Web Forum: Top Stories

Nov 9 2009 by Andrew Jackson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HERE are the most viewed stories on www.examiner.co.uk last week:

1) A GRITTING dispute has hit Huddersfield.

Fears over road safety are rising after all of Kirklees Council’s gritter drivers said they would not be working this winter.

Around 60 of the council’s highways workers are normally given the opportunity to put their name down for the gritting rota.

But Unison chief Paul Holmes revealed none would be signing up this year following the introduction of a new pay policy.

2) FLIMSY door locks costing just a few pence are allowing burglars to plunder homes in Kirklees, West Yorkshire’s police chief has warned.

In the last year 320 homes in Kirklees have been targeted by thieves forcing open the cheap euro-profile locks on uPVC doors.

Sir Norman Bettison, chief constable for West Yorkshire Police, told the Examiner homes were at risk because it took just a matter of seconds to disable the locks.

3) TWO prolific burglars are behind bars after attacking homes in Huddersfield.

Durrell Simmonds, of Fartown, and Michael McDonnell, of Newsome, were both handed hefty sentences by a judge.

Police have hailed the sentences and welcomed the fact that the criminals have been taken off the streets of the town.

4) SEVERAL charity bonfires take place in Huddersfield this week.

They got under way with a bonfire and fireworks at The Jack O’Mitre, Scammonden in aid of local charities.

While there was also a bonfire and firework display at Paddock Cricket Club raising money for club funds.

5) A COUPLE have blasted Kirklees Council for twice charging them for parking outside their own home.

Two years ago Gavin and Sharlene Noble were fined for forgetting to display their parking permit in their car outside their Lindley home.

Now the Union Street couple are furious they have been stung again – this time after a gust of wind knocked the permit off the dashboard.

Fuming Mrs Noble, 40, said: “I can’t believe this has happened to us again.

“It’s ridiculous because it was a simple human error and we are prepared to take Kirklees to court over this.”