Free parking trial to encourage visitors to Elland

At a recent meeting of Calderdale Council's Cabinet it was agreed that there will be a trial for limited free parking in the town which will be reviewed after six months.

Read: Calderdale Council refuses Sowerby Bridge waste incinerator applicationThe move is in a bid to encourage people to shop more in the town centre and comes after a petition was signed by 1,500 residents and local businesses.

Coun Susan Press, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods Services, said that there needs to be the right balance to ensure that the parking issue is fair with the rest of the borough.

She said: "It's important that the council supports all of them to achieve their full potential."

Read: Canal towpath around Hebden Bridge to benefit from £1.5m faceliftShe also explained three reasons why the town has experienced a decline in the number of visitors in recent years. The large supermarket built on the outskirts of the town has attracted footfall away from the centre, Elland Bridge was closed for 14 months making it harder to access the town and the two remaining banks have closed in the last 18 months.