From Ms. P. Finch

Saturday 11 January 2025

In addition to the horrendous inconvenience this is causing to vehicle traffic and rural roads that are far from suitable for extra use, there is the question of a lack of a bus route for people without vehicles who depend on access to Todmorden for shopping. 

Currently, as far as I am aware there is no bus route between Todmorden and Charlestown (a distance of approx 5 miles) apart from the T6/ T8 which only goes as far as Shaw Wood Road and runs every 2 hours into Tod.

The so called shuttle bus doesn't shuttle to the area of most need. I have tried to point this out to the bus company.

From Tim M

Saturday 11 January 2025

It is very inconvenient and who knows what impact it is having on town centre shops, but isn't the reduced traffic noise, congestion and pollution wonderful? Reminds us of the impact the traffic has. Perhaps this could be considered in future planning...? Rather than A646 corridor improvements, how about A646 downgrades? Weight restrictions, raised crossings on Market Street... Let's make it the B646 and divert through traffic onto the motorway.

From Jan Evans

Monday 13 January 2025

I agree with all the contributors regarding the closure (probably 6 weeks) of the only 'suitable and sustainable' route from Lancashire to Yorkshire: it is an absolute disgrace, and all those involved ought to examine their conscience.

It is a nusiance at best for those of us who must drive across the border - but I fully empathise with those who must use the buses - what buses?

Sadly, we're not all fit and giddy to cycle or walk any longer.

This calamity did not come out of the blue yonder; it has happened before and all those involved were aware of the issues. And yes, it has been lovely and quiet - but at what cost?

In the short term:

The commuters, who are having to traverse Blackshaw Head and Cross Stone; the working parents and the school runs; and let's not forget the businesses in Tod' and Hebden Bridge, when, one week before Christmas, they had their customer base slashed!  And would someone explain why is there are such misleading signage placed as far back as Halifax, that simply states: Road Ahead Closed (and it remains in place!).

I do understand the good folk of Cragg Vale not wanting the rest of us using their narrow and crumbling road and in such numbers but, there is no practical alternative.

I know our infrastructure is crumbling and net zero vital. However, I honestly don't understand what is to be gained - by anyone - when CMBC treats us all with such contempt.  All of this, alongside the 'Park and Ride' fiasco for the Christmas Market: good idea, but vistitors (and some locals!) did not know where Mythomroyd Railway Station was! There was little, if any, advertising of the plans, no maps! No centralised information point - if there was I didn't see it.

And now both towns are faced with ill thought out parking restrictions: why is there not a full consultation? Why is a petition going around - which let's face it - will be ignored.

As vital as it clearly is for 'net zero' to be acheived, we must not bulldoze this agenda through without proper consultations; success, requires the cooperation of local people, businesses and  visitors alike.

And finally: When I witness the monstrous, new properties, built at such a height in the centre of Valley Road, blocking out precious daylight that further errodes a sense of connectedness, I feel depressed about the future of the town.

We all deserve much better than this.

From Ms. P. Finch

Thursday 16 January 2025

A friend has informed me there is a bus run by Tetleys Coaches picking up from Tod bus station Stand D to Charlestown quarter to and quarter past the hour. Not sure of times back again. It will pick you up from other bus stops if you flag it. Good luck! 

It is a white minibus with a blue Tetleys logo. No signage up at station. So much for communication.