Parishoners from Rosedale and staff from the North York Moors National Park Authority have teamed up to improve access along a popular right of way in the dale. The work is being carried out as part of the National Park's Community Access Project.

Landowners and farmers worked with the community to replace stiles with gates, control vegetation and improve drainage and signage along a 7.5km circular route. The team of helpers included three generations of the Foster family. The improvement work had been identified by the parish council and will make the route easier for those with pushchairs and impaired mobility to enjoy. The route will be maintained by volunteers from the local community.

Martyn Williams, the Authority's Community Access Project Officer, said:

'The Community Access Project works with communities to provide the resources and expertise to improve access routes in and around villages and to give local volunteers the knowledge and skills to maintain them. My thanks go to all involved in the project in Rosedale and I hope the much improved route will be enjoyed for many years to come.'

Meanwhile in Coxwold the Community Access Project has provided funding to improve a 3km circular walk starting from the village hall. The Newburgh Priory Estate which owns the land is supportive of the work which has involved the local community in installing easy access gates, improving conditions underfoot and providing benches. The work is due to be finished by the end of the month.

The Community Access Project is funded by the National Park Authority and the North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme. The projects that will be funded by the scheme have been identified either through parish plans or discussions with the National Park Authority. Each community will benefit from up to £5,000 to improve signage and promotion of the routes, create better access for people with disabilities by removing barriers, install seating, manage vegetation and improve the surface conditions and drainage.

The North York Moors, Coast and Hills LEADER Programme is a partnership of local organisations, community groups and individuals who have secured £3.1 million in total from Defra and the European Union through Yorkshire Forward and One North East as part of the Rural Development Programme for England.