A group of independent traders called BRISK (Brighouse Independent Shop Keepers) have come together to form a committee which they hope will “strengthen their voice” in any future communications with Calderdale Council and its partners about the redevelopment.
We feel Brighouse is “on the brink”, the group said.
“The final date for phase one has just been put back to August which has concerned a lot of the traders in town,” BRISK said – and traders were worried that there was more than 12 months of work still due to be completed with phases two and three.
BRISK also said it planned to fight for compensation or a support fund for businesses that had suffered due to the disruption.
William Marshall is one of the business owners behind the group.
He said the last six months had been “horrendous” and that his footfall was down by half since the scheme had started.
“They put their spades in the ground the first week of January and it’s been bitty and bitty and bitty – and now six months later it’s not got any better,” he added.
Sutherland said the scheme in Brighouse was a “legacy of the former administration” and they had “heard the concerns” of local communities and businesses about the impact it was having on them.
He said: “It is difficult to change a scheme that is currently under way, but we believe the seriousness of this case merits a pause whilst a review can be undertaken.”
According to the Brighouse Town Deal Board, the aim of the project was to create “a more attractive, safer and cleaner town centre so those who shop, visit and enjoy spend longer, spend more and return often”.
Howard Blagbrough, leader of the opposition Conservative group and chair of the board, previously told the BBC people would “see the benefit” once the pedestrianisation works had been completed.
The previous Labour administration at the council was also criticised earlier this year for increasing parking charges in the town, particularly while the roadworks were taking place.
It said at the time that the scheme was “a major investment, based on consultation with local people over a number of years, to support a thriving future for the town.”
It added that changes to parking charges were in response to demand for parking spaces and would introduce consistency across the borough.
