RULING cabinet members are due to approve proposals to deliver a new foot and cycle bridge which will link a closed-off park with a nearby recreation ground.
If the green light is given for the scheme - from Penny Pie Park to Pogmoor Recreation Ground - a planning application for the bridge will be prepared and submitted.
The planning process will include a consultation during which members of the public can comment on the plans.
The new foot and cycle bridge, if it gains cabinet approval on Wednesday and planning permission, is expected to be paid for through grant funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
According to the council, it will create a ‘safe new active travel route and wider connectivity’ between the two green spaces, surrounding communities, Barnsley Hospital and other local amenities.
It will also create a safe crossing point over the railway line for children going to and from Horizon Community College as well as the wider general public helping encourage people to use active travel rather than travelling by car.
Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesman, said: “This bridge will be a huge benefit to residents in both the Old Town and Dodworth wards and the wider local area.
“Once this bridge is complete those who previously used Penny Pie Park will have easy access to even more green space than they did before, and they will also find it easier to access business and other facilities like the hospital on foot, by bicycle or wheelchair.
“By linking the green spaces currently severed by the railway line, and by developing the remainder of Penny Pie Park with much improved play and recreation equipment, the end result will be a better park than we had before.
“The bridge will enhance the green space improvements being delivered on Penny Pie Park to mitigate the A628 Dodworth Road and Broadway junction improvement scheme which is currently underway.
“In addition, improvements will also be carried out on Pogmoor Recreation Ground, and the nearby Sugden’s Recreation Ground.”
