Council rethinks unpopular road scheme

The new Conservative administration of Calderdale Council is expected to drop an unpopular plan for the A58 Hipperholme crossroads.

Hundreds signed a petition against the plan, which involved compulsory purchase of land belonging to a church and a pub.

A report to Cabinet on August 18, says: “In light of continued local opposition...and to the use of compulsory purchase order powers, Cabinet is required to reconsider the matter.”

Officers will be asked to look at alternative plans to ease congestion and to ask Government whether the allocated £2.2m can be used for a modified scheme.

New council leader, Tory Stephen Baines said the original scheme was not acceptable to residents, adding: “We are listening to the public.”