Footpaths for Silsden Park to encourage families to walk to and from the planned new school

A web of footpaths could be laid in Silsden Park to encourage families to walk to and from the planned new school.

Paved paths would run from various access points towards the school entrance so children could walk direct from their own streets without having to cross the grass.

Silsden Town Council is working with Bradford Council to identify suitable routes through the park.

Cllr Adrian Naylor, who sits on the town council, said: “We are looking to create a network of paths to enable people to walk to the school, or for children to use bicycles and scooters.”

Councillor Naylor said the intention would be to spend section 106 money, which is donated by housebuilders to fund community improvements near major housing developments.

Before last week’s planning meeting, the town council said it was not opposed to a new school, but raised concerns over access to the site.

Councillors had claimed details in Bradford’s initial traffic assessment did not address issues already occurring on the roads.

STC Chairman Peter Robinson this week told the Keighley News that the town council had asked Bradford’s highways department for a meeting to discuss traffic concerns.

He added: “This wasn’t forthcoming. We had wanted a public meeting in the town hall.”

The town council will meet this Thursday (June 7) to discuss the current school plans.

The council’s concerns over the school plans also include potential run-off water causing flooding down into Silsden, and inadequate ‘green’ measures such as solar panels to reduce the school’s long-term running costs.