Live Projects

The Friends of the TPT are aware of the ongoing budget constraints that local authority officers are facing on a daily basis. As a Board we felt it would be a a great addition to the TPT route to look to seek for external funding for accessible furniture for all users to benefit.

We have a passion for providing better facilities for everyone. The support of the local community has helped to address this and hope to continue to secure funding to enhance the Trans Pennine Trail further.

To see our completed projects follow this link.

If you have any improvements or suggestions you would like to see please email: friends@transpenninetrail.org.uk

Godley Turntable, Tameside	The railway turntable site is situated at the Godley end of the Apethorn – Godley link, a section of old railway path owned by Sustrans. The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) passes along this route until the junction at Green Lane, about ¼ mile from the turntable. It is planned that eventually the TPT will be re- routed past the turntable to provide an improved and safer link between Hyde and the Mottram/ Broadbottom area. The turntable was built in the early 1930’s as part of the Woodhead electrification process. It was the changeover point from electric to steam trains which would carry the load (usually coal) towards Cheshire. During the war, it was an important storage site and a bomb narrowly missed the turntable where a nearby pond acts as the reminder of the crater it left behind. After the railway closed in the 1960’s, the site was abandoned for 40 years and became overgrown. However, the old brickwork and the pits where ash was deposited remained intact. Volunteers working on the trail felt that such an historic site was wasted and could, if restored, be an interesting location worthy of visiting by local people and users of the nearby TPT. About 750 hours of volunteer time was spent clearing the accumulated debris before submitting applications for external funding. Habitat improvements include the provision of bat boxes, bug hotels and wildflower planting and information boards on the environment and history of the railway in the area have also been provided. The renovation of the old Godley Turntable site was made possible by funds raised by The Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail from Heritage Lottery, Tesco, the Guardian Trust and Aviva. Maintenance of the site will be a joint venture of local volunteers and the landowners Sustrans.
Burn Airfield, Selby	Following frequent reports of winter flooding where the TPT crosses Burn Airfield south of Selby, the Friends successfully applied to Sport England for a grant to provide a weatherproof 2m wide path along the existing route, raised above the water levels where necessary. Our application was actively supported by Selby and North Yorkshire Councils, with the latter contributing financially to widen the path to an NCN-standard 3m. A public attitude survey held in spring 2020 showed widespread public support locally and indicated increased usage not only by travellers on the TPT but by runners, dog-walkers and people just taking exercise. The upgrade will be supported by an activation project to promote use and enjoyment of the new path section, including by the publication of leaflets and the provision of information boards relating the history of the Second World War airfield. Friends hope that work can start on the path upgrade later in 2020.
Skelton Grange Road Bridge, Leeds	A steep, open concrete staircase up to a bridge carrying the TPT across the Aire Navigation at Skelton Grange has long been a severe obstacle for travellers to and from Leeds. Various solutions have been considered over the years only to be rejected n grounds of practicality or cost. However, the resurfacing of the TPT from Leeds towards Woodlesford funded by Highways England and completed in March 2020 by Sustrans underlines the need to make this route accessible and safe for everyone, including families, disabled users and those with heavy or non-standard bikes. Friends Trustees are working with the Leeds Cycle Campaign and others to achieve a safe and accessible crossing at Skelton Bridge. A petition launched in March 2020 now has nearly 2,000 signatures and work is starting on a campaign video illustrating to public authorities and potential funders the necessity to open the route. To add your name to the petition go to: www.change.org/p/leeds-city-council-secure-a-safe-and-accessible-crossing-for-ncn-route-67-and-the-tpt-at-skelton-grange-road