A MAJOR new plan has been drawn up for improvements to a river through Keighley and the Worth Valley.

And a series of events is being held where people can learn more and provide feedback.

Spearheading the initiative, focussing on the River Worth, is environmental charity the Aire Rivers Trust.

Its experts and volunteers, together with the Keighley-based River Worth Friends, have analysed data and explored the course of the waterway to identify potential enhancements.

Proposals include the creation of new footpaths, use of natural methods to prevent flooding, more volunteer clean-ups, and wildlife surveys aimed at improving the river's overall health.

Sam Riley-Gunn, for the Aire Rivers Trust, says: "We are excited to launch our vision, which will bring together local people and groups to encourage nature to flourish along the river through Keighley and the Worth Valley.

"Three public events are being held this month to gather support and feedback, with the aim of helping to create a bright future for the River Worth.

"We are eager to work with as many local people and organisations as possible.

"The River Worth Project involves the creation of new nature spaces, improvements to public access, the provision of opportunities for local people to participate in the restoration of the river, and the development of future plans.

"We want to enhance the river's ecosystem and make the Worth more accessible to the public, whilst promoting community involvement in preserving its natural habitat.

"The plan sets out achievable actions that communities along the river can work towards to deliver real change, which ideally would be done in partnership with the Aire Rivers Trust and other organisations interested in improving river health."

The public events – supported by social enterprise Keighley Big Local – will include an introduction to the plan from the Aire Rivers Trust and a talk by local historian Robin Longbottom, who compiles the popular Memory Lane column in the Keighley News, on the history of weirs and water systems in the upper Worth Valley.

The first takes place at the Old School Room, opposite the Bronte Parsonage Museum, in Church Street, Haworth, on Thursday, March 14, at 7pm.

Further events will then be held at the Green Drinks meeting at Moonstone & Magic, East Parade, Keighley, on Tuesday, March 19, at 5pm, and at Keighley Civic Centre the following day, starting at 7pm.

People can also read more about the plan and comment at aireriverstrust.org.uk/river-worth-improvement-plan, or email ideas to sam.riley-gunn@aireriverstrust.org.uk