A review of greenways is to take place - to put Kirklees at the front of the queue should future funding be found to develop them.

It will look at how current greenways can be developed and maintained to boost cycling, walking and horse riding facilities, plus the potential for extending the greenway network in the borough.

Councillors on the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee agreed on a review next year after a request by cycling champion Clr Martyn Bolt.

The Mirfield Conservative said: “It has been 14 years since Scrutiny last looked at the greenway network and a lot has changed since then which has been favourable for Kirklees.

“The last batch of funding for the region went to Leeds and Bradford because there had a scheme tucked away in a drawer somewhere that they could get out when the government announced funding.”

There are a number of greenways in the borough: Spen Valley; Calder Valley and Dewsbury, plus the Birkby to Bradley greenway and smaller ones on Meltham and Fenay Bridge.

Funding of £10,000 has been put towards a feasibility study for a Colne Valley greenway.

Clr Bolt added: “Greenways solve traffic issues, they improves health and wellbeing, obesity issues.

“We have an amazing community interest company with Streetbikes that gives bikes out, including adapted bikes for people with disabilities, so people with physical disabilities or with low cycling confidence will prefer to cycle on a greenway rather than a road.”

He said maintenance was something that was needed. “With leaf fall or icy conditions it makes it slippery and dangerous and puts people back onto the main highways, so maintenance does need some consideration.”

Clr Julie Stewart-Turner, chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee, said: “I can understand that having a strategic plan will help the council if funding opportunities become available.

“I think we should look at all opportunities to improve greenways, not just for cycling buy horse riding and walking too.”

It will be listed for a review in 2015/16.