WORK has begun in Menston Park to create a new path and access to the pedestrian crossing for High Royds/Chevin Park.

To members of Climate Action Menston it seemed bizarre the pedestrian crossing had been put where it was, so opening up a ‘hole in the wall’ and linking it with a path across the park seemed like a good idea.

The idea from Climate Action Menston was taken to the Menston Parish Council who backed it and organised the permissions, drawings and funds.

Marilyn Banister, a member of Climate Action Menston, said: “We are delighted that the work has started and hope that the path and access will be well used. We are really keen to encourage more walking and cycling and this new path will make it that much easier to make use of our local green spaces.”

Climate Action Menston is a local group that residents set up in April 2019. Marilyn added: “We aim to take action in the village to raise awareness of the climate emergency, to enhance the local environment and to aim for carbon neutrality in our area and in our lives. We have people undertaking tree planting including a jam and jelly hedge and encouraging hedgehog highways. Others are taking forward ideas for zero carbon energy and getting people to think about their energy use. We are also wanting to improve Main Street for walkers and cyclists. We are keen to have more members so please do get in touch. Visit: climateactionmenston.org.uk”

Parish councillor Jamie Needle said: “I hope that this will encourage more walking/cycling in the village and reduce car journeys. Both the Parish Council and Bradford Council formally declared climate emergencies in 2019. This project was something we could do on a local level to build on that. It should also get people away from the road and into the park more quickly, and improving road safety in the village is very important to me. When I have passed this week the work has looked like it is going smoothly but please message me with any concerns.”