A GROUP of Marsh residents is urging local people to become more involved in community issues.
Marsh Community Forum members hope that by getting more people actively involved in the issues that concern them they will have more muscle around the negotiating table.
The Forum was set up about 18 months ago, with the help of Groups for Growth, Huddersfield Pride and a £500 grant from Voluntary Action Kirklees.
At that time, members were campaigning to buy St James's Hall, so that Marsh would have its own meeting point.
But they were unsuccessful in their bid.
Since then, the Forum's main aim has been to develop a sense of community and pride in the area. It has become involved in projects such as the Marsh Improvement Scheme, which directly affect residents and businesses.
Forum committee member Colin Baldwin said: "Marsh is a uniquely disadvantaged district of Huddersfield. It has no school, no church, no public meeting place or community centre, yet it has one of the highest electoral rolls.
"Because two of the three main access roads to the M62 pass through or alongside the area, it has been described as the Marsh corridor to the motorway, distinguished only by its wealth of takeaway shops serving the passing trade."
Forum secretary David Richardson said: " There are several areas of concern for residents. These include the `rat runs' on Syringa Street and Thornhill Avenue and that on Jim Lane.
"We would also like to hear residents' views on whether an old disused toilet block between the Croppers Arms and the chemists should be renovated or demolished."
Marsh residents and those with an interest in the area are invited to contact the Forum if they have views on these and other issues.
The next meeting is at 7.30pm on Tuesday, September 2 at St James's Hall. Correspondence may be sent to Mr Richardson, 22 Luck Lane, Marsh, Huddersfield HD3 4AF.
