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HEBWEB NEWS REVIEW OF THE YEAR
Highlights of some of the main issues and events of 2009 as they have affected Hebden Bridge and been reported on the Hebden Bridge Web. Read more

SITA TO CONTUNE SUSPENDED COLLECTIONS Due to heavy snowfalls Sita, Calderdale’s refuse collection contractor, suspended refuse and recycling collection services part way through collection rounds on Christmas Eve. Sita has arranged for extra crews to work from Monday 28th December and for the rest of that week to clear the backlog. If your collection has been missed, Calderdale advises putting your household waste out for collection on Monday, December 28.

CAROLS IN THE SQUARE - see photos from Christmas Eve

LET'S NOT WALK AWAY A fundraising walk on Saturday 6th March, in the memory of Liam and Sam Jones, and the other young lives that Hebden Bridge has lost in recent years. Read more - 20 Dec

FORESTRY COMMISSION TO FUND WOODS IN HEBDEN BRIDGE AREA - The Commission sees forestry making a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits. Read more - 19 Dec

COPENHAGEN, FOE AND LOCAL INITIATIVES
As the Copenhagen negotiations enter their critical second week, local Friends of the Earth activists have told the Hebweb that FOE is campaigning hard for the toughest possible deal, and has also launched a new local initiative to reduce our CO2 emissions here in Calderdale. To follow events in Copenhagen you can access the FOE daily blog here; and if you want to send some messages to the principal negotiators (usually the villains!) sign up for email actions here  Read about the FOE local campaign to reduce Calderdale's emissions by 40% by 2020, being undertaken jointly with Calderdale Sustainability Forum, here  The Calderdale FOE new website is here - 15 Dec

SOLSTICE CELEBRATION AT THE TRADES - Mental Elf Collective, Cosmo Naughty, Steve Tilston's Trades Roots night, Vin Garbutt and Souled Out - Read more - 14 Dec

REVIEW OF LOCAL YOUTH PROVISION - Hebden Royd Council begin review of local youth provision with a view to improving and broadening it. Future meetings open to public and young people. Read more - 11 Dec

TOWN HALL FUTURE SECURE - after last night’s landmark decision by Calderdale council’s Cabinet to transfer the historic building to a community-run charitable trust. Read more - 8 Dec

WASTE CONTRACT FIASCO - Calderdale Council Labour group will be using the full Council meeting on Wednesday to seek further answers over the fiasco around the award of the waste contract to SITA. Read more - 1 Dec

WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN MOVES TO MYTHOLMROYD - White Ribbon Campaign is expanding and moving from Hebden Bridge to take up much larger office space in the centre of Mytholmroyd. Read more - 29 Dec

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING: If you would like to recycle your Christmas tree please just take it along to one of the collection points and Calderdale will either re-plant it or turn it into nutritious compost and mulch for Calderdale parks and gardens. Either The Marina, New Road, Hebden Bridge Jan 2nd to Jan 30 or Eastwood Household Waste Recycling Centre, from Jan 2 - 27 Dec

PROTECT PIPESFROM FREEZING TEMPERATURES - Simple measures when it's particularly cold such as keeping the heating on a
low level during the night and whilst you're out will help to ensure pipes don't freeze, whilst long term measures such as insulating pipework and storage tanks will help to avoid frost damage and any costly repair bills that might result from this. Read more - 18 Dec

POLICE AND COMMUNITY MEETING - stone thefts are now a significant problem, car park ticket machine stolen from Widdop has been recovered, motorcycles on the hillside below Stoodley Pike, 20 mph speed limit, number of Street Angels is to be doubled for “Mad Friday” - Read more - 17 Dec

LOW ENERGY LIGHTING - LED Workshop on Sunday, 20th Dec. A Guardian article earlier this year suggested that if everyone in Britain swapped to LEDs we could do without 8 power stations. Read more

MORE BAD PRESS FOR CONTROVERSIAL LABOUR CANDIDATE - county court judgements against Steph Booth following row with builder. Read more - 10 Dec

LIMITED FREE PARKING - in Hebden Bridge in the run up to Christmas. On Thursdays, 10th, 17th and 24th December from 3pm.

WASTE CONTRACT QUESTIONS -The Hebden Bridge Web is now able to make available Cllr Reason's "answers" to the questions posed. But in spite the the public fiasco over the award of the waste contract to SITA, Cllr Reason largely avoids giving full and frank answers to the questions posed .Read more - 6 Dec

BOOK NEWS - November's top ten bestsellers and all the latest news from our popular Hebden Bridge bookshop, along with new titles. Read more - 3 Dec

ARTS FESTIVAL OPEN MEETING: Everyone is welcome to come along to meet the organisers, offer proposals for events and volunteer to help. Read more about next year's festival - 1 Dec

PRIMARY SCHOOL 2009 RESULTS along with links to our news pages over the past 10 years giving similar results. Read more - 1 Dec

PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES DEBATE Craig Whittaker from the Conservatives, Steph Booth from Labour, Hilary Myers from the Lib Dems, and Kate Sweeny from the Green Party will all be in the hall at Riverside School on Saturday afternoon (2pm), 30th January. They will be there to participate in a "Question Time" style debate, chaired by Jason Elliott. If anyone has any questions they would like to put to the panel, please email them to jason@jasonelliott.co.uk for consideration.

OUTTA PLACE, a new social enterprise forms in Hebden Bridge. Recently formed Outta Place is a collective of artists, teachers and academics dedicated to the notion of arts for social change. - Read more - 26 Nov

SQUARE AND ENTERPRISE CENTRE The centre of Mytholmroyd has been transformed in 2009 with the construction of a new town square in front of St Michael’s Church Hall; this is a much-needed focal point for the town, and is soon to be enhanced by a specially commissioned public artwork. This will be a four-metre high steel spire surrounded by a circular table of polished granite. - Read more - 26 Nov

TORY MP CANDIDATE BIDS £100 FOR TRIP TO PARLIAMENT - At the White Ribbon Campaign auction yesterday evening, Craig Whittaker, prospective Tory candidate successfully bid for a meal for two and a tour of Parliament, which was offered by our current Labour MP Chris McCafferty. The White Ribbon Campaign seeks to end violence by men against women - 21 Nov

HEBDEN BRIDGE SKATERS VISIT SCOTLAND: Skaters from Hebden Bridge have been on a trip to Scotland as part of their ongoing project to extend the skate park in Calder Holme, Hebden Bridge. - Read more - 20 Nov

TOURISM PUBLIC MEETING REPORT speakers Mark Humphreys from Calderdale, Duncan McKie of the Business Association and Sarah Nicholls of Holme House spoke to the meeting called by the Civic Trust. General discussion raised many important issues. - Read more - 20 Nov

The A646 between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge was closed Wednesday morning due to flooding. Trains also affected. Photo above taken by Turning Circle. - 18 Nov

VALLEY SUPERSTARS DEBUT AT THE TRADES. Former Owter Zeds mainman John Armstrong brings his new band Wobbly featuring some of the valley’s top musicians to the Trades on Friday 20th November. Read more - 16 Nov

ACRE MILL ASBESTOS - EYE WITNESS ACCOUNTS SENT TO PLANNING INSPECTOR.In what could be a first for Youtube, content from the social networking site has been presented as evidence in a planning inquiry. Read more - 13 Nov

THE OUTSIDE TRACK AT WAINSGATE - Featuring a multinational line-up from Scotland, Ireland and Canada, The Outside Track plays cutting edge modern traditional music reminiscent of early Solas with a Canadian singer and a hint of the Poozies with the occasional bluesy edge. Read more - 13 Nov

Listen now to local author and historian Jill Liddington speaking on Women's Hour about Anne Lister, Friday, 6th Nov

Hebden Bridge featured on Radio 4's You and Yours, as the first Walkers are Welcome town - there are now over 30. Listen now - 6 Nov

LINDSAY RIMER: 15 years on
Still no arrest but police say they are still looking for her killer. Read more. Saturday, 7th November, is the 15th anniversary of the murder which shook Hebden Bridge. See Hebweb Feature for background.

CAPE ASBESTOS, ACRE MILL AND THE RISK FROM DISTURBING BURIED ASBESTOS A planning appeal has been submitted by, the owner of land across the road from the old Cape Asbestos factory, Acre Mill, in Old Town. Last night, a meeting was held at the White Lion in Hebden Bridge to discuss the threat to our area. Read more - 5 Nov

Distinguished local novelist and poet Glyn Hughes writes about art, literature and ageing in today's Sunday Times - 1 Nov

END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: On November 25th the International Day to Eradicate Violence against Women, the Government launched its strategy to End Violence Against Women and announced that it would be working with Hebden Bridge based White Ribbon Campaign to engage men in combatting vilolence against women. Read more - 27 Nov

LEGENDARY COMIC CLAIRE SUMMERSKILL has been described as the ‘lesbian Victoria Wood' - a perfect choice to finish Cabaret Heaven’s autumn season at the Trades. Read more about this and other events, including Francis Lickerish.
Thomas Mapfumo gig cancelled Read more - 23 Nov

HEBDEN BRIDGE ROCK SCHOOL REOPENS - The school, which needs beginners and experienced musicians and vocalists, is run by Calderdale Council’s Music Service and Young People’s Service, and offers expert tuition to 13 to 19 year olds who want to play modern music. Read more - 23 Nov

LISA HANNIGAN AT THE PICTURE HOUSE - Acclaimed Irish singer/songwriter and Mercury Music Prize nominee, Lisa Hannigan, will perform a very special show with her band at Hebden Bridge Picture House, on Friday 27th November. Read more - 23 Nov

AUTUMN LEAVES - COUNCIL TO MULCH instead of dumping in landfill sites. Following suggestions from frontline staff, the Council has invested in machinery which separates non recyclable waste from the vegetation. Read more - 16 Nov

MEMORIAL GARDENS TO CLOSE FOR IMPROVEMENTS from Monday, 23rd November. New walkways, additional seating bays, new flower beds and a refurbished Memorial Plaque are just a few of the improvements planned. Read more - 14 Nov

STRICTLY TEA DANCING AT THE TRADES It’s time to take a step back in time as the Marvellous Tea Dance Company revive the traditional afternoon cake and dance extravaganza at the Trades on Saturday 28th November. Read more - 11 Nov

CIVIC TRUST CALLS TOURISM PUBLIC MEETING - How important is tourism to our town?  Where do the tourists come from?   What facilities do they expect?  Do they create any problems for those of us who live here? These and other questions will be discussed. Read more - 10 Nov

WHITE RIBBON BENEFIT at the Trades, and other events including Clive Gregson and Alphadrive Read more - 4 Nov

TEMPORARY CAR PARK AT OLD FIRE STATION - opens on Monday 9 November, has been made possible following an approach by the developers to the Council. Read more - 6 Nov

LOCAL AUTHORAND HISTTORIAN JILL LIDDINGTON will be speaking on Women's Hour, Friday, 6th Nov about the forthcomeing BBC TV programmes on Anne Lister - 5 Nov

BOOK NEWS - October's top ten bestsellers and all the latest news from our popular Hebden Bridge bookshop, along with new titles - 5 Nov

HEBDEN BRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHER WINS £12K
An image of a teenage swimmer aiming for glory at the 2012 Paralympics has been named the winner of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize. Paul Floyd Blake's photo collected the £12,000 award at the National Portrait Gallery in London. See BBC news item - 4 Nov

HEALTH SECRETARY ANDY BURNHAM PRAISES INCREDIBLE EDIBLE - Invited by Chris McCafferty MP to meet staff at the Todmorden Health Centre and discuss how the centre had made an impact on local communities a year on from its launch, the Health Secretary was pleasantly surprised to see local food being grown in the grounds of the £10million new health centre. Read more - 4 Nov

2010, YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS: In 2010, Hebden’s packhorse bridge will be 500 years old. With parades, packhorses, prose and photos, Hebden Bridge is gearing up for a year-long celebration. Read more - 3 Nov

SUICIDE CENTRAL is how today's Independent on Sunday feature describes Hebden Bridge - an article prompted by the release of the film: "Shed Your Tears and Walk Away." Read more - 1 Nov

DISTINGUISHED LOCAL WRITER Glyn Hughes writes about art, literature and ageing in today's Sunday Times - 1 Nov

HIGH CLASS BURLESQUE, the Joni Mitchell Project and others events this week at the Trades. Read more - 1 Nov

JOURNALISM AND THE NEW MEDIA - report of the public meeting called by the NUJ on 28th October at the White Lion. The discussion was led by invited speakers, Gary Herman of the NUJ and Chris Ratcliffe of the Hebden Bridge Web. Read more - 29 Oct

CAPE ASBESTOS - meeting called to discuss the planning appeal which has been put in by owner of land across the road from the old Cape Asbestos factory in Old Town. Academic Researcher, Jason Addy from Manchester Metropolitan University will present excerpts from 2 groundbreaking investigations into Hebden Bridge's asbestos legacy - World in Action and Yorkshire Television's Alice Fight For Life. Read more - 28 Oct

COLIN AT THE PICTURE HOUSE - One of the success stories of the year, zombie movie Colin was written, directed, edited, shot and produced by Marc Price on a budget of just £45!  The film wowed critics at Cannes film festival. Read more - 27 Oct

FUNDING FOR WATER POWER PROJECT Following on from the very successful Power in the Landscape project, the Alternative Technology Centre have now received funding for a two year project supporting communities who wish to develop micro hydro across the South Pennines. Read more.- 20 Oct

JAMIE OLIVER HECKLED IN HEBDEN BRIDGE as he prepared to film an ad for Sainsburys. Protestors questioned the wisdom of using Hebden Bridge, a town proud of its independent shops, to advertise a supermarket chain which puts small shops out of business. Read more and see photos - 23 Oct

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband praises CALDER VALLEY'S 'ENVIRONMENTAL HOTBED - The Energy Secretary has paid tribute to the ‘green groundswell’ of local activity taking place in communities across Calder Valley that's helping Britain make the transition to a low carbon economy.Read more.- 20 Oct

KERBSIDE AFTERMATH: following the discredited waste contracts and the Calderdale failed coup: Labour sends open letter to Lib Dems. Read more. - 19th Oct

THERMAL IMAGING MAP now available for our area. Enter your postcode and see how efficient your house was when the planes flew over to take their images. Read more. - 19th Oct

MADCAP ROCKERS RISK LIFE AND LIMB AT THE TRADES - Banco de Gaia, Seize the Day and other events at the Trades this week. Read more. - 19th Oct

HALIFAX TO CLOSE HEBDEN BRIDGE BRANCH leaving its many local customers with a long commute. Information available to the Hebden Bridge Web suggests that it is highly likely that staff at the branch will lose their jobs.

TRAFFIC MONITORING TO HELP TACKLE POLLUTION
Calderdale Council and experts from the Transport and Environment Research Facility at the University of Leeds are monitoring air pollution on the A646 in Hebden Bridge to look at the link between traffic flows, vehicle types and exhaust emissions. The exercise is part of a series of initiatives by the Council to help address poor air quality at this designated ‘Air quality management area’. - 14 Oct

ACTING OUT AT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN!
Great news emerged for the White Ribbon Campaign as local boys Jonny Dixon and James Varley have become the newest White Ribbon Ambassadors.  Both lads are in the acting profession, have appeared regularly in TV soaps including Corrie, and run a drama workshop at Calderdale College  Alongside this they have given their time to become spokespeople for the Hebden Bridge based, national charity. Read more.- 14 Oct

TREE WORKS: On Wednesday 14th October Calderdale Highways department will be undertaking the removal of trees and shrubs in the centre of Hebden Bridge. The trees and scrubs at Hollins Place, at the bottom of Keighley Road are being removed as they are causing structural damage to both the retaining wall above and below where they have self seeded and grown. The location of the work means that traffic control will be in place to ensure safety with the work expected to be completed within the day. Source: Jason Boom
Environmental Community Warden 13 Oct

OPEN DOORS AT HEBDEN BRIDGE TOWN HALL ATTRACTS HUNDREDS The Town Hall threw open its doors to all, and over two hundred people took the chance to explore the whole building. They saw rooms up dusty staircases they never knew existed and enjoyed entertainment from a range of local people who gave their time for free including Calder Valley Voices, bluegrass duo 'Cow Baby', artists from 59 steps, local magician Johnny McQuade, classical guitarist Fingal Plumpton, and members of Hebden Bridge Local History Society. Read more

PICTURE HOUSE TO THE SOLOIST as part of Calderdale's Black History Month. Black History Month celebrates the achievements and highlights the hidden history of the black community. Read more.- 10 Oct

ARTSMILL PLAN WINTER ART  MARKET from  5th -19 th December - a selling exhibition of work open to all artists living and/or working in the region. If you are one of these artists email for more info - 8 Oct

INCREDIBLE EDIBLE CONFERENCE to spread the word beyond Todmorden. Incredible Edible have taken to planting and growing vegetables and trees around their town. They are now planning for a conference in November to tell the rest of us about the idea. Read more.- 7 Oct

ENERGY SAVING STREET LAMPS FOR OLD TOWN Nearly and a third less energy used and marked reduction of light pollution. Opinions will be canvassed to see if this solution would work throughout the area. Read more.- 6 Oct

ELECTED MAYOR FOR CALDERDALE? Last week at a meeting of the full Council, members decided they would rather have a leader elected by members. Cllr Stephen Baines, Leader of Calderdale Council, said: “Consultation with the public will begin now and last until December. We will be doing this in a number of ways including discussions at the new ward forums and information on the website and in public buildings. The responses we receive on this issue will be considered again at a special meeting of the full Council in December. - 5 Oct

VICTORY FOR CAMPAIGNERS: Central Library and archive to stay where it is. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Calderdale for taking the time to give us their views. It is clear they feel passionately about the Library and Archive service in Halifax with nearly 95% wishing to keep the facilities where they are." Read more. - 2 Oct

Former Adult Education Building in Pitt Street for sale again. Asking price: £275,000. See Hebweb News from February 2005: Pitt Street Squatted - 2 July

HEBDEN BRIDGE SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIAN VILLAGES - Over the last two years or so people from the Hebden Bridge area have given generously to Palestinian causes. Much of the money raised has gone to organisations such as Medical Aid for Palestinians. But some has been given directly to the people of two West Bank villages. Read more - 30 Oct

FIVE HUNDRED WORDS about Hebden Bridge. New entry from Andi Butterworth: "Holdings hands we closed our eyes and stabbed the pin in the map: Hebden Bridge. 'Where? I’ve never heard of it'." - a Hebden 500 project sponsored by the HebWeb. Read more - 26 Oct

MARTHA TILSTON RETURNS TO THE TRADES along with Marcelo de Ramos who somersaulted over cars on Britain’s Got Talent and other events this week. Read more - 26 Oct

KERBSIDE RECEIVES SMALL PAYOUT FROM SITA who tried charging Kerbside £1500 for induction training of Kerbside staff moving to Sita. Faced with the threat of court action, SITA hand delivered a cheque to Kerbside for £1,000 stating they were “not prepared to spend more management time, energy and focus attending court for what is a small amount of money”. Kerbside say they will make good use of the money to keep the campaign alive

APPLE DAY AT THE STUBBING WHARF: The Stubbing Wharf is holding its annual Apple Day on Saturday 24th October 2009, when landlord Matt Browne invites you to come and celebrate the apple! Read more.- 19 Oct

HEBDEN BRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHER WINS AWARD: Nigel Hillier's photograph of Hebden Bridge during winter took Natural England's Landscape on your Doorstep Award. See this BBC page to view photo. - 19th Oct

HEBDEN BRIDGE FIRM WINS COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT AWARD Director Jason Elliott said "This award is a great validation of our efforts to open up new markets for recycled products, and will spur us on to further success." Read more.- 16 Oct

NEW FILM SHOWS THE OTHER SIDE OF HEBDEN BRIDGE - Film Maker Jez Lewis who grew up in Hebden Bridge says "This valley is paradise for some people but purgatory for others" A caption for the film reads "Fear and loathing in Hebden Bridge..." Read more.- 15 Oct

FILM COMPANY SEEKS READERS OF ANNE LISTER BOOKS: The Book Case has been approached by a company filming a programme about Halifax lesbian landowner Anne Lister (1791-1840) for BBC2. They already know about Jill Liddington, but the presenter wants to interview ordinary people who are enthusiastic about her from reading her diaries in I Know My Own Heart and No Priest but Love (ed. Helena Whitbread). If you’d like to take part, please contact The Book Case on Market Street, bookcase@btinternet.com, 845353.

PARISIAN CAFE MUSIC COMES TO WAINSGATE Imagine combining a bebop, swing and latin inspired tenor saxophonist, a rock and folk guitarist brandishing an acoustic, and a fantastic selection of French musettes out of the Parisian dancehalls, cafes and bistros and you start to get the flavour of Verlan’s music. Read more.- 12 Oct

The floods on Monday 5th October washed away the Pennine Way bridge across Graining water behind the Pack Horse Inn. The wrecked bridge can be found half a mile downstream in Blake Dean. Thanks to Geoff Boswell for this info and photo. Click photo to enlarge - 12 Oct

BOOK NEWS - latest news from our popular Hebden Bridge bookshop - 10 Oct

ALT TECH CENTRE helps Calderdale with Light-bulb Amnesty Events in Halifax and Hebden Bridge Library. Read more.- 6 Oct

CALDERDALE FOLLOWS HEBDEN ROYD'S LEAD - to provide skips to community groups so that local people can organise clean up campaigns. Labour criticise the delays in implementing the policy. Read more.- 6 Oct

ENGLAND vs UKRAINE on Trades big screen. This Saturday10th Oct for the first time, the England Ukraine match will be screened exclusively on the internet at a charge of £4.99 - rising to £11.99 if booked on Saturday. Come down the Trades and watch it on the big screen instead! Free to members. £1 to non-members. 4.45 for 5.15 kick off

CALDERDALE SIGNS UP TO 10/10 PROJECT Calderdale Council has agreed to work towards reducing carbon emissions in Calderdale by 10 per cent in 2010. Officers have been asked to develop an action plan detailing how the ambition can be achieved. By 2020 the Council will have to reduce its carbon emissions by almost a third. - 5 Oct

CALDERDALE STAYS CONSERVATIVE - Liberal Democrats failed to support Labour's vote of no-confidence in Calderdale's Conservative administration at yesterday's council meeting, in the wake of the critical report over contracts with SITA (See Kerbside: Calderdale criticised). Liberal Deocrats said both Labour and Conservatives were to blame. Labour's Barry Collins said people should expect those who were on watch to take responsibility for the bins fiasco which he claimed could cost council taxpayers £6 million. - 2 Oct (See Forum thread)

WARD FORUMS - Calderdale arranges local meetings to have your say about local issues such as schools, roads, street cleaning and anything else important to you. Read more.- 3 Oct

BOOK NEWS - top ten bestsellers and all the latest news from our popular Hebden Bridge bookshop, along with new titles for October Read more - 2 Oct

29th: Friends of Town Hall plan open doors on Thursday, 8th October. Musicians, entertainers and local historians will be there to help provide a good atmosphere. Read more

29th: The first planning meeting for the 2010 Big Green Weekend will take place at 3pm this Friday, 2nd October, at the Hole in T'Wall pub, next to the Packhorse Bridge in Hebden Bridge. Read more

28th: Central Library and Archives: overwhelming support for keeping Central Library and archive in place. Campaigners to lobby as council meets to make its decision on 1st October

27th: HB Partnership to give platform to 20 local community organisations. A whistle-stop tour of community life in Hebden Bridge is promised next Monday (Oct 5th) when more then twenty local organisations will be talking about their activities and plans. The public event is to be held at the White Lion hotel. Read more

27th: Gong Legend Daevid Allen plays the Trades - “This is one of the best weekend bills we’ve had for some time with literally something for everyone so we’re expecting full houses every night,” Trades Club Spokesperson Paul Clarke told the Hebden Bridge Web. Read more

25th: Can Labour survive - report of meeting - Alice Mahon was unable to attend for health reasons. Also noticeably absent was the current Parliamentary candidate, Steph Booth. Cllrs Susan Press and Janet Oosthuysen led the discussion on the future of Labour. Read more

24th: Erringden parish council supports Town Hall project

23rd: Kerbside: Calderdale criticised

22nd: Police and community meeting report

21st: Sounding the alarm call for climate action

21st: Betty Brawn, State of Undress at Trades

20th: Labour candidate Steph Booth - updated for legal reasons

18th: Self Builders' Action Group seeks to create affordable housing

17th: Alice Mahon joins public debate in Hebden

14th: Walkers' Weekend report

13th: Juno winner James Keelaghan visits Trades

13th: Summat A' Nowt by Steve Murty

11th: Hebden Bridge is a pioneer town

9th: Nick Wilding's Fred Dibnah night

9th: Green and Ethical Trade Markets

8th: Riding for the Disabled

8th: Blackshawhead Fete

6th: DJ James Holroyd, Sisters of Transistors and the Hello Sailor burlesque team at Trades

5th: Two major grants boost Town Hall Project

3rd: Patients can book appointments online

1st: Luddenden Mayor Making


1st: All set for Hebden Bridge's first walking weekend

30th: Motion Theory, Salsa, Quiz and 20/20 cricket at the Trades

28th: Northlight Studio courses

27th: Hebden Bridge Library joins 'grow your own' scheme

24th: Jeffrey Lewis plays the Trades

22nd: Life Class by Glyn Hughes

21st: Report: meeting between police and community

18th: Third Berringden Brow book

18th: Central Library latest

18th: Have your say on transport system?

18th: Live Ashes at the Trades

17th: Question Time on 'Youth Problem'

11th: Blackshawhead Village Fete

11th: Park railings facelift

9th: Celtic rock kings Peatbog Faeries play Trades

5th: Walkers are Welcome weekend

5th: Short film premier at Trades

4th: 33rd Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing Festival

3rd: Short film premier at Trades

31st: Question Time at the Trades: report

27th: Will Coop "New Look" satisfy Facebook critics?

26th: David Fletcher to join panel at the Trades

19th: Question Time at the Trades

14th: Benefit gig for Palestine

13th: Salsa back at the Trades

9th: ‘Zero Carbon’ homes for Hebden Bridge

9th: HB Race for Life Women's Team

9th: Colden Valley's "Enchanted Forest"

7th: Birchcliffe Table Top sale

7th: Miss Rusty gives her side

6th: New Trades Club record label

6th: Picnic for Rusty and Steve

3rd: Forthcoming Fringe Festival Events

2nd: Nutclough Woods gets corporate help

1st: A new heart for Mytholmroyd

28th: Owter Zeds 25th anniversary event at the Trades

24th: Pen Fayre

24th: Police and Communities Together Meeting

24th: Clothes Swap Party

22nd: 3rd Cider Festival

22nd: Dodnaze is blooming

21st: Simon Armitage to rock the Trades

20th: Handmade Parade photos

17th: UK cycle ride to unmask the asbestos killer

16th: Central Street - the saga continues

16th: Summer School of Rock

15th: Central Street revisited

15th: New grants to boost local economy

15th: Ska warriors Natural Rhythm storm the Trades Club

12th: Remembering Fustianopolis

12th: Costume capers ahead of Handmade Parade

11th: More threats to local archives

8th: Fringe events for first weekend

8th: Clean Green Nappy Machine

7th: Monkey business and Steve Gifford at the Trades

4th: Refuse/recycle collections "improving"

3rd: Balsam Bash

2nd: The Secret Garden videos

1st: Glastonbury favourites 3 Daft Mondays at the Trades

28th: Garden Street plans finally rejected

26th: Calder High teacher sacked

26th: European Elections info

26th: Mike Heron at the Trades

23rd: Big Green Weekend photos

23rd: Big Green Weekend Debate report

22nd: Don't Bulldoze our Library update

21st: Handmade Parade Arts classes

20th: Secret Garden Party

19th: Community meeting with local police

19th: European Elections - candidates and info

18th: Rock on at the Trades

14th: Garden Street Inquiry closes

13th: Big Green Weekend Question Time

13th: Peoples Millions and Calendar return

13th: Car tyres dumped on tops

12th: Food Festival events 2009

12th: Handmade Parade 2009

11th: Big Green Weekend 2009

11th: Dr Feelgood at the Trades

11th: Wainsgate May Fair photos

8th: Walk@Work launched in Mytholmroyd

7th: Annual Town meeting

6th: Wainsgate May Fair

5th: Arts Festival prepare programme launch

5th: Labour selection saga continues

4th: Nick Harper at the Trades

4th: Garden Street appeal

30th: Valley Food Festival

27th: May Day weekend at the Trades

27th: Peter Kay rocks the Trades

22nd: Rebuilding Calder High School

21st: Central Library - users get their say

21st: Local women and children receive boxing awards

20th: Squeezing out the hits

18th: Labour selection saga

13th: Duck Race photos

13th: Southern Tenant Folk Union at the Trades

11th: Pace Egg Gallery - Heptonstall Players

11th: Pace Egg Gallery - Calder High

9th: HB novel funds donation to White Ribbon Campaign

8th: Friends of Calder Holmes Park

8th: Nick Wilding's town hall video

7th: Town Council job vacancy

7th: Becks and The Bullets back at Trades

2nd: Town Hall project appeal

1st: Primary School results

1st: Community meeting with local police

31st: Big Green Market!

30th: Sunshine Sounds at the Trades

27th: Rusty and Steve - public meeting report

27th: Good Friday Pace Egg plays

24th: It’s Ho-Hoedown Time at the Trades

24th: Local girl achieves first boxing award

21st: Joanne Harris opens new HB Library

19th: Kerbside service to be suspended

18th: Friends of Rusty and Steve group forms

17th: Australia's Emily Barker plays the Trades

16th: First HB and Mytholmroyd Food festival

13th: Free insulation available for some households

9th: St Patrick’s Day Shenanigans at The Trades

6th: Kerbside's Paul Brannigan to fight election

4th: Plans may disturb Acre Mill's deadly asbestos

4th: Town Hall ownership latest

4th: Threat to Central Library and Archive

3rd: Joanne Harris to open HB Library

3rd: HB plays starring role in new novel

3rd: Handmade Parade Samba Band

2nd: Cycling ideas needed

27th: "Fustian Knife" type art for Mytholmroyd

27th: Walkers are Welcome Weekend planned

24th: This year's Big Green Weekend

19th: Free Saturday parking at station?

19th: Quinteto Mambo Jambo at the Trades

18th: Crime in Hebden Bridge

17th: Boxing Awards scheme launches

16th: Civic Trust speakers and AGM

14th: Have your say on parking

11th: Riverside praise by Ofsted

10th: Wheelie bins on the way

5th: Calderdale and SITA cut refuse collections

4th: Have your say on parking

4th: Arabic dance session for kids at Trades

2nd: Handmade Parade 2009

29th: Kerbside urges support from local representatives

27th: The Central Street saga

26th: First look inside new library

26th: Arts Festival theme and open meeting

26th: David Fletcher's response to Garden Street leak

23rd: New Charity created to manage Town Hall

23rd: Generate your own energy

21st: Trades launches kids' fun sessions

20th: Garden Street appeal submission suggestions

16th: Secondary school results

13th: Little Theatre Garden gets make over

12th: Garden Street - Action Group response to leaked document

11th: Garden Street document leaked to Hebweb

10th: Mayor aims for Parliament

10th: Raise the Roof

10th: Community Singing Lessons

8th: Holocaust Memorial Day - Doreen Lawrence to speak in Calderdale

8th: Language Cafe

7th: Fall in crime rate

7th: Hebden Bridge Angels

6th: New Wet Play Area

6th: Community payback

News Highlights 2008

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2000-2003

Hebden Bridge Web

Free swimming lessons for over 16s
Can’t swim, or scared to try? Take the plunge with free swimming lessons at Todmorden and Halifax pools. Lessons for over-16s start at Todmorden pool on Monday 5 October, for ten weeks. They are on Mondays from 2.30pm to 3.15pm and Thursdays from 7pm to 8pm. Lessons for girls and women start at Halifax pool on Sunday October 11. They are at the following times: From 5.30pm to 6.15pm, for girls aged 11 to 16, From 6.15pm to 7pm and 7pm to 7.45pm, for women aged over 16. To book a place, ring Sam between 9am and 3pm on 01422 284406. . 22 Sept

The 2010 Luddenden Calendar
Entering its 9th year the Luddenden Calendar is now available to buy. Featuring images from the Luddenden Valley and surrounding areas it helps raise approaching £3,000 each year for good causes supported by the Mayor of Luddenden. This year's Mayor, Matt Kay hopes to use some of the funds to help install a new basketball hoop and football goals in Luddenden's popular play area. Images for the calendar are submitted by members of the public each year and then judged to be the most scenic. Priced at £3 they are available fromLuddendenfoot and Midgley Post Offices, Hares Newsagents, local community groups or by calling 07796940391. 21 Sept

Calderdale to give away 200 tons of compost
Calderdale Council will be giving away 200 tons of its popular ‘Black Gold’ compost at the next Big Heap event in Sowerby Bridge on Saturday 26 September. The Council’s parks and streetscene section will give away the compost to anyone who turns up at the Milner Royd site between 10am and 3pm. The only criteria are that you are a Calderdale resident (please bring proof of your address), and the compost must be used for non-profit making purposes. Please also bring a bag for your compost which is made by compost by mixing green waste from parks with fallen leaves collected by street cleaning teams. 18 Sept

Join the Global Climate Wake-Up Call
- a wave of local events throughout the world on and around Monday September 21. From Singapore to Sydney and Johannesburg to Buenos Aire. "Together we'll be sounding the alarm calling for climate action from our leaders."
George's Square, Monday, September 21 at 12:18 pm
More info

Missing 51-year-old Jacqueline Anne Wilkinson
Police in Lancashire are appealing for a 51-year-old Burnley woman who is missing from home and possibly in the Hebden Bridge or Heptonstall area to come forward. She has been missing from her home since Monday.Officers have discovered a bag of personal items belonging to her in a field above Heptonstall near to Hardcastle Crags. It is thought that she is still in the Hebden Bridge area.Jaqueline is described as 5f 1” tall with straight light brown hair and wears glasses. When she went missing she was wearing grey trousers, a grey coat with a large black fluffy collar and had three rings on her left hand.Jacqueline, or anyone who knows the whereabouts of her, is asked to contact Lancashire police on 0845 1 25 35 45. 13 Sept
Update: now found safe and back with her family

Strangely coloured River Calder

The Hebweb has been informed that the strange colour was due to a mine water break out above Todmorden. It shouldn't effect fish or other animals in the river but theEenvironment Agency are monitoring it. It may pose a problem to spawning but they expect there will be enough rain to clear it up before the spawning season starts. They are monitoring it and expect it to remain for a few days yet. 10 Sept

TV, radio, phone and electricity problems: BBC transmission page reported problems on our local transmitter. We've also received reports of loss of mobile services and last night electricity supply to several Hebden Bridge streets was cut from early evening until the early hours of Monday morning after flames were seen coming from the manhole cover at the corner of School Street and Birchcliffe Road. 8 Sept

Horror Films wanted for Halloween Screening
As part of an evening of Halloween celebrations at The Trades Club, there will be a screening of short films on Friday 30th October. The night will also feature a gore/slash make-up artist, a chroma-key video booth, dj's, lush decor and live art presented by the LaPuta team. LaPuta are calling all local film makers to submit film entries by 10th October. Films should be less than 10minutes long, and copyright free. The finest film of the evening will receive an award. Please send a link to your film, or enquiries to Alice Hutt. 6 Sept

Blackshawhead Village Fete - latest info

Women only singing group at the Little Theatre
Every Wednesday a group of women come together in Hebden Bridge and sing fabulous songs, just for fun. We don’t perform anywhere, have no solos and most of us can’t read music, but we all love getting together and singing songs from all around the world, led by some of the best singing teachers around. If you’d like to join them, just come along, most term time Wednesdays (7.30pm) in the Little Theatre from 23rd September. You can pay by the term or per session. More info: 01422 845432. - 16 Aug

HB Partnership - next meeting includes three presentations, including one by Richard Marshall and Dorothy Sutcliffe on the swimming pool - see What's on

Recycling now over 40% of household waste
Calderdale Council's Cabinet Member, Health and Social Care, Cllr. Graham Reason, says he wants to thank the people of Calderdale for their efforts to improve recycling rates.
"Thanks to the efforts of householders across Calderdale, we are now recycling over 40% of household waste. "It means that we have reached national targets set for us by the Government for 2010 a year early. And we are well on the way towards the 2015 target of 45%." - 31 July

It’s free to check your council tax banding
Calderdale Council says it costs nothing for people to find out whether their homes are in the wrong council tax band. The advice follows a number of enquiries to the Council from residents who say they have been approached by one of several companies offering their services, at a fee to find out whether or not their homes are in the wrong band. But Pete Smith Calderdale’s Chief Finance Officer says there’s no reason why people can’t check on their valuation band for free. “All people need to do is contact their local Valuation Office Agency, who set Council Tax bands on 01422 307000 or visit their website at www.voa.gov.uk - 20 July

Police target drunken behaviour in Hebden Bridge
Extra foot patrols have been in Hebden Bridge over the last week where positive action has been taken in respect of drunken unacceptable behaviour. As a result, three people have been arrested for public order offences. One was a drunken, abusive 50 year old man, who was a visitor to the area. He was dealt with by way of a £80 fixed penalty ticket. In a separate incident two local men, aged 16 & 23, were arrested at the Railway Station for their drunken abusive behaviour. They are currently on police bail for various other offences. Sgt Norbury states: “Foot patrols will continue in the area in order to reassure our local residents. May we also stress that any unacceptable/anti social behaviour will not be tolerated and we will take firm action against any persons found engaging in such a manner.” - 20 July

Former Hebden Royd mayor admits downloading child pornography
Former Calderdale Council lor and Hebden Royd mayor, Stewart Brown today pleaded guilty to 22 child porn offences, some involving images of girls as young as three and one involving distribution. Brown, who was Mayor of Hebden Royd in 2006, and often featured in Hebweb news items, was told to sign the sex offenders register before leaving the court on bail. Sentencing will be on August 25 when all sentencing options would be available. Source: Yorkshire Post - 14 July

Old Fire Station and Secret Garden: Hutchinson Demolition moved in on Monday, 6th July

Charles Darwin (aged 200) was seen around Hebden Bridge and
Mytholmroyd today as part of the HB Arts Festival - 4 July

Festival events in Mytholmroyd: This year's Hebden Bridge Arts Festival features a number of events in Mytholmroyd. Festival co-ordinator Rebecca Yorke said: "We're pleased to be able to expand the festival into Mytholmroyd and are looking forward to meeting new audiences.".. . . .. Read more

A 17-year-old, from London has died while swimming in the Widdop Reservoir. His friends lost sight of him and called the police at around 1.30pm Wednesday, 1st July. A West Yorkshire Police underwater search unit was called out and recovered the teenager’s body. - 2 July

Bowling Green at Calder Holmes Park is available free
Calling all Crown Green Bowlers! The Bowling Green at Calder Holmes Park is available free of charge over July & August for anyone turning up with their own Bowls. The Green is in good condition & is crying out for the feel of Woods bearing down on the Jack. Just turn up with your own Bowls & John the gardener will welcome you. - 30 June

Calderdale Writers’ Roadshows comes to Hebden Bridge
The first roadshow is at Hebden Bridge Library on Sunday 5th July. It includes a session with author Jill Liddington on writing history, and a choice of workshops including memoir writing, short story writing and romantic fiction. Whether you’re an established writer, need some help getting started, or have just never shown your work to anyone, the workshops offer encouragement and support at all levels. or more information or to book a place, pick up a leaflet from local libraries, or contact Anna Turner on 01422 392606 or by email: anna.turner@calderdale.gov.uk - 22 June

ARTS FESTIVAL LAUNCH - a great day of sunshine and street events in the square - see gallery of photos

Brass Band Weekend: Hebden Bridge welcomed bands from all over the country for the Brass Band's second Heritage Weekend. See Media Page for 4 min video sample

A pilot project to increase insulation in ‘hard to treat’ homes
Members of the Calderdale Cabinet last night approved the reallocation of £140,000 ‘Economic Fighting Fund’ funding to develop a series of initiatives that will boost the local economy.This includes a pilot project to increase insulation in ‘hard to treat’ homes (£100,000) like so many of the houses in Hebden Bridge. It is estimated that there are around 40,000 pre-1910 properties in Calderdale, which, despite being energy inefficient, have been overlooked by mainstream government funding due to their construction type. Householders could be offered a range of measures to improve their home insulation. As well as potentially improving the health of the occupants of these houses, it could also cut their annual fuel bills by up to £400, as well as providing employment and training opportunities for local residents working in this field. - 2 June

It is estimated that there are around 40,000 pre-1910 properties in Calderdale, which, despite being energy inefficient, have been overlooked by mainstream government funding due to their construction type. Householders could be offered a range of measures to improve their home insulation. As well as potentially improving the health of the occupants of these houses, it could also cut their annual fuel bills by up to £400, as well as providing employment and training opportunities for local residents working in this field.

Midgley: Yorkshire Post do feature on the Village Shop

Chess in The Secret Garden

Food campaigner Geoff Tansey kept an audio diary relating his experience of prostate cancer and his quest to discover the effects of diet. Click here to listen

Heptonstall Museum
Head to Heptonstall Museum to have your old photographs dated and identified by a team of experts on Monday 25th May from 11am-4pm. See the Calderdale Museums collection of photos and have your own images scanned and added to this wonderful collection. Drop-in. Free. - 18 May

Tie Amnesty for Big Green Weekend
Now is your chance to chuck out those old ties that are lying unloved at the back of your wardrobe and help save the planet in the process.  A local ethical fashion project is collecting unwanted ties to give them new lease of life as recycled party-gear for the Hebden Bridge Big Green Weekend fashion show. If you have any ties you don’t want – no matter how garish – phone Tansy Dyer on tel: 01706 819161 to arrange collection. - 3 May

Cllr Nader Fekri of Hebden Bridge has been re-selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Keighley parliamentary constituency - 1 May

O2 give £1000 to buy trailer
Dot-Communication's project based in Hebden Bridge is to receive a £1000 award from O2’s It’s Your Community programm to purchase a renovated trailer for their 3R-iT division that will help collect refurbished computers for distribution to those in need. - 28 April

Stoodley Pike
What were those strange lights from the Pike over Easter? This blog offers some clues, video, photos and a history of our local landmark - and should that be spelt "Studley Pike"? - 20 April

Dock Pudding Contest - results and videos on the Mytholmroyd Net

Moving Market
Members of the Calderdale's Regeneration and Development Scrutiny Panel will consider the timetable for the relocation of the Hebden Bridge Market to Old Lees Yard when they meet on Wednesday 22 April. - 17 April

Tree works in Hebden Bridge Memorial Gardens
Hebden Bridge Memorial Gardens in the next 2 weeks will see the removal of a dying pine spruce tree and also a decayed sorbus. Both these have been identified during the regular inspection programme undertaken by CMBC to ensure the tree stock in Calderdale public spaces is both healthy and of a high amenity value. A line of self seeded ash and sycamore saplings will be removed from the canal bank opening up the rear of the memorial garden giving views both from and into the memorial gardens and adding both security to the gardens and increased amenity value. - 13 April

Jason Boom, Environmental Community Warden for Hebden Royd told the Hebden Bridge Web, 'the removal of these dying and decaying trees will allow us further scope for improvements in the Memorial Gardens, with the sapling removal on the canal banks the space will really open up, there will be no more dark dingy corners in the Memorial Gardens. We have consulted with the Friends of the Park and the local Police who are very happy to see the opening up of this area'. - 13 April

Hebden Royd Mayor Susan Press has lost her bid to become the Calder Valley Labour candidate - defeated by postal votes. The Labour candidate for the next general election will be Stephenie Booth, Cherie Booth and Tony Blair's mother in law - 10 April

Journalists' action
NUJ journalists on HB Times and Courier to ballot for industrial action - 8th April

Specialist Domestic Violence Court
Victims of domestic violence in Hebden Bridge will receive extra help and support from a new specialist court. Justice Minister Bridget Prentice announced the locations of 18 new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts last week, and Calderdale has been selected. The court will promote a combined approach to tackling domestic violence. Police, Crown prosecutors, magistrates, courts and probation services work with specialist victim services to provide support and care for those affected by violence in the home. 6 April

Click image above to enlarge with more info and times of both the Heptonstall and Calder High versions of Good Friday's Pace Egg play

Town Hall Project to receive £15000 grant from Adventure Capital Fund

Governor of the Bank of England learned cricket (and economics) in Old Town
"I was 10 years old, we lived on the moors above Hebden Bridge . . . I became a slow bowler. I was taught to bowl – slow left arm – at Old Town primary school by the headmaster, Alfred Stephenson. During the morning break he would mark the wickets in chalk in the playground, and draw a small circle exactly on a length. If we could pitch the ball within that circle he would give us a farthing. As we improved, and the payout of farthings increased, the morning break became shorter and shorter – my first lesson in economic incentives, or what is known in the trade as "moral hazard'." Mervyn King in The Independent - 28 March

Free swimming for under 17s and over 60s
From 1st April, free swimming for 16 year olds and younger and the over 60’s comes into effect across Calderdale. 27 March

Todmorden Pool closes for nearly a month
Calderdale Council is to carry out essential maintenance and improvement works at Todmorden Sports Centre. The work will commence on Monday, April 13 and is expected to take until Tuesday, May 5. The pool will remain closed throughout the duration of the work and reopen on Tuesday 5 May. 25 March

Teacher suspension features in the Guardian: "Pupils rally behind teacher suspended for writing school novel". And Radio Leeds. Background and links - 24th March

Fast broadband to be trialled in Mytholmroyd - see Forum thread - 23rd March

Our Hebden Royd Mayor failed in her bid to be selected for the Keighley parliamentary seat, but came a respectable second. Now Cllr Susan Press is going to stand for the Calder Valley constituency. Cllr Janet Oosthuysen was originally selected by the local Labour Party, then rejected by Labour's National Executive and now supports Susan. See Grimmer up North on our blogs page - 15 March

Cllr John Beacroft-Mitchell will be the next Mayor of Hebden Royd, taking over from Cllr Susan Press in May. His wife, Cllr Joanna Beacroft-Mitchell, will be consort.

Nicholas Hughes, the son of poets Sylvia Plath (buried at Heptonstall) and Ted Hughes from Mytholmroyd, has taken his own life at the age of 47, after a period of depression. See BBC article 23rd Mar

SECOND TEACHER SUSPENDED
A second highly respected and popular teacher, Steve Cann, has been suspended from the Calder High School. When the Hebden Bridge Web contacted Calder High, they refused to give us any information about their reasons. It is widely believed to be connected with the furore around the earlier suspension of Ms Rustamova or "Rusty" as she is affectionately known. See discussion on Hebweb Forum and the Facebook group Save Miss Rusty's Job- 10 March

Council Approves Fair and Equal Pay Scheme
Public serving staff are set to benefit after Members of Calderdale Council's Cabinet and Full Council agreed to move forward with plans to re-grade thousands of jobs. Working alongside the Trades Unions, the Council has evaluated nearly 7000 jobs, with staff completing detailed questionnaires about their work, and having in-depth interviews with a specially trained team. This was to identify any inequalities in pay on the Council’s existing pay structure. - 13 March

Valley Fibres group
Valley Fibres is an informal group for all those interested in working with natural fibres, including actual and potential hand spinners and weavers, as well as knitters and felt makers. They plan to meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, starting on 17th March in the White Lion between 7.00 and 9.30pm. The focus is on self-help and enjoyment and all are welcome to take an active part. - 4 March

Road casualty reduction for Calderdale
Casualty figures for Calderdale have reduced from 1112 in 2002 to 784 in 2008 - a reduction of nearly 30% in six years. The figures are broken down into three main categories and include: Fatal accidents - reduced from 11 incidents in 2002 to 9 in 2008 a reduction of 18%. Serious incidents - reduced from 111 incidents in 2002 to 95 in 2008 a reduction of 14%. Slight incidents - reduced from 990 in 2002 to 680 in 2008 a reduction of 31%. - 27 Feb

Speed monitoring devices in Blackshaw Head
A trial scheme aims to reduce vehicular speeds through the village, and maintain and improve road safety. It includes: a reduction in the speed limit to 40 mph on the approaches to the village; introduction of 40 mph roundels on approach to the village
improved gateway signing and lining on entry to the village; improved high visibility warning signing through the village; new lining through the village; installation of solar / wind powered vehicle activated speed signs. - 27 Feb

Council tax rise of 1.78%.
At last night's Budget Meeting, councillors voted to increase council tax rise by1.78%. More than 40% of all households in Calderdale are rated in Band A for Council Tax valuation purposes. A couple living in a Band A property and not qualifying for any rebate will pay £826.20 per year. - 24 Feb

KERBSIDE CRISIS: Calderdale Council have finally decided to launch an independent inquiry into the issuing of the Sita contract and how Kerbside was sidelined. - 20 Feb

KERBSIDE CRISIS: At Wednesday's Calderdale Council meeting (18 Feb) , Kerbside will again be raised at full council. There is likely to be a vote of no confidence in Cabinet. The meeting is of course open to the public. - 17 Feb

Yorkshire's Green Champions
The search is on for Yorkshire's green champions. Entrants have the chance to compete in nine categories which recognise the determination of groups and individuals to protect the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. Click here for more details and entry form - 11 Feb

Government boost to improve local rail services
Passengers in many parts country could benefit from a new approach to Government funding of new local and regional train services Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced. The Department for Transport could take over long-term financial support for new or enhanced rail services that are promoted successfully by local authorities and Passenger Transport Authorities. One example cited was a new service between Burnley and Manchester. It might presumably include having more late-night trains from Manchester or a better Sunday service. More info 11 Feb

Credit Crunch Hebden
Laughing Gravy and Hebden House have closed because of the current economic climate. Lynn Prior, proprietor, told the Hebden Bridge Web she would like to thank all the customers who have visited over the past twelve years, and wishes everyone "a safe journey through the present economic situation". 10 Feb

Police Pedal Power
Local police have been out in the town centre this week on foot, in vehicles and on bikes. Inspector Norbury said: “The advantage of using bikes is that our Officers can get to a scene much quicker than on foot and heavy traffic is much less of a problem. Also, on bikes, our Officers are much more accessible to the general public.” 3 Feb

The canal - Monday, 2nd February
Click image to enlarge

Gaza Vigil:
Despite the fact that unilateral ceasefires are in place in Gaza, there will still be Vigil for Gaza this Friday, Jan 23rd from 5pm to 6pm.The emphasis will be slightly different in the circumstances and will focus on alleged Israeli war crimes and the end of the occupation which is at the root of all the problems in Israel-Palestine. 22 Jan

Calder Valley's choice as Labour Candidate, Janet Oosthuysen, has been rejected by Labour's National Executive - see Yorkshire Post article and forum - 20 Jan

Central Street - Tory Cabinet member explains why funds were refused. Read Forum thread 20 Jan

Parliamentary candidate
Calder Valley's choice as Labour Candidate, Janet Oosthuysen, has been rejected by Labour's National Executive - see Yorkshire Post article and forum - 20 Jan

The Cotton Mill Express
The organisers, Past Time Rail, have announced the excursions are to run once a month starting on Saturday, January 31. Passing through Hebden Bridge, it threads together many of Lancashire and Yorkshire’s former cotton and textile mills on a breathtaking 100-mile circular route, embracing en route some of the most wild and rugged hill country the Pennines has to offer. Arriving in Hebden Bridge between half eleven and midday.

Burglaries
There have been two burglaries in the past week, one at at Duck Hill and the other at Waterside Fold. In one of these burglaries, a distinctive Sunderland FC embroidered purse was stolen. In both instances, the offenders gained entry through either an insecure window or unlocked door. 7 Jan

Hi-Visibility Patrols over Christmas Period
Local police were out on high visibility foot patrols in the town centre over the Christmas period and as a consequence, they report that crime and anti social behaviour problems still remain very low. On Friday, 19 December, many local businesses were visited in order to check on licences and to give advice re underage drinking. Whilst on patrol, alcohol was seized from a group of youths in St George’s Square who were moved on without incident. 2 Jan

2008 Hebweb News highlights

News in Brief: 2008

News in Brief: 2007

News in Brief: June - December 2006

News in Brief: January - June 2006

News in Brief: 2005

Main News Section