Local MP and campaigners pledge to fight for Wharfedale Greenway
- jamieparkinson2001
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Anna Dixon MP, has met with members of the Friends of Wharfedale Greenway and various local stakeholders this week to discuss the next steps for the development of the Greenway.
The meeting was prompted by Anna Dixon’s recent vocal support for the project in the House of Commons. It was attended by representatives from Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Active Travel England, Burley Parish Council, and local campaigners.
Ms. Dixon, whose constituency includes Menston and Burley-in-Wharfedale, has been a strong advocate for the Wharfedale Greenway project since her election to Westminster last year, speaking about it multiple times in Parliament.
The Greenway project aims to create a route for walking, cycling, and horseback riding along the Wharfe Valley. If built, it would connect Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley, and Addingham to the Yorkshire Dales in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
The 'Friends of Wharfedale Greenway' is a group of volunteers who have long supported the development of this project. They are committed to raising awareness and generating support for the creation of the greenway along the Wharfe Valley.
Speaking after the meeting, which took place in Burley-in-Wharfedale, Anna Dixon MP said: “I have long been a strong advocate for the creation of the Wharfedale Greenway.
“It would be an incredible asset for the local community, creating a safe and beautiful route for people in our local area to walk and cycle around.
“I’d like to thank everyone who came to today’s meeting. It was great to get together and discuss the issues that have prevented this project from coming to fruition and talk about the actions we can take to finally get the ball rolling on the Greenway.
“Everybody in attendance will have an important role to play in the development of this project, and I am going to be working hard with neighbouring MPs, our West Yorkshire Mayor and others to make sure that we get the funding and permissions we need to make this amazing project happen.”
Colm McCann, the Chair of Friends of Wharfedale Greenway, said of the meeting: “To help realise the potential for the Wharfedale Greenway, political support is required at all levels. It was fantastic to see Anna raise a question in parliament requesting support for the project.
“Today's meeting with a number of key stakeholders was a result of the parliamentary discussion. The group had a walk along a section of the proposed route owned and managed by Burley Parish Council. The follow-up discussion provided lots of useful insights into how the project can move forward to help connect our towns and villages in the Wharfe Valley.
“Thanks to Anna Dixon for her continued support, to stakeholders for your input and to Burley Parish Council for providing hospitality.”