The decisions shaping Calderdale’s future
In a wide-ranging interview with Calderdale Inside Out, council leader Dan Sutherland discusses the future of the Shay Stadium, the controversy surrounding Mixenden Activity Centre, the revival of Halifax town centre and whether buses could return to the heart. We also talk about accountability, transparency, and how the audit problems can be solved.
Dear Reader
A big part of Calderdale Inside Out's 'raison d'etre' is to question authority. And so sitting down with the leader of Calderdale Borough Council gives us that opportunity. This is a wide ranging interview. And, in line with standard journalistic good practice, we did not supply questions ahead of time.
In the podcast I also make clear we afforded exactly the same opportunity to the previous Labour administration when they were in power.
They did not even bother to reply.
We wrote to them on ten separate occasions- either offering an opportunity to respond to a story, or to interview the (then) leader of the council. We also invited Josh Fenton-Glynn to speak with us.
Zero response. Nada.
And during the last administration there was important stuff to talk about: the Calderdale Windfarm; the Electoral Commission investigation into Calder Valley Labour finances, The Shay, The Piece Hall, car parking strategy - and of course, the myriad other issues facing a busy council administration. But Labour didn't want to talk to us or even return our many emails.
Reform have been the opposite. Open, and willing to engage.
There is a phrase in Yorkshire: "tek as you find".
Have a listen - and make up your own mind.
Nick
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