By-election means Tories can be toppled in Kirklees

Oct 18 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE views of voters in Chickenley and Earlsheaton would usually be of little concern to people in Huddersfield.

But yesterday’s by-election result in Dewsbury East could affect thousands of parents and children in the Huddersfield area.

The victory of Labour’s Cathy Scott at the count in Dewsbury Town Hall brings the opposition to the magic number of 46 councillors needed to topple the ruling Conservatives over controversial school plans.

Last month the Tories put forward a £200m investment proposal for education in north Kirklees.

Parents and teachers are being consulted on the plans, which would see 11 schools close.

With a £300m plan for Huddersfield and the Holme and Colne valleys due next year, many parents in south Kirklees will be watching the debate on the other side of Cooper Bridge with interest.