The Press - Friday March 15, 2019

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Friday March 15, 2019

No. 885

50p

Row over timetable changes

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TRAGIC KELSEY’S ‘HEART OF GOLD’ ■ Family’s tribute as murder police probe death of ‘fun-loving’ 19-year-old ■ Source claims she may have been subjected to violence and intimidation

By Staff Reporters POLICE are continuing to investigate the death of a teenager in Birstall. Kelsey Womersley, 19, died at a flat in Raikes Lane in the early hours of last Friday morning.

A 17-year-old girl was released pending continuing enquiries on Saturday, while two men aged 20 and 19 and another woman aged 23 arrested on suspicion of murder were released with no further action taken.

Officers began a murder investigation on Friday after they were called to reports of an assault at around 12.05am.

Despite medical attention, Miss Womersley died at the scene.

Detectives say they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the matter and are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.

A local resident told The Press that Miss Womersley was known to social services and the police

‘KIND AND GENTLE’: Kelsey Womersley

and had previously been subjected to violent assault and intimidation.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the long-time Birstall resident said: “We understand Kelsey was a vulnerable young woman who had been re-housed here from another part of the country.

“Apparently she had complained to police about an assault involving two individuals from Fieldhead estate but it seems she withdrew her complaint after being intimidated.

“It makes you wonder just how seriously the police take their duty to protect such young people.

“Someone close to Kelsey said she was being counselled by a senior council official right up to the point she died. It’s simply awful.”

When The Press questioned police about the resident’s claims, a spokesman said: “There is an ongoing criminal investigation into Kelsey’s death so we are not able to say anything further.”

In a separate statement, Det Sup Jim Griffiths, of the homicide

Police in Raikes Lane, outside the property where Kelsey was found PHOTO: YAPPAPP

and major enquiry team, said: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of what took place in the property just before midnight on Thursday and the precise cause of Kelsey’s death.

“I would continue to ask anyone who may have information about what occurred, who we have not spoken with, to contact the homicide and major enquiry team on 101, referencing crime number 13190122732.”

Miss Womersley’s family this week paid an emotional tribute to her, saying: “As a family, we are trying to come to terms and make some sense of this shocking situation and in time we hope that we may gain some answers to our tragic loss.

“Kelsey was only 19 years of age and had her whole life ahead of her. Kelsey was a fun-loving young lady. She had a gentle, vulnerable disposition with a heart of gold.

“Kelsey was kind and gentle to a fault and always had the best intentions for everyone, often putting others before herself.

“As a family, we would also like to say ‘thank you’ to the emergency services who were in attendance at the address that night and for all their efforts. We are grateful to you that you tried to help Kelsey.”

A GoFundMe page set up by some of Kelsey’s friends appears to have been taken offline after her family warned against contributing to it.

They said they weren’t consulted and didn’t support the page.

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Deaths ANDERSON JACK Retired market trader On March 5, in hospital, of Thornhill, aged 92, partner of Joyce. Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Thursday March 28 at 2.20pm.

ATKINS (NEE STEAD) KATHLEEN ‘KATE’ On March 6, at Pinderfields Hospital after a long illness bravely fought, aged 70, wife of John. Funeral service will take place at St Saviour’s Church, Brownhill, on Wednesday March 20 at 12noon.

BEARDMORE BRENDA On February 25, peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital, aged 86, wife of the late Kenneth.

Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday March 27 at 11.30am.

BENFELL JEAN On February 9, peacefully at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, of Gomersal, aged 89, a dearly-loved sister, auntie and good friend to many. Funeral service will take palace at St Andrew’s Church, Littletown, on Thursday March 21 at 11.15am.

Friday March 15, 2019

BOWEN (NEE DAY) NADINE MARGARET On March 5, at home, aged 84, wife of Barrie. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Friday March 29 at 2.45pm.

BROOK (NEE JAMES) BRENDA On February 24, in hospital, of Earlsheaton, aged 85, wife of the late Jim. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday April 1 at 12.30pm.

BURROWS ANTHONY

COE SIDNEY

PEACOCK GEOFF

SENIOR MARGARET

On March 2, peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital with his loving family at his side, aged 85, husband of Ann. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Thursday April 4 at 9.30am.

On February 27, peacefully in Dewsbury Hospital surrounded by his family, of Thornhill, aged 85, husband of June.

Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Wednesday March 27 at 10.30am.

On March 7, at Hopton Cottage Care Home, formerly of Mirfield, aged 91, wife of the late Dennis. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Friday March 29 at 10.30am.

CULLEN AUDREY

ROWLEY RITA

SMITH ALAN ‘SCOUSE’

On February 12, peacefully at Pinderfields Hospital, aged 82, wife of the late Raymond.

Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Friday March 29 at 12.30pm.

On February 10, with her family by her side, aged 80, a treasured mum and muchloved grandma and great grandma. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday March 18 at 11.30am.

On March 6, suddenly but peacefully at home in Thornhill Lees, aged 70, husband of the late Joyce.

Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Wednesday March 27 at 2.20pm.

SANGSTER PAUL EDWARD

STUBBS STELLA

On March 10, suddenly at home following a short illness, of Mirfield, aged 74, husband of Joan. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Monday April 1 at 2pm.

On March 1, peacefully at home surrounded by her family, of Batley, wife of the late Colin. Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Friday March 22 at 11.40am.

SENIOR ERNEST

WATSON (NEE BUCHANAN) ROSEMARY

HANDFORD JOAN

On February 18, peacefully at Ashcroft Nursing Home, Cleckheaton, formerly of Thornhill Lees, aged 86.

Funeral service will take place at Eric F Box Funeral Directors, Bradford Road, Dewsbury, on Friday March 22 at 10.15am.

On March 4, peacefully at Ings House Nursing Home, Liversedge, aged 93, wife of the late George. Funeral service will take place at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday April 1 at 10.30am.

CARBUTT CHRISTOPHER JOHN ‘CHRIS’

HEY (NEE HOLDEN) KATHLEEN ‘NANCY’

On March 2, peacefully at Kirkwood Hospice, of Mirfield, aged 72, husband of the late Jane. Funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Wednesday March 27 at 1.15pm.

On March 2, at Bridge House Care Home, Brighouse, of Mirfield, aged 82, wife of the late Ken. Funeral service will take place at St Mary’s Church, Mirfield, on Monday March 25 at 10.30am.

Place your family notices by calling 01924 470296

MCQUINN (NEE FENTON) KATHLEEN On March 8, peacefully at Linson Court, Batley, aged 90, wife of the late Joseph.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Mary and the Angels RC Church, Batley, on Tuesday March 26 at 12.30pm.

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NEWSOM PETER On March 9, peacefully at his home in Batley, aged 76, husband of Anne. Funeral service will take place at Cottingley Crematorium, Leeds, on Monday March 25 at 11.40am.

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On March 9, in hospital, lifelong resident of Upper Hopton, aged 96, husband of the late Barbara. Funeral service will take place at St John’s Church, Upper Hopton, on Wednesday March 20 at 2.30pm.

On March 5, suddenly but peacefully at home, Thornhill, wife of the late Tony.

Funeral service will take place at Wakefield Crematorium on Thursday March 28 at 11am.

TILLOTSON Nee Riley Jane Elizabeth -- • --

On 2nd March 2019, peacefully at Kirkwood Hospice, of Roberttown and formerly of Thornhill Lees, aged 57 years, Jane, much loved & loving wife of Howard, cherished mum of Sarah and Ben, beloved daughter of John and the late Barbara, a very dear sister, sister-in-law and auntie.

A private family service will be held at Park Wood Crematorium. Relatives and friends are all warmly invited to join Jane’s family for a memorial walk, time of reflection and afternoon tea on Saturday 30th March 2019. Please meet at Whitley Church Lychgate at 1pm to join the walk. Whitley Community Centre will be open from 1pm with afternoon tea served at 2:30pm on walkers return.

Donations in memory of Jane will be collected for the benefit of Kirkwood Hospice in recognition of their support and care.

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Kirklees chief gets highly-paid senior adviser

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter KIRKLEES COUNCIL has hired an adviser to “help enable the authority to fully realise its potential”.

Chief executive Jacqui Gedman has brought in Gary Rae on a 12-month contract.

His appointment follows several others in the last months as Ms Gedman re-builds her senior management team following cuts in 2010 that reduced the council’s heads of service from seven to three.

Speaking to senior councillors – including council leader Shabir Pandor – at a meeting of the authority’s personnel committee last October Ms Gedman said: “We cut too far.”

And referencing Coun Pandor’s rallying cry to “raise our game in the region and make sure that we’re punching above our weight” she revealed that would be bringing in “additional capacity … to be able to focus on trying to improve our punch at the region and making sure that we’ve got the evidence base that we need to be able to make those articulate arguments.

“This is a temporary role that I’m bringing in and I’ll come back in about eight months’ time (to report).”

The role was designed to “support the chief executive and leader of the council”.

In an email to the leaders of the council’s five political groups on March 1 she wrote: “Following an external recruitment exercise, Gary Rae has been appointed as adviser to the chief executive.

“Gary is a former civil servant, working within national government, and its agencies – serving governments of all political colours. He has also spent time as a director within the third sector.

“He will be working closely with, and on behalf of me, to develop this role into one that will help enable Kirklees to fully realise its potential.”

But Conservatives have taken a dim view of the decision, claim-

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ing appointing Mr Rae to his new “undefined” post contradicts a council decision not to employ staff on short-term contracts.

They have sought clarification over the length of Mr Rae’s involvement with the council, the specifics of his role, when it was advertised and the position’s salary.

Among those unimpressed by the appointment is Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield), who said it contradicted local efforts to appoint a community safety officer for Mirfield.

He said the idea was initially blocked by Labour members at a district committee, adding that “officers also refused to support it claiming it contravened policy.”

He said the council was guilty of a “hypocritical” position in respect of its HR procedures.

He added: “I shall be asking for a clear explanation as to why a senior and undefined post can be set up on a trial basis but an essential community safety role, which had support from our local schools and community, wasn’t.”

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said Mr Rae’s appointment was made “through a robust recruitment and selection process”, following discussion at the council’s personnel committee in October last year.

He said a number of applications were shortlisted for the role.

The salary for Mr Rae’s role is at Grade 19 – between £54,195 and £60,540 – and is “commensurate with market rates for other roles of this nature nationally”.

The spokesman added: “The role is to provide necessary additional capacity at a senior level, to work alongside the strategic directors to ensure that interdependencies are recognised and cross-cutting issues resolved.

“The role will also support the chief executive at regional level to improve opportunities for Kirklees to benefit from funding and will help the chief executive work with all leaders to improve the reputation and profile of the borough.”

Mr Rae has been assisting the council since before Christmas.

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Funeral date NORTH KIRKLEES: The funeral service of rugby league legend John Maloney will take place at St Paulinus RC Church, Dewsbury, on Tuesday March 26 at 11am.

Call The Press newsroom on 01924 470296 or email news@ thepress news.co.uk

ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

Anger on the buses Commuters accuse transport bosses of wrecking services

By Steve Martyn COMMUTERS have accused transport bosses of ‘wrecking the North Kirklees bus service’ with recent timetable changes.

Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin organised a public meeting last Friday with officials from bus company Arriva and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), after dozens of her constituents complained about changes in which a number of bus routes were altered or cut.

Among the issues raised by more than 100 local bus users to Dwayne Wells, Arriva’s head of commercial for Yorkshire, and Neal Wallacew, head of transport operations for WYCA, were students struggling to get to school on time, residents being ‘cut off’ from Dewsbury hospital, and the removal of the 253 service which served Birkenshaw, Cleckheaton, Liversedge, Mirfield and Dewsbury.

Arriva said some of the services were cut or changed due to “commercial viability”.

One woman who regularly used the now-defunct 253 service said the company had “wrecked the North Kirklees bus service”.

A pensioner who relied on the 221 which linked Mirfield and Heckmondwike to Leeds said: “It was a smashing bus – now you’ve slammed the door in my face. I’m 95 years old and maybe I shouldn’t go out any more, that’s how you

The 221 was a smashing bus. Now you’ve slammed the door in my face. I’m 95 years old and maybe I shouldn’t go out any more, that’s how you made me feel.

- Pensioner at the public meeting, above made me feel.”

Ms Brabin said: “I’m grateful to Arriva and WYCA for agreeing to the meeting and I hope they now understand just how much these changes are affecting people’s lives.

“Some of the contributions on the night were absolutely heartbreaking and it really laid bare just how important buses are to so many in our community.

“It’s crucial that those who run our public transport listen to the concerns of the people who rely on the services and now, having witnessed the strength of opposition, the onus is very much on them to take this feedback on board.

“I will continue to press Arriva to reconsider some of these changes and fight for more central government funding for our buses

after almost a decade of cuts.”

Coun Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) said Arriva’s service changes have affected workers, students, the elderly and shoppers.

He said: “It may be that at certain times of the day, a bus service is not completely viable. If that is the case, have a conversation about when you stop it. They can be lifelines for employment and education.

“But in a deregulated bus industry, operators don’t have to give a period of notice to stop or change a bus service. Plus, WYCA is a voluntary partnership. It’s weak. It’s not a fair partnership, so the bus companies will do what they want to do.”

Coun Bolt also has concerns over the increased use of Heckmondwike’s bus hub as a key

Lorry man dies in multi-vehicle M62 exit crash A LORRY driver died following a serious crash at the Chain Bar roundabout in Cleckheaton.

The accident, involving a number of vehicles including the HGV, happened on Saturday at 3.35pm on the M62 slip road.

The westbound exit from the M62 at junction 26, which is used by motorists heading onto the A58 into Cleckheaton or up the M606, was closed for most of the day.

A number of vehicles were hit by the HGV, which careered

The crashed lorry lies on its side at Chain Bar down the exit sliproad and came to rest on its side on the roundabout.

The Air Ambulance landed at the scene but was not required.

Five fire engines plus Cleckheaton’s Technical Rescue Unit attended.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said enquiries are ongoing and anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 1120 of March 9.

Picture: YappApp

‘Council must buy WE BUY GOLD AND SILVER derelict building’ Top prices paid

TRADE chiefs in Dewsbury are urging Kirklees Council to save a crumbling building in the town, to attract potential buyers for a neighbouring pub.

The Chamber of Trade wants the council to complete a compulsory purchase of the former Co-op funeral parlour on Northgate, next to the Time Piece Wetherspoon pub, which is set to close.

Chamber chairman Paul Ellis says that the “almost derelict” funeral parlour building, which has been empty for decades, could deter buyers

for the pub and result in two empty buildings next to each other.

It was announced last week that Wetherspoon would be selling the Time Piece pub, but that it will trade as normal until a buyer is found.

Mr Ellis said: “The old funeral parlour has been blighting that part of Northgate for over 30 years.

“If the owners of this almost derelict building are not going to do anything with it, then the council must step in.”

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interchange in the new timetable, citing a lack of passenger facilities at the town centre site.

As well as timetabling issues, concerns were raised about the public consultation – which took place last October – with many commuters saying they didn’t feel they were given enough opportunity to take part.

Mr Wells said: “We have made several changes to our bus network in North Kirklees following extensive consultation with hundreds of our customers.

“Improvements include running popular services more often, making journeys quicker and more reliable, and introducing new links.

“Overall we have three more buses on the road today compared to before the changes, as well as several new drivers.

“The new network is designed to grow bus usage in the area but we do recognise that a small number of our customers will lose a direct link to their ultimate destination.

“Connections are still available by interchanging at a bus station or hub and we continue to engage with our customers to support journey planning by promoting the different options available.”

Asked directly if it would reconsider its schedule changes, and specifically the 253, Arriva did not respond.

They did agree to a follow-up meeting to report back on the issues raised.

News In Brief Dad takes on double marathon challenge DEWSBURY: A dad is taking on a doublemarathon challenge today (Friday) to raise money for Comic Relief.

Abubakar Adam, 47, will be running nonstop through Dewsbury and Batley to complete the equivalent of two marathons in 12 hours – starting at 4am and finishing at 4pm.

His gruelling route will take him between Dewsbury’s two sites occupied by UK Greetings, the company he works for, while also taking on sections of Bradford Road.

So far, Abu has raised £280 towards his £1,000 target. To donate, visit www. justgiving.com/fundraising/abus-comic-reliefmarathon-challenge.

Wheelchair dancing NORTH KIRKLEES: A dance studio in Heckmondwike is introducing wheelchair dance sessions.

Beyond Wheels at Timestep Community Dance provides a chance for people of all ages with mobility challenges to dance.

The sessions, every Saturday from 12pm at the Ponderosa Business Park studios, combine movement and dance-based activities to encourage agility, balance and co-ordination.

For more information email timestepcommunitydance@gmail.com.

Flag-raising ceremony BATLEY: The Friends of Wilton Park will be holding a flag-raising ceremony next week to mark their Green Flag status.

The park received the international award – which recognises that the space has the highest possible environmental standards, is well maintained and has excellent visitor facilities – last July.

Mayor of Kirklees Gwen Lowe will raise the flag on Thursday (March 21), and everyone is welcome from 1pm.

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ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

What’s Dame Zandra doing in Batley?

News In Brief Man arrested after raid on paper shop BATLEY: A man was arrested following a robbery in which a newsagent was injured.

The incident happened on Wednesday at around 5.30pm at the Patbro newsagents on Branch Road.

A man entered the shop asking for cigarettes and while being served the suspect approached the shopkeeper from behind and threatened him.

He demanded money and cigarettes but was refused. There was an altercation and the male victim suffered a minor injury to his ear.

The suspect, in his 30s, then fled the scene but was quickly arrested by police.

Anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information is asked to contact Kirklees CID via 101, quoting crime reference number 13190132966.

Sentence wait for man who ran down soldier NORTH KIRKLEES: A man who drove his car into a soldier outside a Batley nightclub will have to wait to be sentenced because there is not yet sufficient evidence about the victim’s long-term injuries.

Hamza Ali Hussain, 23, of Middle Road, Westtown, Dewsbury, pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court earlier this year to a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Joshua Adams-Mitchell was seriously injured in the incident outside TBC nightclub in the early hours of New Year’s Day. It is not known when Hussain will be sentenced.

Ramblers’ walks RAMBLERS: Dewsbury and District Ramblers have three walks planned in the next few days. Tomorrow (Saturday), Margaret Mitchell will lead a walk at Golden Acre Park, meeting at Link Road at 9.30am.

On Sunday, walkers should meet at Wellington Road car park at 9am for a walk at Digley Reservoir.

On Wednesday, there’s a walk on the Upper Don Valley trail – meet Margaret Chamberlain and Ruth Knowles at the Trans Pennine Trail Car Park in Wortley at 10.30am.

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VIP visitor... Dame Zandra with Batley jeweller Zak Patel

BRITISH fashion icon Dame Zandra Rhodes breezed in to visit a luxury jewellery showroom in Batley.

The 78-year-old, known for an illustrious client list from the late Princess Diana to model Kate Moss, flew from Shanghai to meet Pugata owner Zak Patel.

Zak visited Dame Zandra at her London home recently – and she decided to come and see his work at Batley Business & Technology Centre.

She said: “I was particu-

larly impressed with Zak’s collection of jewellery, along with the bespoke service he offers.

“We met at my house in London recently and it was great to catch up with him and view his showroom.”

Visiting Batley for the first time, Dame Zandra said: “Some of the old mill buildings looked delightful in the hilly surrounds; I also envisage it is a great place to walk around.

“I know all about Fox’s biscuits and it’s great to

know they are based in Batley. I also enjoyed a traditional Indian meal, which was lovely.”

Dame Zandra then led a question-and-answer session for staff and students at Kirklees College, also organised by Zak. He said: “I wanted to give the students of Kirklees College the opportunity to meet a fashion legend, as I think they can really learn from her rise to stardom and the hard work it takes to get to the top.”

‘Change is overdue’ say town’s Conservative duo

By Zoe Shackleton CONSERVATIVE hopefuls in Batley say ‘change is overdue’ as they prepare for the local elections.

Paul Young (Batley West) and Keiron Gavaghan (Batley East) are standing for the second year running in the hope they can make a difference in the Labour-run wards.

Mr Young will be battling against Heavy Woollen Independent Paul Halloran and Labour’s Yusra Hussain for the seat left vacant by Coun Marielle O’Neill, who is stepping down, while Mr Gavaghan is hoping to unseat Coun Habiban Zaman.

Both remain realistic with their goals if they were to be elected and recognise they wouldn’t be able to ring significant changes – but want to have some influence in improving the town.

They said they would ‘start small’ by sprucing up the town centre, working on a business plan to try to increase footfall, and making sure they are out and

about helping the community. Mr Young had been leading the campaign to introduce a Batley Town Council but has stepped down from his role so that the two are separate.

Mr Gavaghan, who lives in Batley with his family, said: “I look at the town and think it’s missing a business plan. All high streets are under pressure but actually we’re really well-placed in terms of our location and we’ve got good transport links and some fantastic buildings and yet the town is withering on the vine. There’s no vision or strategy. I am aware that

Tory hopefuls... Keiron Gavaghan, left, and Paul Young if you’re not leading the council your ability to change things are very modest. There’s no point me saying if I was elected I’d revitalise the town because it’s not within my gift.”

Both men feel that Batley’s six councillors aren’t doing enough to help people on a local level.

Mr Young, who has headed up community initiatives like Batley Against Tipping, said: “Apart from

It’s not all doom and gloom says Labour chief KIRKLEES’ Labour group is launching its manifesto for this year’s local elections at Huddersfield Town Hall on Monday evening.

Council leader Shabir Pandor said: “In the last few years, Labour has delivered a huge amount for people throughout Kirklees, whilst facing unprecedented levels of cuts from the Tory Government in Westminster.

“We have managed to protect frontline services, balance the books and made progress on regeneration of our town centres.

“There are tough decisions ahead of us

still but it is not all doom and gloom. There is much we want to do, much we can achieve by investing to strengthen our communities.”

Labour’s candidates for the North Kirklees wards are: Coun Habiban Zaman (Batley East), Yusra Hussain (Batley West), Cath Pinder (Birstall & Birkenshaw), Khalid Patel (Cleckheaton), Coun Eric Firth (Dewsbury East), Coun Nosheen Dad (Dewsbury South), Coun Darren O’Donovan (Dewsbury West), Aafaq Butt (Heckmondwike), Jude McKaig (Liversedge & Gomersal), and Keiron Dunn (Mirfield).

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Coun Pandor as the leader of the council and Gwen Lowe as the mayor, I don’t see the other four.”

Mr Gavaghan added: “Councillors need to be visible but also supportive and help people and I don’t get that in Batley East.”

He has urged voters not to let what’s happening on a national level with Brexit influence their choices locally. “No councillor elected anywhere can influence what’s going on in the national debate,” he said.

“Sadly, the debacle going on in Westminster will disproportionately affect how people vote, despite the fact I’m just as exasperated as the next person.

“If I could speak to every individual voter, it would be to say look at what difference that councillor is going to make for you personally – if you have an issue, if you visit the town, look at the things that actually matter. It’s not about what parliament has to say, it’s about basic things here.”

■ Read more on Batley’s election battle in next week’s edition.

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ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

Opposition gangs up on Labour in ‘gagging’ row

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter OPPOSITION groups on Kirklees Council have come together to avoid being ‘gagged’ by the majority Labour-led council at future meetings .

Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Green Party and Independents tabled a joint motion calling on the council to assess its own council procedure rules so as to give all councillors a chance to speak in debates.

It follows an uproarious exchange in the council chamber at Huddersfield Town Hall on February 27 during a heated debate on the controversial Local Plan.

With more than an hour of the ‘extraordinary’ meeting of the authority’s full council still to run, Labour’s Coun Gulfam Asif asked for the matter to move to the vote.

After much confusion and objection from opposition benches, the vote was taken.

It led some furious members to claim they had been effectively gagged.

Speaking after the meeting, Conservative leader David Hall described events as “the most appalling abuse of power I have seen on this council in 15 years”.

Lib Dem leader John

‘We must ensure councillors have the opportunity to speak’ Lawson said the decision to close down debate would “shatter public confidence in our decision-making process”.

They have been joined by Green leader Coun Andrew Cooper and Independent leader Coun Charles Greaves in setting out a call for changes to meeting rules.

The motion, which will be heard at next Wednesday’s (March 20) meeting of the Council, calls for the Corporate Governance and Audit Committee to consider how council procedure rules can be changed to give all councillors an opportunity to speak, particularly at key council debates such as budget and council tax setting, as well as at other meetings requiring statutory decisions.

The committee has responsibility for the council’s nonexecutive general functions, such as risk management, audit, accounts and constitutional framework. Its remit includes reviewing the council’s policies and practices.

Coun Hall (Con, Liversedge and Gomersal) said: “Labour’s contempt for a fair process is also showing contempt for the residents of Kirklees.

“Our residents have elected us to speak on their behalf and in silencing us the Labour party are denying their right to be heard. It is a total abuse of power.”

Coun Lawson (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said that the motion would ensure greater accountability at council meetings and that any changes to council procedures would support the role of the Mayor in chairing the meetings.

He said: “I was concerned that the decision to cut short the council debate recently could really undermine the public’s confidence in the decision-making process.

“A number of councillors were not given the opportunity to speak at one of the most important council meetings in our political careers.

“It meant that councillors from eight wards did not get a chance to speak and represent their constituents.

“We really need to ensure that all councillors are given the opportunity to speak. We want to ensure that all councillors, and, in turn, all wards and communities, have a voice if they choose to use it.

“This would give the public

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more trust in the way the council works and ensure we have a robust local democracy.” Coun Cooper (Green, Newsome) said: “The Local Plan is one of the most controversial and important decisions that the council has had to make.

“Closing down debate on this important issue when council meetings are guillotined at 9pm anyway was not a smart move by Labour and showed a lack of respect for contrary views.

“Of course, Labour has a majority on the council at present so is able to win crucial votes in council.

“This was not a crucial vote; it was simply them having to listen to contrary views that they didn’t agree with.

“That’s what democracy is like a lot of the time.”

Coun Asif (Lab, Dewsbury South) said he asked to move to a vote because he became “irritated” that the debate was “going round in circles”, with opposition councillors “attacking” the Labour group.

He added that standing orders allowing members to move to a vote can be altered.

“Standing orders say that you can vote to finish the debate,” he added.

“They are there to be used by anyone.

“If they don’t like it, they can change it.”

5

Radio presenter Anita Hepple and chairman Mike Binns RADIO broadcasters at Dewsbury Hospital are to complete an on-air marathon to help raise funds to keep their station going.

Volunteer presenters at HWD Hospital Radio will be live on air for 48 hours, starting tonight (Friday) at 8pm.

The station is a registered charity which serves patients and staff at the hospital, while also broadcasting live on the internet.

Chairman Mike Binns said: “There’s going to be a real mix

of different programmes across the two days, with styles of music to suit almost everyone.

“There’s also live commentary from the Dewsbury RamsSheffield Eagles game on Sunday afternoon.”

HWD Hospital Radio has been serving local hospitals since 1952, with many of its volunteer presenters going on to careers in the broadcasting industry.

Anyone can listen to the station via www.hwdhospitalradio. com.

DEWSBURY MP Paula Sherriff joined homeless charity Winter Warmers in a ‘Big Sleep Out’.

Around 200 people slept out at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield in the event organised by the Huddersfield Town Foundation to raise money for homeless charities.

Winter Warmers is a Mirfieldbased charity set up to provide clothes and toiletries for homeless and vulnerable people.

Miss Sherriff said: “A big

thank you to those who organised the event and all involved, and to Winter Warmers for inviting me to join them.

“They do excellent work all year round to help those who are homeless and vulnerable.

“The Big Sleep Out is a great event that raises awareness and funds for homeless charities.

“One cold night can give you a glimpse into the discomfort of rough sleeping, but it’s a far cry from the realities of life on the streets.”

ThePress

6

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If you don’t laugh, you’ll only cry...

Y WAY of lightening the mood, try this on for size. It’s one of my favourites. A doctor goes up to a patient on his morning rounds and says he has some good news and some bad news.

B

‘Give me the bad news first doc,’ says the patient. ‘Let’s get that over with.’

‘Okay, basically, you’ve only got a fortnight to live.’

The patient slumps crying on his hospital commode, distraught. He can’t even bring himself to wipe. ‘What could possibly be good news, after that bombshell?’ he wails.

‘Well,’ says the doc. ‘See that gorgeous blonde nurse, bending over that bed opposite, the one with the big blue eyes, peachy bum and the huge wotsits?’

‘Wow, yes!’ replies the suddenly perky patient. ‘What about her…?’

‘She’s staying over at my

place tonight…!’

Va-voom, thank you, I thank you! (And I might have told that before. Hey ho, I’ll have to hope your memory’s as bad as mine).

Well, we need something to cheer us up after the unremitting dramas and crises pouring forth from Westminster and Huddersfield, and as per my feeble attempt at a joke, if you don’t laugh at the unfolding tragedies you really would cry yourself to sleep.

I can’t be accused (for once) of being party-centric here – it’s across the political divide, betrayal writ large on both the national and local stages, Tory, Labour and the feeble Lib Dems alike.

It’s emerged that Huddersfield is set for an eyewatering £45 million cultural quarter, with crumbs for we outlying savages in the north of the district.

We await word that council leader Shabir Pandor has authorised the brick by brick demolition of Dewsbury and Batley’s fine town halls for use on their magnificent vanity project. You wouldn’t put it past him.

Maybe they’ll store our town hall artefacts next to the handsome old Crow Nest Park bandstand that Kirklees managed to magic away – ironically about the time Lord Lucan and Shergar disappeared. They’re probably all secreted in some Huddersfield dungeon.

It has also emerged that Kirklees chief exec Jacqui Gedman employs a personal adviser at £60,000 a year – and I assume Gary Rae’s only on four or five days a month at that knock-down rate.

It would seem Mr Rae’s advice thus far has been for feeble Jacqui to keep her gob shut because his professional

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CV makes much of his media relations expertise. He mustn’t have schooled his learnerleader in those arts yet. (And do let me know when you want a sit down, Gary, for some horse’s mouth feedback!)

Meanwhile, down in that parallel universe of the hysterical Westminster bubble, they remain intent on sabotaging Brexit and mandating themselves out of existence.

I quite like Paula Sherriff and Tracy Brabin – even though Tracy now refuses to contribute a column to The Press – and they are certainly harder working constituency MPs than most we’ve seen.

That notwithstanding, their commitment to the ‘no no-deal’ deceit now being cynically used to abort Brexit, means they need to go, along with many others, on all sides of the House.

The local vote was unequivocal – over 57 per cent Leave in Dewsbury & Mirfield, nearly 60 per cent in Batley & Spen.

Are Tracy and Paula really telling all those thousands of people they’re too thick or bigoted to know what they were voting for?

Obviously they won’t admit as much, but essentially yes. You – yes you sir and you madam – you’re thick.

Stupid.

You’re immigration-fixated morons who couldn’t possibly understand what you were doing on June 23 2016.

It’s no good trying to predict the whys, wherefores and what-ifs of Parliament right now because the chaos maddens by the hour. It’s turning into a Zombie-flick.

In fact that’s an idea – lock them in with no food and drink until they deliver a Brexit that takes us out of the single market and customs union, just as virtually all of them promised.

It’s two weeks to March 29 so they should be battering the doors down by then.

That said, they won’t want to step into the daylight to meet the hundreds of thousands of us descending on Westminster on Friday March 29.

HE’S the gift that just can’t stop giving, ‘our’ Sayeeda, with her latest foot-in-mouth moment being the delightful timing of her latest ‘the Tories are Islamophobic’ back-stab.

Baroness Warsi surely can’t be referring to Dewsbury’s latest Conservative Parliamentary candidate Mark Eastwood, because short of pitching a tent on Savile Town playing fields, Mark’s been pretty full-on trying to court the Muslim vote. I can’t swear that he’s actually learning Urdu and adopting a new name – Marky al-Britani – but he’ll need more than a few smiley photos to turn that electorate. Good luck, old boy.

However, Sayeeda made her tiresome and predictable attack on the very party that ennobled her (purely and cynically because she was a woman and a Muslim of sorts, meaning not as Savile Town’s imams would prefer) just as her very close friend Lord Nazir Ahmed was being charged with historic child sex offences.

How close a friend? Oh, very close I’d say. After all they jetted off together in an impromptu rescue attempt of Gillian Gibbons, the teacher jailed in Sudan (and yes, I’m sure they must have taken a chaperone as required by the holy book).

Indeed, despite being a Labour peer, Lord Ahmed was a welcome visitor at her Thornhill home and cam-

S

I hope and trust that come the next election – quite possibly imminent – a new, honest, properly democratic national movement sweeps these festering hypocrites away.

In the meantime, I can actually foresee the Houses of Parliament being stormed and our police challenged to choose between standing with the people, or the deaf and detached political elite that also happens to have dumped on the police themselves.

Whenever the next General Election comes, and if Brexit is finally betrayed, the political revolution could be the

APPY days in Dewsbury town centre, after a fashion at least. There was terrible news that the Time Piece pub was set to be sold by the usually expansionist JD Wetherspoon chain, which is code for ‘shut down’.

Where on earth are Social Services going to find another cheap drop-in daycare centre for the town’s alcoholics?

It says something, by the way, when a town can’t sustain either a McDonalds or a Wetherspoons.

But never fear, because the old Bailey’s Café is being brought back to life as a new outlet of

H

paigned for Tory Sayeeda against Labour’s Shahid Malik.

Having shown herself a Parliamentary liability and a rogue operator, Sayeeda’s now reduced to embittered attacks on the people she has to thank for her privilege, which is the only race card being played here.

I wonder if Lord Ahmed, who faces attempted rape and sex assault charges against a boy and girl, will call her as a character witness?

That would be a test of the friendship!

KNOW we’re a bit political this week, but take a minute to watch the video of Jeremy Corbyn addressing an Irish audience after the EU arm-twisted them into a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in 2009.

There’s no possible wriggle-room for Jezza’s clearly expressed and passionately held views. Just google ‘Corbyn blasting EU’. My, but how power corrupts.

I

single most important thing that comes out of this democratic travesty.

You see, we’ll be leaving eventually, one way or another, because the EU is dying on its feet, but in the meantime the UK’s political class needs to be humbled and humiliated.

PS: Just to finish as we started, did you know that scientists have finally discovered a simple cure for nymphomania? It’s called wedding cake.

PPS: Yes, I do know lots of non-cheeky jokes, but I just love getting under the skin of the militant, Doc Martenwearing sisterhood...

Frankie’s, the fast food burger and chicken emporium located on the traffic-clogged junction of Bradford Road and Carlinghow Hill.

What’s that you say? No, of course you can’t ever have too many takeaways!

And besides, what’s not to love about the prospect of free parking on the pedestrianised Market Place, breaking the stranglehold of the jack-booted Kirklees parking oberleutnants?

Why is that changing? Well, Frankie’s in Carlinghow appears to have permission to park on pavements and block junctions, so I can’t imagine they’d have taken a lease in Dewsbury without insisting on the same. Happy days…

ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

‘Show respect for the dead...’

VOLUNTEERS from Batley Cemetery Support Group are trying to tackle the problem of dog fouling at the cemetery.

A spokesman for the group said: “Whilst these people obviously have no consideration for their fellow man, they might want to think about showing some respect for the dead.”

Meanwhile, the volunteers braved wind and rain on Saturday morning to tidy up the site for spring.

They collected 15 bags of rubbish and removed fly-tipping from the Arncliffe Road area.

News In Brief Schoolboy hurt after being struck by car

Cleaning up... cemetery volunteers, from left, Janet Sharp, Malcolm Haigh, Peter Underhill, Ann White and Judith Greenwood

Last weekend for votes in town’s business awards THERE’S still time to vote in the annual MyMirfield Community and Business Awards.

For the fifth year, retailers, businesses and organisations will be recognised for what they have achieved for Mirfield and its community over the last 12 months.

Winners will be announced at a black-tie evening on Saturday, March 23, at the Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford.

Following over 1,000 nominations, community group MyMirfield created a shortlist for each award category.

Co-founder Richard Hartley said: “It was both warming – as we read the comments – and frustrating, knowing we had to create a shortlist.

“The decisions became easier as many of those with the most nominations also had the community-based reasons attached to them.

“We wish to thank everyone who nominated, and encourage everyone who didn’t make the shortlist to keep up the good work.”

Last year’s winners included The Whole Autism Family,

Haigh’s Farm Shop and Mirfield Co-op.

There are nine awards – community organisation, retail business, tradesman, professional or business, hair and beauty business, community project, food and drink business, sporting organisation, community event and activity-based organisation.

There’ll be entertainment on the night, including singer Kayle Asquith and magician Regan Lewis, as well as a four-course meal.

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The evening is also a fundraiser, with all proceeds going towards the Little Deer Wood activity centre, which offers a range of outdoor activities for able-bodied and disabled people.

Voting closes on Monday (March 18). To vote and to buy tickets (£35) visit www.mymirfieldawards.co.u k.

Any prizes for the five-star auction and raffle can be donated via info@mymirfield.co.uk.

MYMIRFIELD AWARDS SHORTLIST COMMUNITY ORGANISATION Spread a Little Sunshine (Kelly Williams) Mirfield Rescue Services The Whole Autism Family Winter Warmers RETAIL BUSINESS A Little Less Ordinary Giftware Boots the Chemist Flowers at 180 Rhubarb & Ginger Home & Wedding TRADESMAN, PROFESSIONAL OR BUSINESS Hopton Home Fragrances Limitless Graphics (The Graphics Co) Nest Photography Newgate Garage HAIR & BEAUTY BUSINESS Damon’s Barber Shop Georgi’s Tanning & Beauty Salon Rogers Gents Hairdressing

Free meal offer to charity box thief A RESTAURANT in Batley is offering free meals for those in need – after its charity box was stolen last week.

Chaiiwala, in Market Place, had a charity box containing around £20 stolen last Wednesday. But instead of trying to catch who took it, staff wanted to offer the suspect support.

Ahsraf Seedat, one of the chain’s directors, said he now wants to offer a free meal to anybody struggling to afford food.

He said: “It’s not right in this day and age that anybody

HECKMONDWIKE: A 13-year-old schoolboy was knocked down by a car on a busy Heckmondwike road last week.

The boy was struck by a grey Peugeot on Westgate in the town centre at around 3.20pm on Thursday.

Witnesses feared he had sustained serious injuries but a spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed he was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary with minor injuries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information should phone police via 101, quoting log 1027 of March 7.

should have to go hungry.

“We’ve got no intention of naming and shaming this man. If he has taken it because he’s hungry, we’d much rather he came back and we gave him a meal. We want to try and offer a different approach to this sort of thing.”

The restaurant posted on Facebook: “If you ever need food or money, you’re more than welcome to just ask.

“We’ve been donating food to the homeless and needy since our training began and we’ll continue to do so.”

The Beauty Works COMMUNITY PROJECT The Hoppa (Walking Bus) Mirfield in Bloom Mirfield Playground Project FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS Babyccinos The Dusty Miller Salvia Restaurant SPORTING ORGANISATION Battling Fat Lads FC Mirfield Cricket Club Mirfield Netball Club COMMUNITY EVENT Mirfield Agricultural Show Sarah’s Wish for Kirkwood The Mirfield Half Monty ACTIVITY-BASED ORGANISATION Creative Arts Hub CIC Mirfield Music & Language Academy St Andrew’s Baby & Toddler Group

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ThePress

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Passengers had distressing stories to tell Changes to the bus services in North Kirklees were the subject of impassioned discussion at a packed public meeting in Cleckheaton Methodist Church on March 8.

The meeting with the representatives of Arriva and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority was organised by Batley and Spen’s MP Tracy Brabin, whose courteous and sensitive chairing of the proceedings managed to keep the tone civil and constructive most of the time.

Arriva’s reiterated justification for the changes, which is that some routes are not “commercially viable”, was greeted with disbelief and anger by passengers whose lives have been seriously dis-

Letter of the Week: Judith Greenwood, Batley rupted both economically and socially by the changes.

The loss of the 253 which served Bradford, Birkenshaw, Cleckheaton, Liversedge, Mirfield and Dewsbury was a particular cause for anger.

The removal of the 253 has had a catastrophic effect on so many people’s lives, according to the distressing stories which members of the audience had to tell.

People of all ages and walks of life have been left stranded by the route

changes, unable to get to work on time, or to hospital appointments, or to pick up children or grandchildren from school, or to visit relatives in care homes.

At a time when Kirklees is trying to support the initiatives to combat loneliness introduced by Jo Cox, some of Arriva’s route changes have destroyed independence and increased isolation for people in large areas of North Kirklees.

When questioned about the

Speakers’ Corner In this feature, we give a platform to local people to have their say.

This week’s Speakers’ Corner is written by PAUL HALLORAN, who is a Heavy Woollen Independents candidate for the Batley West ward

Finding our voice again S SOMEONE new to any kind of politics, I’d like to take this opportunity to tell Press readers something about myself.

I was brought up on Manor Way in Staincliffe and had an upbringing which instilled in me how all people should be treated with respect, be they royalty or like me, a kid from a council estate.

I played rugby league for Batley Bulldogs, Shaws and Batley Boys and worked for PPG (Kalon) before running various businesses all based in Batley.

Our family didn’t have a lot, but we lived in a community where everyone helped and watched out for each another.

Batley folk had respect for ourselves, our elders, neighbours, respect for the law, our surroundings and an understanding that life owed us nothing.

I passionately believe that your circumstances do not define you, that it’s hard work that brings opportunity and success.

Sadly, as a society we seem to have lost some of these positive characteristics, be it through poor parenting, a lack of ambition or lost personal or civic pride.

We’ve also seen a dramatic cultural shift and massive social pressures with a widescale drugs problem that no-one seems willing to admit or address.

I’ve never wanted to be a politician, and still don’t. My family has the same everyday challenges and frustrations as everyone – and I simply want to speak for those people.

It would make for a far easier life just to ignore our town’s problems, but I can’t sit back and watch it sliding into the abyss whilst politicians play party-politics, throwing logs onto the flames of division in Batley.

A

They betray our town, its people and its heritage.

I see Batley as being on life support because for years we have not only been ignored by Kirklees Council but by our local councillors, people interested only in their personal ambitions.

Our town centres need a total rethink. The internet has hugely affected high streets and we need to reinvigorate our shops and market – it just needs someone with the will to try new things.

Kirklees needs to incentivise new start-ups and review the archaic business rates, with help for private landlords too.

We also need to protect existing loyal, local businesses. I’m a big believer in a free market economy but how many barbers can a small town sustain?

It’s shameful that whilst Batley has two fantastic bakeries, we have no butchers. Is the future really in takeaways, ice cream parlours and bookmakers?

Morley and Cleckheaton have shown the way, but we need someone fighting the town’s corner – not

just their own or their party’s corner.

In the latest 200+ page council budget, Huddersfield is to receive over £100million investment. The word ‘Batley’ does not even appear in the report and it’s a budget supported by all of Batley East and West’s Labour councillors. That’s both tragic and shameful.

We live in a disconnected town where over the past 40 years we have become scared of our own shadows, afraid to speak plain truths for fear of being labelled racist.

My role would be to stand up to oppressors of freedom of speech on behalf of the silent, the ignored majority. For me, every voice in Batley matters.

We need to openly discuss concerns about cohesion and integration, to rebuild civic pride and for people to respect their surroundings.

Young people need life opportunities and a sense of purpose but I also want criminals to be pursued and held accountable by law enforcement that acts, and doesn’t just talk.

People understand there’s no utopia, but they do want their families to be safe, to see anti-social behaviour and thoughtless driving and parking tackled.

They want drug dealers who sell their misery in plain sight to be brought to justice and they, like me, want zero tolerance of the rising crime-culture.

For years local councillors have been ushered in as a result of apathy from the wider voting public, allowing a block-vote to create this unacceptable dictatorship.

I think our town can have a brighter future and that people can find their voice again, but that can only happen if people share my concerns and vote for change on May 2nd.

changes to the 229 route, which now avoids Healey, Batley and Bradford Road, the Arriva representative said their consultation process had shown that commuters wanted a faster run to Leeds.

But no-one in the audience had seen or heard anything about the consultation

process.

And the flaws in the process were shown up when the Arriva representative admitted that changes to one bus timetable will have to be reconsidered now, because students from Greenhead College have given feedback to say their lives have been

Others should follow suit

It’s about time somebody did something, too many young lives are being lost.

Well done Asda.

From: Miss J Hodge, Dewsbury

As far away as possible

May I through your Forum page say a huge congratulations to Asda for taking a stand to remove all single knives from the shelves in their stores by the end of April.

I just hope that other stores and shops follow their example.

From: Ben Marshall, Liversedge Further to your articles and letters to the editor regarding Huddersfield-centric Kirklees Council, isn’t it interesting that the proposed travellers’

made very difficult by the changes.

The changes have re-routed many bus services through the Heckmondwike Hub, which the West Yorkshire Combined Authority representative agreed was proving inadequate to cope with the increased traffic flow.

The Hub is now frequently congested and has no proper facilities for the safety and comfort of passengers.

The meeting over-ran its allotted time and many people were left angry and frustrated without answers.

Tracy Brabin has offered to organise a further meeting in the hope that passengers’ concerns will be addressed. site is as far away from Huddersfield as possible?

In fact it’s almost in Leeds, as your report states.

Perhaps the council think the residents’ access to the motorway will be helpful.

And the proposed “other suitable” sites were nowhere near Huddersfield either!

It is sad that a scruffy set of fields 30-odd years ago was transformed by a multiplex cinema, and now potentially run down by a few caravans, but I think that’s what could

Continued on page 9

LATEST PLANNING APPLICATIONS A Ibrahim, change of use of MOT service centre and valeting business to car sales and valeting, High Works Garage, Vulcan Road, Eightlands, Dewsbury.

C Firth, two-storey front extension with room in roof space, 4 Rydal Grove, Roberttown.

P Stead, single-storey extension, 64 Bottoms Lane, Birkenshaw.

Mr Wiper, extensions and alterations to two dwellings to create nine flats, 316 Middle Road, Earlsheaton.

M Bashir, change of use of land to car wash and erection of ancilliary building, land opposite 510 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe.

R Swithenbank, two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions and boundary fence, 5 Ashby Close, Roberttown.

A Waheed, link extension between existing buildings, Flavaz, 692 Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury.

Mrs Craig, work to TPO(s) 08/81, 153 Whitechapel Road, Scholes, Cleckheaton.

Mr & Mrs Lavin, single storey rear, first floor side and rear dormer extensions, 14 Kingsley Avenue, Birkenshaw.

JL Palmer, two-storey side extension with rear dormer, 96 Town Street, Earlsheaton.

Mr & Mrs C Lawless, singlestorey rear extension and alterations to basement to extend living accommodation, 262 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield.

S Ali, extensions to side and rear, raising of roof height to create rooms in roof space, erection

of front and rear dormers, car port to side and balcony to front, side and rear, 23 Cowper Street, Savile Town.

CTIL & Tef, telecommunication notification for the prior approval of details for the upgrade of telecommunications apparatus, Staincliffe Mills, Halifax Road, Staincliffe.

R Stammers, two-storey side extension, front porch and raised terrace to rear, 7 Cornfield, Dewsbury Moor.

M Foster, work to TPO 13/99, 11 Sunways, Mirfield.

Sandcastle Care Ltd, certificate of lawfulness for proposed use of dwelling for two-bed children's home, 17 Forge Lane, Norristhorpe.

A Aldridge, single-storey extension, new porch canopy, boundary wall, installation of new window to east elevation, formation of parking area and alterations to dropped kerb, 36 Upper Batley Lane, Batley.

Edmondson IT Ltd, advertisement consent for erection of illuminated signs, 455 Bradford Road, Littletown.

Mrs Exley, work to TPO01/91, Shay Cottage, 642 Bradford Road, Batley.

C/O Agent, work to TPO(s) SP2/70, 6 Exchange Court, Cleckheaton.

D Timmins, two-storey side and rear extension, 11 The Clough, Mirfield.

Mr Kneen, variation condition 2 (plans) on previous permission 2017/90677 for demolition of existing dwelling and outbuilding

and erection of new detached dwelling with attached garage, Red House, Briestfield Road, Dewsbury.

K Zamir, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 3m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.6m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.6m, 27 Ings Road, Heckmondwike.

L Bane, conversion of integral garage to living space, 3 Pine Wood Gardens, Mirfield.

Blenheim House Management Committee, work to tree(s) within a conservation area, Blenheim House, 66 Batley Field Hill, Upper Batley.

Mr Hasaan, outline application for erection of detached dwelling, former Thornhill Pumping Station, off Ouzelwell Lane, Thornhill.

Mr & Mrs Williams, dormer window to rear, 12 Swincliffe Close, Birkenshaw.

Mr & Mrs Patel, the proposal is for the erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 5.5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.4m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.25m, 36 Rosewood Drive, Shaw Cross.

Torpoint Ltd, discharge conditions 3-8 and 10 on previous permission 2018/92863 for variation condition 18 (retirement living units) on previous permission 2017/91677 for erection of

43 retirement living apartments, 83 bed Care Home with provision of communal facilities, landscaping and car parking and erection of 7 affordable dwellings, land at Serpentine Road, Cleckheaton.

D Swain, the proposal is for erection of single storey rear extension. The extension projects 3.5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.84m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.55m, 6 Kings Head Road, Mirfield.

Z Laher, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 5m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.5m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.4m, 181 Soothill Lane, Soothill, Batley.

S Shokat, discharge condition 7 (materials) on previous permission 2017/91799 for demolition of existing bungalows and erection of two dwellings, 2 & 4 Selbourne Avenue, Savile Town, Dewsbury.

I Asad, the proposal is for erection of single-storey rear extension. The extension projects 3m beyond the rear wall of the original dwellinghouse. The maximum height of the extension is 3.3m, the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.3m, 17 Hill Top Estate, Heckmondwike.

D Butterfield, extension to existing agricultural building, Upper House Farm, Upper House Lane, Hightown.

ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

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Allowances go up

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter

From page 8 happen if approved.

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site

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Guess who’s to blame?

From: Heckmondwike Hector Shamima Begum must rank as one of the most negligent mothers in modern times.

Through an indescribable lack of care she has been ultimately complicit in the death of her first two children.

Even after this catastrophe, she went on to get pregnant yet again whilst choosing to live in one of the most inhospitable places on earth.

To the furore of the liberal class, she lost her third child earlier in the month; and guess who’s to blame?

The British Government of course, along with the unsympathetic general public who, understandably, recoil at the very thought of someone like her walking the streets of Britain.

Begum turned her back on the protective environment offered to her at home; the NHS with its comprehensive maternity service and the welfare of a civilised society.

Putting aside the fact that she was aiding and abetting the slaughter of thousands of innocents, she is personally guilty of her own particular crime.

I am not unsympathetic to her innocent children but, forgive my facetiousness, according to Begum’s very own precepts, nothing can happen lest it be the will of Allah.

So then, on this proviso where does our Government and the rest of our population, including you and I, figure in this scheme of things?

Let us not ignore the fact that Begum was acting in accordance with her own warped ideology.

The aim was the ultimate victory of the caliphate and to celebrate it, three or more children; all with names of a related theme.

Her third child for example was called ‘Jarrah,’ which means ‘one who wounds,’ and may also be a reference to a savage 7th century warlord who slaughtered nonbelievers.

Her sons (and daughters) would, of course, have British citizenship.

Remember the caliphate is considered to be ‘evolution without a timetable.’ Perhaps

her offspring would return here to grow up and carry on the ‘struggle’ inherited from their historical forefathers.

Smarter than you think aren’t they?

Now ISIS is virtually smashed it’s time for Begum’s plan B. Lionised by the Guardian newspaper, she has a whole host of supporters ranging from solicitors, human rights lawyers, family and many in her own community.

I have no doubt that in the long run they will defeat the government – and home she will come.

If the revoking of her citizenship is eventually deemed illegal by the European Court of Human Rights, Begum could be in line for a sevenfigure payout.

In due course she will become a new ‘rights champion’ who will dine with Diane Abbot and become a special guest for gullible TV presenters.

Her infamy will also make her the toast of misguided lefty universities throughout the country.

This might be speculation, but with the help of the liberal elite it could well be a strong possibility some time in the future.

MEMBERS of Kirklees Council will receive a two per cent increase in their allowances from April 1.

That means the basic amount paid to each elected councillor will go up to £13,627 – an increase of £267.

The move will bring councillors’ payments into line with a similar increase earmarked for council officers, which will also come into effect from next month and run until March 31, 2020.

The rise follows a recommendation by the Members Allowances Independent Review Panel (MAIRP), which met in November last year to advise the council on the appropriate level of remuneration.

They looked at the roles councillors are expected to fulfil, the varying roles of different councillors, and practice elsewhere and other local authorities.

On top of his basic allowance council leader Shabir Pandor will see his special responsibility allowance go up from £25,155 to £25,658.

The deputy leader’s allowance increases to £19,243 from £18,866. Veteran Coun David Sheard is stepping down at this May’s elections.

Cabinet members Couns Peter McBride, Graham Turner, Naheed Mather, Viv Kendrick, Masood Ahmed and Musarrat Khan will receive an increase of £245, taking their individual allowances to £12,519.

The chair of the council’s overview and scrutiny management committee, Coun Julie Stewart-Turner, and Group leaders with more than 30 members (Coun Pandor) will each receive £11,267.

Group leaders with seven to 29 members (Coun David Hall for the Conservatives, Coun John Lawson for the Lib Dems) get £10,016, as do business managers for groups with more than 30 members (Coun Mohan Sokhal for Labour).

Business managers for groups with 20-29 councillors receive £7,512. The Conservatives currently have 18 councillors in the chamber.

Chairs of planning committees (Couns Steve Hall, Terry Lyons, Paul Kane) receive £6,620 as do lead members of scrutiny panels (Couns Cahal Burke, Liz Smaje, Gulfam Asif, Rob Walker).

Members of West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel (Couns Amanda Pinnock for Labour, Andrew Pinnock for the Lib Dems) each receive £6,120.

Business managers for groups with seven to 19 council-

lors (Coun Cahal Burke for the Lib Dems) receive £5,009, as does the chair of the licensing and safety committee (Coun Carole Pattison for Labour).

Group leaders with two to six councillors (Coun Andrew Cooper for the Greens, Coun Charles Greaves for the Independents) receive £3,757. The same amount is paid to Coun John Taylor as deputy leader of the Conservative Group along with Coun Nosheen Dad as chair of the appeals panel.

The chair of the corporate governance and audit committee (Coun Hilary Richards) receives £2,503 as does Coun Eric Firth as chair of standards committee and Coun Karen Allison (Green Group business manager).

Adoption panel members receive £1,251. The day rate for fostering panel members is £116.

Members of the corporate governance and audit committee who met at Huddersfield Town Hall agreed to pass the MAIRP report to full council for approval.

However Coun Ken Sims (Con, Holme Valley South) highlighted that the standards committee, which met three times last year, cost £834 per meeting.

In response Julie Muscroft, the council’s legal, governance and commissioning officer, said there had been an increase in complaints and issues raised around standards and that the figure did not just relate to attendance but also workload and the chair’s role in decision-making.

Payment of the standards allowance will be reviewed after 12 months.

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ThePress

News In Brief Man trapped under wall MIRFIELD: Firefighters and paramedics had to rescue a man stuck under a collapsed wall in Mirfield on Tuesday.

He had been building the wall when it collapsed on him.

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: “The patient was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to be checked over but he is not believed to have serious injuries.”

Death appeal DEWSBURY: Coroners’ officers are appealing for information to help trace the relatives of a man from Dewsbury.

Leslie Price, 66, died on Tuesday March 5 from natural causes. Officers believe he was was married to Janet Price, nee Billington, who lives in the Lancashire area.

Anyone with information should contact coroners’ support officer Victoria Normington on 01274 373721.

Bake sale NORTH KIRKLEES: A charity which helps homeless and vulnerable people is holding a coffee morning and bake sale to raise funds.

The Batley Homeless Project event will be at their new premises on Bond Street, Dewsbury, on Saturday, March 30 (10.30am to 2.30pm).

Entry is free.

Friday March 15, 2019

Founder of school to be honoured

By Zoe Shackelton A GROUP of friends from Thornhill are hoping to build a memorial to the founder of the village’s first free school.

Farmer and landowner Richard Walker paid for the Walker Welfare Free School to be built in 1813 because he wanted to give children from poor families the chance of an education.

The former school on Edge Lane was used over the years as a polling station, for dances and social gatherings and

most recently by the village’s senior citizens group.

Kirklees took the decision to close the building in 2007 due to it being ‘unsafe’, and in 2013 it was demolished – despite desperate attempts by campaigners.

While no plans to replace the building have come to fruition, the land it was built on can only be used for educational purposes and can’t be sold.

In 2014, friends Alan Butcher, Carole Driver, Christine Idle and Pauline

the memorial, which will incorporate some of the stone from the original building, along with plaques that were part of it.

The 200-year-old stones were being held at a storage facility in Heckmondwike and were recovered with the help of Coun Masood Ahmed (Lab, Dewsbury South) and Faisal Ahmad at the council’s civic

centre. Alan Butcher said: “We were disappointed the building was pulled down but hopefully we can bring our plans for the memorial to life.

“I can’t thank Coun Masood and Faisal enough for all they have done.”

The stone memorial will be built on a three-metre square footing and will stand 2.5m high on part of the site near to the current school.

All the group needs now is a builder who can bring their plans to life and ensure all the health and safety checks are completed before they seek official planning permission from the council.

Alan says the project will only be possible through fundraising and donations, so they have placed collection boxes at places like the Co-op and Scarborough Fisheries for people to donate.

Anybody who wants to help with the project and is a registered builder can contact The Press on 01924 470296.

ing rugby. Organisers are hoping to make it a regular activity.

The next First Time for

Everything event at the centre is an African drumming class on Tuesday, March 26 (1.30pm-3.30pm).

Gone but not forgotten... the old Walker Welfare Free School building Friend made enquiries about reconstructing a building on the site via the council’s asset acquirement scheme but it proved to be too expensive.

Now they plan to erect a memorial to Mr Walker on a small piece of the land they have obtained.

After five years of hard work, they have been granted a licence by Kirklees to build

Off-road bikers targeted Elderly give rugby a try

ILLEGAL off-road bikers and scrap dealers in Horbury and Ossett have been targeted in a police operation.

Officers in Wakefield District Police’s Operation Matrix off-road bike team handed out warnings and fines throughout February.

The team conducted operations on the Greenway between Ossett and Dewsbury following recent reports of anti-social biking.

They issued numerous warnings to motorcyclists and four fixed penalty notices to people riding illegally in

parks and public spaces.

Matrix officers also worked with Wakefield Council to target illegal scrap dealing in the area and located a suspect vehicle in Horbury. The driver was issued with a £300 fine for collecting scrap metal without a licence.

Insp Helen Brear, of the Wakefield City and North West NPT, said: “The number of tickets and fines issued speaks volumes for how busy the team has been and I want to thank residents for contacting us with reports of illegal off-road riding.”

OLDER people in Kirklees tried their hand at walking rugby, thanks to a free class led by Batley Bulldogs coaches.

The session last Tuesday was part of the First Time for Everything programme, under which various classes at the Batley Older People’s Centre each month help elderly people stay active and socially engaged.

Batley’s community coach Sharaz Ajmal led the session for participants, who enjoyed a gentle, indoor version of walk-

Law firm on the move Advertising Feature DEWSBURY’S best-known law firm, Jordans Solicitors, is on the move.

Established in the town in 1949 and now celebrating its 70th year, Jordans is moving 400 yards down Wellington Road from its offices in Neil Jordan House to number 7A. The new office opens on Monday (March 4) and will be located next door to another firm of Dewsbury professionals, Walter Dawson & Sons Accountants.

The move comes at a time when the legal services sector is undergoing change and progressive firms like Jordans look to reflect those changes in the services they offer to a discerning public, remaining committed to the communities in which they have always worked.

Jordans’ professionalism is evidenced by its attainment of the Law Society’s Lexcel Quality Mark, which is given to solicitors meeting the highest case management and customer care standards.

The firm is also a member of the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme, as well as belonging to the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and Family Law Panels.

Perhaps the best evidence of the quality of Jordans’ legal services is provided by testimonials from satisfied clients, some of which can be seen on Jordans’ website at www.jordanssolicitors.co.uk.

One of the many testimoni-

Jordans managing partner Christine Sands

als reads: “All I can say is you did an amazing job and kept me informed and at ease. Thank you for everything you have done for me.”

– from a criminal injuries compensation authority client.

Said Jordans managing partner, Christine Sands: “We will be sad to leave Neil Jordan House, which was opened by Lord King of British Airways fame in 1992 and is named after our founder and probably Dewsbury’s best-known solicitor, Neil Jordan, but the time is right to move to more modern premises where we can provide even better services for our clients in Dewsbury.

“It is a privilege to manage the firm Neil Jordan founded. He was a ground-breaking solicitor and a wartime hero, as he was one of the UK’s first bomb disposal experts of the Second World War. He was invalided out of the services after a German bomb went off close to him.

“We continue to follow his example in continuing to offer the very best legal services for our clients in areas as diverse as family law and mediation, wills and probate, personal injury claims including abuse cases, company and commercial property law, employment issues, professional negligence and criminal defence.

“This move has been prompted by our continued growth, such that we also have offices in Wakefield, North Leeds and Selby. The law never stands still and here at Jordans we are committed to making sure that everyone in the firm – partners, solicitors, paralegals and administrative staff – are fully trained and able to respond to the legal needs of our clients.

“We now look forward to welcoming those clients both new and old at our new offices at 7A Wellington Road, Dewsbury, from March 4.”

ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

Teens in ‘Flog It!’ survey celebrity spotlight calls in KIRKLEES Council wants to hear the views of teenagers on improving services in schools and in the community.

The council hopes its Kirklees Young People’s Survey, aimed at 13- and 14year-olds, will help it obtain information about views and behaviours, especially around aspects of health and wellbeing.

Feedback from the survey will influence future ways of working, ensuring the needs of young people “continue to be placed at the heart of what the council does”.

Coun Musarrat Khan, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “The views of our young people are vitally important to us. Ensuring we seek out and listen to their collective voice will help with our priority of giving children the best start in life.”

Secondary schools can sign up to the online survey, which is for year nine students and will take place during the summer term.

It takes around 20 minutes for each young person to answer and the survey can be completed in a single lesson during school time.

Students can opt out or skip questions and all information is anonymous.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/KYPS 2019.

£50

DISCOUNT OFFER WITH THIS VOUCHER Quote ‘Press 01’ T&C’s apply

MEMBERS of Cleckheaton Women’s Luncheon Club were treated to a talk from celebrity auctioneer Caroline Hawley.

The group, which has been running for almost 50 years, meets at Cleckheaton Golf Club on the second Tuesday of each month for a twocourse lunch and to listen to

Caroline Hawley, centre, with committee members, from left, Yvonne Thornton, Sue Morley, Judith Priestley and Joan Robinson, guest Chris Horner and president Anne Bedford. an after-dinner speaker.

Caroline, who appears on shows like BBC’s “Flog It!”,

gave a talk entitled “The Auctioneer Today and Tomorrow” to the group’s 73

members. The price of lunch is £12.50 and members meet at 11.45am to eat at 12.15pm.

Meetings last until around 2.30pm and president Anne Bedford says the club are always on the look-out for new members.

You must be a member to attend the lunch but members can bring guests who may want to join the group.

Members can be of any age, and it costs just £10 to join initially, with an annual subscription of £19.

For information on joining, email annebedford194@ btinternet.com or call 01924 480508.

Union leader hits out at £13m ‘option’ to redevelop fire HQ

By Tony Earnshaw Local Democracy Reporter A FIREFIGHTERS’ union has welcomed news of new stations in the county – but has questioned a £13m proposal to rebuild the Birkenshaw headquarters.

A financial report by West Yorkshire Fire Authority reveals costings for new stations in Keighley in 2020/21 (£2.2m), Halifax in 2021/22 (£2.5m) and Huddersfield in 2022/23 (£3m).

The authority is looking at “options to redevelop all or some” of the buildings at Birkenshaw, although it is not scheduled to happen in the

next four years.

Dave Williams, Yorkshire and Humber regional secretary for the Fire Brigades Union, does not believe the service needs to spend £13m on its headquarters, at a time when other services are being cut.

He said: “I don’t think they should be moving this money out of reserves when we could be using it to keep firefighters on pumps and fire stations open.

“I don’t mind money being invested in areas that need investment. Keighley really needs £2.2m spending on it. It is run down. The same with Halifax and Huddersfield.”

He said £550,000 was already set aside to spend on

the Birkenshaw site in the coming year.

“Even that is generous as far as I can see,” he added.

“Birkenshaw has some of the better training facilities for firefighters in the area already. £13m would buy a lot of bricks and mortar.

“I can think of at least 13 better ways to spend £13m that would make West Yorkshire safer than this plan.”

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said the service is conducting a feasibility study into options to redevelop all or some of the buildings at Birkenshaw.

He said: “The buildings on

the site are ageing and require excessive maintenance.

“We are looking at how we can provide a suitable and sustainable headquarters site for current and future employees of WYFRS. “In light of this, it makes sense to consider the possibility of funding this in a number of years’ time. At this early stage, all we are doing is considering how we might ensure that the central support and training facilities at Birkenshaw are fit to take West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue forward into the future.

“No decision has been taken as to how we may best achieve that as yet.”

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News In Brief Independent school ‘good’ DEWSBURY: A Muslim independent school in Dewsbury remains “good”, according to education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors visited Madni Academy last month and found that “leaders have high aspirations for all pupils” and “pupils are well cared for” and “make good progress”.

The school on Scarborough Street, Savile Town, formerly Madni Muslim Girls’ School, caters for girls aged two to 16 and boys aged two to seven.

Birthday plea NORTH KIRKLEES: A woman from Batley Carr is hoping to find a couple in the district before her birthday party in July.

Pat Yarnold wants to get in touch with Gwen and Paul Bragg. She used to work with Gwen at Soothill Manor before it closed down.

Anyone who might know the couple should ring The Press office on 01924 470296.

Women at war PROBUS: The next meeting of the Batley and Dewsbury Probus Club is on Tuesday (March 19) at the Batley Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street.

Lesley Newnham will give an illustrated talk called “Women in Warfare” from 10am.

Everyone is welcome. For more information call 01924 471337.

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ThePress

Locala wins extension HEALTH BOSSES in Kirklees have extended the borough’s biggest NHS contract.

The £238m ‘Care Closer to Home’ contract between NHS provider Locala and the area’s clinical commissioning groups was scheduled to expire in 2020.

It will now run until September 2022.

‘Care Closer to Home’ aims to deliver more care in the community, either in patients’ homes or close to where they live and work.

A key aim is to reduce the need for some people to have a stay in hospital and for those that do to return home as quickly as possible.

The Batley-based social enterprise – which provides most of the district nurses in Kirklees – won the five-year contract in July 2015.

Reacting to news that NHS Greater Huddersfield and NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) had decided on the extension, Locala chief executive Karen Jackson said she was “delighted”.

She added: “This has at times been a challenging contract to deliver, and we acknowledge that there is still work to do. However in recent years the performance of the contract has improved.”

In 2016 Locala was served with a “contract performance notice” after failing to answer patients’ calls within a target time. It followed Locala taking over podiatry services and struggling to cope with the unexpected “huge” volume of calls.

Locala was then made subject to a ‘remedial action plan’, which meant that if the organisation’s performance did not improve it could be fined or, in serious cases, some of its funding could be permanently withdrawn.

The not-for-profit health firm was also criticised for handing out six-figure severance payments to executive directors but not staff.

That same year Locala was rated ‘Inadequate’ – the lowest score – in two areas of its inspection by independent health and social care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

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Friday March 15, 2019

Throughout 2019 local historian Mike Popplewell will be searching through his newspaper collection from the 1920s and 30s for some of the biggest headlines from home and abroad – while also taking a look at stories making the news in our own district. Readers are welcome to provide feedback if any of these features are remembered personally, or you can recall being told them by an earlier generation.

When ‘talkies’ arrived LTHOUGH the 1926 General Strike hit Britain’s industrial heartlands hard, particularly workers in the coal industry, there were gradual developments in the entertainment options for the people of Dewsbury.

As we have previously discussed, radio brought a whole new outlook to peoples lives while the Cinema was also making huge strides toward its image as a ‘magical’ medium for escapism.

One of the first cinemas in Dewsbury was the Picture House which opened in 1913 in the Market Place, next to the hotel that is now Lloyds Bank, and this subsequently went through several ownership and name changes before finally closing in 1993 and turning over its use to the Homeland bedding shop. The auditorium was demolished in 2009.

When the Picture House first opened, one of the films undoubtedly shown would have been DW Griffith’s highly controversial 1915 offering, ‘Birth of a Nation’, starring Lillian Gish and based on a novel called ‘The Clansman’, which explored the issue of race and is reputed to have given rise to

A

Dewsbury Market Place, with the Picture House to the rear a resurgence of the Klu Klux Klan in the USA. I have found no record of the reaction of the people of the Dewsbury and district to it, but given the three hours 13 minutes running time, with silence only broken by an interminable piano accompaniment, one can only conclude the film was a stroke of genius by Griffith or an exhibition

YOUNGSTERS in Mirfield have the chance to claim a cash boost, courtesy of the Mirfield Educational Charity.

The group has pledged to make £19,236 in grants to help with the education and prospects of people in Mirfield.

Crowlees Junior and Infant School has received £3,000 towards a garden project, while pupils at Old Bank Junior Infant and

The Picture House in the 1980s of the pure grit and determination, not to mention resilience, of the Dewsbury public.

In any event, the years between the wars saw an unrelenting rise in cinema attendance which was no doubt given an enormous boost by the advent, in 1927, of highly novel ‘talking pictures’ with ‘The Jazz Singer’, featuring the voice of Al Jolson.

Youth cash boost Nursery School will be attending a pantomime at Bradford’s Alhambra theatre next Christmas thanks to the funding.

Mirfield Rotary Club has benefited from £600 to fund a placement on the Ocean Youth Trust North sailing course, and money will also go to

The opening of the Picture House was preceded by the building and opening of the Empire Theatre, on Wakefield Road, where Empire House now stands, but it was almost exclusively open for live stage shows.

It was 1933 before it was to undergo a major revamp to function as a cinema capable of showing the new ‘talkies’.

Cinema-going culture in the Heavy Woollen district has gone the way of most others in that the Showcase multiplex at Birstall is typical of most major town and cities in the UK that have seen the closure of small independent theatres, like those in Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton, Birstall and Mirfield as well as those in Dewsbury.

However, a small group of Dewsbury volunteers are attempting to buck that trend with the establishment of the New Picture House on South Street.

Although closed at the moment, pending development decisions on the building that currently houses the small cinema, it is hoped to have it up and running again in the very near future.

Mirfield Free Grammar School for a wellbeing coach. The charity meets again in May and is keen to get more applications from people under the age of 25.

Applicants must live in Mirfield and grants are for educational purposes only. For further information, email Malcolm Parkinson on parkinson922@btinternet.com. The deadline for applications is Tuesday April 30.

Friday March 15, 2019

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Friday March 15, 2019

Ramblers’ corner FORTHCOMING walks with the North Kirklees Group of the Ramblers – non-members are always welcome. Please call the walk leader for more details.

SATURDAY MARCH 16 WAIT AND SEE Starts at 10.30am at Farnley Hall Park, Hall Lane, Leeds (LS12 5HA, SE247323) 8 miles – moderate Contact: Eddie and Andrea 01924 470091

SATURDAY MARCH 23 SEARCHING FOR THE CRAG VALE COINERS Starts at 10.30am at Mytholmroyd Community Centre (HX7 5DW SE011260) 7 or 8.5 miles depending on weather Contact: Maria 07932 610031

Getting sociable

Jane pictured at the exhibition with her artwork

Seeing art through Jane’s eyes THE LATEST exhibition at Mirfield’s Creative Arts Hub celebrates the work of Huddersfield-based artist Jane Burgess, showcasing a vast selection of her work, which includes landscape imagery from near and far.

The ‘Through My Eyes’ exhibition arrives as Jane has reached the age of 70 and is a reflection on her many years of experience as a painter.

The work also speaks of Jane’s broad travels, including images of Portugal, Spain, Greece and Albania; and of her closer associations with the surrounding landscape of Marsh, Farnley Tyas, Clayton Fields, Honley and many other places in and around Huddersfield.

Jane’s work has been exhibited widely in solo and joint shows, and many of her pieces are held in public and private collections in the UK, France, Sweden and Spain. You can find out more about Jane’s work at www.janeburgessartist.com.

The Creative Arts Hub on Huddersfield Road is open from 10am to 5pm Wednesday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturday; and at other times by appointment.

The exhibition runs until April 20. Contact the gallery via mark@creativeartshubmirfield.com or on 01924 492775 for further details.

Blockbuster, adventure and rom-com all in one THE LATEST performance from North Kirklees arts organisation Creative Scene is a blockbuster, adventure and a rom-com all rolled into one.

Somewhere between a dance performance, sketch show, a night at the movies and an epic game of charades, Desert Island Flicks will shine a spotlight on life lessons learnt from the big screen at venues in Birstall and Roberttown next weekend.

The fun performance comes from Spiltmilk Dance, who brought Little Love Cabaret to the Dewsbury and Batley area last summer.

It presents two leading ladies who re-imagine, re-

make and spoof the most memorable movie moments of all time.

Creative Scene is bringing the feisty duo to the district for two nights only as they take on all the lead roles, stunts, and special effects.

From timeless classics to modern-day marvels, the show celebrates how iconic characters and thrilling plot twists have captured imaginations the world over, bringing people together to laugh, cry, and cheer along in a room full of strangers.

Adele Wragg, co-director of Desert Island Flicks, who also stars in the show along with Sarah Boulter, said: “It is primarily a

sketch show using dance.

We re-imagine iconic, memorable moments from some smashing films.

“We remember up to 90 films on the night appealing to different age groups.

It is filled with plot twists and cliff hangers, swoony romances and full on tearjerkers.

“Grab your popcorn for a whistle stop tour of suave spies, talking toys, singing nuns and pesky icebergs that have kept us glued to cinema seats over the last 80 years.”

Creative Scene, which brings art and culture to north Kirklees using funding from Arts Council England, is staging the show next week at Birstall

Community Centre on Friday March 22 and Roberttown Community Centre on Saturday March 23 (both starting at 7.30pm).

Nancy Barrett, director of Dewsbury-based Creative Scene: “We are delighted to welcome Spiltmilk Dance back to the area for another wonderful show.

“They are specialists in the art of uplifting entertainment and always guarantee a good laugh for the audience. Why not come along and try something different?”

Tickets are priced £6 or £20 for a group of four.

Book at www.creative scene.org.uk.

Players are no bumbling amateurs!

A comedy holiday HANGING Heaton’s Ebenezer Methodist Drama Group are currently rehearsing their next production, the comedy ‘Holiday at Home’ by Colin Barrow.

Performances take place in the school room on Thursday March 21, Friday March 22 and Saturday March 23 at 7.15pm.

Tickets including refreshments are priced £6.50 for adults and £4.50 for children.

For information call 01924 769513 or 07889 258997.

HECKMONDWIKE Players are celebrating their 75th anniversary this year and, to mark the occasion, are staging the hit comedy ‘Stepping Out’ by Richard Harris.

The popular play follows the endeavours of a group of enthusiastic, but not particularly talented, amateurs trying to overcome their inhibitions and two left feet, by joining tap dance classes in the local village hall.

Mavis, a former professional chorus girl (played in the film version by Liza Minelli), tries her hardest to

teach the bumbling amateurs the routines for an upcoming production.

Along the way, however, there are several minor dramas to be addressed.

Heckmondwike Players will perform Stepping Out at the Comrades Club on Regent Street from Wednesday March 20 until Saturday March 23.

Tickets priced £9 (£7 concessions) are available from members, by calling 07816 284841 or online at www.ticket source.co.uk/heckmondwike players.

THE ROYAL Voluntary Service has a number of activities planned in the district next week.

On Monday (February 25), there is the popular Movement and Games group at the Batley Older People’s Centre on Upper Commercial Street (10.30am-noon).

Bleak House, on Wilton Estate in Batley, also hosts a ‘Sociables’ coffee morning and activities from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Monday.

Back at Batley Older People’s Centre on Wednesday there is the Midweek Meet and Eat group from 12.30pm to 2pm – bring a packed lunch and join in the activities.

On Thursday, the Lunch Club meets from 11.30pm to 1pm – pre-booking is essential.

On the same day the Royal Voluntary Service is also running a Movement and Games group at Cleckheaton Library from 10.30am to 12noon.

On Friday a Movement and Games session is being held at Birstall Community Centre – below the library – from 10.30am to 12noon.

For details on any activities call 01924 446100.

Swinging Millbridge YOU can dance the night away at Millbridge WMC, with music from Eddie Martell and the Ronnie Bottomley Quartet on the third Tuesday of every month. You can listen and dance to songs from the swing era and the Great American Songbook.

The music at Millbridge club, on Bennett Street in Liversedge, starts at 8.15pm on Tuesday, March 19, and admission is £3.50.

Call 01924 402696 for more details.

See trio for free THERE’S free live music and dancing every Sunday afternoon at Batley Central Club, with the well-known Reg Hargreaves Trio playing at the venue from 1.15pm to around 3.30pm.

A variety of guest singers perform each week.

The bar is open and the club on Bradford Road in Batley, wants to encourage as many people as possible to come down and enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment.

ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

Traditional Yorkshire Fish & Chips Family Run, Frying Since 1952

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The real pie aficionados LAT caps and whippets, flat vowels and our eponymous pudding – we Tykes have long laboured under a downtrodden public misconception, our Yorkshire pudding, like a Cornishman’s pasty, being a rare jewel in our cultural crown.

But if no-one in the world can make pudding batter rise majestically on a Sunday lunchtime quite like us, it’s time to pronounce our unequalled skills in another area of culinary artistry – THE PIE! It’s just been National Pie Week, and the variety on offer locally is staggeringly, mouthwateringly diverse.

And there’s one thing that cannot be argued – that the Yorkshire pie is king of the British pies. Plus we’ve got a fair few champion manufacturers in

F

our own district.

So where else is supposed to be as good as us when it comes to pies?

Melton Mowbray porkies?

Generic, mass factory-produced fayre, to my mind. Okay for a motorway services stop if you’re famished and don’t want to spend a tenner on a limp all-day breakfast, but hardly the real thing.

And as for the self-proclaimed pie kings over ‘the hill’ in Wigan. where they even revel in the nickname ‘the pie-eaters’?

Well, most of them might look like they ate all the pies, but have you tasted the stuff they hold forth as an example of excellence?

A soggy, anaemic pastry shell, enveloping a dollop of microwaved mush whose meat

could be anything from cat to cattle, all in a gravy that tastes like a miner’s work socks were washed in it.

Not for me thanks. No, if it’s a meat and tatie pie you want – nominally what those Wiganers purport to offer – there should be proper, individual chunks of tender beef nestled up to spuds that reside in a succulent and rich sea of gravy.

And from there, the world is your oyster .... steak and mushroom, steak and ale, chicken pie, chicken and ham, we’ll even let Shepherd’s and Cottage pie into our diner’s club, though they’re not really pies, strictly speaking.

And with lunchtime approaching, that’s me heading out for a bite, spoiled for choice here in the heart of pie-country!

15

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If you’re looking for top tips on how to cook a steak, or how to impress at a dinner party, then your local butcher is the person to ask.

So, if you’re looking for a well-matured steak, an award-winning sausage or some topquality pork and lamb, the best place to start is on your local high street.

Independent shops often provide a better quality product – it may well have been sourced from a local farm and in many cases won’t have travelled far to reach the shop.

Shopping locally not only supports the shops on the high street, but the farmer or manufacturer down the road too, and it puts the money spent back into the local economy.

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Vegan pasty on offer!

A FAMILY butchers in Mirfield is catering for all its customers by selling vegan pasties.

C Ramsden’s has this week introduced the vegan pasty to its menu – a choice made by owner Chris Ramsden to keep people coming through the doors.

He said: “We get families coming in with kids who are vegetarian and this way we can cater for everybody.”

It’s the first completely non-meat product the butchers has served, and is filled with spicy vegetables encased in a pastry made without animal fats. It’s supplied by near neighbours Jones Pies in Huddersfield.

Chris has tasted it himself and says it’s well worth the £1.45 spend. Pop in and try one for yourself at the shop on Huddersfield Road.

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16

ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

Everyone’s invited to help Create a special event A DESIGNER kitchen firm is celebrating the relaunch of its stylish Gomersal studio with a special event at the end of the month.

Create Bespoke Kitchens, founded by businessman Bryan Munslow and based on Bleak Street, will welcome in the public for an open day that will also see a talk by a craft beer expert and artisan charcuterie for guests to sample.

Create designs, supplies, and installs designer kitchens throughout West Yorkshire and has now forged links with two new top-quality kitchen brands.

The showroom, based in a disused coach building, now features fully installed working kitchens from Leicestershire-based

Gaddesby Kitchens and German brand Nobilia.

Founder Bryan said: “It’s two years since we launched and we want to celebrate working with our new suppliers, so we’re inviting everyone to come along, sample some craft beers from the experts at Beer Hawk and enjoy food and drink from local artisan cured meat specialists, The Cure Fine Charcuterie.”

The open day takes place on Saturday March 30 and everyone is welcome.

Bryan, who also runs a successful local electrical firm, is also keen to work with local builders and architects on the supplyonly side of the business.

He came up with the idea of Create Bespoke Kitchens after undertaking his own kitchen renovation and getting frustrated with the customer service and sales process he experienced.

Since launching in 2017 the firm has completed scores of design-led kitchens across the region with a team of dedicated installers.

To cement the new partnership with Nobilia, Bryan travelled to Germany to receive full product training and says: “Now we’re ready for the next level.”

For more details visit www.create bespokekitchens.com.

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Banana Moon stay ahead of the curve A GROWING Birstall business has announced a £500,000 investment in state-of-the-art machinery that will boost productivity and the overall quality of its products.

Operating from a purpose-built 7,500sq ft facility on Dark Lane, Banana Moon Clothing is a market leader in personalised clothing.

The newly-installed Kornit Digital Direct to Garment equipment will enable Banana Moon to slash turnaround time for many of its customers and underpins the company’s ambitions for future growth.

The addition of the new machine has been made alongside several other smaller investments in new technology that will help drive productivity.

Banana Moon managing director Alex Grace said: “This is a pivotal moment in the 26-year history of our business and the largest single investment we’ve ever made in terms of our process development.

“The new equipment will produce an extremely high standard of print,

GAMECHANGER: Banana Moon managing director Alex Grace with the newly-installed Kornit Digital Direct to Garment equipment while also enabling us to produce large quantities in a shorter space of time. The end result is a better service for our customers.”

The investment marks the latest step in Banana Moon’s evolution since its formation in 1993 by Paul and Jackie Grace.

In 1998, the company became one of the earliest creators of embroidered logo files and two years later were one of the first in the industry to establish a presence online. The

website evolved into becoming a total online purchasing platform in 2005.

In 2009, the businesses moved into new premises in Birstall, before ‘knocking through’ into the unit next door three years later to support its rapid growth.

Today, Banana Moon Clothing produces more than 700,000 personalised products each year for individuals, businesses, clubs, teams, charities and other organisations.

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ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

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ThePress

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Friday March 15, 2019

WINDOW REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE

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Call 01924 470296 or email advertising@thepressnews.co.uk PUBLIC NOTICES TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION Proposed development at: 8 Millers Court, Liversedge, West Yorkshire, WF15 7HH Take notice that application is being made by: Applicant name: Mr Martin Benson For planning permission to: conversion of open space at the rear of 8 Millers Court to domestic garden.

Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted: Kirklees Local Planning Authority address: Civic Centre 3, Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2YZ Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application, should write to the council within 21 days of the date of this notice.

Signatory: Mr Martin Benson Date: 15/03/2019 Statement of owners' rights: The grant of planning permission does not affect owners' rights to retain or dispose of their property, unless there is some provision to the contrary in an agreement or lease.

Statement of agricultural tenants' rights: The grant of planning permission for non-agricultural development may affect agricultural tenants' security of tenure.

'Owner' means a person having a freehold interest or a leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than seven years.

'Tenant' means a tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in the land.

FOR YOUR PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

CALL OUR OFFICE IN BATLEY ON

01924 470296

20

ThePress

Marketplace Ninjas and

Friday March 15, 2019

ROUNDERS

Turn your unwanted items

into cash £££s 1) Ring Angela on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge).

2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge).

3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment.

BatGirls are hitting it off!

ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in Marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.

NEW Woodworking Freud Router 3/4 hp FT2000E. Boxed and in good condition. Included are Freud mitre workshop jig and approx. 30 router cutters, various moulds. £50. Tel 01924 495713 (2364) Homebrew Kit includes 4 x 25/35ltr buckets, dispensing taps, syphon pump, filler tube and valve, hydrometer, thermometer, bottle corker and bottle capper, shrink cap tool, caps, corks, bubblers, stirring utensils, half steriliser and many other items. Paid over £160, sell for £95 ono. Tel 07486 636196 collection only. (2365) ANIMAL GOODS Western saddle, cob size. Black leather with suede seat.

Hardly used.

Complete with saddle pad, £50. Tel 07758 609661.

(2358) FURNITURE Faux leather chaise longue, beige colour.

Like new, £50. Tel 01924 453932.

(2361) Nest of three tables, dark wood. Good condition, £10. Tel 07548 798908.

(2354) CD rack, dark wood.

Takes approx 80 CDs. 42 inches high.

Very good condition, £5. Tel 07548 798908. (2354) All wood table with centre leaf, 47” L x 95” W x 30” H, £75.

Tel 01484 656666.

(2352) Leather three-seater reclining sofa.

Burgundy colour.

Very good condition, £150. Tel 01484 656666. (2352) HOUSEHOLD Brother Industrial sewing machine on new flatbed table.

Good working condition, £200 ono. Tel 07510 323053 (after 3pm). (2359) New portable gas heater on wheels.

Size 720mm x 420mm x 330mm.

Includes hose and connectors for propane and butane gas. Three heat settings. £55 ovno. Tel 07925 944885.

(2351) Dehumidifier for sale. Good condition £55. Tel 07816 132472. (2345) KITCHEN/DINING George Foreman grilling machine.

Like new, hardly used, £10. Tel 01924 477122. (2356) Royal Doulton set of four display plates featuring different cats. With certificate of authenticity. Make a lovely gift, £25. Tel 07925 127198.

(2350) Kenwood Mixer

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ITEM bands

Cost per item

Up to £7: £8 - £25: £26 - £50 £51- £100 £101-£200 £201-£500 £501-£1450 £1,451 plus (small) with liquidiser and other tools, (£90 in Argos) sell £40 ono. Tel 01924 430088 (2343).

MOBILITY Disability aid – raised toilet seat with safety handles.

As new, cost £50, will accept £20.

Tel 07931 003053.

(2357) Disability aid – kidney-shaped over armchair dining table. As new, cost £120, will accept £50. Tel 07931 003053. (2357)

£1 £2 £3 £4 £5 £7 £9 £11

gearboxes, starters, doors, bumpers etc.

Tel 07414 297858 for more details. (2362) MUSICAL Reynolds USA good quality tenor trombone, in original quality case with Reynolds logo.

Serial no 237455.

The gold lacquer shows signs of normal wear which does not affect the playing. No plate loss on inner slide legs, comes with original mouthpiece no 3. £120. Tel 01924 477016. (2355)

Eden Mobility scooter, red with chrome bumper. Anti tip wheels, swivel seat for easy getting on/off.

Battery replaced 2018 but little used.

Excellent condition.

Cost over £1,500, will accept £650. Tel 01274 871098.

(2349)

Small violin and bow in case, £25. Tel 01924 402931. (2353)

MOTORING Reliant Robin spare parts for sale.

Various items from clutch cables to

Pets at Home rabbit playpen. Use inside or out, 35 inch x 20 inch, £6. Tel 07925 127198. (2350)

PET GOODS Indoor small rabbit/guinea pig cage, includes feeding dishes and bedroom. Size 100cm L x 50cm W x 33cm H. £10. Tel 01924 468509. (2360)

1) Ring Angela on 01924 470296 (9.30am-4.30pm). Have your advert ready and you can pay by debit card (30p surcharge).

2) Call into the office at 31 Branch Road, Batley WF17 5SB and pay by cash, cheque or debit card (30p surcharge).

3) Post your advert and include your name and a contact number, along with cheque for payment.

ADVERTS must be no longer than 50 words. (We cannot accept the following items: Motor vehicles, caravans, livestock. All listings will stay in Marketplace for a maximum of two months. If you wish to amend your listing, or cancel when sold, contact or call 01924 470296.

Women from across the district came together at a launch event last Sunday WOMEN and girls across the district are gearing up for this year’s Rounders League which starts on Sunday.

Ready Steady Active (RSA) launched the spring-summer league at a pre-season welcome event at the weekend ahead of the first round of matches.

It’s the third year the female-only league will be running and is one of the success stories of the work carried out by RSA – a North Kirklees-wide initiative to get women and girls more active and playing sport.

What started out as a few casual rounders sessions in 2017 turned into the formation of a number of teams and a competitive league.

The start of the season sees six teams competing at the Al-Hikmah Centre in Batley, before the games move outdoors from June up at

Thornhill Cricket Club.

All matches are played on a Sunday, and well over 50 league players attended the welcome event to find out more about the league structure, match rules and to meet other players.

This year sees six local teams, including Hanging Heaton Rounders, BatGirls Rounders Club and Batley Ninjas battle it out for the league championship.

Rashida Salloo, director of RSA and league organiser, said: “The rounders league has been one of our great success stories.

“Over the last few years we have been working really hard to get women and girls in our communities to get active by initially providing casual sessions to now offering a league set-up.

“We have been able to really change the behaviour among our participants who we believe now see the value

of being active and will hopefully carry on playing sport for the rest of their lives.

“Many of our players have told us the league not only offers them opportunities to play sport and be active but it’s helping them make new friends, improve mental health and tackle loneliness particularly among our mums.

“For us it’s been fantastic to see mums and daughters playing alongside each other and people from different communities coming together and getting on so well with each other regardless of which team they play for.

“This just shows the importance activities such as sport have to play in bringing people together and having a positive impact on all of us.”

For more information or to get involved in the rounders league email Rashida on rashida.salloo@ntlworld.com.

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ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

21

FOOTBALL

‘Never-say-die’ United rescue point Evo-Stik East Division

OSSETT UNITED AFC MANSFIELD

1 1

CAPTAIN Alex McQuade headed home a 94th-minute winner to keep Ossett United’s play-off hopes alive.

United trailed for the majority of the game against relegation-threatened AFC Mansfield, as the combination of swirling winds and poor finishing in front of goal looked to have them on course for a disappointing defeat.

Although they have still lost ground on the play-off places, manager Andy Welsh was relieved to have taken something from the game in the end.

“That point might be a massive point come the end of the season so the positive is that we picked up a point,” said Welsh.

“I’d like to think that, especially this year when you look back at performances, we have a ‘never-saydie’ attitude here at Ossett United.

To get the goal so late on shows that we don’t stop playing until the final whistle.”

United made two changes from

the previous weekend’s win at Stamford, with Myles Foley taking the place of James Knowles at the back and Andy Monkhouse replacing Chris Chantler in midfield.

Tyrone Gay was kept out early on while Aidan Chippendale sliced a volley wide, but it was Mansfield who opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Liam Marsden’s long throw wasn’t cleared and Charlie Dawes volleyed the ball in.

Gay saw a header cleared off the line as half-time approached while Jack Vann fired wide following a mis-hit clearance, but there was little else to report on in attack from the home side.

Welsh responded at the break with a double substitution, with Adam Priestley and Tom Corner both coming on to strengthen the attack.

The first big chance came to Priestley, but the Gibraltar international was denied one-on-one by a superb one-handed save by goalkeeper Jason White.

Ossett were building momentum and Tom Greaves came close after good work, before Chippendale likewise failed to hit the target and Priestley twice aimed wide with

POURING FORWARD: Adam Priestley swings the ball into the box as Ossett United push for the equaliser good chances.

Marko Basic came on for their final change and they continued to pour forward, but they were unable to convert a number of half-chances as the game moved into added time.

However, United simply never gave up. With almost everybody in the box for the final throw of the dice, McQuade was on hand at the back post to nod in the corner and

Double washout at Clayborn LIVERSEDGE FC have seen two games called off in the past week due to their waterlogged Clayborn pitch.

Their home fixture against Barton Town last weekend was postponed, with the game rearranged for April 9.

The same fate then struck their tie

with Hall Road Rangers in midweek, with April 16 the new date for that.

Weather permitting, Sedge will be back out twice in the next week, starting with an away trip to Harrogate Railway Athletic tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm).

Three days later, football is due to return to Clayborn with Bridlington Town the visitors.

Liversedge remain a comfortable distance from the NCEL Premier Division relegation zone with an 11point cushion.

ATHLETICS Runners brave the elements in Spen race

rescue a dramatic point.

After the game, Welsh remained upbeat despite the disappointing performance.

“It’s probably better that it’s happening now than in two or three games’ time, because at the minute everything is in our own hands in terms of games that we’ve got to play,” he said.

“People are going to drop points

PHOTO: John Hirst

from now to the end of the season.

You can’t get too low, you can’t get too high. We need to make sure that we pick points up again next week.”

They now sit two points behind Sheffield FC in the final play-off place, and their push for promotion continues tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) when they make the short trip to mid-table Frickley Athletic.

HEAVY WOOLLEN FOOTBALL

Lucky 13 for in-form Deighton DUE TO the wet weather last weekend, only five games took place in the Heavy Woollen Sunday League on Sunday.

With Premier Division leaders Deighton WMC not in action, Mirfield Town moved to within two points at the top following a 13-2 win over bottom side Cock of the North, who scored through Ash Whitaker and Matt Parnell.

Walkers Hounds lie in third place after they edged out Clifton Rangers 3-2.

Conor Beaumont (two) and Tom White netted for Linthwaite as they won 3-2 at AFC Chickenley, who

replied through Tim Clarke and Michael Chadwick.

Mount Pleasant moved five points clear at the top of the Championship after Raees Lorgat (brace), Adam Rawat, Akbar Dabharia, Mo Omar, Shuaib Patel and an own goal saw them win 7-1 against Battyeford, who replied through Jon McDonald.

Martin Wagstaff (two) and Keelan Town scored as Clifton Rangers Athletic won 3-2 at home to Overthorpe Sports Club, who had Connor Lyons and Sean Hodgson on the scoresheet.

HOCKEY Slazenger second team seal promotion ON YOUR MARKS: The runners get ready to go in wet conditions MORE THAN 190 runners braved the elements to take part in Spenborough AC’s annual 20-mile road race last Sunday.

The route goes through villages around Cleckheaton, although the weather conditions posed a particularly difficult challenge as a mix of hail, sleet, rain and sunshine all came down on the runners.

New Marske’s Lewis Gamble-Thompson was the winner of the men’s race with a time of 1:56.22, while Jason Cherriman from Leeds City also ran in under two hours (1:57.57) and Tim Baldwin of Saltaire Striders came third (2:00.50).

Rebecca Winter of Ackworth came home

first in the women’s race in a time of 2:15.56, with Amy Young (Hyde Park) the runner-up and Aoife Burke (York Knavesmire) taking third.

There were also Masters runs, with Otley’s Scott Harrington (2:05.00) and Holmfirth Harriers’ J Thomas (2:37.53) winning the respective Masters 40 races and York Knavesmire’s David Smithers (2:10.14) and Louise Trainor of Quakers (2:38.49) first in the Masters 45 races.

Spenborough and District AC gave credit to the organisers and volunteers at the event, as well as the race marshals who spent four hours out in the elements.

BOWLS

Champs come to Spen Victoria CROWN green bowling’s World Club Championships begin this Sunday (March 17) at the Spen Victoria club.

It is the first time the competition has been held away from Lancashire, with the Gomersal-based club hosting action over the next five weekends.

Eight teams will compete on each of the next four

Sundays on a knockout basis, with two progressing each week to the finals on April 14.

The local favourites on the green this weekend will be Thongsbridge from Huddersfield, who face Lancashire’s Westhoughton in the opening round. The action begins at 11am.

Men’s 1st 3-3 Rotherham 1st AFTER a big defeat the previous week, Slazenger’s first team were looking to regain a little self-esteem against Rotherham last weekend.

It was a slow start from Slazenger but they were still the first to score with a well-worked team goal knocked in by Chilton. This seemed to wake Rotherham up though, and they immediately countered with two goals in 10 minutes.

They went into the break level though, with Birkett sending a defence-splitting ball into the Rotherham circle for man of the match Perry to rifle home.

The second half exhibited more energy and determination from Slazenger and it appeared to be their game for the taking until the umpires awarded a flick to the Rotherham centre forward for running into keeper Loftus.

Now behind by one and determined not to lose the game, Slazenger stepped up the pressure again. After several short corners were squandered, Tuddenham was to have the last say when he found the back of the net to level the game and secure a well earned point for Slazenger.

Men’s 2nd 9-0 Doncaster 5th SLAZENGER travelled to mid-table Doncaster 5ths with some trepidation; a win would give them an automatic promotion spot while anything less would present third-placed Barnsley with an opportunity to catch them. In the end there was no need to worry as it turned out to be a masterclass in goalscoring.

Amir Khalil was unstoppable in midfield early on and a quick ball to Alex Stacey gave him the opening goal inside five minutes. Asad Baig followed up shortly with a textbook short corner, and stand-in captain Ian Hedges netted soon after for 3-0.

Damo Greig took a goal in the form of a well struck reverse strike from the edge of the D, and Baig finished off a hat-trick before the half-time whistle.

The second half was much the same. Hedges netted his second from a short corner, Aidy Buckley weaved his way through the defence to shell in his first of the season and Baig’s fourth took the final tally to nine.

The result seals Slazenger’s promotion spot with two games to go, and with a mouthwatering clash away at current table toppers Hull 2nd this week, the title is still to play for.

Men’s 3rd 1-7 Brigg 3rd Men’s 4th 0-0 Doncaster 6th Men’s 5th 1-4 Huddersfield Dragons 4th Men’s 6th 0-1 Airedale 3rd Ladies’ 1st 2-3 Rotherham 1st SARAH Cooper and Frankie Tyrrell got the two goals for the Slazenger ladies’ first team in a close-fought encounter with Rotherham Ladies 1st.

Ladies’ 2nd 2-4 Chapeltown 2nd SLAZENGER second team’s game started off with an unfortunate disallowed goal from Nicci Swindon before Chapeltown made their way through the defence and scored. Another controversial decision from the umpire gave the opposition a penalty flick and a second goal.

A third goal from Chapeltown made the score 3-0 before, despite terrible weather and being 3-0 down, Slaz battled back and scored thanks to a short corner by Stacey Drake.

In the second half, Chapeltown scored first to extend their lead before Swindon notched the final goal.

Ladies’ 3rd 2-2 Grasshoppers 1st Ladies’ 4th 3-1 Leeds University 7th

22

ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

AMATEUR RUGBY LEAGUE

Moor cup run comes to end Coral Challenge Cup

WEST HULL DEWSBURY MOOR

26 10

DEWSBURY MOOR missed out on a place in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup as they went down to NCL Premier Division side West Hull.

The match was moved to the Sunday, as the hosts were also playing in the BARLA National Cup the day before.

Despite being stretched to the limit, they still managed to progress in both competitions and end Moor’s exciting cup run as a result.

Maroons did open the scor-

ing in the seventh minute, with Sam Thornton going over to get the visitors off to the perfect start.

However, Josh Wood went in for a try on the half-hour mark, and Ryan Wilson added the conversion to edge West Hull in front.

With three minutes to go to the half-time break, Wests went in again as Reece Gooch scored. Wilson failed to convert but did add a penalty as the whistle sounded.

Despite those late points, which put them 12-4 down at the break, Moor came out for the second period fired up for a comeback.

Four minutes after the restart, Thornton raced in for

his second of the game – and a second double in consecutive weeks after a brace in their league opener against Stanningley – with Jordan Foster landing the conversion.

That put them just two points behind, but West Hull hit back as Luke Moss went in with 16 minutes to go.

Gooch and Ryan Langton then added two in as many minutes to see them through right at the end, giving the final scoreline a very harsh look following a valiant Moor effort.

They return to league action with a trip to Saddleworth Moor tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm).

Loss for Sharks on the road NCL Division Two

INCE ROSE BRIDGE 20 SHAW CROSS 10 SHAW CROSS SHARKS suffered a first defeat of the season in a scrappy contest at Ince Rose Bridge.

The Sharks got their NCL campaign off to the perfect start the previous week against Clock Face Miners, but fell to a narrow defeat

on their first away trip of the year.

In cold, windy conditions, Cross took an early lead with winger Tom Stuckey going over after 10 minutes for a 4-0 lead.

However, Peter Valentine and Danny Dainty both scored in the space of five minutes for the home side as they went into the break four points in front.

Chris Boylan got the first points of the second half for Ince Rose Bridge in the 52nd minute, with Danny Cassidy adding the extras.

And despite the Sharks’ best efforts, the contest was effectively over when Robbie Valentine crossed with 12 minutes to go and the conversion made it 20-4.

Shaw Cross saw Luke Hudson sent to the bin for the final 10 minutes of the match, although they managed to score a consolation try nonetheless with centre Callum Barker touching down late on.

The Sharks are back at home against East Leeds tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm).

ON TOUR: The Heavy Woollen Under 23s are in action today (Friday) against an Athens XIII, after flying out to Greece for the start of their tour on Wednesday

Boys secure first NCL triumph NCL Division Three

EASTMOOR DRAGONS 10 BATLEY BOYS 12 BATLEY BOYS made a second-half comeback to earn their first-ever win in the National Conference League.

Making the short trip to Eastmoor Dragons, they managed to come out on top despite the indiscipline which saw Johnny Marsden in the sin-bin and Josh Whitehead sent off.

The afternoon got off to the worst possible start, with only 90 seconds on the clock when Michael Hoyle broke through to score for the Dragons to open their account.

The Boys grew into the game and came close through Ryan Crossley, but they received a double blow on the verge of half-time.

Marsden was shown the yellow card for a professional foul following a try-saving tackle and, with the man disadvantage, were punished in

the following set as Chad Moss went over.

With a 10-0 deficit at the break, there were some strong words for the Boys which produced the desired response in the second half.

Matty Sheridan went over for his first try of the game shortly after coming back off the bench, following a break on the last tackle and a great assist by Jordan Brown.

Adam Bingham added the extras to make it 10-6 to Batley Boys.

It was Sheridan who forced his way over the line for the winning try as well, holding off four Eastmoor players to ground the ball. Bingham again knocked over the conversion to put them in front for the first time.

And the Boys were able to hold on in the final moments to secure their first NCL victory, despite the dismissal of Whitehead with two minutes to go for a headbutt.

Batley Boys will look to go back-to-back on home turf tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm) against Hensingham.

Celtic defeated NCL Division Three

WATERHEAD DEWSBURY CELTIC

12 6

DEWSBURY CELTIC failed to inflict a first defeat of the season on Waterhead Warriors as they went down in a scrappy, low-scoring contest.

A Mitchell Birch try on nine minutes opened the scoring in favour of the home side.

Keegan Brennan failed to convert but did land a penalty as the half-time whistle blew for their 6-0 lead, which remained until seven minutes from time.

Despite having Michael Devaney sin-binned on 65 minutes for use of the forearm, the home side doubled their lead with a second try for Birch and a Brennan conversion.

Celtic were rewarded for their efforts with four minutes to go with a Danny Crabtree try which Ethan Ferry converted, but it came too late.

Celtic are back at home tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm) against Leigh East.

RUGBY UNION

Cleckheaton back in danger with defeat North One East

CLECKHEATON RUFC 11 DRIFFIELD 17 CLECKHEATON were unable to build on the previous week’s great win at Pocklington as they fell to a narrow defeat to Driffield at a windswept Moorend.

It leaves them just four points above the relegation zone, with a weekend off before a crucial away fixture at already-relegated Consett.

Cleck made two changes to the winning team at Pocklington. Full-back James Wilson and centre Ollie Depledge both missed out with knee injuries so Brad Marsden filled in on the right wing with Mike Swetman at full-back. Tom Austin was on the bench with Ben Dearing and Henry Iwanejko.

There was very little to choose between the teams in the opening exchanges but Driffield got the scoreboard ticking on 20 minutes after a high tackle gave James Watts a penalty goal from 20 metres out.

Cleckheaton went very close a couple of times, when Mikey Hayward was put into space down the left and fed

Danny Booth, but the pass was deemed forward. Ryan Piercy was also held up over the line as Cleckheaton applied considerable pressure without success.

It took until the final seconds of the half for Cleckheaton to finally open their account, with a 35metre goal by Dale Breakwell leaving the sides tied 3-3 at the interval.

Very early in the second period, Watts added his second penalty goal to push Driffield ahead again.

Tom Austin took to the field with Josh Plunkett making way, and he was unfortunately joined on the bench moments later when Matt Piper was sent to the sin bin; the referee finding fault when Cleckheaton’s captain came right through the centre of a ruck to turn over the ball.

Driffield took immediate advantage with the scrum option and, when the ball was moved to the left, centre Gary Stephenson crashed over near the corner flag.

The conversion fell short to put the score at 11-3 to the visitors.

Cleckheaton were getting across the gain line but on several occasions the ball

CLOSE: Mikey Hayward runs clear to level the scores, but Driffield went on to triumph was inexplicably put to ground as handling errors thwarted their progress.

On the hour Breakwell reduced the lead to one score with a penalty goal as the

Driffield number eight Brankley was sent to the sin bin.

That put Cleck in the ascendency, and more pressure and quick hands by

PHOTO: Gerald Christian

Breakwell and Swetman put Hayward into a gap and the centre stepped around the defence for his 11th try of an impressive season. The kick was missed though, making

the scores level again at 1111.

However, the increased morale was short-lived as several players watched motionless as the restart was allowed to bounce.

It was pounced on by a Driffield player who got deep into the Cleckheaton 22 before being brought down illegally, and Watts added another goal to put his side back in front.

This lead was extended to 17-11 with six minutes remaining when Watts added another penalty for the visitors.

Cleckheaton had two more try-scoring chances held up on the line on the left before being awarded a penalty, which they kicked to touch for a lineout 5m out for the final play of the game.

Driffield didn’t contest the lineout but instead shaped to repel the push. A Driffield forward fell onto the floor on the gain line and a couple of players in Cleckheaton’s rolling maul fell trying to straddle the obstruction. The ball became trapped and the referee awarded Driffield the scrum, bringing the match to an end and leaving Cleck with nothing but a losing bonus point.

ThePress

Friday March 15, 2019

23

RUGBY LEAGUE

Bradford add to Bulldogs’ woes Betfred Championship

BATLEY BULLDOGS BRADFORD BULLS

6 16

Stephen Ibbetson at Fox’s Biscuits Stadium BRADFORD BULLS picked up their first win in four matches with a hardfought triumph at Batley Bulldogs.

The scrappy match began with hailstones falling and strong winds swirling around the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium, and finished under bright sunshine.

However, the near-constants were the game management from Bradford, and particularly Jordan Lilley, which saw them over the line despite failing to register a point in the second half, and the lack of attacking quality from Batley.

Bulldogs coach Matt Diskin rang the changes after a disappointing defeat at Sheffield the week before, with Johnny Campbell, Danny Yates, Tyler Dickinson, Keenen Tomlinson and Lewis Bienek all returning to the side.

Meanwhile, the Bulls were strengthened by the returns of both Jordan Lilley and James Green following suspensions, while winger David FogginJohnston made his first competitive start for John Kear’s side.

Bradford started on the front foot and put pressure on the opposition line early, and they should have got the first points when Sam Hallas did well to sell the defence a dummy and cruise through, only to knock on under pressure as he tried to stretch for the line.

Errors were denying both sides the chance to make much ground, but the visitors got the fortune required to score the first try in the 22nd minute.

After Jake Webster was held up over the line, a poor kick on the last play was fumbled to restart the tackle count

MATCH STATS HALIFAX: Reece Chapman-Smith Shaun Robinson Steve Tyrer James Saltonstall Will Sharp Scott Murrell Ben Johnston Dan Fleming Ben Kaye Jacob Fairbank Kevin Larroyer Shane Grady Ed Barber Subs: Ben Kavanagh Elliot Morris Brandon Moore Liam Cooper Tries: Barber (15, 47, 68), Robinson (40).

Goals: Tyrer 5/5.

DEWSBURY RAMS: Luke Hooley Rob Worrincy Lucas Walshaw Adam Ryder Dale Morton Paul Sykes Liam Finn Tom Garratt Sam Day Chris Annakin Samy Kibula Owen Harrison Kyle Trout Subs: Michael Knowles Muizz Mustapha Daniel Igbinedion Robbie Ward Tries: None.

Goals: None.

Referee: J Smith Half-time: 14-0 Penalties: 7-12 Man of the match: Ed Barber (Halifax) Attendance: 1,343

7 8 7 6 8 6 7 6 7 7 7 7 8 7 7 8 7

5 5 6 6 6 5 5 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 6

and the ball was moved over to the left edge for Ethan Ryan to dive into the corner.

Bradford remained dominant and Hallas was held out by scrambling defence after a good offload, but they were soon over for a second time as another move left was finished by Ross Oakes following Brandon Pickersgill’s well-timed pass. Jordan Lilley added the extras to make it 10-0.

A short restart caused a scramble and presented the Bulldogs with their best field position of the match but what came next best summed up their first half as, having won a drop out with a deft kick, Dom Brambani then fumbled the ball straight away.

Bradford were able to build up pressure again at the other end and after George Flanagan was denied close to the line, Hallas found Liam Kirk to drive over and Lilley converted again for a 16-0 lead at the interval.

The away side should have had more points on the board when they were awarded a penalty 15m out early in the second half. They went for the two, but Lilley somehow thumped the post with his effort.

Batley enjoyed their best spell of the match as the game approached the hour mark, with their opponents beginning to lose their discipline.

They had a run of three penalties in a row, and were later awarded another

two on the Bulls line, only to fail to put on any strong attacking plays as the Bulls comfortably held them out.

Bradford were playing cautiously in attack, always looking to kick for touch, but they continued to concede penalties and eventually Batley registered their first points.

It came from a good move as well, with a break down the left side completed by Campbell’s superb offload for Yates to touch down. Scott converted to narrow the different to 10.

However, any faint hopes of a comeback were over when Tom Lillycrop was sent to the sin-bin for the Bulldogs with five minutes remaining following a high tackle on Mikey Wood.

We’re in a dark place, says Brown

SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS: James Brown

BATLEY forward James Brown has admitted that the Bulldogs are in “a dark place” after another defeat last weekend.

They face Toronto on Sunday having won just once in their first six outings in the Championship, and they copped another loss on home turf last week against Bradford.

After a positive pre-season, Brown says that everybody at the club is trying to find out why things are yet to click into place.

“We got our attack right one week and the next we’re off with our defence,” he said. “We’re all searching for answers at the moment. It’s a bit of a dark place we’re in.

“The conditions weren’t great

Rams nilled at Fax Betfred Championship

HALIFAX DEWSBURY RAMS

26 0

at MBi Shay Stadium DEWSBURY RAMS were undone by an Ed Barber hattrick for Halifax in a mudbath at the MBi Shay Stadium.

A torrential downpour had seen the previous day’s FC Halifax Town match called off but this game was still played, meaning free-flowing action was at a premium.

Dewsbury hadn’t lost a game by more than one score going into this West Yorkshire derby, but a mis-firing attack meant that Fax were able to continue their great home record.

Barber and Shaun Robinson scored first-half tries while two more Barber efforts after the interval were enough to secure the points.

Liam Finn made his second debut, while Leeds loanee Muizz Mustapha featured for the Rams for the first time.

The opening minute saw Halifax concede a penalty on the first tackle before Dewsbury knocked on immediately from the restart, surmising the poor quality on show in the face of the dreadfully wet conditions.

Halifax were the match’s early aggressors though, twice

coming close in the first eight minutes. Ben Johnston slid in a grubber for Steve Tyrer to chase, though the centre was beaten to the ball by Samy Kibula. In quick succession, Ben Kaye and Barber were held up.

The latter soon found his way over however. A timely short pass by Jacob Fairbank put Barber in the clear and he stepped past a defender to cross. Tyrer added the first of five conversions from as many attempts.

Dewsbury were handed a golden chance when Dan Fleming dropped the restart as the Rams won four repeat sets through another goal line drop out and three penalties.

Their attack lacked potency though, with a tame Paul Sykes kick to the hands of Tyrer all that resulted from the sustained pressure.

Fax took advantage as a couple of their own quick-fire penalties of their own handed the position for another Tyrer goal.

Dewsbury continued to enjoy the territory, albeit with no affect on the scoreboard.

Sam Day was held up before Luke Hooley lost the ball as the torrential conditions worsened.

With eight minutes left, Fax were reduced to 12 men when Barber was sin-binned for fighting after a scuffle. But, it

was Fax who would cope the better despite the numerical disadvantage.

A wonderful cut-out pass from Brandon Moore flew over ex-Fax winger Rob Worrincy’s head and into the hands of Robinson to score on the hooter.

The match took the tone of a war of attrition as the second half began, with the battle to hold onto the ball as much as score points.

Halifax fared better and the returning Barber had his impact count as he somehow managed to plant the ball down on the line under the posts while surrounded by Dewsbury defenders.

Tyrer’s conversion brought up a 20-point lead.

Halifax struggled to break out of their own half for the 10 minutes thereafter.

Their much-lauded defence was justifying its reputation though, with Worrincy barged into touch and numerous goal line sets defended.

Again though, Halifax made the Rams’ lacklustre attack pay.

Down the right they forayed and Barber charged and twisted to the right corner for a first-ever Halifax hat-trick.

In the dying stages, former Fax half-back Finn kicked the ball straight into the stands, encapsulating their tough afternoon.

(against Bradford) but it’s the same for both sides. We’re way off at the moment with our execution, with our plays, and it’s not acceptable really.

“We’ve come up short week in and week out, and we’re running out of excuses.”

Things don’t get any easier with the Wolfpack next up, and the Batley pack will have a tough job on their hands against Toronto’s formidable forward unit.

“Obviously they’ve got some big hitters in there to try to test ourselves against,” said Brown, who is two games away from reaching 150 career appearances.

“We need to do a bit of soul searching this week and see if we can get back on the horse.”

MATCH STATS BATLEY BULLDOGS: Dave Scott Keenen Tomlinson Sam Smeaton Lewis Galbraith Johnny Campbell Danny Yates Dom Brambani Toby Everett Tom Hemingway Tom Lillycrop Jack Downs Paul Brearley Tyler Dickinson Subs: Alistair Leak Lewis Bienek James Brown Adam Gledhill Tries: Yates (67).

Goals: Scott 1/1.

BRADFORD BULLS: Brandon Pickersgill David Foggin-Johnston Rhys Evans Ross Oakes Ethan Ryan Jordan Lilley Matty Wildie Steve Crossley Sam Hallas Callum Bustin Connor Farrell Jake Webster Mikey Wood Subs: George Flanagan James Green Liam Kirk Matty Storton Tries: Ryan (22), Oakes (29), Kirk (36).

Goals: Lilley 2/4.

7 7 6 6 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 8 7 7 6 7 6

8 6 7 7 7 8 6 7 7 7 6 7 7 6 7 7 6

Referee: M Mannifield Half-time: 0-16 Penalties: 11-10 Sin Bin: Lillycrop (75, high tackle) Man of the match: Jordan Lilley (Bradford) Attendance: 2,393

Rams boss wants reserves LEE GREENWOOD has said he would like to see Dewsbury Rams run a reserve grade in the future.

This has been a hot topic in rugby league recently, with only six clubs fielding second teams this year.

Greenwood brought in a plethora of new arrivals in the off-season at the Rams, with a number yet to see firstteam action in the Championship.

One of the clubs running a reserves side is Keighley, where three Rams players went last week to play as part of a new dual-registration agreement.

Jacob Thomas, Jack Ray and Jack Richardson all featured, while Harvey Hallas is on loan with the Cougars first team having failed to force his way into Greenwood’s side so far.

The Dewsbury boss would like to see the club operating their own reserve team, and says that he had hoped to field a side for some matches this year.

“There’s the finance part which is a stumbling block, and when you’re fighting for your life every year in the Championship, like half of the clubs are in that division, you’ve got to weigh it up,” he explained.

“Is it better to have the money in your first team budget to ensure you stay up, or is it better to run a reserves? It’s a difficult one.

“I’m on the side of running one, but that could cost you your job as well if you’ve not spent the money on the first team. It’s not just my decision, it needs to be a club decision.

“I thought we were in a position to have some games this year to be honest. We’ve brought quite a lot of young lads in, and that would have been perfect for them to play some reserve games, and they’d be matchready then to get some Championship

opportunities.

“It’s not worked out quite like that and we need to find these guys games.

“Keighley are running a reserves and they’ve borrowed a few players, and we’re lucky enough that (head coach) Craig Lingard was happy to take a few lads on.

“That might continue and might not, but it gave them an opportunity to have a game which they needed.”

New date for Rochdale clash DEWSBURY RAMS’ away fixture at Rochdale Hornets has been rearranged for July 28.

The match should have been the first of the Championship season for both sides, but the adverse weather conditions saw the game postponed.

The new date has now been confirmed, although it would have to be moved again should either side reach the Challenge Cup or 1895 Cup semifinals due to be played on that weekend.

‘Appy days BOTH Batley and Dewsbury will have matches shown live on the OurLeague app over the next month.

The Bulldogs’ next home fixture against Toulouse Olympique will be streamed live on March 23, while the Rams’ trip to Bradford Bulls on April 7 will also be available on the app.

Fans can also watch Batley this Sunday (March 17) against Toronto Wolfpack, live on Sky Sports.

Batley ‘gutted’ to miss Toronto trip

By Stephen Ibbetson Sports Reporter sport@thepressnews.co.uk

BATLEY coach Matt Diskin says that his players are “gutted” to have missed out on the chance to visit Toronto again this season.

The Bulldogs face the Canadian side this weekend, but the fixture has been moved to KCOM Craven Park in Hull.

The climate in Toronto has meant that the Wolfpack are unable to stage any home matches at their Lamport Stadium until April, and they have been taking games ‘on the road’ instead.

Batley face the Wolfpack on Sunday (kick-off 5pm) as the second part of a double header, alongside Hull KR’s Super League clash with Catalans Dragons at 3pm.

However, the Bulldogs coach says that his group are disappointed to miss out on another trip to Canada.

“For the part-time boys it’s something they rarely get to experience, and we’re a bit gutted we’re missing out on that this year,” said Diskin.

“It’s a tough division, playing against full-time teams and whatever else, and the boys need some reward for that and last year in Toronto they had the chance of a life experience. So to miss out on that, the boys are gutted.”

It will certainly be a tough fixture for Batley, with the Wolfpack sitting top of the Championship table and comfortably the favourites for promotion to the top flight.

However, they were defeated by Toulouse last week and have yet to hit top form, notably coming very close to a loss at Dewsbury as well.

Despite the gulf in finances between the respective clubs, Diskin remains hopeful.

“We go into every game with hope,” he said. “Let’s be realistic, it will take massive turn up in the formbooks for us to get anything out of it, but we’ll go and try our damnedest.

LIFE EXPERIENCE: Matt Diskin’s team are heading to Hull instead of Toronto “Toronto are coming off a loss against Toulouse. For me they shouldn’t have lost a game all year, so for them to lose away at Toulouse is a really disappointing result.

“For us, we’re really up against it next week. We’ll get to training, we’ll work hard as we always do, there’s not a lack of effort.

“There’s just a mental block for some reason and that’s why it’s not transferring from the training field to the playing field and

it’s something we’ll work hard as a group to address.”

That was the complaint Diskin had following last week’s 16-6 home defeat to Bradford Bulls, as Batley fell to a fifth defeat in six league matches this season.

“I’ve got to find the right selection that’s going to buy into what we’re doing on the training field, because at the moment we’re training like Tarzan and playing like Jane and it’s poor,” he admitted.

“I thought it was a very poor game of rugby; I thought it was refereed very poorly. I thought the ruck area was slow for both teams and the referee showed no courage to referee that area at all, which killed us because we want to play with some pace and some speed.

“We were disappointed with that, but in another two games of rugby we wouldn’t have scored any more tries. We were really poor and blunt with the ball.

“It’s easy to say that Bradford defended really well but they didn’t, we were poor in attack.

“We didn’t do enough with the ball in hand. We were one-dimensional. We put two plays on in the entire game that resembled anything like what we’d practiced this week. What we dished up with the ball in hand was terrible.”

Diskin also emphasised that changes to team selection will be made, after five players were dropped from the side against Bradford.

“A few players had a poor game against Sheffield (the week before), so when they play that poor there’s some accountability,” he said.

“Dane Manning’s discipline was woeful last week and that’s why he didn’t play. Wayne Reittie and Sam Wood played poorly last week and that’s why they didn’t play.

“If lads don’t play well, they don’t get selected.”

Amateur ties in Challenge Cup BATLEY BULLDOGS and Dewsbury Rams have both been handed home ties against amateur clubs in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup. The Bulldogs welcome Castleford side Lock Lane, while the Rams host a West Hull side who defeated Dewsbury Moor in the third round last Sunday.

The fourth round ties will take place over the weekend of March 30-31.

Ex-Rams will be up for it!

DEWSBURY RAMS coach Lee Greenwood expects a tough challenge this weekend from an in-form Sheffield Eagles – and particularly from a number of returning players.

Josh Guzdek, James Glover and Aaron Brown all departed the Rams for South Yorkshire at the end of last season, and will come back to the Tetley’s Stadium for the first time on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

Dewsbury finished five points ahead of the Eagles in 2018, but that has already been reversed with Sheffield winning four of their opening five games and sitting second in the Championship table.

Greenwood says that he admires the job that his opposite number Mark Aston has done.

“They’ve recruited well this time,” he said. “I’m guessing Mark was disappointed with last year’s group and how they performed so he’s done what most coaches try to do: retain the guys that they want to retain, that they know are good blokes and up to Championship level, and bring in guys that they think can improve the squad.

“Nobody can argue with that at the moment; they’ve played five and won four, and they had a man sent off last week which went a long way to deciding that game at Featherstone.

“They’re a good side, full of Championship-quality players that have been around a bit, and they’ve recruited well this time and picked off some of the better players from other clubs.

“That’s the game, and we’ve probably come at a loss there because three of Dewsbury’s starting players from last year’s team have gone there.

“There’s no way you want to go back to your old club and not perform and lose, so they’ll be up for it.”

Greenwood says that there will be changes to his own side after a 26-0 defeat at Halifax last weekend.

“It was a real disappointment. It was a comprehensive defeat, which in those conditions shouldn’t have happened,” he reflected.

“There will be changes this week to how we prepare, as coaches and maybe a few guys can get a chance this week to stake their claim for a regular spot.

“There’s a lot of work to do, and even though we’ve been competitive and maybe should have come back with more points from the first four games, I know behind the scenes there is a lot of work to do.

“There will be changes to the team most weeks as we try to find the right formula and get down to the blokes who we want to keep and who will take this club forward.”

The Rams have been busy on recruitment, with veteran half-back Liam Finn re-joining the club and Leeds Rhinos academy players Muizz Mustapha and Owen Trout – brother of Dewsbury’s Kyle – coming in on month-loan deals.

On Finn, he said: “We’ve got him on a permanent deal rather than a loan and he’s also signed for next year as well, so we’re starting to piece together next year’s squad as well.

“He’ll still be a good player at this level for this season and next season at least. It’s good to get someone like Liam Finn; we do need some leaders and some experienced players to guide the team around and he obviously fits the bill.

“These two (Mustapha and Trout) are a bit different to the other guys we’ve brought in. They’re still academy age and they’ve been offered to us.

“There’s the potential that the loans could be longer, and they’re local lads as well so if things don’t work out at Leeds in the future, they could be guys we potentially look at.”

That’s the route that former Rhinos academy captain Harvey Whiteley has taken, joining the club permanently at the start of the season.

He has been recovering from a shoulder operation, but has returned to full-contact training this week and is in contention for a debut.

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