We had lots of interest in the Greenside Greenway campaign at our Pudsey Carnival stand at the weekend, including a visit from Stuart Andrew MP, who is one of our supporters.

Well done to everyone involved for all your hard work!

Last week we had a meeting/survey of Phase 2 of our Greenway route (from Carlisle Road to Richardshaw Lane). This section, which follows the old railway, is currently used as a walking route but needs improvements to allow other users access, such as cyclists and horse riders. We first need another feasibility study to determine the extent of the works required and costs, which Sustrans are asked to submit.

Greenside Greenway committee members discussed route issues with officers from The Combined Authority, Sustrans, and Leeds/Bradford Council transport development representatives.

We are collecting evidence that Greenside Tunnel and the Railway Cutting have been used as a Right Of Way.

If you have been through the tunnel please complete the online form at:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-WOSC3liWs-96PIJe2MvGbd3sk5oIx0KNUtyJd_QXtKyAwA/viewform.

This is the online version of the PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY USER EVIDENCE FORM for Leeds City Council

We had lovely weather and a good turnout for our recent tree planting / litter picking event – it was great to see some new volunteers taking part as well.

At the committee meeting on 14 March the following was discussed:

Progression of Phase 2/3 of the Greenway Plans
We are just awaiting costings from Sustrans. The route goes from the Royal Pub to just after Pudsey Grammar School (see map below). Most of the route is intact with mostly only one landowner (Leeds City Council). The total distance is 2.3km.

Heritage Display Boards
We also discussed progress on the provision of heritage display boards to promote the history of the former rail stations (pre-Beeching) at Greenside and Lowtown. If sufficient funds are raised, the boards will be enhanced with a bench and some shrubs (see initial drawings below).

We have received this great support statement from Michael, which hopefully will be of use when we eventually sort the next feasibility study for Phases 2/3. Well done Fiz, one of our supporters, for arranging this statement.

LITTER PICKS

Planned litter picks of old railway route:
Saturdays 19th Feb and 26th March

Meet for both 10am bottom of South Parade (near disused railway bridge).

Litter picking equipment provided.
Advisable to bring your own gloves.

TREE PLANTING

We are planning an event before April to plant a number of saplings (different varieties) to improve wildlife habitation along the Greenway route.

This is part of a massive tree planting exercise across the UK.
Date of event to be confirmed.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS/FUNDRAISING

Request for anyone who has fundraising expertise and time to assist.

Help is required for feasibility studies on phase 2 and phase 3 (Stanningley to Carlisle Road/Greenside tunnel entrance), also with Heritage display boards to be sited at the former Greenside and Lowtown rail stations and bench at Lowtown site.

If you are able to help please contact us via our social media contacts , or would be great if you could come along to our next planned committee meetings on:

Mon 14th March
Tues 19th April
Mon 16th May
7.30pm, Royal Hotel, Station St, Pudsey LS28 8PR

CHARITY STATUS

Great news we have recently been awarded official charity status!
We have been entered onto the Register of Charities (charity number 1197601).
This will assist our future fundraising campaigns .

An excellent article and video that highlights the threat to wildlife posed by the infilling of disused railway bridges. A petition has been set up which we’re sure many of you will want to support:
https://www.change.org/p/national-highways-protect-our-railway-heritage-from-highways-england-s-wrecking-ball/u/30096979

This is the exact threat we still have in Pudsey with possible new applications to infill Greenside rail cutting.

Due to budget issues to maintain redundant rail infrastructure Historical Railways Estate (Highways England) will want to dispose of such liabilities if they possibly can.

Well done to the community group that successfully campaigned to stop the infill of Barcombe Bridge in East Sussex, read more at: sussexbylines.co.uk/infilling-at-barcombe-a-bridge-too-far.

Use the link below to download a four-page summary highlighting progress during 2020. There has been lots going on, and we hope you find it of interest, especially for those who missed our AGM in November.

Date: 25 November 2021

Venue: The Royal, Pudsey

All welcome who have any interest in this community project – details below.