Zack rings bell for end of treatment

KIRKLEES Council has apologised for the inconvenience caused to residents after its website and phone lines were damaged by a power failure.

Part of its website had been down since Boxing Day, meaning people looking for bin collection dates or office opening hours were unable to find the information online.

Yesterday a Kirklees Council spokesman said: “We now have the vast majority of systems back up and running, and we hope to have the remaining ones back online next week. We are continuing to monitor our systems in case of any further issues.

“The problems with our digital system began at 11am on December 26 and were caused by a significant power failure that damaged an essential part of our network, and cut off our connection to the wider world.

“While the system was down the council’s teams followed their business continuity plan, which is prepared in advance for situations like this. The plan includes reallocating and managing resources as required.

“The council’s Customer Service Centres have remained open as have a number of other services such as the phone lines for social care emergencies.

“Our priority as always is to ensure that we could operate services that keep children and adults safe.” BRAVE youngster Zack Barrett was causing a bit of a racket in the hospital yesterday.

But the five-year-old (pictured inset) had lots to shout about after finishing his last course of gruelling treatment for an incurable rare brain tumour.

In a video Zack, from Kirkheaton, who has a twin brother, Leo, can be seen riding his tricycle at Leeds General Infirmary, where he has been undergoing radiotherapy for the terminal tumour known as a Diffuse Pontine Glioma, before ringing a special bell and receiving a certificate for his bravery.

Parents Katie and Ryan received the devastating news that Zack had only 18 months to live in November, after noticing something wasn’t right and pushing for an MRI scan. The family’s story captured the hearts of the community and an appeal called Zack’s Memory Fund was set up to raise cash to support the family. So far more than £16,300 has been raised. All kinds of events have been held across the district and the latest is a New Year’s Eve fundraiser at Kirkheaton Conservative Club. Zack’s mum Katie said on Facebook: “It’s been an emotional seven weeks but we are ready and free from hospital visits to start getting away and making some fantastic memories.” To donate to Zack’s Memory Fund visit: www.gofundme.com/zack-barrett