Plans for Acre Mill are scrapped

There had been growing concern after the owner of part of the site applied to the Camping and Caravanning Club for it to become a small site for up to five caravans and 10 tents.

But the plans have now been scrapped after a period of consultation.

Hundreds of people across Calderdale have died from asbestosis after being exposed to the deadly dust at the former Acre Mill in Old Town.

Damien Field, of the Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “All certificated site applications are administered in exactly the same manner, in that during the application stages the club will consult with the appropriate local authority and directly affected residents to seek their views and comments.

“Following the consultation period, the club has decided not to proceed with the application.”

Speaking earlier in the week councillor Janet Battye (Lib Dem, Calder), said: “People are still suffering the effects of the asbestos works and it’s at least insensitive to make such a use of this site.

“There is also the problem of access.

“It is not sensible to encourage caravans to come up to Old Town, either along Heights Road, or up Birchcliffe Road and trying to get round the corner of Mount Skip, or make the turn at Pecket Bar off the Keighley Road. This area is also liable to flood: one of the main serious flooding episodes in 2012 was nearby.

“I’m writing to the Camping and Caravanning Club urging them not to go ahead with this. I hope that Calderdale Council and the Parish Council share these views and will take similar action.”