A POPULAR country park’s accessibility will be improved for disabled visitors in order to boost its appeal.
Rabbit Ings, in Royston, was turned into a country park having previously been a spoil heap for Monckton Colliery and then the Royston Drift Mine which closed in 1989.
It officially opened in 2011 under the ownership of Wakefield Council but a year later the council transferred the land into the ownership of the Land Trust.
Now a thriving habitat thanks to a partnership between owners the Land Trust and management arm Groundwork Yorkshire, its accessibility is set to be improved.
Coun Caroline Makinson, who represents the Royston ward, said: “We held a very productive site meeting to look at this issue and to discuss with how access could be improved to the park for people with limited mobility, and also what was being done across the borough to improve access.
“The issue of accessibility on Land Trust country parks is an area they have been looking to improve, having already spoken to a number of different groups and individuals wanting access at Rabbit Ings and other similar parks in Yorkshire.
“The council have a long-standing working relationship with both organisations at the park, which has seen various improvements over the years.
“Access is very important and we want all our communities to have enjoyment of everything this beautiful site has to offer.
“We have agreed with Groundwork Yorkshire’s plan for them to offer a fully accessible park entrance.
“In addition, the path width and turning point will be altered to accommodate this.
“The public rights of way team continue to work on improving accessibility particularly focused on the Trans Pennine Trail but also the wider footpath and bridleway network where opportunities arise.”
Rabbit Ings is also being included in the council’s borough-wide regeneration package - known as Principal Towns - and plans are afoot to boost visitors’ experiences.
The 64-hectare site is home to an array of wildlife including newts, snakes and herons.
Coun Makinson added: “We are currently eagerly awaiting the final plans for the new visitor centre, funded through our Principal Towns initiative.
“Rabbit Ings has flourished and become a brilliant attraction for visitors and we’re thrilled with the progress that’s been made.”
