Esh Construction has completed essential improvement and repair works after securing £27,470 in funding for a new footpath and staircase in Spen Bottoms in Cleckheaton.
Spen Bottoms, also referred to as Mann Dam, is a 30-hectare area of green belt space located within the boundaries of Cleckheaton Town Centre. Over time, sections of woodland area had become overgrown, and the existing steps were old and in need of replacement, which Esh has now been able to action on behalf of Spen Valley Civic Society and Friends of Spen Beck/Mann Damm, both of which form part of the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group.
Esh’s team actioned works over a two-week period, with an end goal of revitalising a community asset, making the area more accessible and safer for the public to support the connection between the town centre and Spen Bottoms. Vegetation was carefully cut back, while a new footpath and staircase were constructed using locally sourced materials. A new staircase was constructed using anti-slip railway sleepers to provide a safer and durable route from the viaduct to the woodland.
Rachel Hanlon, Social Value Coordinator at Esh Construction, said: “It’s extremely important that our commitments go beyond the construction site, allowing us to build meaningful relationships and a lasting legacy in the local communities we serve.
“We are passionate about bringing our civil engineering expertise to these projects, using a skill set that extends the scope of our projects to make a positive difference to the environment and local areas through initiatives like this one.”
The initiative was formed in partnership with YORhub’s YOR4Good fund as part of Esh’s social value commitments on the A638 Dewsbury to Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor scheme – a £6.4 million project which will provide safer active travel opportunities on a six-mile-long corridor in West Yorkshire, working on behalf of Kirklees Council.
Caz Goodwill, Secretary of Friends of Spen Beck Mann Dam, said: “The works here at Spen Bottom really were needed, as the steps were particularly dangerous, and they serve a vital connection between the viaduct and the main green area.
“This important green area is so close to the town centre, and we want people to enjoy it, so accessibility is extremely vital. We’re really looking forward to seeing how the completed work will enable the community to reap the benefits of the area.”
As a popular walking route within the local community, particularly for dog walkers, Spen Bottoms offers a place for the community to enjoy woodland walks, a children’s play area and a lake. The site has been identified as an area of significant importance by the community, which led Kirklees Council to develop the Spen Bottoms Master Plan which aims to improve the biodiversity, connectivity and accessibility as well as raising the cultural value of the area.
David Shepherd, Executive Director of Place, Kirklees Council said: “Spen Bottoms is an important green space for the local community, and we’re pleased to see this investment helping to improve the area for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“The work carried out by Esh Construction, alongside the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group, is a great example of how partnership working can deliver meaningful improvements to our local spaces. The new footpath and staircase will help improve access around the site, while the work to the surrounding woodland will help enhance the area for people and wildlife.
“We look forward to continuing to work with local groups and partners to build on these improvements and support the long-term vision for Spen Bottoms.”
Max Rathmell, Chair of Spen Valley Civic Society, added: “The improvement works that have taken place to the path are crucial for the enjoyment of the local community, allowing people to feel safe when they’re travelling into, and around the area.
“These works are just one part of the wider Masterplan for Spen Bottom, but it’s a fundamental aspect, and the security the regeneration is creating will greatly encourage people to come along and enjoy the area.”
