DISCUSSIONS are to get under way with landowners along the proposed route of a new walking and cycling path along an old Wharfedale railway line.

It is the next stage in a long-running bid by Otley, Menston, Burley and Pool Councils to create a safe environment for people to walk and cycle for everyday journeys.

The route, to be known as The Wharfedale Greenway, will follow the route of the old railway line and will provide an opportunity for people to travel by foot or cycle to schools, shops, and work along on a traffic-free path, mainly in open countryside.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans has been working with the four Wharfedale councils on the plan. It carried out a feasibility study into the project, before the parish councils and Otley Town Council continued to drive it forward. Local residents had the opportunity to scrutinise the plans last summer when a public consultation was carried out. Those who attended the touring exhibition were overwhelmingly in favour of the project.

Otley Town Council leader and chairman of the Wharfedale Greenway, Cllr John Eveleigh, said: “Having listened to how the people of Pool, Menston, Otley and Burley enthusiastically feel about using the route of the old railway line to create the Wharfedale Greenway we are now ready to enter into discussions with land owners about the final route for the Greenway so we can begin fully costing the scheme, ready for fund raising.

“This walking and cycle route will build on the efforts of local organisations in promoting these forms of movement and give a positive legacy to future generations.

“We want this route to be known as the Wharfedale Greenway that will help to show the very best of what Wharfedale has to offer along five miles of route.”

Sustrans’ regional director, Paul Osbourne said: “The Grand Depart was a great event for our region and we want to see that the enthusiasm generated is translated in to more people cycling as part of their everyday journeys; greenways can provide a safe means of doing this. Of course greenways are not just for cyclists, other greenways in our region, for example the Nidderdale Greenway is enjoyed by a variety of users such as walkers, runners, wheelchair and mobility scooter users who appreciate a traffic-free route.”