Walking and cycling route between schools approved

A new walking and cycling route linking two schools in Barnsley with a main road has been given the green light after funding was approved by regional leaders.

The £398,298 Kendray School Link scheme was approved at a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority meeting on 24 March, with the project set to be fully funded through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement.

The scheme will upgrade an existing informal path running between Cypress Road and Springwell Alternative Academy and The Forest Academy, creating a safer, all-weather route for pupils and residents.

Construction is expected to take place between June and August.

Plans include surfacing the path to a standard width, alongside new lighting, seating, fencing and improved access points, as well as a safer crossing on Cypress Road - according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council documents stated the route is already used despite its poor condition, with the improvements expected to encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling in an area where car ownership is lower and reliance on active travel is higher.

The business case for the scheme highlights wider issues in Kendray and Stairfoot, including high levels of deprivation and concerns about air quality, with the project aimed at reducing short car journeys and improving access to education.

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