THE THREAT of a ratepayers' revolt in Mirfield has been welcomed by one of the town's councillors.
Tory councillor Martyn Bolt said he is delighted that Simon Bullock, who lives in Crowlees Gardens, Mirfield, is planning to start a protest party and challenge for a share of the power in June's full council elections.
Mr Bullock, one of the leading campaigners against the plans to build houses on playing fields at Castle Hall School, says he wants to hear the thoughts of other Kirklees residents as to whether they would support an independent party.
"I have had an absolute gut full of planning applications in Mirfield and I know many other people feel exactly the same," he said.
"The Castle Hall planning application has been the catalyst but there are so many other issues as well. People are fed up of both central and local Government and things not getting done.
"My plan would be to ask the people of Mirfield exactly what their issues were and then attack them in that order.
"I would like to plan and manage a campaign to try and get a voice for the people of Mirfield on the council and if we can get someone to stand independently they will win, I have no doubt about that."
Although Clr Bolt said he welcomed any interest in Mirfield from the residents he was concerned that any so-called protest parties might fight an election on only one issue.
He said: "There is a danger that when action groups become involved in politics they have a somewhat warped vision of how things work.
"Mr Bullock doesn't want land in Mirfield being built on but if there was to be a total stop to that some developments that would be excellent for the town would have to be scrapped.
"For example it has always been the plan that land on Water Royd Avenue would be sold for housing to help fund the Gilder Hall Community Centre scheme.
" I agree with Mr Bullock that Mirfield does seem to be overlooked and in that sense we have a lot in common.
"Coming into politics from this protest angle could be dangerous and I hope that everyone involved understands fully what would be required of them if they were to be successful.
"I look forward to seeing Mr Bullock at council meetings between now and June and I hope his interest in making a difference and doing the right thing for Mirfield continues."
