THE Friends of Wharfedale Greenway (FoWG) have recently launched a survey aimed at capturing public opinion on the development of the proposed Wharfedale Greenway.

Since its inception in early 2021, FoWG have attended numerous events in towns and villages along the proposed route and spoken to hundreds of people about plans for the Greenway. Based on these conversations, the Greenway appears to have overwhelming public support. The questionnaire is also an opportunity to document any concerns or potential issues with the development of the Greenway. The data gathered will be used to inform the FoWG campaign, and to provide useful evidence and information to the Greenway Steering Committee to support preparation of business cases and funding bids for developing various phases of the Greenway.

The questionnaire can be found here https://forms.office.com/r/9NZDjrv3Ft.

Colm McCann, Vice Chair of Friends of Wharfedale Greenway said: "We have just completed our third round of attending public events to promote the proposed Wharfedale Greenway which has been extremely positive. We had a very busy event at Ilkley Car Free Day and attended our first event in Pool-in-Wharfedale where lots of people we spoke too were unaware of the proposals.

"We have designed this questionnaire in an attempt to document public interest and support to build a strong evidence base for the development of the Greenway. The Greenway could be such a valuable resource for us all - from helping people get around safely whilst leaving the car at home, providing new recreation opportunities, and attracting visitors to the valley.”

The group are holding their AGM in Burley-in-Wharfedale Library, Grange Road, Burley-in-Wharfedale on Monday, October 16th at 7.30pm.

Colm added: "We will provide an update on the greenway development followed by a short meeting with a social afterwards in the Red Lion Inn. Come along to find out more about the proposed Greenway, FoWG or how you can help."

FoWG is a community group that supports and promotes the Wharfedale Greenway – a proposed 13-mile (approx.) traffic-free route from Pool-in-Wharfedale to Bolton Bridge via Otley, Burley, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley and Addingham.

Work to deliver the Greenway is managed by the Greenway Steering Committee which has representatives from town and parish councils along the proposed route with representatives from district councils and other stakeholders.

You can find out more about FoWG by visiting the website https://friendsofwharfedalegreenway.org.uk/, follow them on social media or email: friendsofwharfedalegreenway@gmail.com