They will need to set aside several evenings during September and early October for meetings in Sowerby Bridge to help ensure the multi-million pound scheme is a success.

"All their ideas and suggestions will be passed on to the developer that is eventually appointed by the project partners, Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Forward," said masterplan organiser Kate Bennett.

"We want to ensure that the requirements of the people of Calderdale are taken into consideration early in the planning stages." Five nationally recognised developers have been shortlisted from 13 to draw up potential schemes for the 35 acres between the former Standard Wire works, at Copley, and Mereclough, Sowerby Bridge.

The final proposal is expected to be chosen next spring.

As well as a new road to improve access to the site and link into Holmes Road, at Mereclough, planners are also looking at leasing Hollas Fields from Network Rail to create a new nature reserve and a scheme to turn Sowerby Bridge Station into an eco transport centre.

Consideration is also being given to setting up a hydro-electric generating plant on the River Calder at Sterne Mill.

People interested in getting involved in the Copley Valley Transformational Project should phone 01924 215550.

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