Market place improvements considered

Members of Kirklees Cabinet will discuss the plans when they meet tomorrow.

Councillor Cathy Scott, Kirklees joint cabinet member for place, said: “This area is at the very heart of the town and the original work to improve the area is now 20 years old and in need of updating.

“The Market Place area is overcrowded with street furniture, shelters, bollards, planting and trellising and the proposal is to remodel it to provide an area ideal for events.”

The refurbishment re-uses existing features, adds new ones, declutters the area and allows freer movement.

It is hoped that the scheme will start in early March and be completed in time for the Spirit event on April 12 when international theatre companies will again perform in the town. The start date will be rescheduled, however, if it looks like it will not be possible to finish the scheme in time.

Coun Scott said: “This work will cost £60,000 and will allow the area to become a distinctive town square and a hub for activities and events for the community.”