Traffic scheme could put us out of business
OVER PLANS TO CUT CONGESTION
“WE know the town. Listen to us. We are Holmfirth.”
That’s the message to Kirklees Council from the businesspeople of Holmfirth, which is currently the focus of discussions about how to relieve congestion in the town.
But frustration is growing over the perceived “distance” of officers who are tasked with designing a scheme to cut traffic.
Shopkeepers say they have not been properly consulted and that a new project will effectively put them out of business.
Now they have challenged highways chiefs to meet with them to discuss a way forward.
Labour-run Kirklees dropped plans for a £4.9m “mini bypass” in July – just months after it was unveiled – following an “overwhelming” negative reaction from the public.
A new “more modest” scheme has been announced to replace it. It aims to improve traffic flow and enhance public areas in the town centre such as upgrading pedestrian facilities on Victoria Street and Town Gate.
But it has been condemned as “not workable” with the council accused of trying to “sneak” the plan through by neglecting to speak with the people it directly affects.
Greg Christofi, who runs the Old Bridge Bakery on Victoria Street, said some businesses could lose thousands of pounds a week.
“They want to make the width of the street smaller by 1.5m. If that happens some businesses will close their shops down because they will not be able to get their deliveries.
“That closes me down automatically. The same thing will happen to the other restaurants and businesses around me.
“Businesses will lose money every day because they are taking away customer parking. They will not come to us if that is the case.
“I could lose £300 a day – close on £2,000 a week. That means laying off two full-time people.
“The new plan isn’t workable. The council is not talking to the people that will be affected. They are sneaking it in. It’s a waste of £4m.”
Mr Christofi, 57, who has run his bakery for 20 years, says 50 town centre traders have formed the Holmfirth Business Association in order to present a collective voice on matters affecting the area.
Among his supporters is Clr Donald Firth, a Conservative councillor for Holme Valley South. He said the town could benefit from street-side stalls in the style of market towns like Keswick.
“There’s not much that I don’t know about Holmfirth but [the council] will not listen.
“I have seen how the outdoor market is run in Keswick and it’s a better set-up.
“I would like a proper market with private support with stalls on Hollowgate. That was received very well by businesses.”
Mr Christofi added: “I feel really frustrated. If they are making decisions at a distance then that needs to stop.
“They need to sit down with us, listen to us and work with us to minimise the impact on this town.
“It’s going to be bad if we go ahead with this scheme. It’s not going to solve anything.
“They should stop what they are doing and talk to the people that are going to be affected. We breathe the Holmfirth air. We know the town.
“We are Holmfirth.”