In this week's Ask Examiner you voted for us to ask Kirklees Council why shop units were left empty.

While the answer is not as simple as it seems, we explained who owns the properties in Huddersfield and the processes involved in occupying empty shops.

And although the Ask Examiner question originally came from Gillian Burton, the response from our readers shows that she's not the only person concerned about the issue.

Nicola Ellery believes it's no wonder people go elsewhere for shopping. "It makes you laugh. Huddersfield is a big university town, we should be thriving with good shops and a good shopping centre. It's no wonder people go to Meadowhall and Leeds"

While Jason Goodwill left a comment on our Facebook page saying, "Huddersfield is like a ghost town... Fast food and a few charity shops even Kingsgate looks rough these days."

Jayne Strutt believes that one cause could be more people supporting independent businesses: "Also a lot of people are now supporting local businesses in villages rather than going in to town, which in my opinion is great to see, supporting independent people rather than big chain stores! And a pretty village is a lot better than looking round our town any day!"

Margaret McKever was one of several people who suggested that the bus gates might be having an impact. She said, "Get rid of the bus gates and let all taxi firms use them."

Huddersfield traders recently called for the bus gates scheme to be abolished.

  • What would you like us to investigate this week? It could be anything! For example, do you know where the money from court fines goes? Or did you know Huddersfield has hundreds of paintings in storage - why can't they go on display? Post your questions in the comments below!
Time Line

Ask Examiner: Timeline of questions we've answered

  1. What is happening to the crumbling buildings in Longroyd Bridge?

    You asked about Longroyd Lane - click here to find the answer

  2. Ask Examiner: Mystery of black magic rituals in Standedge Tunnels

    You asked about occult activity - here's what we found

  3. We looked into whether Huddersfield once had more Rolls-Royces per head than anywhere else

    Here's what we found out

  4. We found out about those hidden wells

    Mystery of the ancient wells solved by Ask Examiner 

  5. What happened to the council’s proposal to form a cooperative to purchase cheap gas and electricity for interested households?

    Ask Examiner: Why Kirklees Council had to pull the plug on energy deal 

  6. Kirklees explains why weekend parking isn't free in Huddersfield

    You wanted to know why you have to park in town on a weekend - here's what Kirklees said

  7. Ask Examiner: Here's what Kirklees has to say on empty shops and business rates

    You asked why Kirklees lets shop units stay empty and doesn't reduce rates - find out what they said here

  8. Ask Examiner: We've found out the latest on plans for a pub at Castle Hill

    You wanted to know what was happening with the demolished pub at Castle Hill - we found out

  9. Huddersfield Royal Infirmary: Why is Huddersfield expected to lose its A&E? Why will Calderdale's A&E stay open? 

    We put your questions to health bosses - click here to read this story

  10. Residents bemused over "Mohawk-style" grass cutting on Mirfield's London Park Estate

    Grass was cut in a strange style in Mirfield - we found out why!