MP secures £2m to give Halifax and Sowerby Bridge buildings new lease of life

The funding follows Kate Dearden’s Hope for High Streets campaign, which called for practical action to tackle empty shops and neglected buildings that “blight local high streets, hold back businesses and undermine community pride”.

And the Government is pledging to put residents’ views at the heart of how the money is spent.

Ms Dearden has launched a survey asking people to help identify where the investment could make the greatest difference and which buildings they believe should be prioritised.

The questionnaire also asks what residents would like to see those spaces used for, and how bringing them back into use could benefit the community.

The MP says she will collate the responses and share residents’ priorities with Calderdale Council.

"I’m delighted that £2m is coming to Calderdale to help tackle the blight of empty and derelict buildings on our high streets,” she said.

“Residents have told me time and again how much they want to see our town centres looking their best, with empty shops brought back into use, new businesses given the opportunity to grow and neglected buildings turned into places our communities can be proud of.

“Through my Hope for High Streets campaign, I’ve been pushing for exactly this kind of practical investment. But I want to make sure it delivers the biggest possible difference for local people.

“That’s why I’m asking residents to tell me which buildings they think should be prioritised and what they would like to see happen to them.

“This is an opportunity to turn neglected spaces into something positive for our community, and I want residents to help shape what comes next.”

Kate has also urged Calderdale Council to make use of High Street Rental Auction powers to tackle persistently empty commercial properties and create opportunities for new and expanding businesses.

And she has pressed the council for clarity on how a newly-agreed £500,000 West Yorkshire Combined Authority high streets improvement fund will be used, making the case for investment that improves the appearance and appeal of Halifax town centre.

To complete the survey, visit https://survey.labour.org.uk/wyvfzsjbyrgkmscjl7qwwtrf8

Meantime, the MP has welcomed new measures that will back small breweries in Halifax, lowering taxes and increasing opportunities to get in front of customers.

After visiting some of Halifax's much-loved breweries, Kate has been championing measures that will help small breweries to increase sales, expand and improve brand recognition.

She said she is now delighted that the chancellor has listened, introducing new measures in this year's Autumn budget, including an increase in Small Producer Relief, more generous discounts for producers making lower-strength drinks, and a new guest beer provision.

"Our independent breweries are a huge part of what makes Halifax special,” she said.

"They support local jobs, bring people into our communities and help put our town on the map.

“I’m really pleased to see the Government recognising the pressures facing smaller producers and taking steps to support them. These changes will help our brilliant local breweries compete, grow and reach more customers.”