Investment gaps across Kirklees towns spark concern. Cleckheaton faces neglect despite council’s £1.5 million pledge.
The council feared damage if they ignored the halls. Now, that money is gone. They used it for other projects to balance the budget. Those projects include the Cultural Heart.
People are upset about the town hall’s condition. Safety issues existed for years without any repair. Boilers were bad news since 2015. The council claimed they worked okay.
The town hall closed in September 2023. The council wants a group to run it. This group would handle fixes too. A full update costs £7 million but reopening needs much less.
They need £1.5 million just to reopen it. Local council members asked a question. Could money from another project help? That other plan is Cleckheaton’s ‘blueprint’ project.
A council member said he’d consider that money. He said community groups are really helping. He thinks they can give the hall a second chance. This approach could bring new funding.
But, there are worries beyond just the town hall. Some feel areas like Cleckheaton get less money. Data showed how spending varied in Kirklees towns. It compared 2021-23 investments.
Huddersfield got a lot more. In 2021-22, it had over £12 million. Cleckheaton got about £69,000. The next year, Huddersfield’s spending doubled. Cleckheaton’s went under £170,000.
A councilor says this shows neglect toward Cleckheaton. He believes the missed funding led to the closure. He thinks investment is unfair across Kirklees. All towns need a chance.
Another council member said they try to balance funding. He stressed the £1.5 million commitment to Cleckheaton. He says this is true even though it’s a small town.