A BATCH of signs installed on a section of canal in West Yorkshire had members of the public scratching their heads this week.
Walkers and cyclists on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, in Linthwaite, were puzzled to see a series of signs informing them of the 'Shipley Towpath Improvements' – a scheme taking place around 20 miles away.
The Canal & River Trust, which is managing the towpath upgrade in Linthwaite, has now apologised for the confusion. Yesterday, it removed the incorrectly-placed signs after being alerted to the error.
The charity said the "accidental mix-up" came about as it is managing two simultaneous towpath upgrade schemes in West Yorkshire.
One walker told the T&A: "There's quite a bit of work going on to improve the Huddersfield Narrow Canal at the moment, and workers have moved onto a site in Linthwaite.
"They've put quite a few signs up to let people know what's going on. One problem - the signs are all about a project they're doing in a completely different location over in the Bradford area.
"A few passers-by were a bit puzzled and were shaking their heads after reading the signs. It's quite funny really."
The signs relating to the Shipley Towpath scheme informed people that the project was being carried out between Dock Lane Swing Bridge and Buck Hill Swing Bridge and would "benefit all towpath users."
It said the Shipley project would run for around 26 weeks, between February and August 2022, providing a new towpath material that would be spray tar and chip.
The signs that should have been installed state that the 'Huddersfield Narrow Canal Towpath Improvements' will take place between the Britannia Road Bridge and Library Lock, lasting for around 22 weeks from February until June.
The aim is to create a "solid well-drained surface which fits in with the area."
A spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust said: “We’re thankful to all who have raised this and apologise for the confusion. We’re heartened to hear that people are taking an interest this project to help make our towpaths more accessible.
"Our charity is managing two simultaneous towpath upgrade schemes in West Yorkshire which has led to this accidental mix-up. We have removed the incorrectly placed signage and will be replacing with the correct version as quickly as possible.”
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