Photographs by Hazel Gibson -February 2009

In May 2009 our Greenway will have been open for one year.  Ironically, on 21 May 1949, exactly 60 years ago the last passenger train left Meltham station. 

When Meltham Greenway was first conceived the thoughts were of a suitable flat route for both leisure and commuting use.  In fact it has become a peaceful, tree lined haven and provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Walkers can have a mud free ramble, the elderly can walk without the need to climb hills and children can learn to ride their bikes away from traffic.  This is a safe route, in more ways than one, and hundreds of people use our greenway every week.  After the blizzards of 2 February the greenway became a winter wonderland and many came to enjoy the experience of deep snow, bright sunshine and clear blue skies.

After the success of getting Near Lane fully refurbished, the ‘Friends of Meltham Greenway’ have also secured two new litter bins from Kirklees Council which have been placed at the bottom of Near Lane and at the Huddersfield Road end of the Greenway. 

The ‘Friends’ have also secured a grant from Meltham Town Council via the Meltham Hall Fund in order to provide seating at various points along the greenway path and four interpretation boards.  One of these is intended to depict the railway heritage.  The David Brown Tractor Club Ltd have promised to create one which will show the railway track bed being used for tractor testing etc.  The West  Yorkshire Geology Trust are keen to produce a board which will show the special geological features of Folly Dolly Falls and the ‘Friends’ hope to create one which will depict the flora and fauna found on the greenway.

A future project will be to create a shrubbery around the large turning circle complete with a central feature.  (Ideas from the public for this will be welcomed).  The ‘Friends’ also intend to brighten up the greenway next spring with flowers – snowdrops, daffodils etc.

Another group, Sustrans Rangers are doing a sterling job in ensuring the greenway is kept on first class condition.  Picking up litter, cutting back vegetation, sweeping the path and more recently, rebuilding of some of the dry stone walls.  A Sustrans official went away really impressed after his recent first visit to Meltham Greenway.

Text by Melvyn Gibson - March 2009

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