ABLE2 — Heckmondwike

The GBN has now been offered a site by Kirklees Council to establish ‘ABLE2’ a fish farm, and outdoor learning training centre based on the ABLE project. The land at Walkley Lane in Heckmondwike, two former rail embankments, rail sidings and a landfill site, has been vacant for many years. The new project will provide social education and training for Kirklees young people. It is hoped that the new site, situated next to the Spen Valley Greenway will include, a community café, a recreational fishing area and a bike hire / recycling and repair facility.

The Kirklees Cabinet approved in principal the plan to establish a similar project on the Walkley Lane site at its meeting on Wednesday May 16. Cabinet member for the Environment, Cllr Martyn Bolt, said: “This could bring to Kirklees and Heckmondwike a flagship environmental project and located next to the greenway network it will substantially underline our commitment to environmental issues.

The 10 acre site is adjacent to the Spen Valley Greenway

“The council confirms its green credentials and intends to be a beacon council working with the Green Business Network to replicate the award-winning work that it has done in Wakefield and elsewhere on recycling and producing food through renewable resources.”

Cllr Jim Dodds, Cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Service, said: “I have seen the good work that the Able Project is already carrying out which not only encompasses the council’s green agenda but gives youngsters who have not had the best start in life the opportunity to work on projects that prepare them for future employment and encourages them to become valued members of society. We should support the expansion of the project wholeheartedly.”

Graham Wiles of the GBN says that the Walkley Lane site will host a bigger fish farm and provide a training and education programme for youngsters excluded from school and those on community punishment orders. “This is an innovative project with an eco build which will not only provide fish for food but also a training resource” he said. “It may also be possible to host a coffee shop and toilets for people making use of the Spen Valley Greenway.”