‘How good is our place?’ That’s the question being asked of anyone who lives, works or visits Meltham.

The latest ‘Ask Meltham’ project is underway and people are invited to share their thoughts on life in the town.

The project, being run by Meltham Town Council with support from Kirklees Council, is centred on Meltham, Helme and Wilshaw and it’s a chance to influence the future of the town and surrounding villages.

Several consultation events have already taken place but there’s still time to make your voice heard.

Mayor of Meltham Clr David Haigh urged as many people as possible to take part and said: “Ask Meltham 2024 is vitally important and we urge all residents to get involved.

“We want everyone to have a voice and your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our community. Your feedback can, and will, make a difference and together we can build a brighter future for Meltham.”

People can take part online HERE or request a paper questionnaire by ringing Kirklees Council on 01484 221000 and asking for Julie McDowell or e-mail PlaceStandard@kirklees.gov.uk

Back in 2019, the first series of conversations took place and Meltham Town Council listened and has invested more than £300,000 in projects to address people’s concerns, hopes and ambitions.

This investment supported the refurbishment of the play area at Robert Ashton Memorial Park, off Huddersfield Road, Meltham; anti-litter and dog fouling campaigns; investments in Meltham town centre; and helped local businesses by improving the streetscene with floral displays, additional benches and investment in Christmas lights.

 

 

Meltham Town Council has also invested in the development of activities to support young people in the town, through youth sessions being held at Meltham Crossroads Centre and outreach activities at The Complex.

Working with Kirklees ward councillors and, as a direct outcome of the 2019 Ask Meltham project, Meltham Town Council was able to obtain funding to support the upgrade of the now pelican crossing outside the Co-op; push for safety improvements at the top and bottom of Acre Lane; and address speeding concerns on Slaithwaite Road.

Ask Meltham 2024 is the 30th ‘How Good is our Place?’ activity in Kirklees and is intended to spark meaningful conversations about any local place across the borough, be it a street, neighbourhood or town.

Anyone who has an interest in Meltham is encouraged to take part, whether you’re a resident, employer, business owner or visitor to the area.

Clr Haigh added: “We’re five years on since Ask Meltham 2019 and this is an opportunity to look back and assess the changes we’ve made but also look forward and decide how we want to improve Meltham in the future.

“We’ve had a great response so far but we want everyone to have a say on their priorities and what they’d like to see in the future.

“Many new people will have come into Meltham to live or work in the last five years and they too can help shape the future of our town.”

For more information go to https://howgoodisourplace.org.uk/ask-meltham/