A COLNE Valley conservation scheme with cash problems has received a financial boost.

The River Colne Project has been working to improve the area around the River Colne from Milnsbridge to Marsden for five years.

But last month it heard a bid for cash from the Esme Fairburn Foundation, a national independent grant-making organisation, had failed.

This coincided with the end of five years of support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, leaving the project in bad financial shape.

Project officer Mick Smith was preparing to work fewer hours to help the cash go further and sponsorship was being sought from Colne Valley businesses.

But now there is good news for the Slaithwaite-based project.

The Arts Council Yorkshire has just awarded the project cash to pay for the development of a sculpture trail along the river.

The River Colne Project has been working with artists and residents for a year to decide how the trail should look.

Now, from November, a project officer will be employed for two years to deal with the trail, raising further cash and commissioning the works of art.

Mr Smith said: "This is a hugely exciting time. It is really good news that we can build on the positive reactions we have had about the creation of a sculpture trail. Our thanks go to the Arts Council Yorkshire."

The trail will run along Huddersfield Narrow Canal towpath, with small circular detours linking the sculptures to wider green spaces.

The 10 sculptures will vary in size and be made of wood, stone, steel and new media, such as light and sound.

They will all be inspired by the river

Local people can influence the sculpture trail at a series of workshops.

Like the River Colne Project, the sculpture trail will be managed overall by Huddersfield conservation charity the Environmental Alliance.

* For further details, phone the River Colne Project on 01484 847798 or email mick@rivercolneproject.org.uk