Farewell to town centre manager

But Kirklees Council was unable to confirm whether Viv Edmonds (pictured) would be replaced after her departure at the end of May.

Members of Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, Retail Forum and Town Team, which are not run by the council, have worked closely with Mrs Edmonds and town manager Andrew Sloman to regenerate the town.

Andrew Hutchinson, vice-president of Dewsbury Chamber of Trade, said he recognised the financial strain the council was under, but raised concerns about maintaining the current level of service.

He said: “I do think that Dewsbury and Batley need town centre managers and we are concerned that it is being eroded by the loss of a member of staff.”

Chairwoman of Dewsbury Retail Forum Trish Makepeace said: “We’ll be sad to lose Viv as she’s always been a very hardworking person and very helpful. I wish her well in the future.

“But we need to know what the future of the town centre team is.”

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said: “The council continues to be committed to supporting businesses in Batley and Dewsbury and is seeking to maintain its support at its current level for the rest of the financial year.”