‘Review confusing road closures... before it’s too late’

STREET CLOSURES IN THE TOWN CENTRE HAVE BEEN BAFFLING, SAYS ONE FORMER COUNCILLOR

CHANGES to town centre streets should be reviewed in weeks, not months.

That’s the view of a veteran councillor who said closing off some streets has led to confusion for businesses, shoppers and commuters.

And there are fears that confusion could lead to accidents.

Kirklees Council introduced new rules for eight streets at the end of

March. They have affected parking, loading and, in some cases, access for traffic.

The authority says there was “extensive engagement” with businesses beforehand.

But they have not found favour with some traders, who have criticised the council for altering the layout - including cementing bollards into traditional access areas - without consultation.

Council chiefs said they intend to review the measures during the first six months and that members of the public can make comments on the changes during that time.

Critics say closing Church Street and Byram Street to traffic, and reversing the one-way restriction between Church Street and St. Peter’s Street, has caused problems.

One trader commented: “It is mind boggling - what will it be like when town is really busy and that area is full of shoppers?”

A decision to introduce new pay and display parking bays as a result of removing sections of current ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions on St. Peter’s Street has also created problems for large trucks entering and exiting the Royal mail depot at peak times.

A bus driver said: “The bollards are ridiculous, as a bus driver we can only just get the buses round the corner outside McDonald’s heading up towards the bus station.”

Clr Andrew Cooper (Green, Newsome), whose ward includes the town centre, said a lack of consultation formed the foundation of the issues facing businesses, shoppers and visitors.

“Reviewing in six months is too long. We ought to be reviewing it in a couple of weeks and getting feedback from people about how it is working.

“Six months will take it through the summer period and that’s when we are going to want to see the hospitality sector working for them.

Reviewing in six months is too long. We ought to be reviewing it

in a couple of weeks