Local school pupils help shape new carved stone features at Spen Bottoms
New carved stone features celebrating the history and wildlife of Spen Bottoms are taking shape, with local school pupils, community members and councillors helping to develop the designs.
The sculptures will welcome visitors at the Church Street car park and Station Road entrances in Cleckheaton, creating distinctive features that reflect what makes the area special.
The designs were developed through two workshops led by Yorkshire-based sculptor Dan Jones, bringing together ideas from pupils at Howard Park Primary School and members of the local community.
During a workshop at the school, pupils shared their drawings, ideas and designs before presenting them to members of the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group and two local councillors. Community representatives and councillors then shared their own sketches and feedback, helping to shape the final designs.
The collaborative approach has helped ensure the sculptures reflect the area’s heritage and natural features, giving local people a say in how Spen Bottoms is celebrated and enjoyed by visitors.
Improvements underway at Spen Bottoms
Alongside the new carved stones, work is progressing on improvements to paths and entrances to make Spen Bottoms more welcoming and accessible.
Once the footpath surfacing improvements are completed at St Peg Recreation Ground, work will then move on to improvements at Church Street car park and the Station Road entrance.
At Church Street car park, the improvements include resurfacing, a new access gate and stone entrance posts to mark the entrance. Measures are also being taken to protect trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order and support their long-term health.
At Station Road, the first stage of improvements will include resurfacing, small planting areas and the carved stone features, creating a more welcoming entrance for people visiting on foot.
Working together to care for Spen Bottoms
The improvements form part of the wider Spen Bottoms Masterplan, which sets out a long-term vision for the area, focusing on its heritage, wildlife, recreation and access.
Esh Construction has donated £27,470 through the YORhub YOR4Good Fund to support pathway improvements at Spen Bottoms. The funding will help make the area more accessible and enjoyable for local people and visitors, while supporting the wider aims of the Cleckheaton Blueprint to improve the town and its green spaces.
Local community groups, organisations, councillors and the project team are working together through the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group to help protect and improve the area for the future.
As well as the current improvement works, the partnership is working to deliver interpretation boards, clearer waymarking and volunteer work sessions, supported by funding secured from NPG.
Together, these projects will help people explore and enjoy Spen Bottoms while protecting the natural environment and celebrating the area’s unique character.