WORK has begun to make a route in Oxenhope more accessible to walkers, riders and cyclists.

Last Thursday (Sept 14) a working party from Haworth and Oxenhope District Bridleways joined forces with Bradford Council countryside and rights of way officer Rick Hill and a student from Craven College to improve Isle Lane.

The volunteers from the bridleways group included Sarah Wasley, Susie Wild and Pat Greenwood.

Mrs Greenwood said: "With the help of nearby resident Dave Atkinson we dug out the first ditch, put in a new drainage pipe and covered it with hardcore to allow easier access over it.

"The vegetation has been cut back and the drains either side of the track cleared. It was a successful day.

"We have started to dig off the top surface mud, but it is proving to be quite a long job and we are now appealing for help.

"There is a lot more work to do as in some places the bog is nearly two feet deep. We had to wear wellies.

"Potentially it's a really good link as it keeps walkers off the busy Denholme Road, and it could also be a good route for cyclists and horse riders too.

"People do use the track but it's just so boggy, and there are a lot of other tracks in a similar state in Oxenhope, Haworth and Oakworth."

Mrs Greenwood said further sessions are planned to further progress the clearance work.

She said people willing to volunteer their time to improve Isle Lane can call her on either 07703 597151 or 01535 644095. They can also visit hodbg.org/ for details on the bridleways group's activities.