From the Courier archives

years ago

has been given a major boost to its status with the announcement that its parish church is to be made a minster. The 900-year-old church is only the second minster in West Yorkshire, after Dewsbury’s. It is hoped the title ,given to large, historic churches of regional significance, will attract more tourists and boost the area’s economy.

Square Chapel Arts Centre, Halifax, has been given a £182,000 grant by Arts Council England to help it through the recession. Companies, trusts and foundations are facing difficulties because of the economic downturn and the arts centre has found it increasingly hard to attract sponsors for its work with community groups and young people.

years ago scare over asbestos is threatening hundreds of jobs planned for an industrial site in West Vale. Prospective clients have shied away from taking space on a seven-acre development off Stainland Road after hearing that there was asbestos on the site. UK Standard Developments says almost 200 new jobs could be created.

workers at Smith Wires, Charlestown Road,Halifax, were evacuated when a cloud of potentially lethal gas engulfed the factory after a chemical spillage. Firemen wearing chemical protection suits and breathing masks were called to disperse the thick, brown, poisonous nitrogen dioxide fumes which can be fatal if inhaled. A thousand gallons of sodium nitrite had spilled, leaking into a tank of hydrochloric acid, producing the fumes. years ago

pint bottles of milk will soon be a thing of the past at Halifax Dairies, Queen’s Road, Halifax. The firm is to stop bottling half pints, although halfpint cartons, costing more, will be available. Half-pint bottles are disappearing throughout the industry because of the cost compared with pint bottles.

in the diet of children has been urged by Dr J G Cairns, Halifax’s medical officer for health. “The upward trend in the heights and weights of children of all ages continues,” re writes in his annual report, “This is a happy reflection of the standard of living enjoyed by our affluent society.”