Settle Riverside case study

The enhanced riverside area now offers an accessible through route but also provides a pleasant destination for visitors.

The River Ribble flows to the west of Settle on a north-south axis. Adjacent to the river, poor access, paths damaged by tree roots, collapsing walls and rotten benches meant the area was neglected and underused.

The improvements to the riverside walk provide benefits to both the local community who will use the route as an alternative to Settle College and Middle School, and for visitors who will be directed to the walk from the town’s market place. In time it is hoped that the improved walk will encourage more visitors to the town and boost the local economy.

Project history

The project started its journey in 2004 as an idea from Steve Finch, and the much missed Deidre Cokell of StART, the Town Team in Settle, set up as part of the RMT programme, as a project under the RMT programme, also supported by Craven District Council (CDC). Through community consultation funded by Yorkshire Forward a comprehensive scheme was developed that provided increased access to the Riverside.

Improving Access

The project has significantly improved the physical access from the town’s market place to the River Ribble and along the banks on the Giggleswick side of the river. Over time the route to the river and along the banks had become run-down and numerous obstacles made the journey hazardous for elderly users and nearly impossible for prams and wheelchair users.

New signage now directs walkers from the market place: riverbank protection, wider and improved paths and a seating area have all been installed. New native deciduous trees have been planted by the community to replace those removed to make way for wider paths now suitable for all users. In addition the squeeze stiles were relocated to allow better access and have been retained as a heritage feature.

Funding and Collaboration

Funding was secured from Yorkshire Forward’s RMT programme. With Yorkshire Forward committed to match funding on a 50/50 basis further funders were sought. In 2007 local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) was asked to assist with securing the other vital funds. In August 2008 the Natural England Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund Grant Scheme (ALSF) was launched. Quarry companies are taxed £1.95 for every tonne of rock which is crushed for use in construction and road building, and DEFRA then distributes money to Natural England, English Heritage and others who manage the scheme.

The scheme compensates communities affected by quarrying by supporting projects aimed at conservation, education, improving access, recreation, health and well being. A grant of over £78,000 was awarded from Natural England towards the Riverside Project. The support of all the local quarry companies including Hanson, Tarmac and Lafarge was crucial in securing the grants and huge thanks are due to them. YDMT also applied to the Lafarge Landfill Communities Fund, managed by the Derbyshire Environmental
Trust, which provided the final element of support along with financial contributions from CDC and North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC).

Project management

Financial management of the project was delivered by YDMT who handled the aggregates levy funding applications and co-ordinated the other funding. Community consultations and other community activities such as tree planting were also managed by YDMT. NYCC received grant aid funding from YDMT to undertake the physical
delivery through their retained contractor Jacobs who acted as contract manager. Jacobs handled the tendering process to appoint the delivery contractor using NYCC’s framework; the successful contractor being Housman Falshaw. Yorkshire Forward’s RMT team, CDC, StART, NYCC and YMDT formed a steering group to oversee the project.

Project Evaluation

A survey of staff, parents and pupils at both Settle College and Middle School was overwhelmingly in favour of making the riverside a safer route to school and to the swimming pool. The widened surfaced cycleway provides a new access ramp into the College grounds and towards the main Kendal Bridge which opens up into a pleasant
landscaped area and views across the Yorkshire Dales. Following completion daily usage increased from 50% to 62% and those never using the path decreased from 24% to 7%.

Funding sources

Yorkshire Forward’s RMT Programme £125,000.00
Natural England ALSF £78,631.70
Craven District Council £25,000
Lafarge Landfill Communities Fund £20,000
NYCC Rights of Way £9,021.54 (and project management)

Project delivery

2007 / 2008
Project development, design and fund raising
2008
September - Funding package secure
2009
February - Work begins on site
July - Work complete, opening event

Successes

• A considerably improved riverside environment
• Significantly improved access between the town centre, Settle College, Middle School and swimming pool.
• A strong delivery partnership.
• Improved interpretation of the River Ribble.

Lessons Learnt

• Identify a delivery organisation before embarking on detailed design work.
• The flexibility of the funding organisations by allocating funding across financial years was the key to delivering this project.
• A public / private / voluntary delivery partnership helped maximise funding and delivery opportunities.

More about this success story
To find out more about the riverside scheme please contact:

Andrew Laycock
Economic Development Unit
Craven District Council
Council Offices
Granville Street
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 1PS
01756 700600
alaycock@cravendc.gov.uk

Jacquie Boulton
Yorkshire Forward
Spitfire House
Aviator Court
Clifton Moor
York
YO30 4GY
01904 696711
jacquie.boulton@yorkshire-forward.com