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£10.3m plan progressing KIRKLEES Council’s £10.3 million investment scheme to create a more accessible town centre for businesses, residents and visitors and reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions by prioritising transport options such as walking, cycling and public transport has turned into a significant undertaking, with its effects being felt across both local businesses and the daily lives of residents. The roadworks have caused considerable disruption, leading to traffic jams that stretch for miles during peak hours. While the short-term inconvenience is undeniable, the promise of a revitalised town centre offers a silver lining that many are hopeful about. Navigating the streets has become a challenge as detours and temporary closures redirect the usual flow of traffic.
Drivers are constantly adjusting their routes, due to the unpredictable nature of the construction work. These disruptions have not only affected personal commutes but have also impacted delivery services and emergency responders, with local businesses have been hit particularly hard by
the renovation. Small business owners are feeling the pinch as sales decline, local business owner Katrina from Hobsons Flowers told us ‘Without a doubt this is negatively affecting our business… We’ve had a massive drop in customers, we only had two customers in on Tuesday’.
Library worked with Holme Valley Parish Council to organise an asset transfer for the building, which was eventually completed in 2022. Today the building is owned by the Parish Council who lease it to Friends of Honley Library for a peppercorn rent and help to support it financially. The planned work will see an extension built to the left hand side of the existing library building and will create more flexible space, toilets and kitchen
facilities. There will be a disabled access and disabled toilet to ensure all the community is catered for. Emma said: “We cater for everyone here at the library, from babies and young mums, children of all ages, those with special educational needs, the disabled and the elderly. Our users include baby massage, babies into books, Lego club, reading groups, knit and natter, interesting speakers and much more.’’ A major fundraising Auction of Promises will take place on Thursday October 24 for the extension work. It will be held at Dixon & Franks in the centre of Honley and already has 30 lots for auction including a threenight holiday in Whitby, four hours of gardening and much more. Emma said: “There is a glass of fizz on arrival and we hope it will be a great night with people able to place secret bids. Tickets can
They are located adjacent from the now demolished Holmfirth market and Huddersfield Road car park. Despite these challenges, there is a strong sense of community resilience, with businesses banding together to support one another during this trying time. The town council has been proactive in communicating the long-term benefits of the renovation, emphasising the enhanced infrastructure and modern facilities that will result from the project. The promise of a more attractive and accessible town centre is expected to draw in more visitors, potentially boosting the local economy and providing new opportunities for businesses. Continued on page 7
Honley Library extension go-ahead
Susan Hampshire HONLEY Library ‘friends’ and volunteers are marking another exciting milestone in the library’s recent history - their planning application for a library extension has just been given the go-ahead. This means that the popular Honley library, which was originally saved from closure in 2015, is now forging ahead to provide more space and facilities for the local community. Emma Sutton, volunteer and secretary of the Friends of Honley Library said: “This is great news that Kirklees Council has approved the planning application for the extension. Fundraising is now in full swing with £50,000 already raised and we will be applying for grants and holding events to raise the necessary money for the work, which we estimate at £350,000 to £450,000 depending on costs.’’ To save the library from closure in 2015, Friends of Honley
be booked at the library.’’ In recent years Honley Library has become much more than a library facility. “It’s a proper village hub now and a place where real friendships have developed. People can come here to learn how to trace their family tree, see Which reports, work towards passing their driving test, use the computers and more. It’s so much more than books. This winter the library will also be a `warm space’ and when the extension is complete, we will have proper kitchen facilities to offer hot drinks,’’ said Emma. The library, which was built in 1936, has one part-time member of staff and the rest of the library work is carried out by volunteers. To join the Friends of Honley Library, take a look at the website www. friendsofhonleylibrary.org.uk