DOZENS of people have sent in nominations for the Trans Pennine Trail - praising volunteers and organisers for creating an accessible environment that’s helping locals stay active.
Managed by only three people who are hosted by Barnsley Council, the 370-mile trail - which runs from coast-to-coast, with additional routes going from York down to Chesterfield - provides safe travel paths for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users to get outside and remain active.
Countless have benefited from the route over the 35 years it’s been open, as people trying to ditch their cars for active travel options use the well-maintained pathways to get to work or visit friends.
Over the past week, dozens sent in Proud of Barnsley nominations for the trail, specifically celebrating its accessibility and community engagement.
One nominator, Frank Pamham, told the Chronicle: “Major improvements were started before the Covid break-out and although some parts of the trail were closed off for the installation of the flexi-pave, as soon as it opened we would see groups of young mums with pushchairs taking their kids out and having a good catch-up.
“There were also a good number of mobility scooters, a few wheelchairs and plenty of dog walkers.
“Improving the trail surface is continuing, including the installation of seating and better signage - all of these things give the user an uplifting experience in a safe environment.”
Hannah Beaumont, development officer for the trail, said: “We’ve been working to enhance accessibility across the trail.
“But that’s not just about physical changes, it’s also about working digitally to help get the word out there.
“Through help from the Know Your Neighbourhood Fund we’ve been working with hard to reach communities around Barnsley to help them take part in the activities we run across the trail.”
Managing such a large area is hard for the three person team, who have to work with 26 local authorities, manage all social media and digital work while getting out onto the trail for practical maintenance, turning each of them into a ‘jack of all trades’.
“No two days are the same,” Hannah added.
“Every day brings its own challenge - we rely on external funding so every year we’ve got to show off what we do to receive support from our local partners.
“We’ve got a great team of volunteers who work in different areas across the trail since we can’t always get out.
“They’ll tell us how different it is when they come off the trail - the other routes aren’t as well maintained or loved as much.”
Work is supported by the charity group Friends of the Trans Pennine Trail, who are described as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the team, helping observe and practically maintain the many routes.
Yet despite all the people who’ve benefited and shared their love for the work done to keep this impressive operation running, Hannah admits she’s still pleased to know their work is being acknowledged.
“It’s absolutely amazing, it’s always nice to be nominated for something like this.
“We know about all the work that goes in, but it’s really nice that it’s actually being acknowledged by other people.
“I feel really honoured - I can’t wait to tell everyone.”
