IMPROVEMENTS are to be carried out to a historic Keighley pathway.

Resurfacing work is planned for the route known locally as The Walk, which runs parallel with the River Worth between Low Mill Lane and Park Lane.

Over the years, paving stone thefts have left the surface a patchwork of mud and broken slabs.

Now, following a grant of almost £60,000 from the Government-financed Keighley Towns Fund, restorations can go ahead.

The initiative will be spearheaded by the Aire Rivers Trust charity as part of a series of path improvements aimed at encouraging more people to explore the River Worth, and to provide safe green travel routes through the town.

The wider River Worth Restoration Project has also been supported, with £20,000 of funding, by Keighley Big Local.

Historically, The Walk was used by textile workers making their way to the 19th-century Walk Mills complex.

Some improvement work has already been carried out by volunteers from the Aire Rivers Trust and the River Worth Friends.

Simon Watts, the trust’s operations manager, says: "The Worth Way is a delightful, 11-mile circular walk that connects Keighley and Oxenhope. It takes in some fabulous sections of the River Worth and offers the opportunity to glimpse a wealth of wildlife, from otters to dippers.

"We’re delighted to have the support of Keighley Towns Fund and Keighley Big Local to help us care for the River Worth area."

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning, says: "Keighley Towns Fund supports many projects across the area, and all are varied and deserving. It is wonderful to see the town's unique heritage celebrated alongside the incredible wildlife of the river. We are so pleased to be able to support this crucial work, which will ensure many more people can enjoy the river for years to come."

Ian Hayfield, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, said the project would "make such a difference to what is a really special part of the town". He added: "The work of the volunteers at the Aire Rivers Trust is incredible and we look forward to seeing the finished results."

The footpath improvements will be followed next year with new signage along the Worth Way, and a handrail at Woodhouse Road.

The Aire Rivers Trust runs regular clean-ups and riverside improvement volunteer days across the district.

For more about its activities and range of volunteering opportunities, visit aireriverstrust.org.uk/volunteer