THE symmetry of St George’s Square continues to be undermined by the destruction.

The new bus shelters are converting the square into a proxy bus station while guaranteeing the square a future as a traffic nightmare.

Is the objective to make the square as bad as possible? Does anyone remember the artist’s impression?

The square looks nothing like it! For one thing the impression appears to be in an idealised world where the square is larger than it really is and where traffic is at 1960s levels.

I have noticed from the update outside the railway station that the council is re-using some of the flags in the new look.

So, what was the point in scheme? The update also says the new stones are an improvement on the York stone. I’m sorry, but they’re not!

They are a massive step backwards for the town and the square; they are inappropriate, out of place and ugly.

On a more basic level, the relaying of the stones is also much more uneven than before with handy ‘trip up’ steps of about 2cm high guaranteed to send pedestrians flying.

Kirklees Council has arrogantly ignored the objections of those who pay their bills; they pressed ahead with an unnecessary scheme, wasting our money on a vanity project designed to put the mark of elected administrators on the town. And what a mark they have made.

How dare they waste money on such pointless projects while schools are closed, streets are left uncleaned and bin services are being cut?

How dare they destroy a perfectly fine square while they neglect the jobs they are there to do?

They appear to have an agenda of destruction. Remember the chaos at Castle Hill, the ridiculous proposals at the main town library and now their destruction at the square.

Can we trust them? No. It seems to me that the council is actively failing at its job. I have little faith left.

They have proven themselves distant from those who gave them their position and I feel strongly that they are ALL accountable at the ballot box.

ANDREW SCOTT CRINES

Huddersfield

Huddersfield and proud

GOOD on you Mrs Grundy for your letter last Saturday.

I think you put into words just what Huddersfield people think. What is Kirklees? Don’t know. Where is Kirklees? Don’t know. What is it about? Don’t know.

Some years ago it was decided that they would try to wipe Huddersfield from the map of Yorkshire?

Had they no thought of our ancient past or indeed our more recent past.

Were we consulted, if so, I don’t remember being asked if we wanted to be put together with other towns.

A lot of people are proud of being Huddersfield. I was brought up with the Huddersfield Examiner and have taken it all my life.

Every week I turn first to the letter page. I like the comments about all the local happenings.

Then to the ‘hatches, matches and dispatches’, because if my name doesn’t appear in the latter I know I will be getting up in the morning.

Heaven forbid it is never changes to the Kirklees Examiner.

J D

Lindley

Bushmeat a health threat

I AM writing to bring to your attention a serious threat facing both endangered animals and human health – the snaring of wild animals and consumption of their meat, known as ‘bushmeat’.

In many parts of Africa, bushmeat has evolved from a low-level subsistence activity to a large-scale commercial trade, supplying urban and even international markets.

Many species of wild animals, including endangered species such as gorillas and elephants, are killed by poachers, butchered and then transported to city markets and restaurants across the globe as part of this widespread commercial activity.

This business doesn’t only impact wild animal populations.

There are also concerns that the trade can pose a serious threat to human health with the transmission of anthrax, Simian Fomay Virus and TB.

Bushmeat also affects us here in the UK. Latest figures indicate that nearly 7,500 tonnes of illegal meat products enter Britain every year, some of which is believed to be bushmeat.

To raise awareness about this important issue, we have produced a new film with our partners, Land Rover, which provides an insight into some of the challenges faced by those in Kenya trying to bring a stop to this devastating trade.

To view the film and to find out how you can help, please visit www.bornfree.org.uk/bushmeat

WILL TRAVERS

Chief Executive, Born Free Foundation

Human touch needed

SINCE the announcement regarding the closure of the tourist information bureau and alterations to the Civic Centre, there have been quite a number of letters of condemnation about the former, but very few about the Civic Centre.

Perhaps it has not been realised what the effect will be, particularly on the elderly and infirm.

At present, friendly staff are there to take council tax payments and answer any queries and give advice on any worries connected with housing and rents.

In future, the friendly faces will be replaced by machines.

The powers that be will always say there is the direct debit way of paying.

But a lot of people do not have a bank account or distrust anyone taking money over which they have no control.

The age of technology may be an improvement in many ways, but it still needs another human being to listen, understand and answer the problems and queries of others.

CAPRICORN

Huddersfield

Stop this centre closure

THE tourist information office acts as the ambassador for Kirklees – it is the Jewel in the Crown for Kirklees.

It is the first stop for any visitors to this area, as well as many local people.

Huddersfield University has a growing number of students each year from all over the country and the world.

This office and staff provide a unique service all under one roof with efficiency, courtesy and knowledge gained over many years.

Who are these people who make the decision to lose this valuable service?

To save a small amount of money, which will soon be manifest in additional costs when fragmented into different departments.

You have not got public support and this proposal must be happen.

FM & ME GODDEN

Taylor Hill

Parents must unite

I READ with agreed anger at the news of the Castle Hall closure.

It is outrageous that this ‘high performing’ school which specialises in language is just going to disappear into thin air, along with dedicated staff.

That said, as a parent of children attending Mirfield Free Grammar, I take umbrage to Rosalind Longos’ comment that Mirfield Free Grammar hasn’t got a good reputation as it is now.

There is massive disappointment and disapproval in both camps.

Castle Hall supporters want to keep their ‘high performing’ school open – they chose and made sacrifices to ensure their child had the opportunity of attending this school.

Mirfield Free Grammar supporters want their ‘outstanding’ school as it is.

Again, parents have acted and made informed decisions and changes to ensure their child has the opportunity they feel best suits their child.

My point then is that we are all shocked, disapproving, angry – the list goes on and on.

Whichever camp you sit in, the fact is that parental choice in Mirfield has been removed.

We can no longer choose our schools based on specialism, ethos or provision.

But the comments made by the aforementioned parent really do nothing to help the cause and serves to promote resentment between the camps.

This time will be disruptive enough on our children’s learning, especially as the closure is due to be over an extended period of time while a presumably massive building programme is undertaken.

It will also affect student intakes over several years in both schools. I have two children who are due to experience this.

If we, as parents, are to become embroiled in ‘name calling’, then what chance have our children got of experiencing a smooth transition and, moreover, ensuring a positive integration of students from both schools?

Surely we owe it to our children to facilitate this, not hinder it?

NAME WITHELD

Colnebridge

Positive performance

IT seems that every day we hear negative stories about teenagers.

However, last week I watched a production of Annie at All Saints Catholic College.

It was a brilliant and highly entertaining performance, which the audience and cast alike obviously enjoyed.

The children must have put a lot of time and hard work into their performances.

Credit must also go to the staff. Without their hard work, commitment and support, such a polished performance could not have been possible.

I can’t wait to see their next show. Well done everyone.

MRS G CUMISKEY

Dalton