Following the horrific speeding incident in her Ward that cost a young man's life, Cllr Felicity Issott (Ryburn Ward) wrote to the new Labour Council Leader demanding action on road safety improvements in Calderdale. She stressed the importance of road safety and displayed Council incompetence as Barkisland awaits the implementation of road safety improvements that the Council approved in 2021.
“It is with great sadness that I write this letter, but as a Councillor for Ryburn, I strive to do my best for the community I represent, especially in moments of sorrow.”
“On Saturday, 13th May, a most unfortunate speeding accident occurred, with a young man tragically losing his life. The accident was due to multiple cars driving at excessive speeds through a populated area and past a busy post office. It was a bright sunny day, and on that date, Barkisland village hosted an under-nine cricket tournament with families from across Huddersfield visiting, children were riding their bikes on the road around the village, walkers were making the most of the weather and scenery, and residents were standing outside the post office catching up with each other. Because of all that activity, the tragedy that unfolded could have been significantly worse.”
“I have been actively campaigning on the issue of road safety in Barkisland and other areas in Ryburn for many years now and have made this a priority since being elected as a Councillor. As a result, of working closely with Council officers, a number of road safety improvements have been given approval; however, these still need to be implemented, despite the initial meetings taking place back in 2021.”
“However, this is no singular incident; it is coupled with another horrific incident on Burnley Road in Luddendenfoot just one week earlier, which also took the life of a young man and left many others seriously injured. This all reinforces the urgency of the matter, and road safety must now become a much higher priority for our Borough.”
“It is impossible to know whether road safety improvements would have made a difference on these fateful days. I am a realist, so I understand that the Council can’t stop every speeding incident through road safety measures, but we must urgently implement measures that could save lives.”
“Therefore, I am demanding assurances from the Council that Barkisland will receive further road safety improvements, beyond those already planned, either in the form of physical road changes such as a chicane or a permanent speed camera placement.”
“I have now implored the Council, as a matter of extreme urgency, to immediately implement all the agreed road safety improvements. We do not have the time to wait another two years for them to be implemented. We can no longer ignore the fact that people drive at dangerous speeds through Barkisland and in other areas of Calderdale, risking the lives of themselves and residents alike.”
“Finally, Councillors from all parties will agree that we cannot continue the Council's policy of only implementing road safety measures after accidents have already taken place. This policy risks lives. We need to take proactive steps to prevent these accidents from happening in the first place.”
