Stockport Council has reaffirmed its long-standing partnership with the Trans Pennine Trail that runs through the heart of the borough.
The coast-to-coast section of the TPT is approximately 215 miles long – and with the addition of the north and south links provides more than 370 miles of route across the UK.
In Stockport, the TPT runs along the banks of the River Mersey before taking two options: one taking in the attractions of the centre – including The Plaza and Air Raid Caves – and the second where it follows a quieter route, suitable for horse riders, to the north of the town centre.
The trail then leaves Stockport through the leafy Tame Valley.
The TPT was the first long-distance multi-user route in the UK and forms part of the National Cycle Network.
Stockport is a long-standing partner of the project, siting on the area group of officers in Greater Manchester, and supports the maintenance and improvement of the route in Stockport. The council also pays a financial contribution to the running of the overall project.
In addition, the council has worked to maintain the routes presence during development work taking place in the town centre. An example has been the rerouting of the TPT while the works take place to create Stockport’s new Interchange development.
Cllr Grace Baynham, Cabinet Member for Parks, Highways and Transport Services, said: “The TransPennine Trail is such an important route and in Stockport we are really proud that it makes it way through the heart of our borough.
“We have been working hard to create new walking and cycling routes in the borough that will allow our residents to make healthier, more sustainable travel choices and some of these routes have actually allowed us to link in with the existing TPT routes.
“Once the Interchange site is complete, the TPT will also provide an important link to the railway station and improve the connectivity for residents and visitors.”
Cllr John Wilson, Chair of the Trans Pennine Trail Partnership, from Barnsley Council, said: “It’s wonderful to know that Stockport Council has confirmed its ongoing commitment to the Trans Pennine Trail Partnership in signing our revised Memorandum of Understanding.
“Our partnership started in the late 1980’s and has to be one of the longest serving partnerships of Local Authorities in the UK. It is because of the dedication of our partners that we remain as strong as we are. Thank you Stockport.”
