THE CRIMEAN War has broken out all over again.
Kirklees Council is often accused of not repairing roads.
But one group of Huddersfield residents is unhappy with the council for providing them with a nice smooth track.
Kirklees is spending £60,000 resurfacing Crimea Lane between Slaithwaite and Pole Moor.
But residents want the track to remain boggy and uneven.
They fear a smoother surface will attract motorbikes, 4x4s and fly-tippers to the lane, which is mainly used by walkers.
Roy Bonner, of Golcar, walks on the path three or four times a week with his wife Kate.
He said: “It’s in a boggy area and in wet weather the area becomes muddy, as footpaths do.
“This is not a problem if one wears walking shoes or boots and treads carefully.
“But the council is spending thousands on 1.5miles of footpath which is not important for local communications. The money could be better spent on the far more important task of road repairs in the area.
“We are concerned that the creation of a hard, even surface will encourage motorised vehicles such as motorbikes and 4x4s and fly-tippers.”
Jenny Cooper also opposes the work.
“We will have a speedway for motorcyclists and four-wheel drivers to test their skills,” she said.
Grahame Walker, who lives on nearby Moor Side Lane, believes Kirklees could find better uses for the money as it struggles to cut its budget.
He said: “It’s a terrible waste of money, £60,000 would pay for at least two people for 12 months.
“There has been no consultation with any of us about this.”
A Kirklees spokeswoman said: “The work is one of the last parts of the three-year capital plan to upgrade public rights of way and this path was included because it is part of the Kirklees Way, which is a well-publicised long distance walk which attracts ramblers to the area.
“This part of the footpath becomes easily waterlogged and has been in need of repair for many years.
“A sandstone base layer is now being laid to combat this problem. Notices were posted on site before the work started.
“The council has offered to put gates in to prevent unauthorised vehicle traffic”.
