By Leah Conway –
Have your say on plans to improve Dewsbury-Batley-Chidswell area. Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority have developed plans to make it easier for people to travel by bus and to walk and cycle.
The developed plans aim to improve bus services. Including upgrading and relocating some bus stops and creating safer access via crossing points and reducing delays.
It also aims to create improved and safer environments for walking and cycling, deliver better air quality and tackle the climate crisis.
The improvements have been developed to support major housing and employment development sites around Dewsbury, Batley and Chidswell.
Other plans include improved pavements and crossings, cycling routes with segregated lanes where possible. The walking and cycling access to Batley bus station, train station and the town centre will also be a focus for improvement.
Finally, tree planting and landscaping would take place to create better green spaces.
Read more: Kirklees Council Launches New ‘Green One’ Parking Permit for Low Emission Vehicles
Growth of Kirklees
Councillor Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “These planned transformational changes will maximise sustainable transport options providing attractive and viable alternatives to driving. More people choosing to walk, or cycle will also have a positive impact on health and wellbeing.
“By upgrading these facilities there will be better links between communities and room for future growth in the area. This will, in turn, improve the air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping us make further strides towards Kirklees becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, commented: “In my manifesto, I committed to making transport work for people and helping tackle the climate emergency on our way to becoming a net-zero carbon economy by 2038.
“Not only will this scheme help us do that, but it will also connect more people in Dewsbury, Batley and Chidswell with job, training and education opportunities.”
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee and Leader of Bradford Council, said:“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Kirklees Council on this important scheme, which will make it easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
“I would encourage everyone to make the most of this opportunity to help shape these plans by taking part in the public consultation.”
The Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund programme will help deliver more than £66 million worth of improvements.
The public can share their views online, public consultation runs from 5 October to 2 November 2021. To find out more information and to have your say visit www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/DBCtravel.