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Grab your chance to shape valley
What an important and inspired decision it was to invite volunteers from Copley to take part in drawing up a multi-million pound masterplan for developing homes, offices and leisure areas along the Calder Valley.
The biggest regeneration project Calderdale has probably ever seen.
One that will transform a huge swathe of land from Standard Wire Works at Copley to Mereclough, Sowerby Bridge, and which will impinge on the lives of thousands of people living in the area.
It would, no doubt, be easier for partners Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Forward to press ahead without this kind of input.
Enthusiastic amateurs can often be the bain of the professional.
But given the magnitude of the work that is proposed, having ordinary members of the public involved in the planning stages will, if nothing else, make the whole project transparent and rid it of any speculation and capricious rumour that might have occured.
Not everyone will be behind these plans even though they will mean a real facelift for the area.
Which makes it even more important that people know what is going on at every stage of the work.
The area might boast any number of tranquil retreats and beauty spots along the Calder and Hebble Navigation and River Calder. But move away from the bankside and much of the surrounding land is an eyesore.
The volunteers will be expected to attend several meetings through September and October and be prepared to discuss innovative ideas like a hydro-electric generating plant, a nature reserve and tranforming Sowerby Bridge railway station into an eco-friendly transport centre.
The people of Copley should grab the invitation with both hands.
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Weather for Halifax
Friday 10 February 2012
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