A NEW project to provide all-weather access at Harrison Playing Fields to improve and enhance the existing facilities is being actioned by Giggleswick Parish Council.

The project will also help create a one-mile circular trail connecting the centre of the village with the riverside path.

Councillors anticipate that this new path will assist people of all ages and abilities to be active by enabling access for pushchairs and wheelchairs, as well as walkers and joggers.

Parish Council chairman Isobel Perrings said the council was pleased to be able to encourage health and wellbeing in the local community at this challenging time. She said: “This project has been in development for over a year, but I’m sure will be very much appreciated by so many people of all ages over the coming months and years.”

After consultation with various bodies, followed by a tender process, Settle-based contractor Conservefor, with all materials supplied by Settle Coal, has been appointed to carry out the work.

This involves resurfacing existing paths around the playing fields and the children’s play area.

The specification for the new path is designed to offer the lowest environmental and visual impact by using locally sourced crushed limestone, which will weather naturally over time, edged with timber.

The work will start this month and is expected to be completed within two weeks of the commencement date. Once installed, the Parish Council hopes to be able to provide additional facilities along the route such as, activity equipment, resting benches and signage.

This new initiative supports the investment made by the Parish Council, on behalf of its parishioners, in providing and maintaining the children’s play area and equipment. It is also demonstrating the Parish Council’s continuing commitment to the agreed conveyance that Harrison Playing Fields, donated to the village in 1949 by William Harrison, would be held in perpetuity and used as playing fields and an area of recreation accessible to all.

The new path will open up a part of the village which has not always been fully accessible and will enhance the recreational facilities available in Giggleswick for all its parishioners.

Harrison Playing Fields was given to the parish in 1949 by William Harrison - a local boy who won a scholarship to Giggleswick School and became a wealthy businessman. By Conveyance, Giggleswick Parish Council agreed the land would be held in perpetuity and used as playing fields.

The playing fields extend south from the centre of the village, covering an area of 3.6 hectares.