IN the second part of our look at the crucial contests in this year’s Kirklees Council election, local government reporter Barry Gibson finds that the race in Dalton has been spiced up by a dispute about Huddersfield Town and a leaflet row involving the police.

“We’ve just got £950 from the area committee to help because it’s doing such a good job.”

Earlier this month the Lib Dems reported Labour to police over claims that Clr Parchment supported the £725,000 cut in children’s centre spending.

The Lib Dems have decided not to pursue the complaint – but maintain that the claim is false.

Labour candidate Naheed Mather stands by her party’s position on children’s centres.

“The facts are there for all to see,” said the Fartown woman.

“Of course children’s centres are important, as a mother of two girls, I use the services and I know how vitally important it is in deprived areas.

“Despite the cuts we’ve managed to save the children’s centre in Dalton in an area which is highly deprived.”

Ms Mather, who stood in Dewsbury South in last year’s election, is focussing on national issues.

“People are worried about the economy and their job security,” she said.

“They are particularly concerned about the NHS and they are angry with the Lib Dems for not holding the Conservatives back.”

Conservative Chris Meadows, 23, is also concerned with national issues.

The Highburton man said: “A lot of people are worried about the cost of living and the cost of petrol, I think they will be important issues for the people of Dalton.”

Mr Meadows said he understood voters’ concerns about the economy. He spent months looking for work after graduating from the University of Huddersfield with a degree in transport last year.

Mr Meadows, who works as a timetable planner for Network Rail, said: “It’s a difficult time for young people to find jobs at the moment.

“It’s a tough time for the economy but I do think things will pick up.”

Green candidate David Honour, 45, is focusing on local issues as he tries to improve on last year’s performance when he came fourth.

The website designer, who lives with his wife and two children in Kirkheaton, said: “We’ve got the community plan in Kirkheaton which was drawn up by Yetton Together earlier this year.

“There were concerns about provision for young people in the area.

“There were also various environmental concerns about landfill sites in the area.

“We also want to have more allotments and to look after the green space.”

Tomorrow we look at the contest in Denby Dale.