£600K INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC FOOTPATHS

6.27.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Oct 2008

Public footpaths across the district are going benefit from a cash boost of £600K after a Lib Dem sponsored initiative was given the green light by the council's cabinet at its meeting on Wed 1st October 2008.

Public footpaths across the district are going benefit from a cash boost of £600K after a Lib Dem sponsored initiative was given the green light by the council's cabinet at its meeting on Wed 1st October 2008.

The money will now be spent over the next three years with £100K being invested in 08/09, £200K in 09/10 and £300k in 10/11.

In the first year 16kms of the district's 1100km of footpaths receive attention with work being carried out to improve path surfaces, drainage and accessibility.

Cllr Nicola Turner (Lib Dem, Colne Valley Ward) says:

"We are very pleased to have been able to secure this significant investment as part of this year's council budget"

"Public rights of way play an important part in our local communities. Not only do they provide a convenient way from A-B but they encourage people to leave the cars at home when making shorter journeys which is good for both their health and the environment."

"Moreover, the also help to support local businesses and the local economy. They link up outlying areas with village centres and attract walkers, ramblers, horse riders and cyclists every weekend who help boost trade and keep people in jobs. I am looking forward to seeing the work carried out in the Colne Valley and am certain that people and wards all across Kirklees will benefit hugely from this investment"