The Calderdale Lead

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“The proposed new installation has been designed to fit the expanding requirements of Millers Oils and by replacing outdated oil storage tanks its scale has been designed relative to the requirement.”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…

17 days 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

Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Water team up to improve River Calder

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:02:47 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all having a good weekend. This amazing weather has brought people out and about and I’m looking forward to heading to Todmorden today for the reopening of the town’s beautiful bandstand.

There’s loads of different acts going to be performing so if you’re at a loose end then why not head down yourself?

In today’s edition, we’ve got news of a unique new agreement signed between Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Water which is aiming to improve the health of the River Calder.

The Calder, which runs through many of the towns in our borough, faces a number of challenges which the two organisations are hoping to tackle.

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

Calderdale Digest

🚸 Work is under way on an extension to replace four temporary classrooms at a leading Calderdale special school.

Calderdale Council has invested nearly £3 million to build a permanent extension at Ravenscliffe@Spring Hall in Halifax.

This will replace the four temporary classrooms that the council provided to support more students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It forms part of the council’s work to increase the number of school places for children and young people with additional needs, in response to the national shortage.

Other actions include plans to build a new through school for primary and secondary special school places on the former Threeways community centre site in Ovenden, north Halifax, and creating a new alternative provision free school to provide short-term placements with a range of support for young people with complex needs.

The extension to the existing school building will include four classrooms, flexible space, a group room, a quiet and sensory room, toilet facilities and a dedicated outdoor play and social space.

🏠 Some cash from the sale of a Halifax car park will be used to help fill a funding gap for a social housing landlord to buy a property.

Calderdale Council and Calder Valley Community Land Trust have signed a grant agreement to progress buying a two-bedroom home in Heptonstall.

The council is providing funding of £90,000 towards the project, which will see the home at Northfield in a village where homes are described as sought-after.

The council’s contribution to help buy and renovate the property, which requires substantial refurbishment work, is coming from the authority’s Cow Green Affordable Housing Fund.

This was set up with money from the sale of Cow Green car park in Halifax town centre which the council ring-fenced to support affordable housing projects in the borough.

Council Cabinet housing portfolio holder Coun Scott Patient said the project supported aims of developing high-quality affordable housing in Calderdale.

“This innovative partnership project with Calder Valley Community Land Trust would provide a much-needed local affordable home for a young family and we’re pleased to be able to support the project, using ring-fenced funds for affordable housing,” he said.

Landmark agreement signed to help improve health of River Calder

A section of the River Calder in Halifax Road. Pic: Betty Longbottom

By Andrew Greaves

Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Water have signed a landmark agreement to improve the health of the River Calder.

In the first agreement of its kind in the Yorkshire region, a new Memorandum of Understanding sets out how the two organisations will work more closely together to tackle pollution, improve water quality and support nature-based solutions across the Calder catchment.

The River Calder flows through many of the borough’s towns and villages and plays a vital role in the local environment, wildlife and communities.

In 2024, councillors heard the Calder was one of the worst for sewage spills in the country, with Yorkshire Water acknowledging the problem.

Like many rivers across the country, the Calder faces a number of challenges including historic industrial pollution, sewage discharges, pollution from surrounding land, residential misconnections and highway runoff.

Protecting and restoring the borough’s rivers and riverbanks is one of the key themes of the Calderdale Ecological Emergency Plan, and a recent Council Scrutiny review on river pollution looked at ways to improve the health of rivers in Calderdale.

One of the recommendations of this review was to strengthen joint working between the Council and Yorkshire Water. The new agreement provides a clear framework for how both organisations will work together to improve the health of the River Calder.

The document, signed by both the council and Yorkshire Water, focuses on the following priority areas:

Reducing the operation of Combined Sewage Overflows to help improve water quality
Improving coordination of highways drainage and surface water connections
Identifying, investigating and resolving property misconnections
Delivering sustainable catchment management and nature-based solutions to slow the flow of rainwater before it reaches the sewers and the river.
Increasing water storage and attenuation
Working together to raise public awareness on pollution prevention, such as encouraging people to not pour fats, oils and grease down sinks or flush wet wipes.
Sharing information for better targeting of work and to minimise duplication
Holding regular review meetings to track progress and adjust priorities

These pledges also build on further recent commitments, including Yorkshire Water’s plans to upgrade 19 Combined Sewage Overflows and the Barnsley Green Treatment Works in Calderdale between 2025 and 2030, as well as ongoing joint work between both organisations to tackle property misconnections.

Cllr Scott Patient, the council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, said: “The issue of river pollution is something that’s rightly had a large amount of national focus, and we’re passionate about the health of our local waterways and committed to doing all we can to improve them.

“Sadly, the River Calder, which flows across parts of West Yorkshire and through many Calderdale towns and villages, faces challenges relating to pollution. There are a number of different causes, but we’re determined to do all we can to deliver change locally and we’ve been working closely with local partners and communities to try and highlight these and develop a plan to tackle the issue.

“The signing of a shared Memorandum of Understanding with Yorkshire Water is a milestone in this work, and the first agreement of its kind in the region. It aims to deliver real and lasting change, providing a focus for our joint working and supporting a positive working partnership.

“The priority areas include actions for both organisations and build upon a significant amount of work already taking place.”

Clare Beasant, River Health Improvement manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “Improving the health of our rivers across Yorkshire is incredibly important to us and to our customers, and something we’re absolutely committed to achieving.”

More information about the work taking place as part of the Ecological Emergency Action Plan, can be found by clicking here.

That’s it for this edition of The Calderdale Lead.

We’ll be back with another edition on Wednesday and, as ever, if there’s something you think we should be following up on, feel free to drop me a line on calderdale@thelead.uk.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Andrew

Halifax set to bid to become UK's first 'Town of Culture'

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:02:19 GMT

Hello and welcome to the midweek edition of The Calderdale Lead.

I know I frequently bang on about the weather in this opening gambit but how brilliant has it been to see some proper sunshine this week?

The good weather is apparently due to last a few days so maybe it’s time to shove the sweaters back into the wardrobe and pull out the t-shirts… I certainly hope so!

In this edition, we’ve got news of councillors backing a bid to make Halifax the UK’s first ‘Town of Culture’.

The Government will introduce the title for 2028 and I’m sure we all share the opinion that Halifax would be a worthy recipient. Check out the story from my colleague John Greenwood for more.

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

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

⚒️ Bosses from Halifax-based Hargreaves Foundry have paid a visit to the Palace of Westminster’s Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, to check out the company’s contribution to the tower’s recent restoration.

Managing Directors Michael Hinchliffe and Helen Thornber visited the iconic tower to see first-hand the results of the restoration project, which included cast iron work produced by the Halifax firm.

Hargreaves Foundry played an important role in its restoration, with their cast iron used throughout the Tower, including in its gutters and roof tiles.

Helen and Michael were joined by representatives from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the restoration’s architects, Purcell. Visitors were guided through the history of the tower and the restoration project, with the tour including the clock mechanism and the inside of the bell tower, where they were able to hear the famous Big Ben chime.

During the visit, Helen, Michael and Halifax MP Kate Dearden were delighted to see first-hand the Hargreaves Foundry ‘HF’ stamp on the metalwork throughout the tower.

Michael said: “We’re proud to have been chosen to work on this historic, iconic and world renowned building. The project has been one of the highlights of our careers.”

💷 Calderdale Council’s financial position has worsened as demand to care for its vulnerable people and fix its roads has increased.

Half way through the financial year the council was projecting a £5.4 million deficit on its £249.8 million budget for 2025-26 but a further three months on it is predicted that by the years end in March the figure will be £7.2 million.

Deficits have to be covered by the council’s financial reserves, which senior councillors are warned are limited.

Senior Cabinet councillors heard savings the authority has been making through the year have seen good progress.

But they are still being out-stripped by demand for some services the council has to provide.

Cabinet member for Resources, Cllr Silvia Dacre said: “This is not perhaps the news we’d hoped for.

“This has primarily been as a result of considerable difficulty in controlling spend in some of our demand-led services such as adults and children’s services and also highways repairs.”

The overall figure masked good progress in reducing overspends but the warning was there that if the council cannot entirely reduce the deficit by the financial years’ end, then further reserves would have to be used, she said.

When preparing the 2026-27 budget – which councillors approved in February – baseline budgets for each directorate were set in such a way as to avoid this year’s level of overspending in the year ahead, said Cllr Dacre.

Councillors back bid for Halifax to take ‘Town of Culture’ title in 2028

The Piece Hall is the jewel in Halifax’s cultural crown

By John Greenwood

Halifax is throwing its hat into the ring, bidding to become the first UK Town of Culture.

Senior Calderdale councillors agreed to submit an expression of interest for the borough’s main town becoming Town of Culture in its first year, 2028, by the March 31 deadline.

They believe they have a good case, building on top of tangible benefits from Calderdale’s Year of Culture, which ran from spring 2024 to spring 2025 – popularly and memorably dubbed as “CultureDale”.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Scott Patient said: “We’ve got a really rich opportunity for the Town of Culture.”

Cllr Danielle Durrans, Cabinet member for Public Services and Communities, said CultureDale had proved to be an economic driver and not just an “add on.”

This had been recognised by hospitality, retail and other businesses.

She said: “Cultural visitors stay longer, spend more and are much more likely to return, which of course does directly support our local jobs and local growth within the area.

“We were able to raise Calderdale’s profile nationally through CultureDale, with a stronger, more confident story about our borough as a place of creativity, heritage and real ambition.

“And that matters when we are competing for visitor investment and external funding,” she said.

It produced benefits for communities too, supporting grass roots organisations across all council wards, including helping them access funding they could not previously reach.

Cllr Durrans said this ensured “culture is inclusive and deeply rooted.”

From the council’s perspective, “the return on investment has been extremely strong – a modest investment from the council has unlocked significant external investment,” she said.

Calderdale’s Year of Culture was backed by a £2.4m funding pot, including £400,000 from Calderdale Council itself and around £2m secured from external grants and investment, such as support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and national cultural bodies.

Cllr Adam Wilkinson noted the near-doubling of the worth of tourism to the local economy to £650 million over five years up to 2024, supporting 6,000 jobs.

“That’s why we’ve invested in culture in our recent budget, to build on the success of CultureDale,” he said.

UK Town of Culture is a new, national government‑backed competition for towns to win a multi‑million‑pound package to run a year‑long cultural programme, broadly modelled on UK City of Culture, with a bidding process, a designated ‘title year’ for the winning town, and an expectation that the funded events, festivals and projects will support regeneration, boost visitors and build local pride.

The first one will be awarded for 2028.

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

Halifax MP hosts community session to see how £20m grant should be spent

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 09:36:46 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead!

We’ve had it all weather-wise this week with high winds, torrential rain, a touch of sunshine and even some sleet. Maybe this is winter’s last hurrah before spring gets into swing properly. I certainly hope so!

In today’s edition, we’ve got details of how the community is being asked for suggestions on how to spend a £20m grant in Mixenden and parts of Illingworth.

Halifax MP Kate Dearden was treated to a host of ideas at a special community forum she organised.

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

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

🚧 A project to better protect some Elland homes from serious flooding can still be developed despite a funding blow.

Residents in the Park Road area have been badly flooded at times when Calderdale has been deluged, including in major flooding amid Storm Ciara in February 2020.

The Environment Agency included the Park Road project in a £118.3 million funding bid for schemes in Yorkshire in 2026-27 but only £55 million had ultimately been allocated for the region.

The bid included £2.4 million for a Park Road scheme – but no money had now been allocated for next year.

This prompted concerns from Calderdale flood partners.

Cllr Silvia Dacre asked for some clarity as to what was happening as one report to Calderdale Flood Recovery and Resilience Programme Board indicated the axing of the funding – but another indicated a scheme was being taken forward.

“Residents will be anxious and want some answers about how the scheme will progress,” she said.

Jo Arnold, EA Calderdale programme and partnership manager, said money had been found from other sources to take proposals forward.

This was partly thanks to some funding from Calderdale Council.

Natural flood management (NFM) measures were being considered as part of a solution, alongside individual property protection.

💀 In one form or another, it has been around for centuries… but the replica of Halifax’s famous Gibbet needs replacing.

The original of the machine used to behead those found guilty of certain offences was first used in 1286 and the final three victims of its blade were in 1650.

Pre-dating by some while the guillotine, it utilised a large axe blade and upright posts.

Its notoriety is echoed in the phrase: “From Hull, Hell and Halifax, good Lord deliver us.”

More recently people can see the replica of the machine just off Gibbet Street but Calderdale Council says this needs replacing with a bespoke rebuilt successor, and an application has gone into the authority’s planning department seeking the relevant listed building consent, as it is Grade II-listed.

It is rotting and thus needs the replacement work.

The new structure will definitely be a chip off the old block, promises the council, with the application outlining how the renovation will be carried out.

It is an old oak structure and minimal intervention using traditional methods and techniques will be deployed.

The full extent of the damage has been fully assessed and it is deemed the whole structure needs replacing.

The replica of the Halifax Gibbet which needs work.

Green, unseasoned oak will be used, the same material as it is replacing, modern materials will be avoided, and mostly glue or resin will be avoided too – “we will use traditional fixing methods and will use the existing fixing holes to fix the new structure,” says the council.

Twelve months after installation the green oak should have air dried and timber preservative can be applied, say supporting statements with the application.

The old structure will be removed top down, nuts and bolts re-used where practicable, and templates made from the existing sections at workshops.

Existing joint methods will be replicated including mortice, tenon and, on the base, half lap joints.

All stages of the replacement process will be photographed and recorded, says the Council.

Community at heart of decisions as MP seeks suggestions for £20m grant

By Andrew Greaves

Residents in Mixenden and parts of Illingworth have had their say on how they think a £20m ‘Pride in Place’ grant should be spent in the area.

More than 40 residents attended the meeting at Ash Green Primary School, where they heard how the Government’s new Pride in Place programme will be delivered locally and how they can help shape plans for the future of their community.

Last year, Halifax Kate Dearden secured £20 million for the area through the Government’s Pride in Place programme.

The funding will be delivered over ten years and is designed to support improvements chosen by the people who live and work locally, with community engagement and resident leadership at the centre of the programme through an independent chair and a neighbourhood board.

During the event, residents were able to ask questions about the programme and share their early ideas for how the funding could be used.

Suggestions ranged from community clean-up initiatives and land development to improved SEND provision and new facilities such as a local gym or boxing club for young people.

Local organisations and community groups were also in attendance, sharing information about the work they are already doing in Mixenden and Illingworth and how they can support residents as the programme develops.

The forum was followed by a community social hosted at Holy Nativity Church, where residents came together to celebrate their local area, enjoy food provided by Munchies Café and take part in a quiz organised by the church.

The events come as Calderdale Council and Ms Dearden continue to invite expressions of interest from residents who would like to join the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board - a community-led group that will guide long-term investment and decision-making in the area.

Applications have now closed for the Independent Chair, with an appointment expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Following the event, Ms Dearden said: “It was fantastic to bring residents together from across Mixenden and Illingworth to start shaping how this £20 million investment will benefit our community.

“What really stood out was the passion people have for their local area and the thoughtful ideas already being shared about the improvements they want to see.

“Pride in Place is about putting local people in the driving seat - ensuring that investment reflects the priorities of the community and delivers lasting improvements for the area.”

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said the funding offered the council an ‘incredible opportunity’ to deliver local improvements for residents.

She added: “We’re at the start of this exciting journey, and it’s so important that people who live and work in the area shape the improvements and are involved right at the start of the process.

“Thank you to everyone who attended the recent community event, we heard some great ideas and a sense of optimism and enthusiasm about what the programme could deliver.

“We share this ambition and passion for making the area a better place for everyone, and we’re excited to turn this into action and deliver for north Halifax.”

That’s it for this edition of The Calderdale Lead.

We’ll be back with another edition on Wednesday and, as ever, if there’s something you think we should be following up on, feel free to drop me a line on calderdale@thelead.uk.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Andrew

Calderdale firm scoops £100k 'big ideas' grant from West Yorkshire mayor

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:55:25 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’re all having a great week.

In today’s edition, we’ve got news of a Calderdale firm who have been given a massive £100,000 grant from West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to help them commercialise a tool which helps wellbeing. I’ve got full details below.

Plus, a couple of nuggets in the usual Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

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

Calderdale Digest

🏠 An extra seventeen flats are now being used as temporary homes for homeless people in Calderdale.

The flats, in central Halifax at Trafalgar House, are helping Calderdale Council reduce its use of bed-and-breakfast accommodation, a Cabinet member has reported.

The spaces have become available thanks to the council partnering West Yorkshire housing association Horton Housing, said Coun Scott Patient.

Coun Patient, Cabinet member for Climate Action and Housing, said the building is newly refurbished and provides “much needed quality self-contained accommodation for both families and single households.”

In all, the service has access to 61 self‑contained properties that will be used in place of bed-and-breakfast accommodation, he said.

Coun Patient said Trafalgar House first became operational in December 2025, and as a result the service quickly saw a significant reduction in the use of bed-and-breakfast accommodation, with the proportion of homeless households placed in bed-and-breakfasts falling from just under 50 per cent to 34 per cent.

🎭 Senior councillors are being asked to give their formal approval to submit an expression of interest for Halifax to be named UK Town of Culture 2028.

When they meet on Monday (March 16) Calderdale Council’s Cabinet are asked to support submitting this by the March 31 deadline.

The UK Town of Culture competition, launched by the Government in January, invites towns to showcase their identity through cultural programmes, offering up to £3 million in funding to the winner.

It aims to boost pride, investment and access to the arts, with winners announced for a 2028 cultural year.

The Cabinet councillors are also asked to support continuing the CultureDale programme, particularly to get communities involved, and endorse efforts to bring in more external funding for events.

CultureDale is the legacy brand arising from Calderdale’s Year of Culture, which ran spring-to-spring over 2024-2025, and council budget proposals approved last month include £100,000 towards this, with other funding streams resulting in a pot of almost £350,000, with spending over three years.

Councillors are also asked to support establishing a Cultural Place Partnership Board to lead, advocate and oversee a “transformative” programme for culture, heritage and sport, ensuring Calderdale benefits from the opportunities presented through West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan for supporting thriving places.

The council asked members of the public what they thought about entering Halifax into the UK Town of Culture competition and senior councillors say they have been encouraged by the responses.

Calderdale developer wins £100k grant to help commercialise wellbeing product

The Luma³ Editions product which has helped a Calderdale firm scoop a £100k grant

By Andrew Greaves

A Calderdale firm has scooped a £100,000 grant from West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin as part of her ‘big ideas’ challenge.

Mind Body Goals has developed a product called Luma³ Editions, a tool that offers breathwork and mindfulness techniques, providing accessible, preventative mental wellbeing support.

The firm, which is based in Brighouse, beat competition from 19 other companies from across West Yorkshire to become one of three to receive the grant to help commercialise the product.

The challenge, launched by Ms Brabin last February, sought entries from West Yorkshire-based SMEs that could innovate to combat health inequalities among communities across the region.

And Michael Crinnion, founder of Mind Body Goals, said his own personal experience with mental health issues led him to develop the Luma³ Editions.

He said: “In my 20s, I navigated a very difficult period with my own mental health. Discovering the power of breathwork was a fundamental part of my journey back to wellbeing.

“My experience as a teacher and senior leader has also shown me the long-term impact that a lack of emotional self-regulation skills has on young people as they grow into adulthood – which is where the idea for Mind Body Goals came from.

Founder Michael Crinnion has taken his product to Downing Street

“Standing here today as a winner of the challenge, I am committed to using the funds to ensure that Luma³ becomes a tool that is accessible for all those in West Yorkshire, so that preventative mental health skills become a normalised and accepted part of everyday healthcare.”

The Luma³ acts as a prompt to ‘check in with yourself’, using light to guide you through a range of breathing exercises, which the company say is scientifically proven to bring you calm, balance, and gentle relief.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Our region is home to endless talent, creativity and ambition, and today I’m thrilled to announce the three winners of our Big Ideas Challenge.

“Each team will now receive £100,000 to accelerate the development of their lifechanging technologies – boosting health and wellbeing throughout West Yorkshire, and creating good skilled jobs in our region.

“By investing in innovation and backing the entrepreneurs who are determined to make a difference, we’re building a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”

The challenge has been led by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and delivered by global challenge expert, Challenge Works.

Support for each of the three winners also includes access to world-class research expertise and specialist facilities and a dedicated community of innovators to help these businesses navigate and scale their ideas for use.

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

Calderdale has highest number of 'economically inactive' residents in West Yorkshire

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:31:10 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’ve had a good weekend so far.

Today is International Women’s Day and I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate the strong women in my life.

I know we shouldn’t need a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women but it’s a great opportunity for all of us to take a step back and look at what more we can do to speed up gender parity.

In today’s edition, we’ve got an interesting report from my LDR colleague John Greenwood that shows Calderdale having the largest number of ‘economically inactive’ residents in the region.

Plus, a couple of nuggets as usual in the Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

Calderdale Digest

🧳Tourist numbers are on the up in Calderdale – and so is the cash they are bringing with them, almost doubling over five years.

While tourism was worth £348 million to the borough’s economy in 2019, its value is £649.6 million in 2024, the latest data available.

Calderdale scrutiny councillors heard the borough is exceeding West Yorkshire averages for both value and numbers.

Using a three-year metric, visitor numbers are up 3.7 per cent on 2023, when figures were last collated.

It all has an impact on the economy, including tourism supporting just under 6,000 jobs – 4,113 directly and 1,668 indirectly, Calderdale Council Place Scrutiny Board members heard.

In their report officers say: “Calderdale’s growth as a visitor destination is thanks in part to its many events and attractions.

“They are powerful economic drivers and bring in thousands of people to the borough each year.”

Councillors heard the Halifax-based Eureka! – national museum of childhood – is number four of the top 15 most visited bookable attractions in West Yorkshire, according to Visit England.

Shibden Hall – historic Halifax home of Anne Lister, subject of television hit series Gentleman Jack – is at number 11.

Events at Halifax’s Piece Hall pulled in more than 185,000 visitors in 2025, and other popular draws ranged from Brighouse’s 1940s weekend to Hebden Bridge’s Handmade Parade.

👔 Almost 100 “early stage” businesses in Calderdale have received support from a regional scheme.

Business support programme Ad:Venture is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and its partners.

Calderdale Council Cabinet member for Regeneration and Transport, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said local engagement with the scheme remains high.

Recent Calderdale figures showed 92 early-stage businesses in Calderdale received support from Ad:Venture.

Four new jobs had been created as a result and each of those is “high value”, contributing around £55,000 per role to the local economy, Cllr Courtney (Lab, Calder) reported to Calderdale councillors.

The Calderdale businesses taking part claim an average grant of £4,977 per business – one of the higher averages in West Yorkshire, she said.

Ad:Venture is designed to help early stage businesses – those trading fewer than three years – to grow, says WYCA.

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More than 32,000 Calderdale residents ‘inactive’ in job market, councillors told

By John Greenwood

Calderdale has the highest number of economically inactive residents in West Yorkshire – but less than 17 per cent of these want a job, councillors heard.

Councillors were being updated on work done as part of “healthy working life” programmes.

From a health point of view, these aim to prevent people from leaving work and support them getting into work, and reducing long-term sickness.

Scrutiny councillors heard that 32,100 residents are classified as “inactive”, the highest in West Yorkshire.

Another 12,000 people are long-term sick, while 15 per cent of Calderdale households are workless, according to a report from officers.

Of those classed as inactive, research showed only 16.9 per cent wanted a job, research showed.

Chairing Place Scrutiny Board, Lib Dem Cllr Abigail White asked why this was.

“What’s the breakdown of that, that so many people weren’t looking for a job or didn’t want a job?” she asked.

Officers said there were a number of reasons and some challenges on what is among “significant” labour market challenges the borough faces.

Some issues were intergenerational – where more than one generation of a family did not work.

Others included people who had, for example, caring responsibilities – 7,100, according to the report.

There was also a high prevalence of mental health need and chronic health conditions, the councillors were told, with fast-track access to help with these part of the programmes.

They heard funding for a further year has been made available for the programmes in Calderdale, which have provided help to 500 people last year.

They will be able to build on the research gained in the past year to develop actions to improve the position, working with partners who include employers, particularly supporting small and medium sized companies which make up a lot of Calderdale’s business sector.

A hyper-local approach means building trust and confidence among people contacting or referred to scheme partners, while prevention – dealing with health issues so people do not leave work – is starting to have impact, councillors heard.

Ultimately, Calderdale’s economy would benefit from people being able to get back into work, councillors heard.

That’s it for this edition of The Calderdale Lead.

We’ll be back with another edition on Wednesday and, as ever, if there’s something you think we should be following up on, feel free to drop me a line on calderdale@thelead.uk.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Andrew

Green vote no longer a 'wasted vote' says Calderdale leader after by-election win

Andrew Greaves — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 09:02:18 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.

I hope you’ve all had a good week and are enjoying the first signs that spring has sprung.

In today’s edition we have local reaction to Hannah Spencer’s historic by-election victory for the Green Party in Gorton and Denton on Thursday (26 February).

We’ve spoken to Calderdale Greens leader Martin Hey who is, understandably, delighted to have a northern Green MP in Ms Spencer.

Find out what he has to say below.

Gorton and Denton by-election: The silent majority isn't silent, and it isn't Reform

Plus, a couple of nuggets in our usual Calderdale Digest.

So, on with the news…

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

Calderdale Digest

🚆 West Yorkshire leaders are set to give the go-ahead for the first phase of a project seeing a new rail station and improved cycling and walking infrastructure built in Elland.

The new station will be added to the Calder Valley line to improve the town’s transport links with the wider region and beyond, including Leeds, Huddersfield, Bradford and Manchester, says West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

Approval of walking and cycling improvements will allow works to start this year, ensuring progress is made on this key project before final approval for the station is sought later in 2026.

A new way of delivering the rail station itself will also be discussed at the WYCA meeting on March 12.

It would see responsibility for the build handed to Network Rail, harnessing its expertise in delivering complex rail infrastructure projects.

In total, the scheme is expected to cost around £70 million, according to WYCA.

🏢 Households in Calderdale are to see council tax bills rise by nearly 5% after the budget for the next financial year was agreed by the local authority.

The 4.99% increase - the most allowed without having to hold a referendum - is the same rise as in April last year, with most properties expected to see an annual increase of £77.79.

The council’s budget for 2026-27 will be almost £283m, with plans to spend an extra £4m a year on road repairs, £844,000 supporting adult social care and £100,000 on boosting fly-tipping enforcement.

Scott Patient, the council’s deputy leader, said the budget gave “hope again we can really make Calderdale a better place”.

A majority of councillors approved budget recommendations from the council’s cabinet after a debate lasting over two and a half hours.

Savings include £2.7m from budgets across directorates, a step-up in fees and charges and more income from commercial property leases.

The Lead

The result in Gorton and Denton last night has ripped British politics apart…

3 months ago · 89 likes · 8 comments · Zoe Grunewald and The Lead

Calderdale Greens leader says enthusiasm for party on doorstep gives hope ahead of council elections

Calderdale Green Party leader Martin Hey (right) with party activists on the doorstep in Gorton

By Andrew Greaves

The leader of Calderdale’s Green Party says Thursday’s historic by-election victory in Gorton and Denton proves a vote for his party is not a wasted vote.

Hannah Spencer became the Greens’ first-ever Northern MP, overturning a huge Labour majority from 2024 and pushing the party into third behind Reform UK’s Matthew Goodwin.

Cllr Martin Hey, who leads the Greens on Calderdale Council, was one of a number of local activists to help with Ms Spencer’s campaign on the doorstep in Greater Manchester.

And he says the enthusiasm of voters was evident as polling day loomed.

He told The Calderdale Lead: “Those of us who went across were struck by the enormous enthusiasm of the residents who voted Green. Rather than voting out of fear, these people were casting a positive vote for positive change.

“And our voters were from all different backgrounds and age ranges. Whilst in Gorton, I met Sandra, a traditional Labour voter who had initially decided not to cast her vote but then on the day changed her mind. She talked about how proud she felt to vote for our message of fairness and equality for all.

“Young people suffering with low pay and high rents, mothers juggling expensive childcare and minimum wage jobs, older people shocked by their energy and water bills - all these people talked to us about wanting a better life and neighbourhood. That’s what our new MP, Hannah, will be campaigning for on their behalf.”

Cllr Hey will defend his seat in the Calderdale Council elections in May when all seats on the authority are up for grabs for the first time in more than 20 years.

And he believes that the Greens’ recent electoral successes, and the fact that Ms Spencer was able to overturn such a large majority, shows that a vote for his party can be a positive.

He said: “We believe that the election result will forever end any questions as to whether voting Green is a “wasted vote”.

“Voters at the local elections in Calderdale in May cannow be reassured that they can cast a positive vote for the party that best represents them and their community.”

The Greens have set ambitious targets locally to try and increase the number of councillors they have on Calderdale Council.

The party are targeting nine seats, which if successful would triple the number of councillors they have.

Green Party leader Zak Polanski recently visited Halifax and praised the work Coun Hey was doing in the borough.

He told The Calderdale Lead at the time: “Our candidates and councillors spend a lot of time door-knocking, and they noticeably do it outside of election time, too. So, it’s not just an activity that happens to ask for people’s votes.

“When they go to council meetings, they’ve genuinely spoken to people on the doorstep so they are taking those voices into the council chamber. I would always ask people to judge us or consider us based on our record of action and delivery and where we’re going in the future.

“I don’t think anyone should trust a political party unconditionally, including the Green Party. Political parties aren’t like football teams where you pick your team and just have to stick with them through the good and the bad. I think it’s a transactional relationship where you should always make sure they’re being held accountable and that they’re transparent.”

The local elections take place on May 7.

That’s it for this edition of The Calderdale Lead.

We’ll be back with another edition on Wednesday and, as ever, if there’s something you think we should be following up on, feel free to drop me a line on calderdale@thelead.uk.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Andrew

Calder Valley MP ready to take on pub giants to secure better deal for landlords

Andrew Greaves — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:02:38 GMT

Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead!

I hope you’ve all enjoyed a good week.

In today’s edition we’ve got a story about something very close to my heart - pubs!

I noticed a couple of weeks ago that Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton-Glynn stood up in Parliament and asked a question about the struggles of landlords working under PubCos.

It immediately piqued my interest and it seems Mr Fenton-Glynn is as passionate about saving the great British pub as I am.

Just for full disclosure, I will mention that I myself own a bar - The Beer Necessities in Todmorden for anyone interested - but what Mr Fenton-Glynn is proposing will have no effect on my business as it’s not a tied-house.

I’ve got full details below about the fight to put landlords first.

Plus, we’ve got details of a spat between West Yorkshire mayor Tracy Brabin and a Calderdale councillor over the funding of Halifax’s Piece Hall venue.

So, on with the news…

‘Community living rooms’: Calder Valley MP wants to free up landlords to help pubs thrive

By Andrew Greaves

It’s a picture we’re all so used to seeing - an MP stood behind a bar pulling a pint to show they understand how pubs work.

But, somewhat refreshingly, Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton-Glynn was keen to avoid falling into the cliche when I met up with him this week.

It turns out Mr Fenton-Glynn, who once actually pulled pints at Hebden Bridge’s legendary Trades Club, has a real passion for pubs, or as he likes to call them ‘community living rooms’

So much so that he used a parliamentary question - to his neighbouring MP Kate Dearden, who is the Government’s minister for small businesses - to raise the behaviour of PubCos.

Now, for those who are not in the know, PubCos are companies that run pubs. Some of the PubCos have estates of more than 500 pubs and, depending on the deal a landlord or landlady has with his or her PubCo, they can insist on all products - beers, ciders, soft drinks etc - being purchased through them.

PubCos have been around since the Government in the 1980s broke up the monopoly that breweries had over pub ownership using something called the Beer Orders.

The Beer Orders in 1989 saw the Government order breweries that owned more than 2,000 pubs to sell off a large portion of their estate or release their tie, leading to about 11,000 pubs coming onto the market.

Companies were established to purchase these newly available pubs, often retaining the "tie" (forcing tenants to buy beer through them) but without being brewers themselves.

Today, there are thousands of pubs which are ‘tied’ into these types of deals and previous attempts by government to ensure fairness don’t appear to be working.

The Pub Code, introduced in 2016, does include a mechanism called the Market Rent Only (MRO) option, which gives tenants the right to request a new lease that allows them to buy products from any supplier at market prices.

This right is usually triggered by specific events, such as a rent review, a significant increase in the price of tied products, or a renewal of the tenancy.

To oversee compliance and resolve disputes, the government established the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA), an independent office that provides a formal route for arbitration if a pub company fails to adhere to the code’s standards.

Mr Fenton-Glynn raised the issue of a pub in his constituency where the rent charged by PubCo Stonegate went from £800 per week to £1,700 per week just weeks after a six-month probationary period came to an end.

And research by The Calderdale Lead has revealed that landlords or tenants in many tied houses are forced to pay between £40 and £60 more per keg or cask of beer than those running bars or freehouses who are allowed to negotiate deals with suppliers.

And Mr Fenton-Glynn said: “This cannot be right. I see pubs as ‘community living rooms’ which are vital and we need to be helping landlords to thrive and survive.

“The behaviour of PubCos when it comes to putting up rents and tying landlords to buying their products from them is something that we need to look at.”

One of the other issues that tied houses face is not being able to offer a range of different products on their bar, something which Hebden Bridge-based brewery Vocation highlighted recently in a study was a reason for people visiting the pub less.

The research, which polled 2,000 adults, found almost four in five Brits (79%) said they would visit pubs more often if they had more exciting options, while 47% of 25–34-year-olds are actively seeking out new beers.

More than eight in ten (81%) said they would pay slightly more for a pint if pubs offered more variety on the taps.

Mr Fenton-Glynn is now keen to speak to landlords, breweries and operators not just in Calderdale but across the country as he looks to build a campaign to ensure a fairer deal for landlords.

To get in contact click here.

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Reform UK councillor slapped down by West Yorkshire mayor over Piece Hall funding

By John Greenwood

West Yorkshire’s Mayor has been asked if she would take on responsibility for providing some financial support for Halifax’s historic Piece Hall.

Calderdale councillors recently debated the authority’s relationship with the Trust which runs the council-owned Piece Hall, in particular an annual grant of £225,000 to help with the costs.

The Grade I-listed former 18th century cloth hall is now a major tourist attraction bringing economic and cultural benefits to Halifax through businesses it houses and events including a summer concert season attracting some of music’s biggest names.

But some councillors have said this has to be balanced with challenges it faces to its budgets, some questioning whether the Piece Hall needs that amount of funding from the council’s coffers.

At a question-and-answer session with Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin at a meeting of the full Calderdale Council, Cllr Dan Sutherland said she had spoken throughout her tenure about the importance of the economy and culture, and had been able to secure a “fantastic settlement” financially from Government through devolution for the region.

But at the moment the Piece Hall was millions of pounds in debt to the council and there were concerns about its leadership and expectation a permanent subsidy would be expected from the council, he claimed.

Cllr Sutherland said: “You comment that the Piece Hall is an asset that is important to the whole region and gives, gives, gives – one of the issues we have in Calderdale is that in many ways, for many residents, it has taken, taken, taken.

“Considering the position you’re in to be able to influence the settlement and economic matters in the region, would you as Mayor be willing to consider taking on the sort of responsibility for support of the Piece Hall on an ongoing basis, so that this council can focus on these very difficult budget decisions that it has to manage?”

Mayor Brabin did not respond to the question but took issue with Cllr Sutherland over some of what he had said.

“If the Piece Hall didn’t exist, everybody would have wanted it, because it is phenomenal.

“There is nothing like it anywhere else in the country and, pound for pound, what it brings to this community is extraordinary.

“I don’t recognise what you are saying about the leadership, I really don’t.

“I don’t recognise the anxiety about the management of the Piece Hall – I know that they have a really experienced board, they are held to account by Calderdale.

“Through the leadership of this council and partners, you’ve created Europe’s finest live music venue,” she said.

Mayor Brabin said this included supporting local young people through training to look at careers in aspects of the industry.

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

I’ll be back in your inbox on Sunday with another edition but don’t forget you can get in touch via calderdale@thelead.uk with any story tips, comments or just to say hello.

Until next time, have a great week!

Andrew