Some aspects of Calderdale town centre revamps might be halted says new council leader

Councillor Daniel Sutherland said his Reform UK group, which won control of the authority in May’s elections, had “promised to end the anti-car agenda which has plagued this area for too long”.

In a recorded address to residents posted on the council’s social media pages, Coun Sutherland (Illingworth and Mixenden) referred to roadworks as a specific issue.

There are major road and regenerations schemes which have been ongoing, including in Halifax and Brighouse, while work is also under way in Todmorden town centre.

Some are from West Yorkshire Combined Authority WYCA funded schemes, for example the A629 phase 2 Halifax town centre project, or Government-funded, for example Town Deal projects in Brighouse and Todmorden.

Traders across the borough have shared concerns about the impact work is having on their businesses.

The previous Labour administration argued that while issues during construction were understood, in the long term the towns will benefit from the work.

They said the aim is to improve traffic flow and in the cases of Halifax and Brighouse changes will encourage people to stay longer in the towns when they visit – improved public spaces are part of the plans – also spending more money while they are there, bringing economic benefit.

However Coun Sutherland said: “Residents of Halifax will know that we’ve been blighted by roadworks that have affected local businesses, made it difficult for people to access the town centre, to do their shopping or leisure, and sadly the results seem to be little more than cycle lanes.

“Now we’re seeing in Brighouse similar schemes where businesses are deeply concerned.

“We are reviewing these schemes and we will not continue with any areas that are not in the interests of the people of Calderdale and don’t support businesses being able to thrive in those towns.”

Coun Sutherland also reiterated a commitment for his administration to review parking charges.