Just under half million for L&L

IT HAS just been announced that £450,000 is to be spent on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, that has been welcomed by Canal & River Trust.

But alas, once again it is not for the actual waterway, but nearly half a million pounds is being spent instead on the towpath.

George Osborne

It is in the shape of funding from the Department for Transport, announced yesterday by Chancellor George Osborne during his visit to Yorkshire, and will upgrade two and a half miles of towpath near Skipton with a new all-weather hard surface for cyclists

Chantelle Seaborn, North West Waterways Manager, praised:

"We are delighted to have secured funding to transform the towpath into an all-weather surface which will make such a difference for cyclists, walkers, boaters and anglers using this popular route."

Very Welcome

Nick Cotton, the National Park Authority's Member Champion for Recreation Management, enthused:

"This funding is very welcome indeed. Development of the towpath route will be a major benefit to the National Park because it will increase the opportunities for easy, safe cycling for those with less experience and it will be particularly beneficial for families. It's also a great way to promote wider cycling options throughout the area."