A MAJOR funding award will help preserve the heritage of the Trans Pennine Trail and improve access to the popular route, which passes through Tameside.
The organisation behind the trail has secured £148,197 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support a series of projects focused on protecting its natural, built and social heritage across South Yorkshire while strengthening its long-term future.
Stretching 215 miles from Southport to Hornsea, the Trans Pennine Trail is one of the country’s most significant multi-user routes, attracting walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
In Tameside, it enters the borough at Reddish Vale in Denton before crossing into Derbyshire via Broadbottom.
The latest investment will fund the recruitment of a full-time apprentice specialising in heritage and community engagement, alongside specialist support in areas including business development, marketing, communications and digital accessibility.
Plans also include a redevelopment of the trail’s website and digital resources to improve accessibility, as well as an expansion of volunteer programmes designed to encourage more people to become involved.
Community events, workshops and activities for schools and local groups are also set to be introduced as part of the programme, helping residents discover more about the trail’s history and importance.
The funding is intended to support the trail’s long-term sustainability by protecting its environmental assets, improving public access and developing new sources of income.
John Wilson, chair of the Trans Pennine Trail, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to protect and celebrate the rich heritage of the Trans Pennine Trail, while making it more accessible, engaging and sustainable for the future. This investment is a real vote of confidence in the value of the Trail and the communities it serves.”
The Trans Pennine Trail connects towns, cities and countryside across the north of England and forms part of the National Cycle Network. The route through Tameside takes in a mixture of urban green spaces and former railway lines, providing a popular corridor for both recreation and everyday journeys.
The new funding package aims to ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the trail while learning more about the landscapes and communities it links together.