The potential impact on the lives and livelihood of traders hit by the controversial closure of a main shopping street in Holmfirth has been laid bare.
Isobel Heeley handed in a petition to a meeting of Kirklees Council’s Cabinet – then told councillors how two traders fearing the devastating impact of the closure on their businesses had “expressed suicidal thoughts.”
The council caused shockwaves in Holmfirth when it suddenly announced that Hollowgate would be closed to traffic and pedestrians from November 3 until November 24.
The closure is part of the long-running town centre regeneration scheme which has tested the patience of traders and is said to be at least partially responsible for the closure of three businesses.
Isobel, acting chair of Holmfirth Business Together, told the Huddersfield Town Hall meeting that a petition was started on Saturday in response to two business owners “expressing suicidal thoughts” following devastating news that Hollowgate was to be closed in the vital pre-Christmas period.
Isobel said: “33% of annual revenue is made in November and December. We beg Kirklees to reconsider cauterising the street in these two months.
“Could you possibly move work either earlier in October or later to January? The gridlock it will create on the newly resurfaced roads will trigger negative social media saying: ‘Avoid Holmfirth.’
“It will push businesses and residents over the brink. We planned around your advice – 72 weeks of works, a maximum of nine days closure and pedestrian access throughout.
“Now, we all face massive debt and loss of custom due to this closure.”
Deputy council leader and Holme Valley South councillor Moses Crook said the important thing was to get help for people “suffering an acute mental health crisis” which had happened. The council had put support in place.
Clr Crook said the 300-signature petition would be read and carefully considered.
Clr Crook, who issued a 503-word statement earlier this week defending the closure, told the Cabinet meeting that he was “not able to respond in this place at this time” to Isobel’s requests.
However, he said he would answer questions at a regular ward forum meeting at Holmfirth Library today (Wednesday).
In part of his earlier statement, Clr Crook said: “Our plans for Holmfirth town centre are deeply rooted in helping local businesses succeed and thrive, but we do appreciate that improvement schemes can cause disruption, and that some businesses have faced challenges as a result.
“We’re making long term improvements to accessibility and safety, reducing traffic congestion, introducing electric vehicle charging points, cycling facilities and a public events space, ensuring this is a historic town that will continue to be enjoyed for generations.”
The statement concluded: “We really do appreciate everyone’s patience and co-operation during this period and thank local businesses and residents for their understanding as we carry out these essential works.”
After the meeting Isobel told Huddersfield Hub that independent traders had been caught in a “perfect storm” with the 16 months of roadworks combined with high energy costs, increases in the minimum wage and rising National Insurance.
Despite the problems she was proud of how determined and resilient the Holmfirth community was.
“Holmfirth is a vibrant town full of brilliant independent businesses and our community keeps supporting us. The strength of our community is amazing,” she said.
“Holmfirth is still a great place to visit and so many people are working so hard to put on events to keep people coming in, and that’s so heart-warming.
“There’s so much to be positive about but we can’t deny that the news about Hollowgate wasn’t a bitter blow when Christmas trade means so much after what we’ve been through.”
The town centre scheme was due to be completed by mid-November but it’s now going to be Spring 2026 before work is finished.
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