Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), in partnership with Kirklees Council and Canal & River Trust, has unveiled plans to upgrade the canal towpath from Shepley Bridge Marina to Station Road, and to carry out improvements at Mirfield Memorial Park.

The proposals come as part of TRU's First and Last Mile programme, intended to improve journeys to and from stations on the route between Manchester and York.

A public consultation on plans for Mirfield station is open until August 31.

Park and canal users, residents, and businesses can share their views at https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/countryside-parks-and-open-spaces/mirfield-memorial-ground.aspx

The development plans and concept designs can also be viewed in-person at a drop-in event on August 29 from 3pm to 6pm at Mirfield Memorial Ground.

Representatives from Kirklees Council and Canal & River Trust will be available to answer any queries and listen to ideas.

Councillor Munir Ahmed, Kirklees cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "We are delighted Mirfield Memorial Park has secured funding from TRU’s First and Last Mile scheme.

"This will enable the council to improve various entrance points to the park, benefiting local residents.

"Upgrade works to the canal towpath, which runs next to the park, will also improve the access points between the park and canal.

"Together the works will provide improved accessibility to the park and towpath for residents, as well as enhancing an alternative ‘green’ route to the railway station for rail users.

"This project is in addition to the funding secured for the play park as part of the Playable Spaces Scheme."

As well as improving the canal towpath from Shepley Bridge Marina to Station Road for pedestrians, an agreement with Kirklees Council Highways will provide an improved crossing point on Lowlands Road, ensuring better access between the footway network and the canal.

Mark Robinson, enterprise manager at the Canal & River Trust, said: "We know how popular this section of towpath is along the Calder & Hebble Navigation which is well used by the local community and among our canal users and we’re delighted that funding has been secured.

"We strongly encourage people to take a look at these proposals and have their say on how they can be improved."

Mirfield Memorial Park's planned upgrades include play area improvements, better access from Gill Bridge and Hurst Lane into the park, the introduction of new Petanque pistes, and renovations to the steps of Parkfield Crescent.