City's 'green artery' to be made more accessible

Funding has been secured for a series of upgrades to the Meanwood Valley Trail - a seven-mile long "green artery" which runs through Leeds from built-up Headingley up to Golden Acre Park on the city's northern outskirts.

People who use the nature reserve have told the BBC what they would like to see the money spent on.

"It is very difficult to get around the trail on my scooter," says 78-year-old Sally Morgan.

She had polio as a child and now uses an electric mobility aid to navigate the city.

She points to paths crumbling and lifted by tree roots when she tells the BBC of her difficulties using the greenway.

"Everybody with polio deteriorates over the years, so I do not walk now but it is not accessible.

"The paths are falling away, so you have to go on the main road."

In a letter to residents in Headingley, local councillors Jonathan Pryor and Abdul Hannan revealed in December they had secured funding to make the area more accessible.

Repairs to worn sections are among the upgrades they have announced.

Despite the challenges, Sally attempts to use the Meanwood Valley Trail near her home in Headingley twice a week.

She describes access to nature as "incredibly important" to her.

"I have difficulty getting into my car so [the trail] just takes me to nature immediately.

"It is really, really lovely".

As part of the improvements, a new raised zebra crossing is to be placed on Grove Lane in Headingley.

In their letter to constituents, the councillors say the crossing, which will have LED Belisha beacons, will "connect the Meanwood Valley Trail, helping children, older residents and those with mobility issues along the busy route".

Joanne uses the trail in Headingley around four times a day to walk her cocker spaniel, Milo.

Familiar with navigating the busy Grove Lane, the 42-year-old thinks a pelican crossing would be more appropriate because of the speeds of drivers.

She would also like to see improved lighting.

"We do not need much, as we do not want to disturb the wildlife, but at night time it is pitch black," she said.

Katherine Kitson agrees a crossing on Grove Lane is needed to help people access the green space.

"[Crossing] is not good at all," the 73-year-old says.

"It is always really busy, there are no crossings until you get to the church at the top."

She uses the route twice a week and says the greenway has a positive impact on her mental health.

"It makes you feel better, it is more enjoyable to walk in green space than it is to walk near a busy road, I have seen lots of squirrels," she says.

"It would be nice to have a couple of benches and see it tidied up."

Plans for improvements are to be drawn up in detail before a formal consultation.

The councillors hope work will start in late spring and finish by summer next year.

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