Holmfirth traffic: Last of the Summer Wine market town divided over plans for new car park, wider pavements and 20mph speed limit to solve traffic issues

Last week, Kirklees Council got the go-ahead for the Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan (HTCAP) – a major part of the Holmfirth Blueprint. The £7.47m project will see pavements widened and crossings improved and work will begin this summer.

The council says it will make the roads more suitable for active travel and that they will reassess parking within the town. A new car park, electric vehicle charging points and an events space will also be brought to Holmfirth.

Aside from the HTCAP, the wider blueprint seeks to improve the River Holme and repurpose certain spaces with the aim of making the town more vibrant. This would see the relocation of the Royal Mail sorting office to free up space for new development.

Local Democracy Reporting Service reporter Abigail Marlow spoke to local business people to find out their thoughts on the council’s plans.

Photographer Helen Bray, who owns Helen J Bray Studio on Dunford Road explained that she was worried about the plans. She said: “I’m dreading it. I feel very conflicted. You don’t want to sound like you’re against change but I honestly can’t see that the changes they’re going to make will improve things.

“I’ve stopped discussing it because the decision has been made and we’ve got to go along with it. I’m worried because it will take 18 months to two years and there’s going to be such upheaval in the centre of town - whenever something happens in town, Dunford Road becomes log jammed.

“When you’ve got two years of this, you start worrying about your own survival. I’m worrying about how the road is going to cope and consequently how my business will cope.

“I think what needed to be done needed to be done 50 years ago when they could’ve built a bypass.”

Hilary Bowyer, owner of Bluebird Bakery, felt more optimistic about the plans and said: “It’s a fantastic much-needed investment in the town. I think Holmfirth is a fantastic place to live, work and visit and there is a positive buzz around it.

“There are some brilliant independent businesses and I think that the town is really on the up, attracting a wide range of people and I think that development will help to do that more.

“It’s important for locals to support local businesses during the works because we’re concerned for the impact it will have.”

“The traffic is challenging. I think the proposed 20mph is very positive and will stop HGVs from coming through. When there’s a road closure it causes big issues.”

Holmfirth’s oldest cobbler, Chris Samwell, 76), said: “It’ll never happen. If it happens, it will be a miracle. They’ve promised this since I came here over 50 years ago saying they were going to alter the place and they’ve never done anything.

“The river needs tidying up and the traffic needs altering so there aren’t so many lorries coming through. There’s never been enough parking for the town centre.”

Richard Robinson, a 55-year-old, semi-retired builder from New Mill said: “The electrical vehicle charging points seem a good idea. I will be keen on that as it’s going to come in more and more.

“The crossings in this area are terrible so I’m glad they’re going to get some attention too, they are far too close together for my liking and wider pavements have got to be good. I suffer from a slight disability so I’m keen to see that happen.

“Any improvements will benefit tourists and residents alike.”

David Watson whose partner owns Plants in the Holme said: “Parking round here is a bit of a nightmare. Any increase to parking spaces is welcome.

“We sell all our large plants here and it’s difficult for customers to come and pick them up. It’s also difficult for us to find somewhere to park when we’re driving here. There is a constant stream of traffic through town.”