The work had been suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, but contractors are now back on site. However, their progress is being hampered by members of the public ignoring the closure signs and fencing.
We have secured funding for the project from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development with further support from Craven District Council and the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership.
Keeping safe
Luke Edwards, our project manager, said: “It is really important that people take notice of the signage and fencing. The safety of members of the public, staff and contractors is our primary concern, and it will be difficult to maintain the correct social distancing measures if people ignore the temporary closure.
“We would ask for the public's patience and cooperation while the work is carried out, with closures in place for at least five weeks. Please bear with us and respect the signs and help keep everyone safe. Once complete, the towpath will be back open with a vastly improved surface making it easier for local people to visit the canal and get closer to nature.
“We know that spending time on the canal is good for people's health and wellbeing. Please just remember to observe social distancing at all times – keeping away from other people and moored boats. Cyclists should remember that pedestrians have priority so they should be ready to go slow and give way.”