HoTT consider that Kirklees Council should not promote their major highway scheme through the Holmfirth town centre as proposed. The needs of Holmfirth town centre are such that a solution is required that seeks to both reduce and divert through traffic, with the purpose of improving:
- traffic flows
- town centre environment for the benefit of local residents, businesses, visitors, public transport users, pedestrians and cyclists, and
- local walking and cycling routes.
HoTT consider that any proposed transport planning for the future should therefore start from reducing the volume of motor vehicle traffic, not just mitigating the impact of it.
For the town centre traffic improvements, HoTT would urge the Council to consider an alternative scheme which increases the pedestrianization of Holmfirth town centre by closing the Victoria Street as the main river crossing and diverting through-traffic north east of the town centre over a new bypass river crossing.
HoTT suggest the Council should be considering the following measures:
Regional traffic improvements:
- Lobbying, with other local authorities and organisations, for the improvement of the Woodhead trans Pennine route to a limited access
dual carriageway standard. - Working with other local authorities and Highways England to agree a regional and inter regional HGV network, and in the short term, prohibition of HGVs, except for access, on the A635 between New Mill and Woodhead Road Holmfirth.
Town centre traffic improvements:
- Hollowgate and Victoria Street to be pedestrianised, cycle friendly, with service/loading vehicle access only, with appropriate surfacing.
- Construction of a new two-way river crossing link road between Station Road and Huddersfield Road to the north east of Victoria Street.
- Demolition of the single storey extension and bridge to the Market Hall and opening up of the river and a river walk.
Other local improvements
- More long stay and visitor parking at Sands, consequent on the relocation of coach parking to the cattle market, and improvement of the riverside path to Bridge Street to an all-weather standard, suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.
- Develop the Holme Valley Cycle Network, with priority to the Woodhead Road/Huddersfield Road A6024/A616 corridor.