Access to the West Pennine Moors from Jumbles Reservoir Country Park has been made considerably easier thanks to collaboration between the Peak & Northern Footpaths Society and Bolton Council. The footpath runs up from near the car-park at the Jumbles Country Park cafe to cross Bradshaw Road and continue onto the moors. The suggestion to improve the public footpath came from a meeting of the Bolton Footpaths Liaison Group. It continues the work already carried out by United Utilities to improve the lower section of the path within the Country Park. Two timber footbridges were funded by the Society which eliminate a particularly boggy section of the path. Terry Norris of the Peak & Northern Footpaths Society, who attends the Liaison Group, said “I was keen to support this idea as the footpath was in a very poor state. We worked closely with the Council to agree a package of works whereby the Council would improve a length of the path and our Society would pay for two bridges.” A hand-over ceremony took place at the bridges on 7 May 2013 when a cheque for £1,971 was presented by the Society to Bolton Council. John Broadbent, Chairman of the Society, commented “We receive a number of legacies from members who wish to support the practical work we undertake to erect footbridges and our distinctive signposts. We are delighted that Bolton Council co-operated with us to see this project through to a successful conclusion.” Councillor David Chadwick, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Bolton Council, said “This is a vast improvement to the path which was beset with deep mud and a difficult stream crossing. I think the project shows how the Council and local user groups can co-operate to the benefit of all walkers.” Click on the links to see further photos and the map locations of the new bridges: Bridge 33 and Bridge 34.