enterprise manager at Canal & River Trust, said: "Research shows that spending time by water is good for our physical and mental health.
"These improvements to the towpath are important because it will make it easier for people to access the wonderful Leeds & Liverpool Canal on their doorstep."
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