Spotlight on Halton: Keeping the Trans Pennine Trail Thriving

Meet Jack Rigby, Halton Borough Council’s Open Spaces Officer, and discover how he and the team at Halton are shaping their section of the Trans Pennine Trail.

The Trans Pennine Trail is more than just a path – it’s a living, breathing corridor of nature, community, and adventure. At the heart of Halton’s section of the Trail is Jack Rigby, Open Spaces Officer at Halton Borough Council, whose dedication and creativity are helping the TPT thrive.

Jack’s role is as varied as the landscapes he helps to protect. One day he’s updating his team on the latest TPT developments; the next, he’s out on the Trail, monitoring safety and arranging repairs to fencing. Balancing the needs and views of all stakeholders with limited resources is no easy feat, but Jack’s commitment ensures the Trail remains a welcoming space for everyone.

The addition earlier this year, of a new bridge by Spike Island has transformed the Trail, making it safer and more accessible for all users in Halton.

Collaboration is key to Jack’s approach. Quarterly meetings with TPT partners provide opportunities to share ideas, celebrate successes, and learn from each other. These partnerships mean that good ideas travel fast, benefiting every stretch of the Trail.

Of course, maintaining and developing the Trail comes with its challenges. Financial constraints mean resources are tight, and antisocial behaviour – like graffiti and littering – can be a persistent issue. Accessibility for disabled users is a top priority, with the new Spike Island bridge and route changes making a real difference.

Jack and his team also champion sustainable solutions, such as using dead hedges and hedge laying to replace fencing, boosting biodiversity and creating habitats for wildlife. All this increased wildlife can be reported on the iRecord website, helping to track the positive impact.

One of Jack’s favourite success stories is the new bridge at Spike Island that has provided a more accessible and safer route for all users

The site also features heavily (as you might expect!) in the 2012 movie ‘Spike Island’ about the legendary Stone Roses concert that took place in 1990.  The sight of hundreds of actors and extras descending on the Trail to relive such an iconic moment in British culture was quite funny to see when watching the film back.

Community engagement is important in Halton. Recent litter picks with children from Widnes Academy have helped tidy the Trail and raise awareness about the impact of littering. These events foster pride and stewardship among local residents, ensuring the Trail remains a cherished resource.

Looking ahead, exciting projects are on the horizon. Halton’s new woodland strategy aims to increase tree canopy cover from 16.2% to 23.9% through the Big Halton Forest initiative. Tree planting along the TPT is already underway, creating more diverse and resilient woodlands and helping to combat climate change.

Jack’s advice for other local authorities is simple but powerful: remember that not every Trail user is able-bodied, so accessibility should always be front of mind. Sustainable management and biodiversity net gain are also crucial for ensuring the Trail remains healthy and well-used for years to come.

There are plenty of ways for the public to get involved, from volunteering for clean-ups and litter picks to cutting back vegetation (with landowner consent) and planting trees. Every action helps the Trail flourish and supports biodiversity.

Jack Rigby’s passion and practical approach are helping to shape the future of the Trans Pennine Trail in Halton. Thanks to his efforts – and the support of his colleagues and the community – the Trail continues to be a place where nature, history, and people come together.

Date: 3rd October, 2025