A disused railway line could be turned into a safe route to school for up to 2,000 children in the Spen Valley.

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans, which owns and manages the highly successful Spen Valley Greenway, has offered a £93,000 contribution to the project, which would see the old Gomersal branch line being re-used.

The Ringway scheme could cost up to £270,000, depending on the price of a 500-metre stretch of privately-owned land which Kirklees Council could secure through a Compulsory Purchase Order. Sustrans' contribution would come from the New Opportunities Fund.

The 1.9km tarmaced walkway/cycleway would run from Cook Street in Heckmondwike to New Street in Rawfolds, Cleckheaton, but it is hoped that the route would eventually run into Cleckheaton centre and out to Dewsbury Moor. Access will also be available under the A62 Leeds Road in Heckmondwike.

Gordon North, Labour candidate for the Spen ward in May's local elections, has been pushing for the scheme for six years.

"When the Greenway was first mooted, I put forward the Ringway idea and I see this as the second phase," he said. "It will be invaluable to children as a route to school and will also help people who cross the busy Leeds Road or who cross to use Spenborough Baths. The more it is used, the more it will be used.

"Sometimes the Greenway is too popular and with the Ringway connecting in at both ends, it will take the pressure off the Greenway a little as it will run parallel to it."

The Council's highways service had intended to light the corridor, but Mr North said there was no need.

"Sustrans has 10,000km of cycleway across the country, none of which is lit," he said. "Children will use the route to go to and from school, both of which happen in daylight hours."

The proposal has already been backed by ward councillors, schools, Spen MP Mike Wood, tenants' and residents' associations and the Spen Valley Greenway Forum as an excellent idea to help the environment, cut down pollution and promote exercise.

Pupils and their parents from Littletown Junior School, Millbridge Junior School, Holy Spirit Primary School and Heckmondwike Grammar School have indicated a keen interest. The Council intends to further consult with the local community.

The plans will be discussed by Kirklees Cabinet at its meeting in Cleckheaton Town Hall on Wednesday.

There will also be a public exhibition between 3.30pm and 8.30pm on the same day at the town hall, featuring examples of sculptures proposed for the Spen Valley Greenway.