The fight is on to save vital services across North Kirklees.

Birstall Market, Birstall Library, the local Childrens Centre and Oakwell Hall are all under threat from swingeing cuts by Kirklees Council.

But now Conservative councillors for Birstall and Birkenshaw, Robert Light, Liz Smaje and Andrew Palfreeman have launched a campaign to save Birstall from the cuts threatened by the Labour Cabinet in Kirklees.

They were joined in the Market Place by the Conservative PPC Imtiaz Ameen and representatives of the Birstall Chamber of Trade as they began to gather signatures on a petition that calls on the council to retain the services.

The campaign follows the support the councillors gave when public toilets were threatened with closure. A partnership between the Chamber of Trade and the councillors

has ensured that the toilets still remain open.

Clr Robert Light said: “Birstall Library is much more than a place where you go to borrow books. It a vital community hub, used by people of all ages for a wide variety of purposes. It is the heart of the village and to close it would have the same effect as ripping the heart out of anywhere.

“Birstall Market is one of the few successful outdoor markets in the borough. It is popular and brings people into the village.

“The Children’s Centre on Fieldhead provides a wide range of essential support to people of all ages from right around the Ward. To lose it would leave many people isolated, disabled residents without support and young families without the essential guidance that the Centre provides. It is a focus point for the community.

“Finally, do we need to say anything to defend Oakwell Hall and the Country Park? It is a jewel in the Kirklees crown, enjoyed by thousands from all over West Yorkshire”.