Parking spots to remain in town redesign rethink

19 hours ago

John GreenwoodLocal Democracy Reporting Service

The first phase of the work in Brighouse town centre began in January

NATHAN TURVEY/BBC A picture of roadworks in Brighouse. There is a cone to the left and metal fencing, there are two workmen in hi-vis and helmets with rubble and gravel around them. There are shops in the background. — The first phase of the work in Brighouse town centre began in January

Most of the parking spots which were set to be lost as part of the £19m redevelopment of Brighouse town centre will now remain, a council has said.

Calderdale Council said the redesign meant 18 of the 22 spots on Bradford Road were likely to be retained while the proposed pedestrianisation of Commercial Street is to be reviewed.

Brighouse's improvement programme is part of its £19.1m Town Deal award, which aims to make the area a more attractive place for people to shop and spend time and money.

A Calderdale Council spokesperson said: "We recognise the importance of accessing the amenities of the town by car, with convenient parking available."

The retained parking on Bradford Road includes two disabled bays and across the town there will be additional loading and disabled spots while further work takes place for more short-stay parking.

Earlier in July, the local authority announced phase two of the works - three phases are planned in total - was to be paused after concerns raised by some businesses in the town.

The town centre parking spots were originally planned to go

Local Democracy Reporting Service A street which is coned off with bright red and white bollards. — The town centre parking spots were originally planned to go

Some traders, including new organisation BRISK, voiced concerns about the impact the work was having on footfall and income, although they said they were optimistic the town would benefit from the improvements, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said the pause also allowed for a review of the scheme to ensure the changes would benefit local people and businesses.

Reform UK councillor Darren Commons, who is the representative for transport and highways for the authority, said: "We've been listening to the voices of local people in Brighouse, many of whom expressed their concerns about the ongoing disruption and parts of the original design.

"We want to ensure that changes in the town bring the desired benefits, and we've been working hard to develop a redesigned scheme that works better for business owners, visitors and the town itself."

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