Sowerby Bridge News

Hebden Royd Town Council Shamed By Central Street Outcome

Despite assured claims by Hebden Royd Town Council that proposals to improve the condition of Central Street would certainly be “crushed” by Calderdale Council, there was agreement in principle today that CMBC would fund the shortfall required to make the repairs to the street.

Earlier in the week, the Hebden Royd Town Council website claimed that the proposals for improving the area around Central Street had already been scrapped by Calderdale Council (see REGENERATION OF CENTRAL STREET SCRAPPED) and Cllr. Catherine Groves stated on Hebweb that the reason for this was “because the Tory Cabinet, with no representation foom[sic] Hebden Bridge as far as I can see, wants to save money”, and that “The Tory Cabinet may well be minded to vote against the scheme on Monday”.

However, despite these astute political observations, both Cllr. Catherine Groves and Cllr. Robin Dixon appear to have publicly embarrassed both themselves and Hebden Royd Town Council, by making outlandish predictions about the outcome of today’s cabinet meeting.

Cllr. Dixon is quoted on the HRTC website as saying that “The only people who don’t want [the proposal to happen] are the seven members of the Cabinet. We are witnessing the fiasco of waste disposal resulting from a failure of Calderdale MBC to listen”.

It would appear that Cllr. Dixon and HRTC as a whole, may have been somewhat hasty in their judgement.

CMBC have in fact reconfirmed their support for the scheme to make good and adopt private streets in and around Central Street, Hebden Bridge. Additionally they have agreed to extend the timeframe for allocating £20,000 to the scheme from July to the end of September.

Calderdale Councillors originally considered a proposal to make up and adopt Central Street, Pitt Street, Fielding Street and Hilton Street. The estimated cost of undertaking the work at the time was in the region of £100,000. Since this was last considered in October, Hebden Royd Town Council has also said that it will increase its contribution to the work from £20,000 to £30,000.

CMBC Cabinet had previously expressed concerns about the need to impose a charge on the people with property on the street (frontagers) in the current economic climate of falling house prices. However, last night it was confirmed that if agreement can be sought from the non residential frontagers to pay up front for the work, and if it can be verified that the majority of householders in the locality are happy to contribute towards the work, the council funding will be approved.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member Regeneration and Development, Cllr. Amanda Byrne, said of the decision:

“When Cabinet made its original decision in October 2008, members were clear that they would not support any scheme which would lead to a charge being imposed on people’s property, particularly in the current economic climate.

“However, it appears that the non residential frontagers, who form a significant part of the scheme, may now be willing to provide up front funding. Therefore once this evidence is brought to Cabinet then I see no reason why full support of this scheme should not be fully supported.”

“It will greatly enhance the appearance of the area, promoting a sustainable heritage, and support what is a vibrant Market Town.”