YP Comment: A town's triumph

NATIONAL recognition for Hebden Bridge at the Great British High Street Awards could not have been more deserving. Left devastated by last December's floods, and in despair at the Government's betrayal of the forgotten Calder Valley, its resurgent community spirit helped property owners to come to terms with this disaster.

Left devastated by last December’s floods, and in despair at the Government’s betrayal of the forgotten Calder Valley, its resurgent community spirit helped property owners to come to terms with this disaster.

Challenges remain, not least the implementation of Calderdale’s flood relief plan and the still unresolved issue of affordable insurance after David Cameron’s past promises proved worthless. But these difficulties would even be greater without the resilience shown by local residents – and the conscious decision of so many visitors to purposely support Hebden Bridge in the town’s hour of need.

Like Pateley Bridge which has also been honoured, Yorkshire is blessed to be home to so many distinctive market towns and villages which are all rightly proud of their individual identities. Long may this be the case – they will only flourish with continued public support.