Kilnhurst Weir Improvements

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Please note this consultation has now closed. The outcome report can be viewed here.

The information and proposals from the consultation, which took place between 21 February - 30 March 2023 can be found below.



What is the project?

Calderdale Council have been working with the Canal & River Trust and their partners Arcadis to investigate Kilnhurst Weir which is part of the Rochdale Canal.

The weirs on the Rochdale Canal make up a small part of the canal towpath, which are part of the national cycling network (route 66). We delivered a multi-million pound City Connect Programme to upgrade surfaces and deliver high quality cycling and walking routes, but this didn’t include the weirs as they needed more consideration.

We're using this engagement to try to understand how Kilnhurst Weir can be improved in a way that makes the route more accessible but also preserves its history and heritage. Feedback will be used to help inform design improvements for the weir.

There are 3 different design options that we want your views on.


Where is Kilnhurst Weir?

Between Todmorden and Luddenden Foot, there are seven weirs, Kilnhurst Weir can be found between Key Sike Lane and Woodhouse Road on the Rochdale Canal.


Why are upgrades to the weir needed?

When the weirs are in use, water can be high which can be hazardous and dangerous for users. This is because users are unable to see the uneven surface when travelling over it. Sometimes, to use the weir, users can use a narrow plank on stone plinths to make the journey, but this prevents access to those using wheelchairs, using pushchairs or cycling.


Proposals

This engagement is an opportunity to look at initial design options that make the space more inclusive and easier to access. It hopes to celebrate the history of the weir and improve walking and cycling across the route. The feedback will help to inform the designs

Option 1 - repairing and improving the existing weir

Option one is a minimum option, this includes repairing and improving the existing weir. More information about the specific improvements can be found on option 1 in the design document.


Kilnhurst Weir Option 1 3D ViewDesign Option 1 3D View Option 2 - extending a new bridge

Option two includes extending a new bridge. More information about the specific improvements can be found on option 2 in the design document.


Kilnhurst Weir Option 2 3D ViewDesign Option 2 3D View

Option 3 - a new walkway across the culvert

Option 3 includes creating a new walkway across the culvert. More information about the specific improvements can be found on option 3 in the design document..

Kilnhurst Weir Option 3 3D ViewDesign Option 3 3D View

How could you get involved?

Between 21 February – 30 March 2023 we wanted to hear about which design options you like best.

We held drop-in sessions:

  • Kilnhurst Weir, Key Sike Lane, 7th March 2023 10am - 1pm
  • Hebden Bridge Town Hall, 9th March 2023 10am - 1pm


If you need extra support or want to contact us, you can:

Email: yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

Call: MetroLine 0113 245 7676

Sent us a letter: FREEPOST Consultation Team WYCA (no stamp is required)

Please note this consultation has now closed. The outcome report can be viewed here.

The information and proposals from the consultation, which took place between 21 February - 30 March 2023 can be found below.



What is the project?

Calderdale Council have been working with the Canal & River Trust and their partners Arcadis to investigate Kilnhurst Weir which is part of the Rochdale Canal.

The weirs on the Rochdale Canal make up a small part of the canal towpath, which are part of the national cycling network (route 66). We delivered a multi-million pound City Connect Programme to upgrade surfaces and deliver high quality cycling and walking routes, but this didn’t include the weirs as they needed more consideration.

We're using this engagement to try to understand how Kilnhurst Weir can be improved in a way that makes the route more accessible but also preserves its history and heritage. Feedback will be used to help inform design improvements for the weir.

There are 3 different design options that we want your views on.


Where is Kilnhurst Weir?

Between Todmorden and Luddenden Foot, there are seven weirs, Kilnhurst Weir can be found between Key Sike Lane and Woodhouse Road on the Rochdale Canal.


Why are upgrades to the weir needed?

When the weirs are in use, water can be high which can be hazardous and dangerous for users. This is because users are unable to see the uneven surface when travelling over it. Sometimes, to use the weir, users can use a narrow plank on stone plinths to make the journey, but this prevents access to those using wheelchairs, using pushchairs or cycling.


Proposals

This engagement is an opportunity to look at initial design options that make the space more inclusive and easier to access. It hopes to celebrate the history of the weir and improve walking and cycling across the route. The feedback will help to inform the designs

Option 1 - repairing and improving the existing weir

Option one is a minimum option, this includes repairing and improving the existing weir. More information about the specific improvements can be found on option 1 in the design document.


Kilnhurst Weir Option 1 3D ViewDesign Option 1 3D View Option 2 - extending a new bridge

Option two includes extending a new bridge. More information about the specific improvements can be found on option 2 in the design document.


Kilnhurst Weir Option 2 3D ViewDesign Option 2 3D View

Option 3 - a new walkway across the culvert

Option 3 includes creating a new walkway across the culvert. More information about the specific improvements can be found on option 3 in the design document..

Kilnhurst Weir Option 3 3D ViewDesign Option 3 3D View

How could you get involved?

Between 21 February – 30 March 2023 we wanted to hear about which design options you like best.

We held drop-in sessions:

  • Kilnhurst Weir, Key Sike Lane, 7th March 2023 10am - 1pm
  • Hebden Bridge Town Hall, 9th March 2023 10am - 1pm


If you need extra support or want to contact us, you can:

Email: yourvoice@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

Call: MetroLine 0113 245 7676

Sent us a letter: FREEPOST Consultation Team WYCA (no stamp is required)

Q&A - Do you have any questions?

We have created an extensive list of frequently asked questions. However, if you have another question, please write it here and we will try to get a response back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively you can email us.

Please note, if you have logged into your Your Voice profile, your name will appear with the question.

If you share personal information or comments that are seen as abusive or harassment we will not share your question publicly but it will still be used in the analysis.

  • Share Why are there only 3 options? There's an obvious 4th option which is to do nothing. There could be many more options that locals could have put forward, if they had been given the opportunity. Why didn't you open up the discussion earlier to allow a wider debate? Why are you only giving the public 4 weeks to consider these preset proposals when clearly you have had this on the table for some considerable time? Is this process merely to tick the box or a genuine discussion? Why are the open days at times when income tax payers are at work? on Facebook Share Why are there only 3 options? There's an obvious 4th option which is to do nothing. There could be many more options that locals could have put forward, if they had been given the opportunity. Why didn't you open up the discussion earlier to allow a wider debate? Why are you only giving the public 4 weeks to consider these preset proposals when clearly you have had this on the table for some considerable time? Is this process merely to tick the box or a genuine discussion? Why are the open days at times when income tax payers are at work? on Twitter Share Why are there only 3 options? There's an obvious 4th option which is to do nothing. There could be many more options that locals could have put forward, if they had been given the opportunity. Why didn't you open up the discussion earlier to allow a wider debate? Why are you only giving the public 4 weeks to consider these preset proposals when clearly you have had this on the table for some considerable time? Is this process merely to tick the box or a genuine discussion? Why are the open days at times when income tax payers are at work? on Linkedin Email Why are there only 3 options? There's an obvious 4th option which is to do nothing. There could be many more options that locals could have put forward, if they had been given the opportunity. Why didn't you open up the discussion earlier to allow a wider debate? Why are you only giving the public 4 weeks to consider these preset proposals when clearly you have had this on the table for some considerable time? Is this process merely to tick the box or a genuine discussion? Why are the open days at times when income tax payers are at work? link

    Why are there only 3 options? There's an obvious 4th option which is to do nothing. There could be many more options that locals could have put forward, if they had been given the opportunity. Why didn't you open up the discussion earlier to allow a wider debate? Why are you only giving the public 4 weeks to consider these preset proposals when clearly you have had this on the table for some considerable time? Is this process merely to tick the box or a genuine discussion? Why are the open days at times when income tax payers are at work?

    Anthony Delaney asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question and comments. Due to the sensitive nature of the weir all options were explored, including the option to use the highway which was dismissed, and we were left with 3 viable options. 

    The weir is unique and engaging with a blank canvas would have been challenging for the public to visualise concepts we're trying to engage on. 

    We encourage discussion through different methods, whether that's online Your Voice page where you can ask questions and fill in the survey and through the in-person drop in sessions.


  • Share When will this project start it is very important for walkers, cyclists and others on Facebook Share When will this project start it is very important for walkers, cyclists and others on Twitter Share When will this project start it is very important for walkers, cyclists and others on Linkedin Email When will this project start it is very important for walkers, cyclists and others link

    When will this project start it is very important for walkers, cyclists and others

    RossendaleValley23 asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question. We understand how important this project is for those who use it. The project will start subject to agreement of all stakeholders and the need to secure funding for potential construction.

  • Share Making the paths safe and mud free would be the first thing how can you get a wheelchair down a muddy path in the first place,bicycles get stuck in mud ,walkers have to walk round or get wet.sought out the paths first starting at Walsden to Hebden bridge.Then when it’s passable for all then replace bridges makes sense.spending and fixing the correct order on Facebook Share Making the paths safe and mud free would be the first thing how can you get a wheelchair down a muddy path in the first place,bicycles get stuck in mud ,walkers have to walk round or get wet.sought out the paths first starting at Walsden to Hebden bridge.Then when it’s passable for all then replace bridges makes sense.spending and fixing the correct order on Twitter Share Making the paths safe and mud free would be the first thing how can you get a wheelchair down a muddy path in the first place,bicycles get stuck in mud ,walkers have to walk round or get wet.sought out the paths first starting at Walsden to Hebden bridge.Then when it’s passable for all then replace bridges makes sense.spending and fixing the correct order on Linkedin Email Making the paths safe and mud free would be the first thing how can you get a wheelchair down a muddy path in the first place,bicycles get stuck in mud ,walkers have to walk round or get wet.sought out the paths first starting at Walsden to Hebden bridge.Then when it’s passable for all then replace bridges makes sense.spending and fixing the correct order link

    Making the paths safe and mud free would be the first thing how can you get a wheelchair down a muddy path in the first place,bicycles get stuck in mud ,walkers have to walk round or get wet.sought out the paths first starting at Walsden to Hebden bridge.Then when it’s passable for all then replace bridges makes sense.spending and fixing the correct order

    Josie asked about 1 year ago

    We agree it would be fantastic to have the entire towpath surfaced for all users between Walsden and Hebden Bridge. For Calderdale, we would consider Walsden Gate as the Calderdale Boundary and work with Lancashire County Council to establish connectivity in the future. That said there is only a limited amount of money to upgrade and improve facilities for sustainable travel. The recent City Connect Project did upgrade the canal towpath between Hollas Lane, Copley and Todmorden Town Centre. The stretch of Warland Gate to Todmorden was also in the original City Connect bid but lost from the scheme as it West Yorkshire funded scheme and all five West Yorkshire districts had to concede some walking and cycling proposals would not be included if we were to successfully meet the budget available.

    The weirs themselves are very unique as they carry a heritage status functionality in terms of water management and in some cases multiple land ownership beyond Calderdale MBC as a stakeholder and Canal & River Trust as the land owner. Therefore due to their complex nature cannot be treated in the same way as towpath upgrades for example. In total 7 weirs are located between Luddenden Foot and Todmorden where City Connect towpath upgrades featured and a further 3 exist between Warland Gate and Todmorden Town Centre. 


  • Share Why have you started with this weir, as there are a number of nearby weirs with crossings that are much narrower and have no handrails? on Facebook Share Why have you started with this weir, as there are a number of nearby weirs with crossings that are much narrower and have no handrails? on Twitter Share Why have you started with this weir, as there are a number of nearby weirs with crossings that are much narrower and have no handrails? on Linkedin Email Why have you started with this weir, as there are a number of nearby weirs with crossings that are much narrower and have no handrails? link

    Why have you started with this weir, as there are a number of nearby weirs with crossings that are much narrower and have no handrails?

    Puzzled asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for your question.  Kilnhurst Weir was chosen due to its land owner status in comparison to others weirs along the Rochdale Canal. In simple terms Calderdale MBC own the highway parallel to the weir and Canal & River Trust are the owners of the weir. This weir has also had some inclusive change in recent years considering the heritage of the weir. 

    We agree some weirs on the Rochdale Canal are narrow with no hand rail. However all the other weirs include working with a 3rd party land owners and in some cases feature off camber surfaces and lack of space for certain potential changes. 

    Geographically this is also a smart place to start as its the first weir between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge. Therefore there is an option to extend inclusive use from Todmorden Town Centre towards Hebden Bridge. The weir at Luddenden Foot was also considered as they provide extending inclusive use. By starting at any of the weirs inbetween these locations would we mean we are potentially creating an inclusive section, with existing weirs providing the same block of barrier for some users. 

  • Share cannot access the option document with pictures on Facebook Share cannot access the option document with pictures on Twitter Share cannot access the option document with pictures on Linkedin Email cannot access the option document with pictures link

    cannot access the option document with pictures

    HRF asked about 1 year ago

    Thank you for contacted us and letting us know you cannot access the documents with the pictures. We have checked and updated links to the design documents so they should all be working. You can also find all the information on the documents section of the page. 

    If you still can't access the pictures please let us know.