Contractor delivers new pathway to green space in Cleckheaton

A popular green space in Cleckheaton has been made safer and more accessible thanks to a £27,470 community improvement project delivered through the YOR4Good Fund in partnership with Esh Construction.

Located within Cleckheaton town centre, Spen Bottoms, also known as Mann Dam, is a 30-hectare green space comprising woodland, meadows, walking routes and recreational areas enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. The site is recognised for its environmental, heritage and community value and forms an important connection between the town centre and the surrounding natural environment.

Working on behalf of Spen Valley Civic Society and the Friends of Spen Beck/Mann Dam, Esh Construction carried out a programme of improvement works designed to revitalise the area and enhance public access. Over a two-week period, vegetation was carefully cleared and a new footpath and staircase were constructed using locally sourced materials. The staircase, built using anti-slip railway sleepers, now provides a safer and more durable route between the historic viaduct and the woodland below.

The funding was provided through YOR4Good as part of Esh Construction’s social value commitments linked to the A638 Dewsbury to Cleckheaton Sustainable Travel Corridor, a £6.4 million scheme being delivered on behalf of Kirklees Council.

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.”

As a popular destination for walkers, families and nature enthusiasts, Spen Bottoms offers woodland trails, a children’s play area and access to the lake and surrounding wildlife habitats. The site has also been identified as a key area for future investment through the Spen Bottoms Masterplan, which aims to improve biodiversity, accessibility, connectivity and the overall visitor experience.

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.”

Phil Henderson, Chair of the YOR4Good Fund, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how YOR4Good can help deliver lasting benefits for local communities. By bringing together contractors, local authorities and community organisations, we’re able to support improvements that make valued local spaces safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone who uses them.”

YOR4Good’s mission is to create positive social value outcomes across the region, helping contractors and public sector partners work together to improve local facilities, support community wellbeing and leave a lasting legacy beyond the construction project itself.