IT’S hard to understand why Kirklees councillors should think that spending £65,000 extending a bus lane by just 350 yards is money well spent.

Leaving all other arguments aside for a moment, surely it’s sending out a wrong signal to people when the council is having to cut £80m from its budget over the next three years.

And the families of those worrying that they may lose some or all of their social care will also be dismayed to see that such a large sum can suddenly by found for such a small project which will only take a minute off the journey for the bus passengers who will benefit.

Clearly the cash for these projects will come from different pots of money, but it is the perception here that is all important.

Secondary to that is the argument that the bus lane will help the environment.

The buses may move slightly more smoothly on their inward journey to town, but the bus lane could slow up other traffic which causes them to increase their ‘carbon footprint’ in that area.

Every time Kirklees now spends taxpayers’ money it will be keenly watched, especially by those who are feeling the pain from budget cuts in other council services.

Every penny needs to be justified, but it’s hard to see how this scheme can be seen as a wise investment.