Calderdale road closures could remain from 18 months as Council introduces new street shut downs

In June, to support non-essential retailers to start reopening, Calderdale Council launched new safety features in town centres to enable social distancing and more space for queuing, to complement the measures introduced by businesses.

The changes, which may remain for up to 18 months, included removing the bus stops and taxi rank on Market Street and closing on-street parking bays on Old Market in Halifax; suspending parking and loading bays on Commercial Street, Brighouse; removing parking and loading bays on Crown Street and closing Old Gate to all traffic in Hebden Bridge; stopping through traffic on Water Street, Todmorden and on Hollins Mill Lane, Sowerby Bridge; and introducing temporary road closures outside 10 Calderdale schools at drop-off and pick-up times to create safer, healthier and more pleasant ‘School Streets’ for everyone.

From today temporary closures of the following roads to prevent through traffic, improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists, and increase space for social distancing for up to 18 months:

Part of Bridge Street and Calder Street in Todmorden. Closures will be in place 24/7, except for loading.

From July 27 part of Southgate, Elland will be closed. There will be no through traffic between 10am and 4pm daily, plus temporary suspension of parking bays 24/7 to free up space for social distancing.

Over the next two weeks there will be no through traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week will be introduced on Old Lane, Halifax

Councillor Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, said: “Unfortunately COVID-19 will be part of our lives for months to come, so to protect people’s health and wellbeing and to support local businesses, we’re making our town centres as safe as possible for everyone.

“Temporary road closures and the removal of parking on some roads help to keep everyone two metres apart to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which is our priority.

“We hope this helps people feel more confident to go out and about in our local area, helping to revitalise our economy, protect our environment and support people to enjoy walking and cycling more.

“All of the changes are temporary and we are monitoring them regularly, listening to feedback from residents and businesses and adapting the schemes as necessary.”