Top talking points of the week in Calderdale

It was announced this week that Welsh rockers Manic Street Preachers will come to Halifax in June 2020 for a special outdoor performance at The Piece Hall.

Julia Tweedy: Saw them with oasis & ocean colour scene back in the day at Maine road, they were brilliant.

Alan Birch: Might have to do that one. Not a fan but hey. Good venue.

Shelley Rogers: Can’t wait!!!

Small changes to rail infra-structure, such as longer platforms at station, could make a huge difference to local rail services, according to the leader of Calderdale Council. This statement prompted a response from Courier readers.

Gary Woolton: Only if they make the trains longer. The longest one at the moment is the Grand Central and with the exception of Mirfield, which was extended, it fits comfortably. Whilst Northern no longer seem to run one carriage trains on the Calder Line now, two or three carriages again fit comfortably, even if the passengers don’t.

Kate Shaw: If only people actually understood why there are so many issues with train size etc and that delays in the new train stock being ready are one of the main reasons the current ones are packed to the rafters or the situation imposed by unrealistic/unachievable targets set not by the franchisee.

Kyle Round: I think that will go part of the way to improve services but it’s not a whole solution. We need rail franchises that are fit for purpose. The station is also bleak and unwelcoming and the coffee shop needs a rethink.

Paul Ibberson: I have been saying this for years. Make the platforms longer and put more carriages on the train... Simple, cheaper and will solve most of the problems.

Darren Harper: It shows how out of touch he is with reality. The trains could be improved by actually running on time and by having more carriages (the platform is long enough for at least five carriages). I am sure CMBC will be pushing for longer platforms which will cost the taxpayer millions despite actually only costing a fraction of that.

Halifax Courier readers got talking on a national story on Chris Packham saying that we may need a one-child policy to save the world.

Emily Amelia: Birth rates are dropping the world over, even in Africa and Asia. We reached peak baby a few years ago from now on less and less children are being born across the world. World population should decline from mid century onwards.

Penny Jowett: I have to agree with him , some people just keep on having kids there is no future if we don’t sort this planet out sad but true.

Kerry Long: Good in theory but what happens if the first time you conceive you conceive twins, triplets etc?

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