A
project to link St Paul’s Lock with the Calder and Hebble Canal has
given Mirfield a major boost, according to the Canal and River Trust’s (CRT) Regional Advisory Board for Yorkshire. Speaking
at the official opening of Darren Smith Homes’(DSH) £80,000 disability ramp,
CRT Member Hilary Brooke said: “Making this towpath and a variety of
other paths accessible to everyone, including those using wheelchairs
and buggies, has long been an aspiration for local people. DSH has achieved this.
“By
partnering DSH, CRT and Mirfield Community
Partnership, we have matched skills, expertise, people and goodwill and
we achieved a great deal for Mirfield. We look forward to a long and
successful partnership.”
Friday’s
official opening included children from Crowlees C of E School in
Mirfield who are also members of the Crowlees Hoppa. Parent and founder
member, Dianne Watkinson, describes this as a cross between a walking bus and
"park and stride" scheme. Last December, DSH sponsored
the children’s high-visibility vests to help ensure they can walk to
school in safety.
DSH managing
director, Darren Smith, said: “We are delighted to have built and funded
this great new ramp as part of our ongoing commitment to improve and
enhance the area and give something back to our residents and the wider
community."