The Calderdale Lead

Calderdale Digest

🍺 I promised a bit of shameless self-promotion and here it is, if you may be so kind as to indulge me!

The bar I co-own, The Beer Necessities in Todmorden, has just been named Halifax and Calderdale CAMRA Pub of the Season for summer 2026!

It’s fair to say that the award is much more the work of our manager Matt and our brilliant team, rather than me and my business partner Damien but we’re all absolutely chuffed to bits!

We opened the bar in September 2024 and we’ve been blown away by the response and the welcome we’ve received from the people of Todmorden.

The bar isn’t open for the footy in the early hours of tomorrow morning but is open from 1pm today if you do fancy checking it out - we’re on Water Street!

🏦 Halifax MP Kate Dearden has slammed the decision by Lloyds Banking Group to axe the Halifax banking brand.

Lloyds has confirmed it will scrap the brand, after reports in May suggested it may be on the cards.

The group has said it remained committed to the town of Halifax, where 3,000 staff are based.

Ms Dearden said: “The Halifax was a local institution, built on the hard work and investment of working people who came together to create what became the UK’s largest building society.

“In recent weeks, I have been in close communication with Lloyds, making clear that the Halifax name should be preserved. I am disappointed we have not been successful, but I will continue those discussions with Lloyds to ensure their commitment and continued investment in Halifax long into the future.

“That also means working together to support the incredible local charities, community organisations and businesses that do so much for our town.

“While the Halifax brand will disappear, Lloyds can still play a major role in our local economy by investing in Halifax and creating the opportunities our young people need to thrive. I look forward to working with them to ensure Halifax remains a brilliant place to live, work and invest.”

All customers will see their accounts transferred over to the Lloyds brand.

Region’s regeneration will be ‘supercharged’ under Burnham devolution plans

By Chris Young

Andy Burnham’s plans to transfer powers out of London will “turbocharge” West Yorkshire’s regeneration – Mayor Tracy Brabin has claimed.

On Monday, Makerfield MP Burnham, so far the only announced candidate in the Labour leadership contest, gave details of what the country could look like once he becomes Prime Minister.

He has pledged to create an “outpost” of 10 Downing Street in Manchester and devolve more powers to local Councils and Mayoral authorities.

He said they Westminster system was “broken” and “as a result, the country isn’t where it should be.

“It is stuck in a rut, and clearly we can’t go on like this.”

He also promised the “biggest council house building programme since the post war period” and the “biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen.”

He said: “Let me say this very directly: the days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over for good.”

Mr Burnham has also suggested the nation’s business rate system could be reformed.

Currently business rates are set by Government, but collected by local Councils. Councils received half of the income from business rates, while the Government receives the other half.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has long called for more powers to be devolved from Government to local mayors and Council leader.

After his speech she said: “Andy led the way in the devolution revolution, putting place before politics and changing Greater Manchester.

“We know devolution is already delivering for people in West Yorkshire – and these proposals will turbocharge our plans to build a West Yorkshire that will work for all.

“People are desperate for change. Transferring more powers to mayors who know their areas best will help us lower the cost of living, regenerate our high streets and enable good growth across the region.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “Successive devolution agreements have demonstrated that devolving powers to local communities is the best way of unlocking the potential of people and their places, while boosting inclusive economic growth.

“It is now vital that the government steps up its ambition to deliver genuine devolution right across England, giving councils who know their communities the power to tackle long-standing local and national challenges, including driving infrastructure investment, plugging skills gaps, building more affordable housing and boosting productivity.

“By working together as equal partners across different levels of government, we can build prosperity and opportunity for our communities and businesses.”

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading!

Enjoy the football tonight/tomorrow morning if you’re watching and remember: IT’S COMING HOME!

C’mon England!

Andrew

Councillors worry about financial black hole after collapse of Shay Stadium sale

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:03:15 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all managing to survive this heatwave which is gripping the country. I have to say I’m not really built for this hot weather so the last few days have been a struggle!

Still, it’s apparently back to ‘normal’ next week whatever that means (probably cold temperatures and rain!).

In today’s edition, we’ve got a report from my LDR colleague John Greenwood who was Halifax Town Hall to witness a robust discussion over Calderdale Council’s finances.

Plus, we’ve a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

💨 A national institution – The National Trust – has stated its opposition to proposals to build a giant windfarm on West Yorkshire moorland.

The National Trust – a charity that owns and cares for old buildings and beautiful landscapes in the UK so everyone can visit them – has outlined its reasons for opposing Calderdale Energy Park.

Calderdale Energy Park (CEP) plans to put 34 giant wind turbines on Walshaw Moor, which is located between Hebden Bridge and Haworth, the village associated with the Bronte sisters.

The National Trust’s Hardcastle Crags estate site lies directly below Walshaw Moor,

The company says the turbines will generate enough low carbon electricity to power 198,000 homes a year.

But the proposals have met with strong resistance from campaigners concerned about potential damage to peatland and loss of moorland habitat which is home to birds.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will ultimately decide whether or not this controversial application is given the green light.

Campaigners against the proposals are also reminding people that due to a glitch on some literature which meant some responses were not received by the original June 10 deadline, an extended period to July 8 has been allowed for people to register their views on the proposals.

The National Trust said: “We believe that the current proposals would harm biodiversity and fragile habitats, leading to declines in species and the quality of this irreplaceable environment.

“The moorland also provides access to several public rights of way, national trails, and is a valued recreational resource for local urban communities and visitors coming to the area.

“Calderdale Energy Park’s proposals would lead to an increased risk to our protected landscapes and heritage, long-term environmental degradation, and a significant loss of public value and community benefit.

“The priority for this site should be its invaluable contribution it provides for nature and people in the South Pennines,” they said.

Campaigners Stop Calderdale Wind Farm are urging people about the extended deadline for people to register their views on the proposals.

“Anyone who didn’t receive an acknowledgement from Calderdale Energy Park after sending their submission is strongly advised to resubmit their response as it’s possible that the developer never received their original submission.

“And for anyone who missed the original deadline, the good news is that there’s still time to respond.

“This is the last opportunity for the public to have their say before Calderdale Energy Park submits its application for a Development Consent Order to the Government later this year,” says the group.

The correct email address for consultation responses is info@calderdaleenergypark.co.uk

🥵 Keeping cool to stay healthy is a hot topic amid this week’s heatwave, and a councillor wants to work with businesses to tackle it in his part of Calderdale.

In the winter months Calderdale Council has a set of “warm spaces” – such as libraries, for example – to help people fend off the cold.

Now Todmorden West Green Cllr Oscar Seville-Leach is campaigning to make sure local people can find “cool spaces” when the thermometer moves in the opposite direction, as in this week’s heatwave, which follows hard on the heels of one in May.

Council venues to keep cool in are limited in the upper Calder Valley, he says, and he and Todmorden West councillor colleagues are writing to local businesses asking for their help to keep local people safe in the high temperatures.

He said he also wants to see more action on the idea from the council.

Cllr Seville-Leach said: “Calderdale knows more than most the effects of climate change.

“From the 2015 Christmas floodings to the extreme heat we’re facing over the coming days it is more important than ever that we become more resilient to the worst effects of climate change.

“Whilst there has been a significant number of ‘warm spaces’ in Calderdale for the protection of people during the winter months there’s significantly fewer ‘cool spaces’ on offer during these scorching summer months.”

He said the upper valley and Todmorden is a place where most houses are poorly insulated – they are often older properties – which can cause issues with heat as well as cold.

Councillors clash over spending and Calderdale forced to tighten belts

By John Greenwood

Financial headaches including a hole in the budget left by the collapse of the sale of Halifax’s The Shay stadium are worrying councillors in Calderdale.

Calderdale councillors also clashed over funding arrangement for the Trust which runs Halifax’s historic Piece Hall, as they grappled with a challenging financial situation they agreed is ” very serious.”

The scrutiny councillors heard the council spent £7.9 million than budgeted for in 2025-26 and although a balanced budget had been set for 2026-27, further savings of £3.2 million in 2027-28 and ££7.6 million in 2028-29 would need to be found to balance the books.

Savings budgeted for will also have to be made, said finance officers.

Following the elections in which Reform UK took control of the council from Labour, new councillors were considering issues including impact on Council Tax levels, borrowing and debt, and the council’s cash reserves.

Cabinet member for Corporate Services, Assets and Resources, Cllr Mike Payne, said they were inheriting an over-run from last year of nearly £8 million.

Finance officers had said a lot of these pressures related to adults and children’s social care costs which were impacting a lot of councils.

But Cllr Payne said there were also holes in the budget relating to The Shay and The Piece Hall which could be added to that.

Labour Cllr Sarah Courtney had asked what impact the collapse of the controversial deal to sell The Shay, home to football’s FC Halifax Town and rugby league’s Halifax Panthers, to Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy – the decision to do this being subject to legal challenge from a group opposed to the sale – would have.

Director of Public Services, Ian Day, said the net cost of running The Shay was around £500,000 a year.

Cllr Payne said: “If we talk specifically about The Shay, that was regarded as a deal that had been completed – and there is nothing in the budget at all for next year to cover anything in The Shay and that includes capital expenditure which the stadium needs.

“There’s a deficit between revenue and expenditure of about half a million – that’s not in the budget at all so you can add those in straight away.”

Cllr Payne continued: “Neither is the expenditure of the grant for the Piece Hall, which was £1.2 million spread over five years.

“So there are figures that aren’t included in this budget.”

Earlier, Cllr Jay Shaban of Reform, noting that almost 48 per cent of the council’s revenue came from Council Tax in 2026-27, asked what Council Tax increase assumption had gone into that figure.

Officers said that was the full 4.99 per cent, including social care precepts, and Coun Shaban said later: “It’s concerning we are looking at a potential maximum rise without a referendum just to balance the budget for next year.”

Cllr Payne said the prediction of a £3.2 million deficit in 2027-28, and noting this also assumed a Council Tax rise of 4.99 per cent, gives an even bigger out-turn.

And also referencing The Shay and Piece Hall issues, he said: “It’s historic – we are inheriting a situation where there was nearly £8 million over-run on the budget and there are predictions of future over-runs as well in the next two years without those items of expenditure, capital and revenue put into the budget.

“This is a very serious situation that we face.”

Cllr Courtney challenged the assertion over the Piece Hall.

She said there had been an ongoing commitment that was in the budget for funding the Piece Hall through it’s service level agreement (SLA).

“I thought the £1.2 million over five years actually represented a reduction in what we have been giving to the Piece Hall through its SLA.

“The SLA, it isn’t just about giving them money, it’s about securing community use and also it’s our asset ultimately because it’s still owned by the council, it’s just on lease to the Piece Hall Trust.

“It’s in our interest to make sure that it is run properly and securely – my understanding is there was money in the budget for the Piece Hall because that had been an ongoing thing,” she said.

Members agreed with Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chair, Reform Cllr Mederic Payne, who suggested the SLA arrangements be reviewed.

Lib Dem Cllr Ashley Evans agreed on the budget situation: “There are serious problems – we’ve got to try and address them in the next 12 to 24 months, otherwise we are going to be in a very, very serious situation.”

Reform’s Cllr Tom Garnett asked if the deficits predicted for the next two years were due to the Government’s Fair Funding Review or other factors.

Officers said it was a combination of both – the Government’s three-year settlement offered some certainty for mid-term planning.

They had some good news for councillors in that Calderdale may potentially get back around £36 million from Government for some specific special educational needs and education (SEND) costs which have been a long-term issue for this council and many others.

But that would also leave £4 million of that £40 million SEND spend accumulated by the end of 2025-26 to be found and still uncertainty about future arrangements for these costs, although Government recognised there was an issue, officers said in response to a question from Reform Cllr Andrew Varley.

Answering a question from Cllr Mederic Payne about use of reserves, officers said they were at a level where they did not want them to go any lower and they should be increased, with budget provision made for £700,000 to go into them this year and £1 million in each of the next two years.

The trajectory was that spending had to be controlled, said officers.

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading!

We’ll be back in your inboxes on Wednesday so keep an eye out for that. In the meantime, the email address for story tips, comments and observations is calderdale@thelead.uk.

Until next time, stay cool out there!

Andrew

Charities to get £6k boost from Calderdale incinerator fighting fund

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 07:30:35 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all having a great weekend whatever you’ve been up to and that you’re taking the chance to get out and about in the borough.

In today’s edition, we’ve got some welcome news for local charities - money leftover from the legal fight against Calderdale Council’s decision to grant an environmental permit for a controversial incinerator at Sowerby Bridge could now becoming their way! Full details below…

Plus, a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest. So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

♻️ Waste collection under new partnership arrangements from August will cost Calderdale Council just shy of £1 million a month, according to briefing papers.

Members of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be updated next Thursday on work carried out ahead of mobilisation in late July, and are asked to consider the proposed approach and make any recommendations for Cabinet to consider.

In November 2024, the council’s then-Cabinet resolved that the authority should enter into a joint venture arrangement with the Norse Group for the delivery of waste and recycling services, commencing on August 1, 2026, after the current contract with operator Suez runs out.

Calderdale Norse Ltd is the result.

Initially the partnership deal is for eight years, with an option to extend for a further eight years if that is agreed by both parties.

The new partnership will be dealing with more than 140,000 waste and recycling collections offered per week, recycling being collected weekly and general waste fortnightly.

After crunching the figures, and taking into account costs and interest payments for money borrowed by the council to buy the new fleet, which councillors have heard was needed, the monthly cost of the new service will be around £975,000 a month – £11.7 million a year, according to the briefing papers for councillors.

This is lower than the average of around £1.06 million a month under the current arrangement in 2025-26 – £12.7 million a year.

🍻A group which is spearheading a community purchase bid for their local pub hopes its community share offer will go live in mid-July.

Wadsworth Area Community Assets hopes the Hare and Hounds Inn at Old Town can become a community pub later this year as a result.

The share offer is part of its campaign to take the pub into community ownership.

Meanwhile, the group’s web page now includes a “frequently asked questions” section for people to find out more about what buying shares will entail.

For example, one question posed is “If I invest, is my money going into WACA or the Hare and Hounds?” and the answer given is “You become a member of WACA, but your investment is ring-fenced specifically to the Hare and Hounds Inn project.”

Another asks “Say you don’t raise enough money through the share offer, grants, and loans. What happens to the money I’ve invested?” and is answered “Your investment will be held in a separate bank account and will be returned to you in its entirety.”

Other questions-and-answers include the relationship of investment amounts to votes (basically, one member, one vote regardless of the shareholding value), share values and interest, tax relief, loan arrangements for the pub’s purchase, funding strategy and grants, and future investment.

For more information about the share offer, click here.

The group encourages people interested to “send us your questions, concerns and ideas via email and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.”

The email address is: info@wacacoop.org.uk

Campaigners seek charities for cash boost after incinerator win

Equipment leaving the site in Sowerby Bridge earlier this year.

By John Greenwood

Around £6,000 raised to help fight a legal case against Calderdale Council’s decision to issue an environmental permit for a controversial incinerator at Sowerby Bridge is now being earmarked for charity.

The money was donated by supporters via a JustGiving page to help fund legal costs for the High Court battle, which was seeking permission for a Judicial Review of the council’s decision.

Calder Valley Skip Hire had planning permission for the incinerator at the company’s Belmont site but needed the key permit to be able to operate it.

But incinerator has now gone and the company has moved away, which leaves the question of what to do with the funds.

Campaigners against the incinerator, The Benbow Group, have relayed this suggestion on their social media and to supporters.

The claimant reported that following successful court proceedings, costs from the council for the successful judicial review had been received.

He had previously brought a successful judicial review over the permit issue – a Planning Inspector effectively refusing it permission following a public hearing, resulting in the second application as legally, as the law stands, there is no limit to the number of applications which can be made.

“I am incredibly grateful for all the support we have received throughout this journey – your generosity and commitment made a real difference,” he said to supporters.

Following the council’s payment of costs, repayment grants towards the legal fees from both UK WIN and the Network for Social Change had been able to be made, as well as reimbursement to individuals who donated directly where that was their preference.

“Others who gave directly have kindly agreed that their donations can be included with the JustGiving donations that, unfortunately, cannot be refunded, to be used by me for the purpose set out in the JustGiving page,” said the claimant.

The sum is just over £6,000.

He added: “As you may recall, the Just Giving page stated ‘if there is community funding left over or recovered if I am successful, then as with the last judicial review, I will be looking to spend it in the best way possible with regard to this matter.’”

Initially, this might have meant it being need to be recycled for further legal costs.

But given that the incinerator has now been removed from Belmont site and the applicant no longer has an interest in the site, he said it did not appear it needed to be kept to fight the case and in line with his original intentions, he intended it to be used for local charitable purposes.

“I welcome any suggestions for how these funds might be distributed to benefit our community, but please note that the final decision will rest with me,” he said.

The claimant said he is particularly interested in helping smaller local organisations or projects especially for improvement of the environment, wildlife and community in Sowerby Bridge and Triangle, with match-funding for projects also one option.

Suggestions can be emailed to trianglevillage@btinternet.com

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading!

I’ll be back on Wednesday with another edition. In the meantime, don’t forget to drop me a line at calderdale@thelead.uk with any story tips, comments, suggestions etc.

Until next time, have a great week!

Andrew

Activists scale Hebden Bridge Library to fly Pride flag

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:45 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all having a grand week so far.

In today’s edition, we’ve got a cracking story, one which will really warm the cockles of your heart!

A group of activists, rightly cheesed off at the Reform UK-led Calderdale Council’s decision not to fly the Pride flag during Pride Month, scaled Hebden Bridge Library a couple of days ago to fly it proudly… albeit for a couple of days before it was taken down.

We speak to the group below.

Plus, a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

💦 Calderdale Council is working with partners to deliver water safety “days of action” this summer, following a tragedy in the borough in May’s heatwave.

At least 15 people across the UK are known to have died in open water during that heatwave, according to collated police and media reports.

A 13-year-old Bradford boy, named locally as Reco Puttock, died after getting into difficulty in the water at Leadbeater Dam, a small reservoir near Ogden on the outskirts of Halifax, prompting police and local leaders to renew warnings about the dangers of swimming in open water.

Calderdale Council has posted on its social media outlets that the authority is teaming up with partner agencies including West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to deliver a series of targeted Days of Action at key locations across the borough this summer.

Much of this will be ahead of the summer holidays.

“These days will provide opportunities to engage with the public on the risks associated with open water and how to respond in an emergency if someone gets into difficulty.

“We’ll also be working with local schools to deliver demonstrations and focused engagement sessions to young people,” said the council.

They are also encouraging people to share Royal Life Saving Society UK’s water safety advice during Drowning Prevention Week, which runs this week until June 20.

This can be found by clicking here.

🚗 Ahead of England kicking off their World Cup campaign tonight, drivers are being encouraged to choose 0% or plan another way home if they’re drinking.

The reminder comes as provisional figures show that 1 person died and 39 people were seriously injured in collisions last year in West Yorkshire where the driver was impaired by alcohol.

The legal drink drive limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath or 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres in blood, but is currently under review following the launch of the new National Road Safety Strategy.

Importantly, everyone digests and reacts to alcohol differently so it’s not possible to give a reliable way of knowing when you are legal and safe to drive - it’s best to have none for the road.

The 0% campaign has been created by THINK! and is being supported by the region’s road safety partnership, West Yorkshire Vision Zero.

Activists have last laugh as Pride flag flown proudly at Hebden Bridge Library

One of the ‘Dawn Climbers’ scaling Hebden Bridge Library at the week

By Andrew Greaves

A group of activists scaled Hebden Bridge Library in the early hours of Sunday morning and erected a Pride flag.

The stunt, carried out by a group calling themselves Dawn Climbers, was in response to the now Reform UK-led Calderdale Council refusing to fly the Pride flag from public buildings despite June being Pride Month.

The row has been brewing for a few weeks now with the council leadership under fire for refusing a request to fly the Pride flag in Pride month from any of its other buildings, most specifically Halifax’s Shibden Hall.

Shibden Hall was the historic home of Anne Lister, widely regarded as the first modern lesbian, and inspiration for the Sally Wainwright-penned hit BBC drama Gentleman Jack, boosting Halifax as a tourist destination as a result.

In response, the leader of Calderdale Council, Councillor Dan Sutherland, said the Union flag represents all the people of the borough, and Calderdale continues to be celebrated as a place where everyone is valued.

But the Dawn Climbers decided at the weekend to take matters into their own hand and scaled the side of the building to rectify the decision.

And the group told The Calderdale Lead: “Flag and bunting £10, welcoming minority groups you represent in your constituency, Priceless.

“Seeing a Pride flag fluttering in the breeze on the library is heart warming, let’s hope it warms up the coldness inside the hearts of Calderdale Councillors.”

Pride Month recognises and supports LGBTQ+ people, marking their history and ongoing fight for equal rights and acceptance.

Terry Logan, youth engagement manager of Calderdale’s Happy Valley Pride, said Pride and the Pride flag is also about “remembering the importance of those things, so that we don’t take worrying steps back.”

“But ultimately, Pride is really about a celebration and coming together, so I’m hoping that Reform see sense because I know that, in our community and a lot of people out there, support us,” she said.

Labour Councillor Sarah Courtney who made the Shibden Hall request, said: “What I would say is ‘please reconsider’ – it’s a very small symbol to show inclusion and unity.

“The Pride flag doesn’t exclude anybody but it might just make a difference to somebody who is having a difficult time, questioning their sexuality or feeling that they can’t come out – and all of these things have a really negative effect on people, on their health.

“If they see a Pride flag, it just helps them feel a bit more included, so I would just say to the Reform leader and Cabinet ‘do think again’.”

Cllr Sutherland says that the council flies a flag representing everyone.

“We are proud to fly the Union Flag from Halifax Town Hall throughout the year, to represent all the people of the borough, and we continue to celebrate Calderdale as a place where everyone is valued.

“This is not about banning any particular flags but rather ensuring that all the people of the borough are represented,” he said.

He added that the flag-flying policy will be reviewed at the next meeting of the council’s Governance and Business Committee.

The flag has since been removed with a member of the group saying: “We saw that two days later it had been taken down. Could we have our flag back?”

That’s it for this edition - thanks for reading!

Don’t forget that you can get in touch, for whatever reason, by emailing calderdale@thelead.uk.

I’ll be back on Sunday so until then, have a great week!

Andrew

Calderdale Council slams windfarm consultation as 'inadequate'

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 07:50:04 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re having a good week so far! The World Cup is now underway and it’s brilliant for those who aren’t too keen on sleep!

I have to admit I have dragged my backside out of bed a couple of times already for the early morning kick-offs, although I’m not too sure how long that will last!

Anyway, in today’s editions, we have calls from Calderdale Council for the consultation over a controversial windfarm to be restarted.

The authority has written to the firm behind the Walshaw Moor plans criticising the consultation, which ended last week, as ‘inadequate’.

Plus, we have a couple of nuggets - including a former Lioness - in the Calderdale Digest…

Calderdale Digest

🦁 Former Lionness Jill Scott passed through Todmorden this week as part of her epic 388-mile journey from Wembley Stadium to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

The former England international, who is now a popular pundit, took on the ‘Jill Scott’s Coming Home’ to raise money for Sport Relief.

And more than £470,000 has already been raised with the money being used to fund sports projects across the country.

Over five relentless days, Jill cycled from Wembley to Birmingham and Liverpool, completed a gruelling 38-mile ultramarathon to Manchester, battled through endless hills and driving rain on the road to Bishop Auckland, before digging deep one final time to run 28-miles on the final leg.

And after completing the challenge in front of hundres of fans at the Stadium of Light, Jill said: “My legs are numb, all my blisters have popped on the feet, my ribs are even hurting… I’m in a lot of pain.”

Here’s a video of Jill cycling through Todmorden, courtesy of Gordon Rigg’s Garden Centre.

⚽ Halifax Town have announced Sheffield Wednesday defender Mackenzie Maltby as their first summer signing.

Maltby, who has been at Wednesday since the age of seven, played twice in the Championship for the Owls last season but will make the switch to the Shay on July 1 when his current deal expires.

His previous experience comes courtesy of a loan move to Scarborough Athletic in 2024/25 where he was named the Seadogs’ young player of the year after impressing in the back line.

Meanwhile, The Shaymen have confirmed that Jevon Mills and Adam Adetoro will leave the club once their contracts expire at the end of the month.

It was thought that Adetoro, who signed in the summer of 2024, would trigger a contract extension clause but the club have now announced he is to depart.

Town kick-off their pre-season games with a match against Sheffield United on July 4 at the Shay.

Council chiefs call for windfarm consultation to be redone

By John Greenwood

Calderdale Council has issued a stinging criticism of a statutory consultation carried out over controversial proposals to build a giant windfarm on peatland above Hebden Bridge.

Calderdale Energy Park’s statutory consultation is not up to standard and should be done again, says Calderdale Council.

In an excoriating response to the Calderdale Energy Park (CEP) consultation over its plans to build to put 34 giant wind turbines on Walshaw Moor, Calderdale has requested the developer starts again.

CEP rejects the criticism and says the consultation was carried out in line with planning legislation requirements and its own statement of community consultation.

The company has already extended a deadline for some people to resubmit their responses to the consultation into early July due to a glitch.

The site is on Calderdale moorland, located between Hebden Bridge and Haworth, the village associated with the Bronte sisters, but the council will not decide whether the proposals can go ahead.

It is classed as a national infrastructure project and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will ultimately decide whether or not the application is given the green light.

Calderdale Council is an important consultee and the authority’s response to the consultation is damning.

The council’s Cabinet member for Economic Regeneration, Coun Keith Ingle and Director for Regeneration and Strategy, Shelagh O’Neill, have approved the response letter, which has been sent to CEP.

It says: “The council considers that the consultation has not been carried out on an adequate basis.

“In particular, the scale of errors, omissions and inconsistencies, coupled with the piecemeal and evolving nature of the information provided, has prevented the council from understanding the proposed development and its likely impacts, and from engaging in a meaningful and informed way.

“In these circumstances, the council formally requests that: CEP withdraws the current consultation; addresses the identified deficiencies in full, including ensuring that all environmental information is accurate, consistent and complete; and undertakes a fresh statutory consultation exercise on the basis of a stable, coherent and reliable set of materials.”

Without these steps, Calderdale does not consider that CEP “will be able to demonstrate compliance with its statutory consultation duties under the 2008 Act”, with the consequent risk that any subsequent development consent order (DCO) application will be delayed, refused acceptance or otherwise prejudiced, according to the council’s now published response.

Calderdale Council concludes: “Overall, the council is increasingly concerned and disappointed that, given the scale and potential significance of the proposed development, the consultation material does not yet demonstrate a sufficiently robust, transparent or considered assessment of its impacts on communities, the environment and valued landscapes.

“The level of detail and clarity provided in a number of key areas falls materially short of what would reasonably be expected at this stage, raising serious concerns that the scheme has not been developed with an adequate understanding of the sensitivity of its receiving environment.

“It is essential that these deficiencies are addressed through a further round of statutory consultation, informed by a materially improved and comprehensive evidence base.

“The current submission does not provide a sufficient foundation for meaningful engagement, and the council considers that affected communities and stakeholders must be given a proper opportunity to review and respond to revised proposals that fully and transparently assess environmental and social impacts.”

CEP has responded by saying it takes all feedback seriously and remains committed to “constructive and ongoing engagement” with the council, statutory consultees and local communities as the project progresses through the planning process.

The company says the statutory consultation was undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act 2008 and CEP’s Statement of Community Consultation, and takes in Calderdale Council criticism it ignored advice not to hold the consultation through the local election period.

“The consultation period exceeded the statutory minimum to ensure sufficient time for engagement, including allowing a full 28-day period following the local elections.

“We made proactive efforts to engage with Calderdale Council ahead of and during the consultation, including offering multiple opportunities to meet with the council’s technical teams.

“The consultation was designed to provide consultees and communities with an opportunity to understand the proposed Calderdale Energy Park and to share their views.

“Consultation at this stage is an important and iterative part of the DCO process, allowing feedback to inform the final design of Calderdale Energy Park,” says CEP.

CEP addresses Calderdale’s criticism of “deficiencies” in a key Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PIER), arguing it sets out its preliminary assessment of likely significant effects and is therefore not as detailed as the Environmental Statement that will accompany a future DCO application.

The consultation has generated a significant level of engagement, having
received over 1,000 responses to date, says CEP.

“We are now carefully reviewing all responses received, including those from Calderdale Council and other statutory consultees, as we continue to develop and finalise the project ahead of submission later this year.

“We recognise the importance of keeping communities informed and engaged as the project evolves.

“As part of this, we are planning a reporting back exercise later this year to share how feedback has been considered and to provide updates on the next stage of the project,” says CEP.

The council says it does remain committed to “constructive engagement” with CEP on the scope and approach to any re-consultation, “to help ensure it is delivered effectively.”

The company says the turbines will generate enough low carbon electricity to power 198,000 homes a year.

But campaigners say the moor is not the right place for the huge windfarm, amid concerns about damage to peatland and the habitat – it is home to many birds.

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading!

I’ll be back on Wednesday morning with another edition so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Until then, have a great week!

Andrew

Halifax MP fights for compensation after O2 mast down for months

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:00:18 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re having a good week. The good news is that the weather is meant to get more seasonal - aka sunnier! - by the weekend so we’ve only got a couple more days of this wind and rain!

In today’s edition we’ve got

Plus a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest…

Calderdale Digest

💨 Anyone wanting to submit their comments to the statutory consultation over a controversial giant windfarm proposed for Calderdale moorland has a day left, if they have not already done so.

Calderdale Energy Park plans to put 34 giant wind turbines on Walshaw Moor, which is located between Hebden Bridge and Haworth, the village associated with the Bronte sisters.

The proposals have met with strong resistance from campaigners concerned about potential damage to peatland and loss of moorland habitat which is home to birds.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will ultimately decide whether or not this controversial application is given the green light.

The consultation allows people to submit their views on the proposals, whether for, against or neutral.

You have until until 23.59pm TONIGHT to submit their response to the statutory consultation.

You can submit your objection by emailing info@calderdaleenergypark.co.uk, or submit via post to Freepost, Calderdale Energy Park – for postal submissions, they will allow a seven‑day grace period after the consultation closes.

The link to the consultation can be found here.

🚴‍♀️ A new round of regional grants to promote walking, wheeling and cycling around West Yorkshire is open for bids.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has invested more than £1.7 million in 33 of these hubs since 2022, including a north Halifax based travel hub, and she is encouraging groups to apply.

Grants of up to £50,000 are available to establish walking, wheeling and cycling hubs, while grants of up to £5,000 are available for smaller projects including group walks, cycling training sessions or equipment loans.

Mayor Brabin said there were physical and mental health benefits resulting, it helps the environment and is a way to explore the region in a more-affordable way.

“Getting active helps people lead healthier, happier lives whilst also saving money.

“This funding will break down barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling, supporting more people to explore and enjoy everything our wonderful region has to offer.

“This is part of our mission to create a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire for everyone,” she said.

Mixenden Active Travel Hub, based across two sites in north Halifax, launched in 2025 after receiving a Combined Authority grant.

It paid for new e-bikes and tools, extra bike maintenance training and staffing.

Funding applications are open until 11.59pm on Wednesday, July 1.

To qualify for the funding, each organisation must be able to demonstrate its commitment to developing walking, wheeling and cycling in its local community.

To find out more and learn how to make an application, click here.

Halifax MP has O2 in her sights for compensation over mast outage

By Andrew Greaves

Halifax MP Kate Dearden has welcomed the resumption of mobile phone signal in Northowram after fighting for residents who had gone without it for several months.

But she says the delay from O2 in getting the mast fixed means residents and businesses should now get compensation from the mobile network and has vowed to fight for compensation.

Earlier this year, an O2 mast in Wyke that acted as a “feeder” to a mast in Northowram was damaged, leaving residents without the mobile phone service they pay for and rely on. Alongside O2 customers, Vodafone, Tesco, Sky, Lebara and Asda Mobile customers were also affected.  

After hearing from affected residents, local Ms Dearden launched a campaign pushing for O2 to get the mast fixed as quickly as possible, raising the serious impacts this has had on residents’ lives, and demanding greater clarity and communication for customers.

Residents had complained that O2 had been unacceptably slow to fix this issue and did not provide clear or frequent communications or updates to those affected.

Now, following Ms Dearden’s campaign, O2 have now confirmed the mobile phone mast in Wyke has been fixed, bringing great relief to local residents.

Despite the service resumption, Kate has continued to make the case for compensation for those affected.

Alongside not receiving a service they had paid for, residents have also shared the significant impact this disruption has had on their lives including missing important appointments, causing challenges for local businesses who are struggling to operate and interrupting family and friends from getting together.

She said: “O2 took far too long to resolve this issue and, time and again, residents told me they were left without clear or timely updates.

“Whilst I welcome the fact that, after sustained pressure, mobile service has now resumed, it is completely unacceptable that residents were left without a reliable signal for 11 weeks.

“That is why I am continuing to press for compensation for affected residents and businesses. People deserve far better than this, and these companies must recognise the impact this disruption has had on local communities.”

Local residents have now been asked by the mobile phone companies to submit claims directly to their providers by the following methods:

O2: Can be contacted on 202 from an O2 device, or from a landline on 0344 809 0202.
Sky: Affected constituents can contact Sky’s customer service team on 03442 414 141 (open seven days a week, 8.00am–9.00pm).
Tesco Mobile: Can be contacted via webchat or email by visiting www.tescomobile.com or by calling 4455 from a Tesco Mobile phone or 0345 301 4455 from any other UK number.
Vodafone: Customer Care team can be contacted either through dialling 191 from a Vodafone handset, or 0333 304 0191 from any other device.
Lebara: Can be contacted from a Lebara sim on 5588. From other networks call 0207 0310791 (cost depending on your operator).
Asda Mobile: Customer services can be contacted from an ASDA mobile Sim in the UK on 2732 or by calling 0808 006 2732

That’s it for this edition - thanks for reading!

I’ll be back on Sunday with another edition. In the meantime, drop me a line at calderdale@thelead.uk if you have any stories you think I should be chasing.

Until Sunday, have a great week!

Andrew

Pride flag will not fly over Calderdale Council buildings for Pride Month

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:31:04 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all having a good weekend so far.

In today’s edition we’ve got details of row over the flying of flags across the borough.

As many of you will be aware, June is Pride Month and it’s a time when the rainbow flag would usually be flying proud on various buildings across Calderdale.

Well, not this year! The new Reform UK-run administration has made it clear that only the Union flag is to be flown, much to the dismay of other councillors.

We’ve got the latest below.

Plus, a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest…

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Calderdale Digest

🎭Halifax MP Kate Dearden says she is speaking to Government ministers about what can be done to ensure an important arts centre – where the company in charge of it is now subject to a winding up order – stays open.

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a winding-up order on the owners of Square Chapel Arts Centre.

The order forces the company to close down and go into voluntary liquidation.

The centre, at Square Road in the town centre, closed suddenly in February last year and has been subject to speculation and major lobbying by the Save Square Chapel Campaign group to get it re-opened and in use again.

Ms Dearden said: “I know residents in Halifax and across Calderdale will be deeply concerned about the news today that HMRC have issued a winding up order on the owners of Square Chapel, and as part of this, the official receiver has taken control of the building.

“I am in urgent communication with the Arts Council and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to understand the immediate implications for Square Chapel and what we can do to ensure it remains an arts centre serving the community in Halifax and Calderdale.”

⛵ Planners have given the green light to proposals to build two semi-detached holiday let cottages at a Todmorden canalside marina.

Calderdale Council officers have approved Marina and Moorings UK Ltd’s plans to build the cottages at Baltimore Marina, Stackhills Road, Todmorden, despite some objections.

Access into the site is along Stackhills Road, past Todmorden Health Centre, over Baltimore Bridge, which is a grade II listed structure over the Rochdale Canal, and through an existing access into the site.

A letter of objection from a member of the public was concerned about impact on the bridge, the only vehicular access for properties further up, concern being not for the actual cottages but materials and vehicles which would have to be brought over the bridge to build them.

They were also concerned about the impact on pedestrians of this traffic.

Todmorden Town Council also opposed the plans.

The town council said: “Although the aspiration to increase tourism in Todmorden is supported there are major concerns about this proposal.

“Specifically these include concerns about the grade II-listed bridge in terms of its heritage but also any increased weight over it and an increase in usage.

“Other canal bridges have been damaged, including the one at Stoodley Glen, and it can take many years for these to be repaired.”

Reform UK holding firm on flags despite calls for Pride flag to be flown

Shibden Hall was the home of Anne Lister who was dubbed "the first modern lesbian"

By Andrew Greaves and John Greenwood

Councillors have clashed over whether or not the LGBT+ rainbow flag can fly from any of an authority’s buildings during Pride Month, including one linked to iconic television series Gentleman Jack.

Calderdale Council has posted on its social media that in “Pride Month, we celebrate Calderdale as a place where everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love, is valued and free to be themselves.”

But Labour councillor Sarah Courtney claims the council’s new Reform UK administration has “refused to fly the Pride flag from any council buildings during Pride Month, including at Shibden Hall, an iconic place and the setting for Sally Wainwright’s hugely successful Gentleman Jack TV series.”

Reform UK leader of the Council, Cllr Dan Sutherland said: “We are proud to fly the Union Flag from the Town Hall throughout the year, to represent all the people of the borough, and we continue to celebrate Calderdale as a place where everyone is valued.”

His administration was concentrating on what people wanted prioritising, he said.

Earlier in the week, the council had posted: “The Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Andrew Tagg, has formally approved the flying of the Union Flag at Halifax Town Hall throughout the year, as of today.

“This is a mark of respect to all the peoples of our great nation.”

Posting on social media, Cllr Courtney noted the post last week did make it clear that only the Union flag will be flown from Halifax Town hall.

But she said that does not affect other venues and specifically referred to Shibden Hall, home of Anne Lister, “whose life and diaries have given Halifax and Calderdale an international place in LGBT+ history,” she said.

Cllr Courtney said: “People have asked me whether Calderdale Council will be flying a Pride flag from any of its buildings to celebrate LGBT+ Pride Month.

“I have asked Dan Sutherland, Reform’s Council Leader, and his Cabinet, this question, including providing a rationale of how Pride flags help promote inclusion and act as a visible marker of safety, solidarity and allyship.

“Measures to promote inclusion can help toward improving the health and wellbeing of people who face discrimination.

“While it does not single-handedly erase systemic discrimination, flying a Pride flag is a low-cost, high-impact action that provides comfort to vulnerable individuals, normalises diversity, and challenges social stigma,” she said.

Cllr Courtney added: “The Pride flag does not exclude anybody, it just signifies that everyone is welcome.

“Sadly, Cllr Sutherland and the new administration have refused to fly the Pride flag from any council buildings during Pride Month, including at Shibden Hall, an iconic place and the setting for Sally Wainwright’s hugely successful Gentleman Jack TV series.

“It was the home of Anne Lister.

“Visitors travel from across the UK and around the world to learn about her life and legacy,” she said.

She said she “respectfully disagreed” with Reform that only the Union Flag can represent everyone in Calderdale and that other flags and symbols can be divisive.

Reform UK Calderdale have said policy on which flags can be flown from council buildings – a protocol was approved by councillors late last year on this – is likely to be reviewed.

In response to Cllr Courtney, Cllr Sutherland said his administration was committed to service delivery to deliver change people wanted to see prioritised.

“We’re committed to delivering services that make a difference to local people, with our priorities centring around value for money, the condition of our roads, crime and anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and cleaner streets, and housing,” he said.

“As we deliver the change that people are eager to see, our focus is on these priority issues.

“We are proud to fly the Union Flag from the Town Hall throughout the year, to represent all the people of the borough, and we continue to celebrate Calderdale as a place where everyone is valued,” he said.

That’s it for this edition - thanks for reading!

Don’t forget you can drop me a line at calderdale@thelead.uk with any story tips, comments or general observations.

I’ll be back in your inboxes on Wednesday so, until then, have a great week!

Andrew

Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Campaign group celebrate as sale of Shay Stadium halted

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:31:01 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all well and didn’t miss me too much - as expected it was nigh on impossible to connect to anything resembling Wi-Fi whilst away!

But we’re back now and all will be fine.

In today’s edition, my LDR colleague John Greenwood has the latest from the Friends of the Shay group after the sale of the stadium was halted.

Buyer Ken Davy - he of Huddersfield Giants fame - has decided to pull the plug on the purchase while the new Reform UK-led council has said any sale is ‘halted’.

Full details of the latest in the long-running saga are below!

Plus, we’ve got a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest…

Calderdale Digest

🚨A former West Yorkshire Police officer is due to appear in court after being charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and other offences.

Michael Meade, aged 41, who was a PC based in Calderdale District prior to his resignation, has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, theft and two counts of unauthorised access to policing systems contrary to the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

He is due to appear at Bradford Magistrates’ Court today.

The charges follow an investigation by West Yorkshire Police Counter Corruption Unit under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct into allegations of failure to investigate a road traffic incident, theft and misuse of police systems to access restricted information. The offences are reported to have been committed between January 2022 and May 2023.

💷 Groups working to make their neighbourhoods safer could benefit from thousands of pounds worth of funding thanks to West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin.

The latest round of the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund is now open, giving groups and organisations the opportunity to receive a share of £350,000.

The fund takes money recovered from criminals and reinvests it into local organisations and projects working to make the region safer.

Funding can support a wide range of activity, including work with young people through arts and sport, support for survivors of abuse, and initiatives that help reduce reoffending or improve community wellbeing.

To date £4.9M has been awarded to 505 projects through the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund and the People’s Fund.

Ms Brabin said: “I have promised to make West Yorkshire safer and fairer, and we are backing the people working on the ground to make that happen.

“By taking money from criminals and putting it straight into projects that prevent crime, we’re supporting victims and providing opportunities to those who need them most.

“From helping young people to thrive to strengthening community wellbeing, we’re delivering real change and creating safer places across West Yorkshire”

Campaign group ‘relieved’ after Shay Stadium buyer pulls out

By John Greenwood

The campaign group fighting to stop the controversial sale of Halifax’s Shay Stadium say they are relieved the deal has been halted.

Friends of the Shay had begun a legal path to try and halt sale of Halifax’s Shay Stadium to owner of Huddersfield Giants rugby league club Ken Davy – and are not yet letting down their guard.

On Monday, Mr Davy announced he had decided to not progress the deal and Calderdale Council’s new Reform UK ruling group said the current plans for selling The Shay had been “halted.”

The Friends group had begun legal proceedings against the council, seeking a Judicial Review into the sale of the stadium – home to football’s FC Halifax Town and rugby league’s Halifax Panthers, instead promoting community stewardship.

A decision to dispose of The Shay was taken by the then ruling group Labour cabinet two years ago, later endorsed by the full Calderdale Council passing the budget including the saving, to help balance the books in difficult financial times.

The decision has been controversial, particularly after months of talks involving the two clubs were stalled, and Mr Davy came in with an offer to but the stadium, respective leagues saying all three clubs could play there.

Friends of the Shay were among those concerned what might happen if r Davy had bought and then decided to sell The Shay estate further down the line and have indicated they are more relieved than in celebratory mood at Mr Davy’s decision not to progress with his bid.

Referring to the sale process as “deeply flawed” the group indicated their feeling is one of relief as it has happened before “irreversible damage was done.”

But the group, able to fund a specialised legal team with the help of some crowdfunding, are not completely dropping their guard yet, they say.

“Because we only recently issued our formal pre-action protocol letter, the withdrawal of the front-running bidder and the cabinet’s decision to halt the sale completely changes the landscape.

“If the council formally rescinds the original disposal decision, the immediate necessity for a Judicial Review drops away,” they say.

But the Friends say they need to see the precise outcome of the Cabinet’s review to ensure any future plans permanently safeguard community ownership.

They have indicated they are not interested in pursuing costs against the council as recovering pre-action costs from a local authority is legally complex and also because it is local people’s money – “something which the council should have reflected on when trying to intimidate us through their own legal representatives,” they say.

Friends say: “The withdrawal by Mr. Davy is not the end of the story.

“The Shay remains a public asset.

“We now need genuine engagement to find the most defensible and sustainable outcome, and we stand ready to work constructively with the new administration and both clubs to build that future.”

The Friends have also addressed on the group’s Substack page comments by Mr Davy yesterday that one of the reasons he had decided not to progress the sale deal is because of a “small minority” of opponents.

Friends say: “Whilst Friends of the Shay, a small campaign group, have actively opposed the council’s plans, we have seen fans divided on whether this deal is good for the town.

“Some have expressed at best a begrudging acceptance.

“The football club have remained tight-lipped, so we don’t actually know what they really think and the newly reformed rugby league club include board members who have been vocal on social media in opposing the sale to Mr Davy.”

The group says that on evidence of their own polling on ownership models, only one person in 20 favoured selling to a private buyer.

“Painting a picture of almost universal support doesn’t feel to be an accurate reflection of the reality we have witnessed,” they say.

The group says it is perhaps more significant that Mr Davy’s withdrawal coincides with a sharpened legal challenge that has prompted the council to pause the disposal.

“We know the points raised in this challenge can’t be overlooked or reverse engineered.

“They would require a full reset which would add significant time to the disposal of the ground and create increased scrutiny,” they say.

The group say they have offered thinking anchored around widening the use of the Stadium and making it a community hub.

On Mr Davy’s statement that he might still look at renting The Shay, the group believes it is a viable option in the short term proving the some income providing there is a condition that permanent tenants have priority usage.

“It is of course much more favourable, and logical, than disposing of the freehold to an out of town team who have become voluntarily homeless and are looking for a temporary stadium,” said the Friends.

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading.

I’ll be back on Sunday with another edition so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Until then, enjoy your week!

Andrew

Concern over vicar's axing as independent chair of Calderdale Council's standards committee

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 24 May 2026 08:31:08 GMT

Hello and welcome to the Calderdale Lead!

I hope you’re all having a good Bank Holiday Weekend and enjoying this gorgeous weather!

It feels like we’ve been promised it for so long and now it’s finally here!

In today’s edition we have a report from the happenings at the first full council meeting under Calderdale’s new Reform UK administration and, it’s fair to say, the party are already making decisions that are causing plenty of concern!

Plus, we’ve got a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

📿Retiring Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale, Steven and Linda Leigh, have raised around £6,600 for their civic charities in their year in office.

The civic team attended more than 200 engagements in 2025-26, Mr Leigh told Calderdale councillors at the authority’s annual meeting, before handing over civic duties to the new Mayor, Coun Andrew Tagg.

Cheques for equal amounts were handed over to the Mayor’s civic charities at Halifax Town Hall with Overgate Hospice and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance were the beneficiaries.

Mr Leigh said they had a wonderful civic year in which the importance of volunteers in helping Calderdale groups and organisations run was highlighted.

It was also tinged with sadness, when his Deputy Mayor, Coun Geraldine Carter, much-missed by all in the chamber, passed away.

Another councillor colleague, Brenda Monteith, helped Mr Leigh complete the civic year.

Of the volunteers, he said: “I realised that behind the scenes there are so many people in Calderdale acting as volunteers, helpers – seeking no reward for what they do and just being wonderful people.

“That’s been a humbling experience,” he said.

Conservative Mr Leigh lost the seat he was contesting in this month’s elections.

🛢️An oil blending and lubricants company established for almost 140 years in Brighouse – whose products are used in motorsports – is looking to expand.

Millers Oils has applied to Calderdale Council planners seeking permission to remove three oil storage tanks at the Hillside Oil Works, Rastrick Common, site and install five oil storage tanks.

A supporting statement with the application from agents JMH Design says: “The proposed new installation has been designed to fit the expanding requirements of Millers Oils and by replacing outdated oil storage tanks its scale has been designed relative to the requirement.”

The new tanks will improve the company’s facilities and have no detrimental impact on any surrounding properties, said the agent.

I’m just going to pause before our main story to tell you some very exciting news!

We’ve secured a place on the shortlist at the Publisher Newsletter Awards as best politics newsletter for our national edition and also best local/community newsletter for our Lead Local network of titles, of which the Calderdale edition is part of!

Opposition councillors lead concern over axing of vicar from key committee

Vicar of Halifax Minster, Rev Canon Hilary Barber, has not been reappointed as independent chair of the council’s Standard Committee.

By Andrew Greaves and John Greenwood

Opposition politicians on Calderdale Council have expressed concern at the “removal” of the Vicar of Halifax Minster, Rev Canon Hilary Barber, as independent Chair of the authority’s Standards Committee.

Labour have voiced concerns on social media, and the Greens, Liberal Democrats and an Independent councillor have all also signed a letter thanking Rev Canon Barber for his contributions.

Reform UK are the new ruling group on the council having taken clear control of the authority in May’s elections.

The council order paper for election of Chair and Deputy Chair roles on the council’s committees, boards and panels – decisions approved by the majority group councillors – said in the case of Standards Committee: “delegated authority be given to the council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services to recruit someone to take up the position.”

Rev Canon Barber told the Byline Times he had been informed on the day of Annual Council – held at Halifax Town Hall on Wednesday – he was not to be re-appointed as the independent Chair of Standards Committee, a role he has undertaken for 16 years.

Canon Barber told the Byline Times: “I have received no thanks for service given or explanation.”

The Standards Committee is responsible for promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct among Calderdale councillors and co‑opted members, including overseeing the Members’ Code of Conduct, handling alleged breaches and advising on support and training for members.

In the Byline Times article, Canon Barber criticised the new ruling Reform UK group’s decisions over scrutiny.

Reform UK councillors voted to scrap three of four scrutiny boards and committees – the group has told critics of the decision that scrutiny in its former form was not working at Calderdale, citing decision-making over some controversial issues including proposed sale of The Shay sports stadium in Halifax.

Reform have said their election win – a comfortable majority of 14 over all other parties – saw voters give them a mandate to make these changes and new Leader of the Council, Coun Dan Sutherland said at Annual Council his Cabinet were “a new broom that is going to sweep through the council.”

The Reform group has elected Coun Andrew Tagg - elected this month to the council - as Mayor for 2026/27, a move which Labour group leader Coun Adam Wilkinson says tears up decades of civic tradition.

He said: “Reform have torn up decades of civic convention and tradition in a blatant attempt to consolidate power within Calderdale Council.

“These conventions exist as a safeguard, to ensure every resident and every community is represented, no matter how they voted.

“As part of sweeping changes, they have unashamedly politicised the role of Mayor - a position that has historically been independent, ceremonial, and above party politics.

“Under the long-established rota and formula system, this should have been Labour’s year to nominate the Mayor. It is therefore especially disappointing that Reform rejected Labour’s nominations for Mayor and Deputy Mayor - councillors who reflect the breadth and diversity of modern Calderdale.

“At a time when public institutions should be working to ensure everyone feels represented in civic life, this decision raises serious questions about Reform’s approach to inclusion and representation.”

The letter of thanks to Rev Canon Barber has been signed by Coun. Wilkinson, Green group leader Coun Martin Hey, Liberal Democrat group leader Coun Ashley Evans and Independent councillor Leah Webster.

It says: “Your commitment, integrity and formal leadership have been greatly valued throughout your time in the role.

“The work of the Standards Committee is essential in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct and ethical governance across the council and your independent guidance has made an essential contribution to that purpose.”

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading.

I’m away for the next week or so and will be sailing the seven seas (well the Med at least!) so access to wifi might be a little sketchy.

I’m hoping to be back in your inboxes on Wednesday, signal permitting!

Until I see you again, have a cracking rest of the Bank Holiday weekend!

Andrew

Work starts on multi-million pound Todmorden town centre transformation

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 20 May 2026 08:00:56 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all having a good week so far and are getting ready not only for the Bank Holiday weekend but also some much-needed sunshine!

In today’s edition we’ve got details of work starting on a new scheme to transform parts of Todmorden town centre.

Plus, there’s a couple of chunky nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

🐮 A Calderdale farm hopes it can turn muck into brass by using it to generate renewable energy to power the milk-producing business at the site.

James Clarkson has applied to Calderdale Council seeking permission to build an anaerobic digester and engine building at Hazel Slack Farm, Barkisland.

Supporting statements with the application say Hazel Slack Farm is a family-run business, with the applicant having farmed the land for more than 60 years and his family for more than a century.

It is predominantly a dairy farm, with an average milk yield of 8000 litres each cow per year.

The milk produced is sold through Arla Foods on contract to Asda and other supermarket chains, but the farm is also diversifying.

In 2007 the family diversified to ice cream production and the farm is now the base for their family ice cream business Just Jenny’s Farmhouse Ice Cream.

The ice cream business supplies some venues across the region, including farm shops, restaurants, delicatessens and cinemas.

The anaerobic digester plant will use cattle slurry already produced on the holding, if planners agree.

This will be pumped from the farm’s existing lagoon into a cladded circular tank where it is circulated for a minimum period of 28 days, where the slurry will begin to ferment and break down, the supporting statement explains.

“This process produces bio-ethanol gasses which are used to power a combustion engine, in turn producing electricity and heat.

“The plant will produce electricity to primarily serve the agricultural holding,” it argues.

The proposal is to construct a 30kW plant and it is envisaged that 100 per cent of the electricity will be utilised on the farm.

Outside of peak usage, any excess will be exported to the National Grid to generate another source of revenue.

As the draw of electricity is constant due to the robotic milking units, an anaerobic digester plant is the most appropriate method of producing renewable energy, as wind and solar rely upon uncontrollable factors, argues the supporting statement.

If granted, the proposal will “contribute towards the farm’s aims to mitigate and adapt to the predicted impacts of climate change.

Other advantages would be advantages from a decrease in slurry application rates, reduction in input costs, diversifying the business and increasing overall efficiency, say the agents.

❎ Concerns about aspects of Calderdale Council’s election count for one ward will be investigated following a complaint from a candidate, senior officers at the authority have pledged.

On the night, there was some surprise among those attending when the Rastrick ward result was re-declared some while after the winning councillors were announced.

The issues – about the count process, ultimately resulting in some candidate vote totals, but not all, being inaccurately declared – do not affect the outcome of the contest, which saw Reform UK’s Simon Briggs, Dave Small and Jackie Wilson elected as councillors for Rastrick.

And Labour candidate Peter Judge, who has raised concerns, has made it clear he is not asking for a re-run, nor challenging the result.

But in an email to Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive, Robin Tuddenham – who is also the council’s Returning Officer at elections – and the council’s Electoral Services department he says he does want the authority to respond to his concerns about the conduct and process of the Rastrick ward count.

Mr Judge said he was not satisfied with how issues he raised on the night were addressed at the time.

He has also made the Electoral Commission aware of his concerns.

Mr Judge questioned whether the process was satisfactory and wants the council to ask the Electoral Commission (EC) for its views on the issues he has raised and to ask the EC what action it would recommend to “put this matter right”.

He feels the ward’s count was “flawed” and because some totals were initially tallied wrongly, it might be possible the relative ranking of the successful councillors might be affected.

Three councillors were elected for each of Calderdale’s wards in what was a rare “all out” election with every seat contested, and the relative rankings do dictate how long each councillor will serve.

However, on the night, when the ward was re-declared, Mr Tuddenham did state which vote tallies had been correct and which were not, the re-announcement giving the correct totals for three candidates which had been incorrect earlier.

The candidates affected were Liberal Democrat Andrew Menzies, initially declared to have 946 votes but who actually received 195, the Green Party’s Teddy Morgan, initially declared to have 90 votes but who actually received 540, and Conservative Chris Pillai, initially declared to have 659 votes but who actually received 960.

All the other totals initially announced were correct, said Mr Tuddenham, who re-announced each candidate’s, saying whether they had been correct or incorrect when originally declared.

New transformation work in Todmorden will help boost market trade

By Andrew Greaves

Work has begun on the latest stage of the £17.5m Todmorden Town Deal project.

The Public Places in the Heart of Todmorden part of the ambitious scheme will develop Bramsche Square and the surrounding area into a welcoming, attractive and more accessible public space in Todmorden town centre.

The improvements will help boost local trade and support the town’s popular markets. The scheme will make access to the historic Market Hall easier, while a new glass canopy will optimise natural light and enhance the overall market environment.

Stall layouts will be updated, with trading and customer areas more clearly defined to improve safety, accessibility and the visitor experience. Upgraded drainage will also help reduce the risk of flooding

Calderdale Council is delivering the project, with civil engineering and construction company CR Reynolds now appointed as the contractor to carry out the works.

The works will also include landscaping, creating space for people to meet and spend time together. The design will allow the space to be used more flexibly to support opportunities for events.

Work is being carried out in phases to minimise disruption. The first phase will include the construction of a new car park off Rose Street, with over 50 parking bays and secure motorcycle parking.

Subsequent phases involve landscaping, the creation of new seating areas and drainage improvements at Pollination Street gardens; works to the outdoor market; and improvements at Bramsche Square, with new trees, stone features and the installation of electric points to allow for events.

The work is due to be complete by the end of April 2027.

Calderdale Council say that throughout the project, the works will be carefully planned and phased to reduce impact on day‑to‑day trading.

The Todmorden Town Deal regeneration programme is funded by the Government and is being delivered in partnership with the Todmorden Town Deal Board.

Find out more about the Todmorden Town Deal at todmordentowndeal.co.uk, plus information about this and other major projects transforming Calderdale at calderdalenextchapter.co.uk

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading.

I’ll be back on Sunday with another edition so keep your eyes peeled for that!

Until then, enjoy your week!

Andrew

Shay campaigners engage legal teams to fight Halifax stadium sale decision

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 13 May 2026 08:45:56 GMT

Hello and welcome to the Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’ve all had a good week so far and are not getting too depressed by the political wranglings nationally and locally.

In today’s edition, we’ve got the latest in the sage of the Shay Stadium sale with campaigners now engaging a legal team to fight Calderdale Council’s decision to flog it. Full details are below.

Plus, there’s a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

📃 More complaints were made about Calderdale councillors under the councillors’ code of conduct last year than in the previous two.

However, the totals for the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 are all in single figures, a Freedom of Information request has shown..

In 2023, there were two complaints made under the Code of Conduct, of which one was dismissed at initial assessment, while the other complaint was subject to an informal resolution.

A single complaint made under the code in 2024 was also subject to an informal resolution, according to the data released by the council.

In 2025, there were eight complaints made under the code.

Of these, six were dismissed at initial assessment, while a further two were subject to an informal resolution, the data shows.

In all three years, none of the complaints made under the Code of Conduct were subject to a formal investigation and/or a hearing and subject to sanctions.

Calderdale Council has its own “Code of Conduct for Members”, which is based on the Local Government Association’s Model Councillor Code of Conduct 2020, which applies to all councillors and co‑opted members whenever they are acting in their official capacity.

The code’s purpose is to assist councillors in modelling expected behaviour, provide a personal check and balance, and set out conduct that could lead to action being taken – it explicitly aims to protect councillors, the public, officers and the reputation of local government, according to the council.

🦹🏻‍♂️ A hard-hitting series of videos highlighting the human impact of cyber crime has been launched by specialist officers in West Yorkshire to help businesses protect themselves against this continued threat.

The Cyber Talking Heads Trilogy highlights three real-life accounts from people at organisations that were the victims of cyber crime and the toll it took on them.

The series has been created by officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Cyber Crime Team as part of its ongoing work to warn of the dangers and raise awareness of what organisations can do to guard against cyber crime.

The professionally produced videos hit home the devastating effects of being targeted by cyber criminals, and encourage businesses and organisations to arm themselves with the knowledge and training needed to help prevent them from falling victim.

The videos, which were showcased and shared at the recent CYBERUK 2026 national conference, focus on the first-hand experiences of a manufacturing company affected by a cyber incident; a victim personal statement that was read out in court, after the perpetrator was found guilty; and a school navigating the impact of being targeted.

Detective Sergeant Lindsey Brants, of the Cyber Crime Team, said: “Too often, the human aspect of cyber crime is not recognised or accounted for. It can be seen as a victimless crime and something a seemingly faceless business or organisation can simply take the hit over, with systems fixed and financial losses absorbed.

“We know from our experience of investigating these offences and working with victims, that behind every business or organisation is a human being – someone who has to hold everything together, managing the impact at work while often carrying those additional pressures into their personal lives too.

Legal experts sign on for Shay Stadium fight

By John Greenwood

Campaigners fighting to stop their borough’s major sports stadium from being sold have announced they have now engaged legal teams to challenge Calderdale Council’s decision.

Two years ago the council confirmed a budget decision to dispose of The Shay Stadium – home to Halifax’s professional clubs, football’s FC Halifax Town and rugby league’s Halifax Panthers.

Talks were held with the clubs but after these proved inconclusive and in late 2024 a proposed deal to sell the Shay estate to Huddersfield Giants rugby league club owner Ken Davy became the front runner.

Campaign group Friends of the Shay was formed to challenge the decision to sell and processes, including legally, through Judicial Review.

In May’s elections the political make up of the council has changed, and Reform UK, who have been critical of the disposal and consultation process, have taken control of Calderdale from Labour.

The group may take a different position on The Shay issue, but the campaigners are still readying for a legal contest and with the help of fundraising have announced they have a team in place.

Friends of the Shay explained on their Substack page: “Thanks to your incredible generosity, Friends of the Shay – now operating through The Shay Community Stadium Ltd – has formally engaged Richard Buxton Solicitors, one of the UK’s most respected firms specializing in environmental, planning and public law.

“They will be supported by Six Pump Court, a Chambers ranked as Band 1 in the leading UK directories and recognised nationally and internationally for its expertise in planning law, environmental law and public law.”

The Friends say they have chosen the teams because they are recognised leaders in the area of Judicial Review, acting for community groups, campaigns and individuals across the country, challenging public authority decisions.

“With this legal team now on board, we can move from general objections to a focused, legally‑privileged strategy,” they say, including a review of all evidence and identifying the strongest legal grounds for Judicial Review.

The Friends are still encouraging supporters of the campaign to help financially if they can.

“Engaging a Band 1 Chambers and a leading public law firm does not come cheap.

“A substantial donation got us started, but we now need to fund the next stage of active case preparation,” they explain.

“Every pledge, large or small, brings us closer to a full Judicial Review,” they say, adding they welcome other fundraising ideas which can be suggested using that website page.

“Let’s save The Shay – legally, fairly, and together,” comments the group.

If a council sale to Mr Davy is successful, all three clubs can share the ground – Mr Davy wants to use The Shay as a home for Panthers until he can identify land and build a purpose-built stadium for his team in Kirklees.

Opponents of the sale are worried what would happen if Mr Davy decided to sell further down the line.

A link where people can support the crowdfunding is available at the Friends’ Substack page here.

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading.

I’m away in Germany this weekend doing my best to strengthen UK-EU relations by visiting Dusseldorf and the old town dubbed ‘Europe’s longest bar’!

So, I’ll be back next Wednesday with another edition.

Until then, enjoy your week!

Andrew

Rampant Reform take over Calderdale Council after election misery for Labour

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 10 May 2026 08:02:28 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

Well, the dust has now settled on a dramatic couple of days in local - and national - politics with

The quirk of Calderdale holding its first all-out election in more than two decades meant Reform UK were able to snatch control of the local authority on a night to forget for Labour.

My LDRS colleague John Greenwood has a full report below.

Plus, reaction from Calderdale’s two MPs who have vowed to hold the new regime to account on key local issues.

So, on with the news…

Six sort-of lessons from the local elections: Democracy, but make it volatile

MPs vow to hold new Reform leadership to account as political tables turn

By Andrew Greaves

Both of Calderdale’s MPs have vowed to hold the new Reform-led borough to account after Nigel Farage’s party snatched control on a day and night to forget for Labour.

Josh Fenton-Glynn, MP for Calder Valley, and Halifax MP Kate Dearden, both acknowledged that the results, which saw Reform win 34 of the 54 seats up for grabs, were a sign that people were frustrated with the Government and the state of politics.

But they said that while the people had spoken, they would continue to take the Labour fight to Reform, especially on important local issues.

Ms Dearden said: “These results are a clear sign that many people feel frustrated, unheard and let down by politics. As Labour representatives, we must listen to that message with humility and respond with action.

“But while we reflect, I will never stop standing up for the values that I believe define Halifax and Calderdale: fairness, decency, compassion, and community. I fundamentally reject the politics of division and resentment. Our town has always been strongest when we come together, not when we are pulled apart.

“I’ll be writing to all the winning councillors and the new leadership, to ask about their plans for our town, to see where we can work together, and where we disagree. I’ll work with this council to make Halifax a better town for all, and if I think they’re taking the wrong path, I’ll make that very clear.”

Across the country, Labour lost more than 1,200 council seats while in Wales, Plaid Cymru won the Senedd elections effectively ending 100 years of Labour rule.

Those results has led many within the Labour Party to call, either publicly or privately, for Sir Keir Starmer to either stand down as Prime Minister or at least set a timetable for his departure.

But Mr Fenton-Glynn said he didn’t feel that blaming the results solely on the PM was helpful.

He said: “It’s impossible to look at [the] results without taking into account the national picture. Votes for both the Greens and Reform reflect people losing faith with the ability of mainstream elected parties to deliver meaningful change.

“I hear the challenge and will carry that message back to Westminster with me next week. We have to change and make that clearly visible.

“While I understand some of this has been wrapped up in the position of the PM, I don’t think that focusing on an individual will solve our problems, the country is not a football team which can change managers and hope results improve. We need to look root and branch at the changes we need.”

What did we learn from Thursday’s election results? The Lead’s Westminster editor Zoe Grunewald takes a look…

The Lead

Britain has spoken…

2 months ago · 27 likes · 2 comments · Zoe Grunewald

A night to forget for Labour as Reform snatch council control

Darren Commons, Mark Kimberlin and Steve Mycroft got Reform’s ball rolling by snatching seats in Brighouse first up.

By John Greenwood

It was a day – and a night – where Reform UK ran rampant to take overall control of Calderdale Council in a rare “all out” election which saw 54 seats in 18 wards up for grabs.

Reform set off at a blistering pace in the first nine wards – the count took place in two sessions of nine wards each in the afternoon and evening – and with 28 the basic winning line, had chalked up 19 seats by the end of the first half.

In the end, their 34 seats gives them a majority of 14 over all other parties.

It saw two group leaders, the retiring Mayor and the Mayor-elect for 2026-27 ousted.

The Conservatives were wiped out, the party not returning a single councillor.

Labour were reduced to a rump, with the Greens gaining some ground on their turf.

The all-out election was due to a Boundary Commission recommendation that Calderdale needed an extra seat to reflect population changes – the last was 21 years ago and Calderdale usually elects a third at a time.

This also means that as well as the new ward, other wards were renamed and even ones that kept the name might not have exactly the same electorate, hence each seat being a win.

But some were winning more than others and Reform took all three seats in Brighouse ward, Darren Commons, Mark Kimberlin and Steve Mycroft comfortably ahead and unseating Conservative group leader Howard Blagbrough and another sitting councillor on the old council, Brenda Monteith, in the process.

The party also saw seats chalked up in Halifax, beginning with Reform group leader Dan Sutherland from the old council returning in Illingworth and Mixenden with colleagues Nikki Kelly and Andrew Tagg – an ousted Labour member of the old council was Mayor-elect Shane Taylor.

In Halifax Town ward, Reform’s Joseph Gibbons, Keith Ingle and Jay Shaban ousted former Town ward Labour representatives Joe Thompson and Kelly Thornham.

Reform took all three seats in Elland, where Peter Hunt from the old council will be joined by James Cook and Nigel Hatfield, Labour’s David Veitch from the old council finishing fourth.

Another major upset came in Greetland ward where what has been a Liberal Democrat heartland saw all three seats go to Reform, Tom Garnett, Phil Pringle and Ruth Walker unseating Liberal Democrat group leader on the old authority, Paul Bellenger, and colleagues Christine Prashad and Sue Holdsworth.

Victories in what had been, like Brighouse, a Conservative heartland, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe saw Connor Dent, Tim Holden and Val Mycroft take the seats for Reform, beaten Conservatives including former leader, and retiring Mayor of Calderdale, Steven Leigh.

Green victories early on saw group leader on the old council, Martin Hey returned with long-standing colleague Dan Wood in Northowram and Shelf – but Reform picked up the third seat, David Banks finishing in second place.

The Greens also saw Hannah Mickleburgh-Benn and Margot Puddepha oust Labour rivals Jonathan Timbers and Ben Jancovich in Hebden Bridge and Todmorden East, but Labour’s Sarah Courtney, a Cabinet member on the old council, topped the poll.

For Labour, Luddenden Foot ward was a rare chance to smile, when Scott Patient and Katie Kimber, from the old council, were joined by Kate MacDonald to make it a clean sweep, fending off Reform’s challenge.

The second half of the count saw Reform add three more councillors with a returning Paul Hawkaluk joined by Mederic Payne and Stephen Padgett in the new ward of Salterhebble, Southowram and Skircoat Green.

The party also took Ovenden, where Paul Dale, Stephen Hodgson and Gordon Thorpe were comfortably clear, and Rastrick saw Simon Briggs, David Small and Jackie Wilson returned for Reform.

Mike Payne and Andrew Varley took two of the Sowerby Bridge seats for Reform but Labour stalwart Adam Wilkinson completed the roster for the ward.

Labour took the lion’s share of the seats in Wainhouse, where Ann Kingstone and Dave Mendes Da Costa were elected alongside Reform’s Cathy Featherstone.

Liberal Democrat stalwart Ashley Evans led the poll in Warley and party colleague Chris Wadsworth was elected alongside him, but Reform notched up another seat through Irena Corkish.

The Greens scored a notable victory in Todmorden West, Jamie Furlong, Sarah Goodfellow and Oscar Seville-Leach defeating a Labour trio including two Cabinet members, Silvia Dacre and Diana Tremayne.

Park ward saw representatives of three different groups returned – Independent Osman Khalil topped the poll, with Mohammed Shazad Fazal returned for Labour and Shakir Saghir back for the Workers Party.

Reform bagged two of the Ryburn seats through Chris Green and Alex Greenwood, with Independent Leah Webster topping the poll as the night closed out.

The final tally is: Reform UK, 34 seats; Labour, eight seats; Greens, seven seats; Liberal Democrats, two seats; Independents, two seats; Workers Party, one seat.

That’s in for this edition, thanks for reading!

I’ll be back in your inboxes on Wednesday with another edition as a new political dawn beckons in our borough.

Until then, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Andrew

Works at Copley Cricket Club could protect against 'one in a hundred years' flooding

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 06 May 2026 07:01:48 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you all had a good Bank Holiday weekend and enjoyed some of the many festivities that were happening across the borough.

I spent quite a bit of time in Todmorden where the Folk Festival was happening and it was amazing to see so many people out, wandering from venue to venue to get their folky fix!

In today’s edition we’ve got news of how works at a cricket club in a Halifax village could save it from flooding.

Plus, sad news about a Piece Hall restaurant closure and some details ahead of tomorrow’s all-out election in Calderdale.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

☑️ Calderdale goes to the polls tomorrow for a once-in-a-generation ‘all-out’ election.

Every single seat on Calderdale Council - including some news ones brought about by boundary changes - is up for grabs and candidates have spent the last couple of months pounding the pavements in search of your vote.

Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm and to find out where the nearest one to you is, click here.

Don’t forget that you’ll need to take some photo ID with you to vote at a polling station and you must cast your vote at your assigned polling station.

All votes are to be counted on Friday and results are expected from late afternoon.

Finally, to find out who is up for election in your ward, click here.

🍽️ A restaurant at The Piece Hall in Halifax is to close due to ‘economic factors’.

Some redundancies are likely to result from the closure of The Trading Room restaurant, cafe and bar, which is run by the Piece Hall Trust itself.

Last month the Piece Hall Trust warned the venue’s future was under review and that a “small number” of roles were at risk of redundancy.

Now the Trust has issues an update on the situation, announcing The Trading Rooms’ closure, citing economic factors as affecting its viability.

The Trust’s statement says: “After a thorough review and consultation, the Piece Hall Trust has made the difficult decision to close The Trading Rooms restaurant.

“Every possible option was explored to continue operations, but sadly prevailing difficult economic conditions have meant that all the initiatives undertaken did not have the desired effect on profitability.”

Cricket club works would help protect Halifax village from flooding

Copley Cricket Club was flooded in 2015.

By John Greenwood

Detailed proposals to further protect a Halifax village from devastating flooding – including work around its cricket club – have been submitted to planners.

The Environment Agency (EA) is seeking permission from Calderdale Council to make changes at playing fields at Hollas Lane, Copley, and at Copley Cricket Club, Copley Lane.

If planners agree, they will form part of Copley’s flood alleviation scheme – some parts have already been completed – which taken together should offer “one in a a hundred years” standard of protection, plus an additional allowance for climate change, says the EA.

The site is not far from pitches at Copley Lane used by Old Rishworthians rugby union club.

Work will involve installing a drainage swale and an outfall into the River Calder on the south western corner of Copley Cricket Club.

The existing 1.2 metre dry stone wall to be taken down and rebuilt.

And while a drainage soak-away has already been installed to the south and at the eastern end of Copley Cricket Club and sports pavilion, this would be regularised by approval of the application.

The flood defence embankment at the east of Copley Cricket Club will be reinstated by filling in low spots in the crest of the embankment, according to supporting papers from engineers Arup.

An engineered reinforced concrete canal overflow spillway will be constructed along with a 200mm lowering of the towpath of the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal and a section of grass reinforced spillway will be built between the canal and the River Calder, if planners agree.

A steel bridge with five per cent slope ramps will provide access over the new spillway, says Arup.

Sport England will be a consultee and regarding how the scheme might affect the two sports clubs (cricket and rugby) and at this stage, say the engineers, if the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Rugby Football Union (RFU) remain satisfied with arrangements for the work to be carried out they would likely raise no objection when formally consulted.

Copley has suffered from a number of flood events, most notably the Boxing Day 2015 flooding, due to high water levels breaching the banks of both the River Calder and Calder and Hebble Navigation canal, damaging homes, recreational land and other infrastructure.

During that event, water seeped through the existing flood embankment, over-topped the flood wall on St Stephen’s Street and overtopped from the Calder and Hebble Navigation on Copley Lane.

The flood also led to the destruction of the listed Copley Bridge, which was subsequently dismantled and replaced in 2017.

The work around the cricket club will form the second of three planned phases of work.

A completed first part better protects 229 properties in Copley village.

That’s it for this edition, thanks for reading!

We’ll be back later in the week with results and reaction from tomorrow’s council elections.

So, until then, enjoy your week!

Andrew

Calderdale couple get Freedom of the Borough in recognition of philanthropic work

Andrew Greaves — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:02:58 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all having a good week so far and are looking forward to another Bank Holiday Weekend in a couple of days time.

In today’s edition we’ve got news of a very special couple from Calderdale being given the highest honour - freedom of the borough.

It comes in recognition of their wonderful philanthropic work, which has seen them give significant contributions to local community projects, heritage, and charitable causes.

Plus, we’ve a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

🍺 A future as a community pub may beckon for a village hostelry facing plans – which have received more than 300 objections – to turn it into a residence.

A group galvanising support behind the bid says community purchase of the Hare and Hounds at Lane Ends, Old Town, above Hebden Bridge, is being explored.

In April 2025, and filmed when still open as a pub under brewery ownership, TV stars Alexander Armstrong and James May filmed art of the BBC’s Perfect Pub Walks series there.

Campaigners have thanked new owner Rory Deighton for his role in helping getting things moving.

Earlier in the year Mr Deighton applied to Calderdale Council seeking permission to change the use of the pub into a house, arguing the pub is no longer capable of sustaining profitable operations.

But among objectors – more than 300 according to Calderdale Council’s Planning Portal – some questioned this, and the board of community benefit society Wadsworth Area Community Assets (WACA) has now formally resolved to proceed with investigating buying the pub.

Calderdale Council formally listed the Hare and Hounds as an Asset of Community Value in March and at the end of that month Mr Deighton let WACA know he has triggered the Community Right To Buy process with the council and will soon be putting the property up for sale, they said.

WACA responded positively and has formally expressed an intention to bid for the property with the council.

🛒 An inaugural Saturday pop-up market – the first since this part of town was pedestrianised – saw visitors bringing some extra bustle and business to Elland.

Dubbed the “It’s All About Elland Pop-up Market”, it took place in the centre of Southgate’s new square and the hope is that its success will see similar events help drive more footfall into Elland town centre.

The event was the brainchild of ward councillor David Veitch, but brought into being with the help of lots of volunteers including the team at Project Colt, the Brett Rhodes Joinery and Building Services team, Elland Community Events, Elland Round Table and Elland Juniors FC.

Coun Veitch said lots of manpower was required to transport, erect and dismantle the market stalls.

Stalls sold goods ranging from jewellery and cakes to woodturning and embroidery, he said.

Additionally, there was live music to lift the vibes – Phillip Cluskey and other musicians linked to Project Colt performed as did their choir, the Colt Community Voices.

The regular market takes place at Town Hall Square each Friday from 9am to 4pm, except for Good Friday and Fridays that fall on Bank Holidays.

Calderdale couple get borough’s highest honour to say thanks

The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Steven Leigh with the Greenwoods at the ceremony. (Pic: Community Foundation for Calderdale)

By Andrew Greaves

A philanthropic couple who have contributed thousands to good causes and community projects have been awarded Calderdale’s highest honour at a special ceremony in Halifax Town Hall.

The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Steven Leigh MBE, granted Freedom of the Borough to Colin and Gillian Greenwood on behalf of the Council.

Their family and friends and the Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Steve Duncan, were there to see the Greenwoods’ extraordinary kindness being recognised.

Freedom of the Borough is the highest award that a council can bestow, and is for outstanding services to a place. The title doesn’t give any legal rights or responsibilities, but allows a ceremonial role at civic functions.

Colin and Gillian Greenwood have made generous contributions to many local projects benefiting the community. This includes over 50 grants for the arts, sport and helping people in need through food banks and other forms of support; significant contributions to the Duke of Wellington statue in The Woolshops in Halifax and the works at Halifax Minster; and investments in regenerating parts of Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.

The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Steven Leigh MBE, said: “It was an honour to make Colin and Gillian Greenwood Freeman and Freewoman of the Borough. We’re proud to be kind and considerate in Calderdale, and the Greenwoods have really gone the extra mile to help our communities.

“Their generous efforts are truly exceptional and worthy of this official recognition, as was the tireless contribution of Chris Harris DL when I awarded her Freedom of the Borough at a Town Hall ceremony in March.”

The Greenwoods were due to receive their scrolls at the same ceremony in March but were caught up in travel issues resulting from disruption to air services across the world due to the Middle East crisis.

Chris Harris DL is a former Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire – a role in which she represented the Monarch at official engagements. She is deeply involved with numerous local charities and with the Community Foundation for Calderdale as a Founder Director and Life Vice President.

Chris is also part of the team running Halifax Heritage Tours, a volunteer-run organisation promoting local heritage, and is known for coining the well-known phrase, ‘Magic Halifax’.

The other most recently bestowed Freewomen of the Borough are Sally Wainwright for placing Calderdale on the international map through her acclaimed TV dramas, and Hannah Cockroft (also a former Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire) for her eminent para-athlete achievements and motivational speaking.

Cllr Leigh added: “Calderdale is known for its kindness, and we’re extremely lucky to have such generous people who do so much for our borough.

“Colin and Gillian Greenwood and Chris Harris are just three of these extraordinary people, and they have gone above and beyond for many years to give back to our communities.”

All recipients of the prestigious Freedom of the Borough title have pride of place on the roll of honour displayed at Halifax Town Hall.

That’s all for this edition!

I’ll be back in your inboxes at the weekend but don’t forget, if there’s something you’d like me to cover - or you have an event you want us to promote - then don’t hesitate to drop me a line at calderdale@thelead.uk.

Until the weekend, have a great week!

Andrew

Residents rage over 'Berlin Wall of Elland' at new social housing development

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:01:31 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead!

Well, the warm weather has arrived at last and what a joy it is to feel the sunshine on our faces!

In today’s edition, my LDR colleague John Greenwood has a special report about concerns from residents living close to a new housing development in Elland around the construction of a divider they’ve described as the ‘Berlin Wall of Elland’!

Plus, we’ve got a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest…

Calderdale Digest

❓Some Brighouse businesses are invited to a question-and-answer session next week with contractors undertaking major town centre work as part of the town’s £19.1 million Town Deal projects.

The event has been organised by Brighouse BID (business improvement district) and is only open to businesses who pay the BID levy.

Brighouse BID is hosting the “BID Brew” event with Esh Construction, who are undertaking the works, which began in January, will take around 18 months to complete.

The event will be held between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday, April 29, at Brighouse Central Methodist Church in Commercial Street.

The session is exclusively for businesses who pay the BID levy, says Brighouse BID.

Levy-paying businesses who would like to attend should reply indicating this by emailing BID project manager Helen Holdsworth – helen.holdsworth@brighousebid.co.uk – and they can also submit any questions they may have beforehand via email to brighousetd@calderdale.gov.uk and the Esh team will aim to cover all the answers at the session.

❎ It’s all up for grabs when Calderdale voters go to the polls on May 7 – a rare “all out” election for the borough.

And the wait to find out whether the winning colours are red, green, light or dark blue, yellow – or a combination of several – will not become clear until deep into May 8.

With 54 councillors to be elected, a party needs at least 28 seats for the narrowest overall majority, and that will be the initial target the parties contesting the election will be aiming to reach.

Calderdale Council had 51 councillors from the 17 wards going into the election – Labour held 27 seats, the Conservatives eight, Liberal Democrats six, Green Party three, Reform UK three, Workers Party of Britain one, Independent one, and two vacant seats due to the sad passing of long-serving Conservatives Geraldine Carter and David Kirton.

For most of the last year Labour has had a slim overall majority over the other parties of three, having controlled the council since 2019.

Calderdale Council has indicated the verification of votes in all 18 wards will take place in two sessions, nine wards in each, during the morning of May 8.

Then the actual counting of the verified votes will not start until early afternoon, again in two sessions.

But when the results from each of these two sessions come, it could be thick and fast – the first group of nine ward declarations are expected around approximately 5pm, with the second set of nine around 9pm.

Residents concerned over new housing development and ‘Berlin Wall’ divider

Work is underway on the development, with the gardens of existing houses seen at the bottom of the picture

By John Greenwood

Residents have dubbed a divider being built to separate new housing from their homes “The Berlin Wall of Elland” amid concerns about the new development’s height.

Some householders at Whitwell Drive are worried about the impact a new 30-home social housing development at nearby Whitwell Green Lane, Elland, will have on their homes.

In response, Calderdale Council, Together Housing and Lovell say correct procedure has been followed, with Together talking to residents to understand their concerns and accommodate them where possible.

The new development, being constructed by Lovell on a slope residents described as steeply sloped, backs onto the residents’ houses.

They claim the ground level of the new homes is being raised significantly, effectively placing the new buildings at the first floor height of the existing properties.

And they say an approximately 3.5 metre (11 feet six inch) wall being put up to separate the sites is overwhelming and overbearing to the extent they have dubbed it “The Berlin Wall”.

One said: “We are looking at a towering impact that will dwarf our homes – by raising the ground level, these houses become the equivalent of three-storey townhouses looking directly into our private spaces.

“The council has a policy to prevent this, but they seem to be ignoring it to hit their housing targets.”

Specifically in this they cite Calderdale Local Plan Policy BT2, designed to protect “privacy, daylighting and amenity space.”

This policy states “developments must not have an ‘unreasonably overbearing’ impact or ’cause significant overshadowing’, they argue.

The residents say the planners’ decision to rule the scheme met standard criteria does not take into account the topography of the hillside.

A resident indicates the height of the new divider that will be built as part of the development.

They also say they have been angered by what they call a “perceived U-turn” regarding infrastructure – the residents claim original requirements for Lovell to widen Whitwell Green Lane and install new footways, appear to have been dropped, sparking extra traffic impact concerns.

They say they have had meetings with both council planners and with the contractor about their concerns but feel these have not been addressed.

But Shelagh O’Neill, Calderdale Council’s Director of Regeneration and Strategy, said correct procedure has been followed on the site, allocated for housing in Calderdale’s Local Plan.

“In line with the process for all planning applications, the council followed all the usual steps involved in making a decision, including consulting with local residents.

“All their comments were taken into account before making the planning decision.

“The location of the development in relation to existing properties complies with local planning policy and guidance.

“Council teams concluded that the development would not have a concerning impact on nearby roads, because of the minimal amount of extra traffic it would create,” she said.

Together Housing’s Director of Development, Tony Ward, said the affordable homes were much-needed.

“The two and three-bedroom homes, built on land that was previously empty scrubland, will provide 30 Calderdale families with a safe and comfortable place to live.

“Together Housing has been working with Lovell’s, the planning applicant, to seek to address local concerns that have been raised as works have started on site.

“However, we followed all the relevant planning procedures which also gave all residents the opportunity to voice their concerns and have them considered as part of the planning application process.

“While we recognise that any development will have an impact on all those in the immediate area, we always work to minimise inconvenience.

“We’re currently talking with local residents to further understand and, where possible, accommodate their concerns.

“We’re excited for the opportunities this development will provide for the people of Calderdale and look forward to working with the local community to ensure its completion as soon as possible,” he said.

A spokesperson for Lovell said the development was being delivered in accordance with a planning permission granted by Calderdale Council.

“The application was subject to the council’s statutory planning process, including consultation with residents and relevant technical consultees.

“Matters relating to site levels, boundary treatments, residential amenity, highways and compliance with local planning policy were all considered by the local planning authority before permission was issued.

“Lovell does not set planning policy, assess planning applications or make variations to approved schemes.

“Our role is limited to constructing the development strictly in line with the approved plans and planning conditions, which we are doing.

“While we understand that some residents remain unhappy with the planning decision, any questions regarding the council’s assessment, interpretation of policy or the terms of the planning consent are matters for Calderdale Council, as the decision‑making authority,” they said.

That’s all for this edition!

I’ll be back in your inboxes on Wednesday but don’t forget, if there’s something you’d like me to cover - or you have an event you want us to promote - then don’t hesitate to drop me a line at calderdale@thelead.uk.

Until then, have a great week!

Andrew

Election candidates urged to back bid to save Square Chapel Arts in Halifax

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:02:53 GMT

Hello and welcome to a delayed edition of The Calderdale Lead.

I had a bit of a tech nightmare at the weekend so that’s why this edition is hitting your inbox late.

In today’s edition, we pick up the latest attempt to get the saga of the Square Chapel Arts Centre in Halifax back on the agenda.

The campaign group calling for its reopening is urging local election candidates to back the bid as they go door knocking ahead of next month’s polls.

Plus, we’ve got a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest…

Calderdale Digest

🤍 Tributes have been paid to former BBC Radio 1 DJ Andy Kershaw, who has died at the age of 66.

It had been announced in January that the broadcaster, who lived in Todmorden in his later years, had been diagnosed with cancer and was unable to walk.

Saying he was in "good spirits", he joked: "I am determined not to die before Benjamin Netanyahu, Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Ant and Dec. That should keep me going for a while."

Kershaw was a familiar voice on Radio 1 for 15 years from 1985, known for his eclectic taste and for helping champion world music.

Born in Rochdale in 1959, Kershaw launched his career in the early 1980s at Leeds’ Radio Aire. Following his studies at Leeds University, he served as a promotions manager, where he established a notable professional partnership with veteran broadcaster Martin Kelner.

Kershaw made a leap to national television in 1984 as the host of the BBC’s flagship rock show, The Old Grey Whistle Test. His big break was serendipitous; talent scouts spotted him while he was working on the road as a driver and roadie for singer-songwriter Billy Bragg.

By 1985, Kershaw had become a key face of the BBC’s music coverage, joining the presentation team for the historic Live Aid concert. Reporting from the star-studded event organised by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, he helped broadcast the global effort to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief.

After his late night Radio 1 show was axed in 2000, Kershaw went on to present across BBC Radio 4 and Radio 3.

And since moving to Todmorden, he has been a regular at the Golden Lion where he’s DJed and taken part in a wide range of events.

Owner Matthanee Nilavongse aka Gig, posted on Instagram: “Dear Andy thank you for all the knowledge in music you gave me, the friendship, the way he taught me to protect ourself, so many good times we had, my birthdays, the street party, the trip to Glastonbury, the podcast, you had so many friends and family visit you the last few weeks, you are loved, and I bet you’re so please to cuddle with Buster right now, awww !! Who’ll have little Birtie! Absolutely, an eternal memory joy and honour xx Big condolences to Dolly, Sonny, Julian, Liz, Rebecca and all his friends and family.”

🛑 A new campaign by Calderdale Council is highlighting the abuse experienced by its members of staff.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, reported incidents of aggression and verbal abuse towards Calderdale Council staff have risen by 689%.

A new film, Behind Every Role supported by a wider campaign, is a reminder that every job title represents a real person – a colleague, a neighbour, or a member of the community.

The comments featured in the film are all real and reflect the scale of abuse experienced by Council staff, and the lasting impact it can have on those on the receiving end.

Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive, Robin Tuddenham, said: “As a Council, we’re responsible for so many services that impact people’s lives, from social care and education to highways and transport, planning, waste, and much more.

“Our staff interact with hundreds of residents on a daily basis, and most of those connections are appropriate and positive.

“Sadly, we’re seeing an increase in examples of violence, aggression and abuse towards our staff – something we simply do not tolerate.”

Candidates urged to put Square Chapel Arts saga on agenda

By Andrew Greaves

The Save Square Chapel Campaign is asking Calderdale Council election candidates to support efforts to reopen the Halifax arts centre.

It’s been just over 12 months since the centre, next to the town’s Piece Hall, was suddenly closed by Wigan-based operators Square Chapel CIC.

The centre had admitted before closure that there were “a number of artists” who had not been paid following performances there.

Now, the campaign group behind efforts to reopen the centre have written to all the major political party leaders in the borough with a plea for support ahead of the May 7 elections.

The campaign has also published a template local people can use to contact their candidates to ask them to take up Square Chapel.

Last summer, a petition organised by Equity trade union seeking to secure the reopening of the building was signed by 2,000 people and almost 100 attended a public meeting to rally support.

Sandra Shearn, on the campaign’s convenors, said: “Many individuals and organisations have expressed interest and support in reviving the space; we need Arts Council England to bring about change by enforcing the charge they have which requires that the building be used as an arts centre.

“We will keep on with the campaign until Square Chapel is back where it belongs – at the heart of the creative arts in Calderdale.”

Questions have been raised on a number of occasions at meetings of Calderdale Council and the authority has said it is willing to support the reopening but its hands are effectively tied.

Responding to a question from Ms Shearn last July, Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said: “Arts Council England would have primary responsibility for taking decisions on future use or disposals with the owner and any administrator, receiver or other insolvency practitioner that may be appointed.

“Officers are aware of the current position in respect of the operator and have been in discussion with Arts Council England representatives on the future of the building.

“Whilst the council would like to be involved and support the decisions on the future of the arts centre, it doesn’t have any direct responsibility for the process or how it will be managed.”

All 54 seats on Calderdale Council are up for election next month, a rare occurrence that has come about due to boundary changes for some wards.

Anyone wanting an email version of the template to send to candidates should email savesquarechapel@gmail.com.

That’s all for this edition!

Until the weekend, have a great week!

Andrew

Calder Valley MP calls on Government to 'better recognise' peat as carbon store amid windfarm plans

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:01:27 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

In today’s edition we’ve got an update on the controversial plans for a huge windfarm on moorland above Hebden Bridge.

Local MP Josh Fenton-Glynn has written to Ed Miliband to put forward his view on how the Government deals with planning applications such as the one by Calder Wind Farm Ltd which is seeking to build a windfarm on peatland.

His letter comes as the firm behind the scheme has announced a statutory consultation scheme and a series of in-person events.

Full details are below.

Plus, we’ve got details of how many cadidates each party is fielding in the forthcoming local council elections in the Calderdale Digest.

Calderdale Digest

❎When Calderdale voters go to the polls for the local elections on Thursday, May 7, they will have a bumper list of candidates to choose from.

Thanks to boundary changes recommended by the Boundary Commission, Calderdale will elect candidates for 18 wards – one extra has been created to even out each ward’s population.

In turn that tweaked many wards in terms of their boundaries and means that for the first time in 21 years 2026 sees an “all out” election with every single seat up for grabs.

Each ward will have elected three councillors by the time all the votes are counted a day later on May 8, 54 in total.

It also means some name changes for wards, so some familiar names such as Calder have disappeared and new descriptions in place for some of them.

According to the candidate lists officially published by Calderdale Council, 242 candidates are standing for election, representing the full range of political stripes.

The Green Party and Reform UK are both fielding 54 candidates, three in every ward.

Labour is fielding 52 candidates – just one in Elland ward but three in each of the others, while the Conservative Party is fielding 36 candidates and the Liberal Democrats 30.

There are ten people standing as Independents this time around, while the Workers Party of Britain is fielding five candidates.

A lone Official Monster Raving Loony Party candidate – Captain Loogie, standing in Sowerby Bridge – completes the slate.

A letter to Ed: Calderdale MP has questions for Miliband over wind farm

Walshaw Moor, where the wind farm is proposed

By Andrew Greaves and John Greenwood

Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton-Glynn has urged the Government to better recognise peat as a carbon store when it comes to making decisions, amid controversy surrounding a proposed windfarm on the moors above Hebden Bridge.

Mr Fenton-Glynn has written to Ed Miliband, the Energy and Net Zero Sectretary, to seek clarity on the Government’s new National Policy Statement for Renewable Energy Infrastructure.

Calder Wind Farm Ltd wants to install 34 turbines – down from 41 on the initial plans - moorland at Walshaw Moor.

A statutory public consultation over the scheme has begun and a number of events are being held before the deadline on June 10.

If ultimately approved, the turbines will be visible for miles, including overlooking Bronte Country moorland, and have sparked widespread concern and opposition citing concerns about damage to protected peat bogs, impact on wildlife, increasing flood risk and releasing stored carbon.

They argue the turbines would harm landscape, heritage and tourism, disrupt access routes, cause construction traffic, and bring limited local benefit despite claims of green energy.

Mr Fenton-Glynn has asked for clarification on the new Government guidance, which he says is open to ‘ambiguity’ and ‘subjectivity’.

And he said: “I started from the position that I would be guided by the evidence and approach it with an open mind. I am acutely aware of the climate emergency and need for more renewable energy.

“My view on how they look or otherwise would never be enough to persuade me, despite my love for the moors and our valley. However I am increasingly persuaded that such a large development on protected peatland would be too great a cost to our natural environment, and actually detrimental to our net-zero ambitions.

“Peat plays a vital role in absorbing carbon. As has been said by government ministers ‘our peatlands are this country’s Amazon Rainforest - home to our most precious wildlife, storing carbon and reducing flood risk’.”

“There would be outrage if we were to fell trees in the Amazon to install solar panels and we should be similarly concerned at the prospect of destroying peatland to install windmills with only a 35 year life span.”

Calderdale Energy Park would be capable of generating enough electricity to power approximately 198,000 homes and reduce national CO2 emissions by around 2.9 million tonnes over the windfarm’s lifetime, they argue.

The company’s proposals also include a dedicated Community Benefit Fund worth £1.2million per year, providing financial support for local groups and initiatives, they say.

Christian Egal, Project Director said: “We believe this is a unique opportunity for the people of Calderdale, Bradford and Pendle to secure millions of pounds of investment into the local economy, develop specialist green skills and unlock up to £36m over the next 30 years to invest in local projects and initiatives.

“We understand that people will have differing views on the project.

“The statutory consultation is an important part of the process, and it gives anyone interested the opportunity to view the revised plans and provide feedback.

“At a time when the cost of energy is once again at the top of everyone’s minds, we encourage people to take part so all perspectives can be fully considered.”

Opponents of the scheme accuse them of rushing the process through and ignoring Calderdale and Bradford Council requests to delay the start until after May’s elections in the process.

In-person sessions will be held at three locations in Bradford, one in Calderdale itself and two over the border in Lancashire at Colne.

Calderdale Energy Park’s six in-person consultation sessions are at: Denholme Community Centre, Denholme, Bradford on Friday, April 17, from 2pm to 7pm; at Oxenhope Community Centre, Oxenhope, Bradford, on Saturday, April 18, from 1pm to 5pm; at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Tuesday, April 21, from 1pm to 7pm; at Trawden Forest Community Centre, Colne, on Saturday, May 9, from 11am to 3pm; at Haworth Village Hall on Tuesday, May 19, from 1pm to 7pm; and at Primet Community Centre, Colne, on Thursday, May 21, from 2pm to 7pm.

Further information about the project and statutory consultation can be found at www.calderdalenergypark.co.uk – members of the public can provide feedback via the online feedback form.

Members of the public can also contact the project team with questions or provide feedback by emailing info@calderdaleenergypark.co.uk or by phoning 01422 702506 between 9am and 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays, during this period.

That’s all for this edition of The Calderdale Lead. Don’t forget that if you’ve got a story you think we should be covering then please email calderdale@thelead.uk and we’ll take a look.

Until Sunday, enjoy the rest of the week!

Andrew

Campaigners to keep pressure up for much-needed lift at Todmorden station

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:00:53 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’ve all had a good week and are enjoying the weekend.

In today’s edition we’ve got details of a protest at Todmorden train station in which campaigners vowed to keep up the pressure on rail authorities to finally install much-needed lifts.

It’s something that’s been in the pipeline for what feels like an age but, despite the funding being there and areas being cordoned off last year, people with mobility issues are still waiting.

Plus, we’ve got a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.

Calderdale Digest

🚸 A youth club for children with special educational and learning disabilities (SEND) has closed after almost half a century due to council budget cuts.

Children and young people who attend the two-hour fortnightly sessions at the Gateway Youth Club met at the Orangebox, Halifax, meeting place for the last time at the end of March.

Parents and carers have urged Calderdale Council to look for alternative funding to keep it going, or consider alternative provision that might be put in place.

A senior councillor says after 15 years where the council had had to make cuts, the axe is falling more on services that are discretionary rather than statutory, and there are alternatives for activities for the children in place.

Parent Jackie Jessett submitted a deputation to children’s services watchdog urging them to take up the case, questioning the council’s commitment to inclusion as it had removed the support for Gateway, which has run since 1977.

“Many of the children who go to Gateway are happier, more settled and more confident because they have a safe place where they can socialise, build friendships and feel accepted.

“Although there may be other mainstream youth clubs available, disabled children and young people are often far too vulnerable to attend these settings – they need a safe, inclusive environment with staff who understand their needs and where they feel secure,” she wrote.

Cllr Adam Wilkinson, Cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services, said the decision had not been taken lightly and was carefully considered.

Staff said the process had been five years in the making, rather than been sudden, within wider processes including what the service could reasonably deliver with staff it had funding for, including for children with additional needs and support which could be given them.

❎ There’s just over a week to register to vote ahead of the forthcoming local elections next month.

Polling cards for the May 7 poll – an “all-out” election in Calderdale with every seat up for grabs – have already started dropping on doormats, while some voters are likely to have received their postal ballots, if they have registered to vote in that way.

The deadline for registering to vote in these elections is by 11.59pm on April 20, 2026, according to the Government.

Calderdale Council’s election pages have advice on what to do, and include a link to the Government website where you can register electronically.

The council advises you will be asked to enter your name, address, date of birth and other details.

You will need your National Insurance number – this can be found on your national insurance card, on official paperwork like payslips or letters about pensions, benefits and tax credits, says the council.

The council say if your application is approved, they will let you know you have been registered.

If you do not have a National Insurance number, you can still apply online but the council will ask you for proof of your identity and address, it says.

You can also complete an application form or phone the council to register – you need to contact the council’s Electoral Services unit.

This is based at Mulcture House, Mulcture Hall Road, Halifax, HX1 1SP, telephone 01422 393103 and the department can also be contacted by email:
electoral-services@calderdale.gov.uk

“Just get on with it” - Calder Valley MP says Tod needs new lift now

Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton-Glynn (orange jacket) joins local councillors and campaigners at Todmorden Railway Station

By John Greenwood

Campaigners for much-needed lifts at Todmorden Rail Station intend to keep the heat on to ensure they are finally built.

Gathering at Todmorden Rail Station on the Calder Valley line, they included people who have disabilities explaining how simply travelling by rail is difficult and requires extra planning an expense because the station is not fully accessible.

Frustration comes from the knowledge that funding is in place for the lifts scheme – the Bradford and Leeds direction platform can only be reached by steps, while the Manchester platform can be reached other than by steps only by a steep slope.

Among those who are pressing the case are local councillors and Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton-Glynn, who has worked on getting the lifts for 12 years, through his own days as a councillor to raising it in Parliament with the rail minister earlier this year.

Two of the campaigners explained how their lives are made more difficult by not being able to easily access their own rail station.

Paul Thompson and Meg Kennedy both explained that while they can to travel to Manchester, coming back they have to stay on the train until the next stop down the line from Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, which is accessible.

They both said that then requires a taxi journey home to Todmorden.

Paul said on one journey returning from Manchester, when he had to get off at Todmorden, he had no choice but to come down the steps from the platform on his bottom, on winter’s day.

The usual way home is to get off at Hebden Bridge and get a taxi back – but he pointed out Todmorden station is only minutes from his home.

Also a Todmorden resident, Meg said although the Manchester platform can be reached, it is up a steep slope, difficult in a wheelchair, and the return journey, or one made directly in the Bradford and Leeds direction, where steps are the only option, means going to Hebden Bridge to be able to get off.

It makes what should be a simple journey hard work, she said.

“You’ve got to arrange everything.

“If I go to Manchester or away for a weekend, I have to make sure I can get off at Hebden Bridge and have to get a taxi – it’s the expense as well,” said Meg.

Mr Fenton-Glynn said the funding and agreement for the project is there.

“They just need to get on with it,” he said.

Todmorden ward councillor Diana Tremayne said after issues including a contractor needing to be replaced Network Rail are taking the project on and approval was back to the design stage.

They are aware there have been a lot of issues and are addressing these which is positive – “but we are worried there will be further slippage” and there was a need to keep it in the public eye, she said.

Above all, said Cllr Tremayne: “We want to show it is about real people – people need to access the station – and we want to hear their stories.”

Councillors say they have raised the issue at every relevant West Yorkshire Combined Authority meeting, and earlier this year when the issue was raised with her, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin agreed everyone should be able to access trains and too many West Yorkshire stations were not accessible.

Department of Transport Access For All funding was secured for the Todmorden project for lifts to serve both platforms in 2019, after years of campaigning.

But people have been left scratching their heads wanting to know why the lifts promised have still not appeared, seven years later.

Lifts serving both platforms were set to be installed in spring 2025, but despite work areas being fenced off, and traffic lights in place outside the station, in 2024, there was no evidence of anything happening, residents including former councillor Clare Townley reported.

That’s all for this edition of The Calderdale Lead. Don’t forget that if you’ve got a story you think we should be covering then please email calderdale@thelead.uk and we’ll take a look.

Until Wednesday, enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Andrew

Brewery tap plan for Hebden Bridge railway station submitted

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:15:46 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you all had a good Easter Weekend and enjoyed some of the sunshine on offer.

In today’s edition, my LDR colleague John Greenwood has a story on a subject very close to my heart - beer!

He’s reporting that Halifax-based Darkland Brewery have submitted a plan to turn a building at Hebden Bridge station into a brewery tap. Full details are below.

Plus, we’ve got a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest…

Calderdale Digest

💷 More than 260,000 hard-working people across Yorkshire and the Humber will see their pay increase as the Government raises the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates.

As Minister for Employment Rights, Halifax’s MP Kate Dearden has been using her role in Government to stand up for working families in Halifax.

After hearing from employees across Halifax about the impact that insecure and low-paid work has on their lives, Ms Dearden has worked closely with the Government to deliver this uplift in wages, ensuring that local residents are paid fairly for a hard day’s work.

The increase means workers in some of the country’s most essential roles — from cleaners starting shifts before dawn, to care workers supporting elderly residents through the night – will take home more money each month, as the Government delivers on its commitment to improve living standards.

Workers on the National Living Wage will see their hourly rate rise to £12.71, an increase of 50p per hour. This means a full-time worker on the NLW will be around £900 better off over the course of a year.

🌦️ A film showing potential impact of climate breakdown on a number of issues will be screened in Hebden Bridge this month – but people wanting to see it might have to wait a while.

The film – The People’s Emergency Briefing – was made by the National Emergency Briefing (NEB) initiative, which is a UK‑based public information project.

Fronted by Chris Packham and featuring contributions from scientists and other public figures, it is being screened at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Thursday, April 16, at 7pm.

The free screening has sold out fast – but the organisers are urging anyone interested to register their interest for any returned tickets, and for future screenings which are planned.

In November 2025, more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered at Westminster Central Hall for the initial, national, NEB briefing, from which the film has been created.

The aim is that this will be shown in communities around the country and Hebden Bridge will be one of the first to see it, say local organisers.

The briefing covers the impact of climate and nature breakdown for food security, health, national security, infrastructure and the economy, alongside practical evidence on how risks can still be reduced, they said.

Brewery seek permission for tap room venture at Hebden Bridge station

By John Greenwood

A Grade II-listed Calderdale railway station could soon boast a taproom selling beers from a local brewery – and guests – if they can gain a planning consent.

But Darkland Brewery will need to use a portion of a waiting room at Hebden Bridge Rail Station to create a key cold store, if planners agree.

The brewery, based just outside Halifax, has applied to Calderdale Council seeking listed building consent to make that change.

The brewery team say they have developed a plan for the vacant unit with two primary objectives – designing a taproom that “respects and complements” the station’s historic features, and ensuring the operation is viable and sustainable, justifying a long-term commitment.

Darkland, established in 2018, hope to create a cold store in the station waiting room, to the east of the proposed two bar rooms.

For security reasons, a portion of the room would need to be partitioned off to house the cold store unit.

But a large part of the room would remain available for use by the travelling public, and this has given approval by rail operator Northern, according to the application.

In a supporting statement, Darkland says: “Our plan includes offering six to eight hand-pulled cask beers, including guest selections from like-minded local microbreweries.

“To achieve this and maintain the highest quality and freshness, we require a large cold room located as close to the bar as possible.”

They further explain: “To present these beers at their best, they must be rested and vented near the beer engines (hand-pull pumps) to minimise the distance the beer travels during dispensing.

“Given these requirements, creating a cold storage area within part of the waiting room would provide the optimal environment for the beers to flourish.”

A small hole would be need to cut in the wall between the waiting room and the bar, in order for the pipework to pass through, however this would not need to be very large, and could potentially be filled in and plastered over should the bar use cease, says the brewery.

“Whilst the introduction of partitioning into the current waiting room would have an impact on that space, it would not really impact upon the external appearance of the listed building,” they argue.

The cutting of the small holes – another would be needed for a drain – would be reversible and the limited harm that they would cause to the listed building would be more than outweighed by the benefit of giving the building a viable use which would provide enhanced facilities for rail passengers and visitors to Hebden Bridge, argues Darkland.

That’s all for this edition of The Calderdale Lead. Don’t forget that if you’ve got a story you think we should be covering then please email calderdale@thelead.uk and we’ll take a look.

Until Sunday, enjoy the rest of the week!

Andrew

Residents celebrate as incinerator leaves Sowerby Bridge after decade-long campaign

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:27 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead!

I hope you’ve all had a good week so far.

In today’s edition we’ve got some news that many residents in Hebden Bridge have waited a decade for - the controversial incinerator in the Ryburn Valley is no more!

The chimney and flue from the incinerator was removed from the site this week, a move that residents hope will bring the saga to an end. I’ve got details and reaction below.

Plus, we’ve got a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

👷🏻Around three quarters of workers made redundant when a town’s largest employer largely closed late last year have found new work.

It was a major blow for industry in the upper Calder Valley in Calderdale when global mining technology company Weir Minerals announced it was closing its Todmorden operation.

Responding to a question about support at full council, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said senior council leaders including its Chief Executive Robin Tuddenham had met with Weir as soon as the company indicated its intention to consult on closing the Todmorden site and had remained “closely engaged.”

The council’s Business, Employment and Skills Team worked with Weir and partners including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the National Careers Service (NCS) and Jobcentre Plus (JCP) to assess the potential impact on Calderdale residents and co-ordinate support, said Coun Courtney (Lab), who is also a Calder ward councillor.

Support to staff at risk included in-house training and employability support which had been given by Weir, and a six-week programme of events delivered by the DWP, NCS, Citizens Advice and the Money Advice Service in late 2025.

A Jobcentre Plus jobs fair was also held in late 2025, attended by 16 employers from West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Information was also available from the council’s Employment Hub, DWP and NCS on how individuals could self-refer for additional support.

Of the 193 staff at risk, 156 were made redundant in late 2025, including 111 Calderdale residents, said Cllr Courtney.

“Prior to the jobs fair, around 40 per cent had already secured future employment.

“Following the event, a further 30 per cent secured roles with employers who attended.

Some employees also explored early retirement options, she said.

👨🏻‍🍳 Owners of an Italian restaurant in Halifax say a ten-month nightmare resulting from a multi-million pound roadworks scheme has cost them around £60,000 in reduced takings.

Cousins Lino and Antonio Massimo have built up their family restaurant at Sapore, which is in Central Street, over nine years, weathering the Covid-19 pandemic.

But major roadworks which Calderdale Council says will improve routes in and around Halifax town centre in the long run have been a nightmare, they say.

Flooding into Sapore’s basement kitchen one night this week, which attending water authorities told them resulted from a workmanship fault on paving outside, saw them take to social media to express their frustration.

The flooding incident was followed by their Business Rates bill dropping on the mat – the amount almost doubled, said Lino.

On Facebook they criticised the council and the contractors undertaking the major A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project for lack of communication and impact the work had on their business.

The post has gone viral, with almost 400 shares to date, each containing multiple comments.

“Enough is enough – we want to give a ‘huge’ thank you to the council and Galliford Try for seemingly doing everything in their power to shut us down.

“After nearly a year of being boxed in, we have reached our breaking point,” they said.

Incinerator removal brings to a close decade-long fight for residents

Equipment from the incinerator leaves the site this week. Pic: Debs Copeland

By Andrew Greaves

Residents in Sowerby Bridge are celebrating after equipment for a controversial incinerator was removed from a site they have been campaigning against for a decade.

Campaigner Deb Copeland posted a picture of the equipment - including the chimney and flue - being removed from the former Calder Valley Skip Hire (CVSH) Belmont site.

Ms Copeland said: “Ten years after this group was created, a day I didn’t think would happen, has happened! The flue/chimney has been removed from the incinerator building and it looks like the incinerator has left the site!”

The prospect of a small waste incineration plant (SWIP) being operated at the Belmont site in Sowerby Bridge has seen campaigns by worried residents and politicians against the proposal running for years as well as public hearings on the issue in 2022 and 2023.

The company which used to own the site – CVSH – had won planning approval to operate the incinerator at the site following an appeal, after Calderdale Council refused permission.

But they also needed a key environmental permit to operate it.

This was granted, and challenged, twice by Calderdale Council, which then revoked the permits on both occasions – once following a Planning Inspector’s effectively refusing the permit after a public inquiry, following legal challenges from campaigners.

The removal follows a pledge by the new owners of the site, Ellete Waste Ltd, in February that they did not intend to operate an incinerator at the site or any other it currently owns.

That news was cautiously welcomed by campaigners but the fact that the removal has now taken place - it is believed CVSH still open the equipment - has been greeted with a sigh of relief.

Posting on Facebook, ward councillor Adam Wilkinson said: “Absolutely delighted that, after more than 11 years of determined campaigning, the incinerator has now left Sowerby Bridge.

“This has been a long and hard-fought battle, and today’s outcome is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together and works closely with its councillors. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this happen.”

Ellete Waste also owns the Mearclough site in Sowerby Bridge and a statement in February also said it will be seeking to vary a recent application to allow hazardous waste and an increase in overall permitted tonnage relating to Mearclough.

“Ellete Waste Ltd will be seeking to remove hazardous waste from that application and reduce the proposed tonnage accordingly,” they said.

That’s all for this edition of The Calderdale Lead. Don’t forget that if you’ve got a story you think we should be covering then please email calderdale@thelead.uk and we’ll take a look.

Until Sunday, enjoy the rest of the week!

Andrew