ANOTHER Huddersfield town centre street could become pedestrian-only.

The area this time is a section of Byram Street, between Kirkgate and Church Street.

Backers of the move say it would create a more attractive setting for Huddersfield Parish Church and St Peter's Gardens.

Opportunities for pavement cafes and retail or market stalls could be created.

Seats, trees and new lights would be added to complete an attractive look.

Cars would still be allowed in Byram Street for church ceremonies.

Huddersfield people will be asked what they think of the idea in an exhibition starting this weekend.

Clr David Payne, Kirklees Council Cabinet member responsible for environmental matters, said: "This is all part of our drive to make visiting our town centres a better experience."

Work could start next summer if the plan for a pedestrian zone wins approval. It is just one of a number of town centre suggestions which will be put to exhibition visitors this weekend. Others include:

* Only buses, goods deliveries and church ceremony vehicles to be allowed in Kirkgate, between Market Place and Cross Church Street.

* Creating reserved disabled parking and servicing bays in Wood Street between Kirkgate and Church Street

* Better pavements and crossing points in Westgate and Trinity Street.

Clr Payne said the aim was to create a more attractive environment and safer streets.

"It is good to see these initiatives moving forward," he said.

The first of a series of public displays opens on Saturday.

Kirklees Council's exhibition bus will be open in Byram Street between 10am and 4pm. This will be followed by a session from 10am to 6pm on Monday.

The plans will then be displayed in Huddersfield Parish Church, from next Tuesday until Friday, November 7.

Hours for looking at the plans are 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

Anyone unable to visit the exhibitions can view the proposals and return the questionnaire on Kirklees Council's website at www.kirklees.gov.uk/renaissance

Comments must be returned by November 7.

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City lake boost follows years of decline

A HUGE lake could be built as part of radical plans to regenerate Bradford city centre.

An area around City Hall would be flooded to produce the new look.

The master plan, commissioned by the city's urban regeneration company, has been designed by an international firm of architects.

Its backers say the changes would transform the fortunes of the run-down city.

A wetland and wildlife area would be created in a new valley.

The plan could take between 15 and 20 years to achieve.

Bradford Centre Regeneration chief executive Maud Marshall said: "This is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity to put to an end decades of decline."

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