‘We can’t afford to lose these facilities’ - Campaign group to save leisure centres, care homes, library and town hall in North Kirklees prepare for Batley and Dewsbury protest

The Stop The Closures Campaign is expected to see over 200 people march from Batley Town Hall to Dewsbury Town Hall at around 12pm in protest against Kirklees Council earmarking a number of buildings in the district - including Batley Sports and Tennis Centre, Dewsbury Sports Centre, Cleckheaton Town Hall, Batley Library and Claremont House Care Home in Heckmondwike - to be permanently closed.

A spokesperson for the campaign said: “The aim is to raise awareness and to also give local people an opportunity to have a platform and to have their voices heard.

“We are fighting for a range of buildings that are earmarked at risk of potential closure by the council. There will be grassroot football teams there who can’t afford to lose their homes and pitches; there will be parents of the elderly who are at Claremont House; services like Andy’s Man Club are fully behind this because they book Batley Library as a safe place for men for their mental health.

“We can’t afford to lose these facilities. Our message to the council leader and to the council cabinet is for them to find another way.”

The community-led campaign, backed by union groups including UNISON, is likely to garner the attention of the national media.

The spokesperson added: “Come and join us. Rain or shine, we will be there. We have a small window of opportunity.

“The council meetings in the past two months have evidenced that the community is in uproar over these earmarked buildings. Have your voice heard.”

Kirklees Council has been approached for comment.