Community celebrates reopening of Padiham Greenway bridge over River Calder with wildflower planting

The free community event was organised by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and marked the first in a series of nature-themed “Wild About Padiham” activities planned throughout the summer.

The reopening follows major repair and accessibility improvement works to the popular traffic-free route, which connects Padiham with nearby villages and links into Burnley town centre via the National Cycle Network.

Danny Morris, network development manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, thanked the Mayor and local residents for supporting the celebration.

He said: “The new improvements on the Greenway now make it much more accessible and welcoming for people using a wheelchair or other mobility aid.

“We’ve planted a mix of wildflower seeds along the bridge which should make a colourful display, and will attract bees, butterflies and birds.

“This green strip will provide welcome cover for small mammals and other wildlife to cross the bridge.”

Mr Morris added that the organisation would be hosting a number of free “Wild About Padiham” events over the coming months to help people connect with nature and improve biodiversity along the route.

Local resident Tanya Furk-Stephens, who attended the event with her husband Robyn, welcomed the reopening.

She said: “I’m so happy to have this open again. This side of the greenway is amazing for physical and mental health, with an abundance of nature.

“I’m post surgery and part of the rehabilitation process is to walk more. This surface feels easy to walk on with a crutch. Since it’s re-opened there have been so many more people on the greenway with prams, bikes and wheelchairs.”

Padiham Mayor Alun Lewis also took part in a sponsored walk during the event.

He said: “As a town councillor and the event director of Padiham Greenway junior parkrun, the closure of the Greenway Bridge has consistently been the topic I get asked about most.

“So many people have worked on making this happen so that our town can once again be reconnected to provide a safe walking and cycling route for leisure and the daily commute.

“The reopening of the bridge is a great day for Padiham.”

The River Calder bridge was closed in 2021 following safety concerns, while sections of the route between Memorial Park and Shuttleworth Business Park had become damaged by tree roots, making access difficult for wheelchair users and people with mobility aids.

Community groups worked alongside Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, Burnley Council, Active Travel England and National Highways to secure £900,000 for repairs and accessibility improvements.

As part of the project, a new wildlife-friendly green strip has been created across the bridge and bat boxes installed to support local species.

The works were funded by Active Travel England, the Shared Prosperity Fund through Burnley Council, and National Highways.

The next “Wild About Padiham” event is scheduled to take place on May 23rd.