In July 2009 a long awaited project was completed to improve access from Settle market square, along the Giggleswick bank of the River Ribble.
This stretch of the riverside was once impassible for wheelchair users and pushchairs. It is now a safe and attractive route for all, connecting the market square in Settle with the west bank of the Ribble and facilities at the north end of town including Settle College, Settle Middle School, the swimming pool and football club.
A long journey
Although physical work on Settle Riverside improvements began in February 2009, the project started its journey back in 2004 as an idea by the Settle Area Regeneration Team (StART). It was championed by partners including Craven District Council, North Yorkshire County Council and Yorkshire Forward. In 2007 the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust joined StART to help find the funds which would enable the project to become reality.
Project funding
A year later two vital grants were secured which meant funds were now in place for the project to start. Funding for the project has come from:
- Yorkshire Forward’s Renaissance Market Town Programme
- Natural England - through the Defra Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF)
- Craven District Council
- Lafarge Aggregates Landfill Communities Fund
- North Yorkshire County Council
Design and implementation of the scheme was overseen by North Yorkshire County Council using Jacobs UK and main contractor Houseman Falshaw.
The funding for this project is being made available through the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union.
Click here to find out more about European Funding.
The Riverside today
The
Settle Riverside project has involved extensive resurfacing work, new
pathways and re-walling the riverbank. Interpretation boards have been
installed to tell the story of fascinating local natural features and
historic connections. New signs now guide newcomers to Settle to sites
of interest along the route. A variety of broadleaf trees and shrubs
have been planted along the bank by the Memorial Bridge, which in time
will provide an attractive cover for wildlife and improve the habitat
value of the area.
The
advantages of the project are clear. A public opinion survey showed
that 98% of respondents considered that the project had brought
improvements to access, environment, the local community and visitors to
the town. Comments included:
“I
think the project is excellent, it is moving the place into the future
while retaining its qualities. I suffer from Parkinson’s disease and can
be assured of accessing the new route with greater confidence now for
the rest of my life. The contractor has worked with great sensitivity
and imagination. I love the stone bench and re-constructed ‘leaping
stile’!”
“I
have two infants who I push around in this huge double pram which I had
to wheel every day along the main road and up Belle Hill in Giggleswick
which is very steep and can be busy with traffic. This new route has
transformed our lives, we can now get to the child minder alongside the
river listening to the birds and seeing the sun shining on the water. I
love it – many thanks to everyone involved.”
“It
is so refreshing to see a project done like this so well in Settle.
When some things never seem to happen and shops are closing and people
are worried about the future of the place, seeing a change like this
gives me hope for the area. You all deserve congratulations for making
it happen.”
The future:
Settle Riverside Stage 2
A
further phase of improvements at Settle Riverside is already being
developed through the partnership between the Yorkshire Dales Millennium
Trust, North Yorkshire County Council and Craven District Council. This
will improve the route south on the west bank of the River Ribble.
A package of funding has already been secured including:
- LEADER - £69,559
- North Yorkshire County Council - £50,000
- Craven District Council - £40,000
- Lafarge Aggregates Community Fund - £35,000
- North Yorkshire Aggregate Grant Scheme - £20,000
Final
agreements are currently being put in place and all being well the
project will commence in 2011.