Transforming our local town centre landscape

THERE are still many people who seem to resent the growing influence of the University of Huddersfield and the subsequent influx of students and student accommodation.

However, having read with interest of the groundbreaking developments of our newly formed Huddersfield Corporation from the 1870s to 1890s, it is worth noting that no organisation has done more to transform our local landscape since then, with both innovative new structures and regeneration of old.

Indeed, as a by-product, the facade of the Co-operative building will now finally be restored to accommodate yet more student flats. What on earth would that side of our struggling town centre look like without it? teeth of people – and rightly so – complaining about the state of shops and shopping in our once lovely thriving town.

Some say rates are to blame and that is why firms are now reluctant. Some say that traffic problems have reduced footfall.

The Market Hall is like a ghost market – yet is in the town centre and near the university, which is thriving. Why have we not got a cinema which l am sure people – particularly the elderly – would patronise? As it is, the Leeds Road cinema is a no-go area for many elderly people at night.

How lucky are the residents of Elland to have daytime sessions to enjoy new films?

Something urgently needs to be done and this is the job of the council – but who are they!

William Morris said “if a thing is not beautiful or useful” discard it. Now where shall we start?