Opinion: Mayor of Mirfield Vivien Lees-Hamilton

I would like to thank everyone who came and supported our Christmas lights switch on. It was a resounding success.

Father Christmas came along and danced on the stage for us, Brian Robinson Tour de France cycling legend kindly switched on the lights and Jasmine Wilkinson one of Mirfield’s very talented young people performed some of her songs on stage for us. It was a very enjoyable event.

Then the bombshell was dropped upon us last week by Kirklees that they are looking at further asset disposals all around the district.

I have been informed that they are looking to sell housing land at Shillbank, the depot at St Paul’s Road and the town council offices.

The town council offices were built in 1903 and paid for by the residents of Mirfield. They were transferred to Kirklees by the former Urban District Council back in 1974 on April 1 when the county boroughs merged. April fool indeed!

There has long been talk of devolution ( I’m still waiting for it ) and should true devolution ever happen Mirfield will need an office base and offices located in the centre of Town.

Mirfield will also need the depot at St Paul’s Road to store parks and leisure maintenance equipment.

It is foolish to sell building and land assets. When they could be rented out and generate an income in times of difficulty. For when things improve those building will be needed and if they go... well gone is gone.

Mirfield Town Council will fight to retain these assets in the Town. We need facilities not more housing.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.