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ONE PAPER ... ALL THE NEWS from Dewsbury, Batley, Ossett, Mirfield, Liversedge, Birstall, Heckmondwike, Cleckheaton & Spen Valley
Friday October 7, 2016
12 MONTHS
No. 758
GUARANTEE
50p
Cyclist killed in collision with bus A CYCLIST has died after he collided with a bus in Batley. The 22-year-old man was riding down Soothill Lane before he turned right into Grace Leather Lane, when he was involved in the crash.
Police are currently appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened at around 11.40am on Wednesday morning. The cyclist suffered serious injuries in the crash and was declared dead at the scene. A number of emer-
gency vehicles attended the scene and the road remained closed for the majority of the afternoon. Sgt Carl Quinn of the major collision and enquiry team said: “We are appealing for witnesses to the incident, along with
MUSEUM RESCUE HOPES DASHED Axed ... Dewsbury Museum
anyone who may have seen the cyclist prior to this incident, to come forward with any information.” Anyone with information should contact the police on 101, quoting log number 527 of October 5.
AFTER months of uncertainty, it was confirmed this week that two of North Kirklees’ museums will be axed. Kirklees Council cabinet gave the green light to close Dewsbury Museum in Crow Nest Park and Red House Museum in Gomersal. Campaigners pleaded with officials to make a u-turn on their expected decision to close the museums but their worst fears were confirmed at a meeting on Monday. Funding for Dewsbury Museum and Red House runs out in March but both could close as early as next month. Also included in the cuts was Tolson Museum in Huddersfield, although this will remain open in the short term to maintain a presence in South Kirklees before a new venue is found for some exhibits. Oakwell Hall in Birstall and Bagshaw Museum in Batley will remain open. The move is part of a plan to cut the “creative economy” budget at the council from £1.2m to just £371,000 from April. Cabinet member for Creative Kirklees, Coun Graham Turner, said that due to budget cuts it was inevitable some museums would have to close. “It is clear that many residents love and value the buildings we have, but if we do not close any of the sites it will be impossible to achieve the savings we need to make,” he said. “With a constantly diminishing
By James Morris News Reporter james@thepressnews.co.uk
budget, we have to change the cultural offer but I believe the changes will ensure that we can deliver a service for the residents of Kirklees that tells our story, in a different and more up to date way.” The council’s Labour cabinet agreed to move forward with their new vision, dubbed ‘Culture Kirklees’, which will also cut the council’s contribution to the Lawrence Batley Theatre, along with arts and events grants to community and music groups. But Coun Turner believes the venues on offer across Kirklees will still satisfy visitors. He said: “Changing lifestyles and increasing culture and leisure choices mean that the museum and galleries service needs to radically transform if it is to be relevant and resilient in the 21st century and make an impact on the district’s priorities. “It is vital that Kirklees continues to support a strong cultural offer. “The future resilience of towns and cities relies on mixed uses of retail, residential and culture and leisure opportunities.” But Coun Turner said the council would be willing to discuss alternative uses and funding plans for the axed sites, or asset transfers to community groups. Dewsbury & Mirfield MP Paula
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