Milnsbridge is remarkable for many things but not until now its rocky outcrops.
That changed for good on Saturday at 2pm when a delighted crowd of children began climbing a huge boulder at Crow Lane Recreation Ground.
She and international climber Alex Thompson of Milnsbridge Enhancement Group were determined to bring the idea to fruition.
Polly said: “You always get setbacks with this things, the funding was difficult but we persevered and it’s great to see it finally in situ and children playing on it.
“I had the idea seven years ago but Alex modified it, he was rather more ambitious. He goes abroad climbing.
“SITA, the waste management experts, agreed to give us £20,000 though we had to match fund it from Colne Valley Area Committee.
“Milnsbridge is a village that has been on its uppers for a long time so it’s good to see it getting a boost from this.
“Lots of people like it though some of the people who live near it are concerned about it spoiling their view so we going to trees put in to soften the view.
“These boulders are quite common in Sheffield as it is near to Derbyshire but this is the only one in Kirklees.
“I am really excited but slightly in awe of it to be honest. It’s three metres high, three metres wide and 10 metres long.”
It features special hand and footholds on all sides and was craned into view last month. It was designed and constructed by specialist manufacturers Bendcrete Leisure.
The boulder is made from concrete sprayed onto a bespoke mesh-covered metal frame with shapes and holds carved into the surface.
Bouldering is a form of low-level climbing where the emphasis is upon agility and balance rather than height. It doesn’t require any ropes or special equipment making it accessible for all ages and abilities.
Its popularity has increased in recent years with many indoor climbing walls opening across the country and there is even talk of it being included in he Olympics.
Polly added: “It was a terrific day. We had around 30 to 40 people there including lots of children and quite a few serious climbers. A local band turned up and it was quite an event.”
