The towpath on the Leeds-Liverpool canal between Silsden and Kildwick is to get a £1m upgrade through funding from government announced by Active Travel England.
It's part of a £101 million fund announced today to improve walking and cycling routes across England.
The section of towpath between Silsden and Riddlesden was upgraded a few years ago, while the stretch west of Kildwick to Skipton has also already been improved.
The funds have been awarded by government to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which will oversee the improvement works.
Robbie Moore MP said:
"Living in Silsden, I know just how important these upgrades are and this is a project that I have been pushing for since first being elected, alongside brilliant organisations like the Canal and River Trust. The government’s million pound funding announcement is therefore fantastic news for all who like to get out and about and enjoy our fantastic Yorkshire countryside, helping to encourage more cycling and walking along our part of the Leeds to Liverpool canal towpath and securing the route long into the future.
"The funds have been awarded by government to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority who will oversee the improvement works - it’s crucial they now get on with it."
National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said:
"This funding is not only going to give millions of people safer and more enjoyable ways to get to school, the shops and workplaces but it will also help local authorities to work with communities to come up with plans for future projects that will make the most difference, providing excellent value for money.
"We’re not just talking towns and cities. A lot of the funding is going to rural areas and we’re funding National Parks to develop new walking and cycling routes."
