By KLTV Newsdesk –

Fourth ‘First and Last Mile’ project transforms local travel routes to Mirfield Station

A newly resurfaced canal towpath and upgraded footpath around Mirfield’s memorial garden were officially opened on Friday 1 August, giving residents and visitors a greener, easier, safer, and more accessible route to the station.

This is the fourth completed ‘First and Last Mile’ project delivered in partnership by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Kirklees Council, and the Canal & River Trust.

The wider initiative aims to improve active travel connections to and from railway stations along the Transpennine Route.

Community Enhancements Along the Canal

Kim Leadbeater, MP for Spen Valley, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new route.

The project delivered several improvements for both local residents and canal users:

• 1.2km of upgraded towpath between Station Road, Mirfield and Shepley Marina, now offering a robust all-weather surface suitable for walkers and wheelers.

• Historic features, such as cobbled areas and canal banks, have been restored, a new bench installed, and the flower garden enhanced by Canal & River Trust volunteers.

• A new station route through the park, including steps to replace a muddy slope, additional paths, and a safer exit onto Parkfield Crescent with handrails.

• Kirklees Council also upgraded the play area and extended the pétanque courts as part of its Playable Spaces Programme.

Once Mirfield Station’s own upgrades are complete, travellers will benefit from a fully accessible footbridge with lifts, longer platforms for longer trains, and improved facilities.

Local Leaders Praise the Project

Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Transport, said: “It is great to see this project come to fruition, and for Cllrs to get an early taster of how residents can enjoy and benefit from the improvements.

“Access between the park and canal towpath has been greatly improved, and alongside the revitalised paths, this offers residents a safe, green and welcoming route to Mirfield Station.

“Thanks to the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade, it won’t be long until travellers can use this new route to catch faster, greener, and more frequent trains.”

“We are also celebrating the new play park in Mirfield Memorial Ground, which the council has updated alongside the footpath works as part of the Playable Spaces Programme.”

Kim Leadbeater MP added: “It’s fantastic to see this investment making a real difference to the local community that live in Mirfield.

“These improvements not only help people make greener travel choices but also enhance the local space and make the area more accessible for everyone.”

Celebration at the Memorial Garden

The opening event began at Mirfield Station before guests enjoyed a short walk along the upgraded towpath to the memorial garden, where local community groups and residents gathered for refreshments and speeches from project partners.

Sean McGinley, Regional Director for Canal & River Trust, said: “These towpath improvements have made a real difference for the community, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy their local canal.

“As a charity caring for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, we’re incredibly grateful to work in partnership on projects like this to improve our waterside routes and protect our 200-year-old canal network.”

Rachel Blake, Sponsor for Transpennine Route Upgrade, added: “This is a brilliant example of how we’re working in partnership to deliver more than just a railway upgrade.

“By supporting local authorities and community partners, TRU is helping to create lasting benefits for people living near the route.”