Conservatives unveil plans to split Kirklees share services with Calderdale

At a press conference in Mirfield today, the party proposed forming a new council for north Kirklees.

The new Dewsbury and Spen Valley Council would also cover Mirfield, Batley and Birstall, and be based in Dewsbury.

It would share major services and a super-group of council bosses with Calderdale Council and a new Greater Huddersfield Council.

Neighbourhood services such as street cleaners and libraries would be run by individual councils.

Conservatives say theirs is the most radical plan to reform local government in West Yorkshire since 1973.

For the full story and reaction, see this week’s paper.