Centre closed since 2018 set to reopen with community at its heart
Plus, health chiefs issue measles warning after death of child in Liverpool.
Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.
I hope you’ve all managed to stay dry and warm, given the unusually wet weather we’re experiencing.
The forecasters reckon we’ve got a few more days of the wet stuff before we get back to the summer weather so we may have to hunker down in some of the many pubs, cafes, shops and outlets that Calderdale has to offer.
In today’s issue we have the much-welcome news of a community hub in Mixenden set to reopen next month for the first time 2018.
And residents are being asked to share their visions for the centre. We’ve got full details below.
Plus, we have a stark warning to parents about the threat of measles. This follows the tragic death of a child in Liverpool.
So, on with the news…
Community hub set to reopen with residents asked to help decide vision
By Andrew Greaves
A vital community hub in Mixenden is to reopen next month - nearly seven years after it closed its doors.
Closed since 2018, the Mixenden Activity Centre will reopen under the management of North Halifax Partnership, with plans to transform the centre into a vibrant community hub shaped by local people.
As part of its commitment to community-led development, NHP will use the #MACisBack campaign to invite residents to share their ideas for the future of the centre.
The launch phase will highlight the building’s rich heritage while focusing on jointly creating new activities and services with the community. This will ensure the centre truly reflects what local people want and need.
Carly Mullaney, MAC Manager at NHP, said: “We know how important MAC is to local people. Our vision is to work with residents, partners, and groups so the centre becomes a thriving space full of opportunity for everyone.”
The reopening is being supported by a range of funding sources, including Active Calderdale, Calderdale Council, NHP and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The funding will initially cover the appointment of a dedicated centre co-ordinator who will manage day-to-day operations and help secure the long-term future of the building.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “Having Mixenden Activity Centre back will be another great boost for the area, following other recent additions to community facilities like Mixenden Hub and improvements to Beechwood and Sunny Bank parks.
“The centre’s reopening is one of many examples of investment in north Halifax, which supports our priorities for thriving towns and places and reduced inequalities.
“Partnership work with the community, including the 10-year North Halifax Strategy, is transforming the area to bring hope, opportunity and economic benefits, creating a place that local people can take even more pride in.”
A soft launch event is being planned for August 30, giving local people the chance to tour the refreshed space, share their ideas, and celebrate the return of this much-needed community asset.
For more information about the reopening and upcoming events, visit www.northhalifaxpartnership.org or follow on social media using #MACisBack
‘Get vaccinated now’ call from health bosses over measles threat
Health bosses in Calderdale are urging parents to check that they and their children are vaccinated against measles following the death of a child in Liverpool.
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where the child was being treated, said the highly contagious virus was on the increase in young people and it had seen a surge in "seriously unwell" children being admitted.
Measles is an infection that spreads very easily through breath, coughs and sneezes. It can cause serious problems in some people, including pneumonia and meningitis, and in rare cases, death.
Calderdale Council and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) are reminding people of the measles symptoms to be aware of, including:
Cold-like symptoms at first, such as a high temperature, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough and red, sore, watery eyes.
Small white spots that appear a few days later inside the cheeks and on the back of the lips.
A rash that usually appears a few days after the cold-like symptoms. The rash starts on the face and behind the ears before spreading to the rest of the body.
Measles can affect both children and adults. People at higher risk, such as babies, young children, pregnant women and people with weaker immunity may face more complications from measles.
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the child who tragically died in Liverpool after contracting measles.
“With the school summer holidays approaching and more people mixing, we’re urging people in Calderdale to get vaccinated against this extremely contagious infection. Having two doses of the MMR jab gives us the best chance of protecting ourselves and our loved ones and preventing outbreaks in our communities.
“It’s never too late to get vaccinated.”
Having the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab is the best way to prevent getting and spreading measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give you lifelong protection.
Debs Harkins, Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, said the council and other local health and care partners work together to prepare for any possible measles cases and outbreaks in Calderdale.
She added: “We recently added to these preparations by coming together as a partnership to test our plans for dealing with a measles outbreak. This ensures that local organisations can respond quickly and effectively if we need to in Calderdale.
“Residents can play their part by making sure they are vaccinated and by being vigilant to the signs and symptoms of measles.”
Parents can ask at their GP surgery if they’re not sure if they or their child have had the vaccine. They can give it for free on the NHS.
If you think you or your child has measles, phone your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Do not go into the GP surgery or A&E as measles is highly infectious. Do not send children to school or childcare if you think they have measles.
That’s it for this edition.
I hope you have a good rest of the weekend and don’t forget to drop us a line on calderdale@thelead.uk if you’ve got any story tips, comments or observations.
We’ll be back in your inboxes on Wednesday.
Andrew