There was cause for celebration down by the riverside in Settle last week as work was completed to improve access from Settle market square and along the Giggleswick bank of the River Ribble. The project is dedicated to the inspiring vision of Deidre Cokell, who worked so hard over many years for the benefit of the Settle area.

Mrs Cokell’s daughter, Sue Martin, said at the opening event, ‘My mother worked tirelessly in the months before she died to champion the development of the riverside walk. Our family is so pleased that the vision she had, over 5 years ago, has come to fruition and so proud that the walk has been dedicated to her memory. We believe that it provides a marvelous and most fitting tribute to a lady who did so much during her life for Settle and its people’. 

Before the work started the riverside was impossible to negotiate for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The new improvements provide a safe route to the swimming pool, for children walking to school and gives less mobile people an opportunity to enjoy an easy walk.

The work has involved resurfacing the path and re-walling the riverbank. Interpretation boards have also been installed to tell the story of fascinating local natural features and historic connections. New blue signs will guide newcomers to Settle to sites of interest along the route.

The project started its journey in 2004 as an idea by the Settle Area Regeneration Team (StART) under the Renaissance Market Town Programme. It is promoted by Yorkshire Forward and locally by Craven District Council. Rhona Pringle, Rural Capitals Programme Manager, said ‘Yorkshire Forward is pleased to see successful delivery of this project as part of its Renaissance Market Towns programme. It will improve the experience of residents and visitors to Settle and will support the local economy’.

The project has been funded by: Yorkshire Forward’s Renaissance Market Town Programme, Natural England (through the Defra Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF)), Craven District Council, Lafarge Aggregates Landfill Communities Fund, and North Yorkshire County Council. The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and StART have also been part of the steering group helping to access grant funding and enable the project become reality.

As part of the project two tree planting events were organised in late March by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Around thirty local volunteers planted a variety of broadleaf trees and shrubs along the bank by the Memorial Bridge. In time the trees will provide an attractive cover for wildlife and improve the habitat value of the area.

Design and implementation of the scheme was overseen by North Yorkshire County Council using Jacobs UK and main contractor Houseman Falshaw.  County Councillor Clare Wood, Executive Member for Business and Environmental services, said, ‘We are delighted to have been involved in this successful partnership which has delivered a real improvement to the riverside area in Settle’.

The improvements will hopefully encourage people to come and enjoy the environment of Settle and explore the wider countryside.