ANOTHER STEP FORWARD FOR CLECKHEATON

2.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 29th Aug 2007

Cllr Andrew Pinnock

The "Market Square" is being officially opened on Saturday. The work has transformed the open market into an attractive open space that will double up as a market place and a place to meet.

Cllr Kath Pinnock said, "This is the next step forward in making sure that Cleckheaton remains a town we can all be proud of. This scheme was funded when the Liberal Democrats ran the Council as part of a policy to invest and improve smaller towns in Kirklees which, prior to that, had been sadly neglected.

"Of course, as ward councillors, we do not expect the improvements and investment in our town to end with this welcome but relatively small enhancement. There is much still that needs to be done. There remain major sites in our town that are derelict and crying out for re-development. As ward councillors we will continue to campaign hard for action on these sites."

Cllr Ann Raistrick added, "The new "Market Square" looks great but we have had concerns from local people that the bus users now need a bus shelter on Horncastle Street. They used to use the stalls for protection while waiting for a bus. I have contacted Metro and asked them to provide a shelter."

Cllr Andrew Pinnock said, "Markets are a vital part of a small town like ours. We have an attractive market place and indoor market as well as the monthly Farmers Market. A few years ago none of that looked possible. It just shows what can be done!"