Leaders: Less talk, more action

Jun 30 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

HUDDERSFIELD Civic Society has taken over a shop to showcase plans being put forward for the town centre.

The showcase will give the public details of all major schemes proposed – such as the Waterfront Quarter and plans for a new Tesco on Southgate.

The idea is that if people have the facts, they can get involved in informed debates.

This is not a bad idea in itself. But many of these schemes have been long talked about – such as the Queensgate Revival project.

It is of course important that such big changes to the town centre are properly thought out and discussed.

It is also vital that people understand what is happening and have their say, so that the end result is a town centre the public are proud of – and a place that will reflect Huddersfield’s heritage and give a great first impression to visitors.

But, realistically, not all Huddersfield residents want to get involved in debates.

Many just want to see some visible progress on plans to tackle neglected areas and create ambitious developments.

What they want is a little less conversation and a little more action.