Latest news with #Heckmondwike
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Legal action to fight Kirklees Council care home privatisation
Campaigners have started legal action to stop two council-run dementia care homes being transferred to the private Council confirmed earlier this year that Claremont House in Heckmondwike and Castle Grange in Newsome would be switched to private providers despite opposition from families and councillors. Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is representing the families of care home residents, has applied to the High Court for a judicial review to be held examining the legality of the council's Council said the transfer had been "through a long process of evaluation, engagement and public scrutiny" and it could not comment further until after legal proceedings. Campaigners have argued that while the decision was stated to have been made on a financial basis, there remained a lack of evidence to support Chapman, the specialist public law and human rights lawyer representing the campaigners, said: "Local authority-run care homes provide vital care and support to a number of people, particularly those living with dementia."Many of those affected by the planned business transfer of Claremont House and Castle Grange have voiced their anger and disappointment at how they feel the council has acted throughout the process."We've heard first-hand accounts from families who say the decision will have a significant impact on their loved ones." 'Upset and distressed' Ms Chapman said lawyers had previously written to the authority outlining their points but it had still decided to go ahead with added: "We've therefore now applied for a judicial review."Adrian Pygott said he was worried the disruption caused by privatisation would have "grave consequences" for his mother, 90-year-old Brenda Hughes, who has been cared for at Castle Grange for seven said: "My mother has high emotional needs and can become upset and distressed at the slightest change in her routine. She also has a range of complex physical needs."The care provided by the staff at Castle Grange is exemplary and I'm greatly concerned at the thought of this being taken away from her or, even worse, her having to move homes."The latest development comes after campaigners previously fought off a plan in 2024 to close the homes as part of efforts to make almost £47m in budget that, councillors made the decision to transfer them to private providers but this was called in for review by eight opposition at a meeting in February, the council re-affirmed the decision to response to the legal action, the council said throughout the process it had "prioritised the quality of care for residents".It added: "The decision is now subject to legal proceedings and it would be inappropriate to comment further, or explore alternative options, until we know the outcome of that process." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Woman preparing to do 100 star jumps a day next month to aid mental health charity
A WOMAN is preparing to do 100 star jumps a day next month to raise money for a mental health charity. Clare Hurst will take on the challenge throughout August in support of Mental Health UK. The 38-year-old, of Heckmondwike, said: "I've suffered with my mental health in the past and I wanted to do something to help such an important charity so it can help others. "Mental Health UK is a charity very close to my heart, and I'm determined to do these 100 star jumps throughout August to raise as much money as I can. "I also want to raise awareness of mental health and get more people talking about the topic. "I've overcome many challenges with my mental health, but I want other people who are suffering to know that help is out there, there is light at the end of the tunnel, and things will get better." Clare thanked everyone who has supported her so far. To donate, visit Mental Health UK's website states: "We are the charity for everyone's mental health. "We challenge the causes of poor mental health and provide people with the tools they need to live their best possible life at home, school and work."
BBC News
29-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Campaign calls for disused railway to become Heckmondwike Ringway
Campaigners have called for a delayed ringway project to begin after a nearby walking and cycling path was closed for Heckmondwike Ringway scheme would see a disused railway track turned into a pathway for cycling and walking.A section of a similar nearby scheme, the Spen Valley Greenway, is currently closed to the public while upgrade work is under way, forcing walkers and cyclists to use a busy road. Resident and campaigner Victoria Harrington said she was frustrated to see money being spent on the greenway while plans for the ringway has not even begun. She said: "Recently more than £1m was allocated to improvements to the greenway in Cleckheaton, involving a ramp, some road signs, and some lighting. None of which would be top priority for spending."The railway track in Heckmondwike is owned by a private company, but councillor Martyn Bolt said he would like to see the land compulsorily purchased by Kirklees said: "Four years ago £1.5m was earmarked, which could have been used to create the walking route and nothing has happened on it.""If there's money to spend to put streetlights on the Spen Valley Greenway then there's money that could have been spent for the ringway," he Moses Crook, deputy leader of Kirklees Council and cabinet member for housing and transport, said the ringway had not gone ahead because of "increasing costs" and "third-party land ownership".He said: "This section of the Spen Ringway was one option considered as part of the A638 improvement project, funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Transforming Cities Fund. "It remains a project that would provide clear advantages to the community should the land become available in the future." According to Ms Harrington, Spen Valley MP Kim Leadbeater and Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin support the said: "The local residents very much want to preserve the wonderful area for the ringway. The railway appreciation societies want to preserve the railway and the wonderful bridges as a continuous route."Colin Berry from Spen Valley Civic Society said the group backed the said: "It ticks all the boxes in respect of providing safe and active off-road travel, so avoiding the very busy and congested A638 through the valley. A spokesperson from West Yorkshire Combine Authority said: "We are investing £15m to improve journeys between Dewsbury and Cleckheaton and make it safer and easier for people to get around." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Telegraph
Father and nine-year-old daughter killed in house fire
A father and daughter who died in a house fire have been pictured for the first time. Sohaib Ahmed, 38, and his nine-year-old daughter, Manahal, died in the fire that broke out at the family home on Sunday. Mr Ahmed's wife was not at the property in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, when the flames took hold on Sunday morning as she was on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia. The couple's 11-year-old daughter, who was seriously injured in the fire, continues to be treated in hospital and is described as being in a critical but stable condition. Their eldest son was also not at home when the fire occurred, having spent the night at a relative's house. The mother is now understood to have returned to the UK. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: 'Inquiries into the fire remain ongoing by Kirklees District Police on behalf of the coroner.' Neighbours said the family were well known in the area and paid tribute to Mr Ahmed. Mohammad Rizwan Yasin told the BBC he had known Mr Ahmed for a long time and described him as a 'very nice, family man'. Darren O'Donovan, the chairman of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority and a councillor for Dewsbury West, said it was thought the blaze could have been started by a tumble dryer. 'Initial investigations suggest the fire may have started in the kitchen area and its possible source could have been the tumble dryer, but that's still under investigation,' he said. 'That's the tragedy: this was just a local family on a very regular street in Heckmondwike and a tragic accident has taken place.' West Yorkshire Fire Service previously said: 'We were called at 06.11 yesterday to reports of a house fire on Russell Close in Heckmondwike. 'We sent four crews. Firefighters retrieved three people from within the property, two of whom were taken to hospital by ambulance. 'Our fire investigators are working with police to establish the circumstances of the fire.'
The Sun
11-06-2025
- The Sun
Girl, 9, and dad killed in horror house fire while mum ‘away on trip' are pictured – as child, 11, fighting for life
TRIBUTES have poured in after a dad and his nine-year-old daughter were killed in a horror house fire. The blaze that ripped through the house in Heckmondwike, Yorkshire killed Sohaib Ahmed, aged 38, and his daughter Manahal Ahmed on Sunday. 1 An 11-year-old girl, Sohaib's other daughter, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital. Now, Sohaib and Manahal have been pictured for the first time as locals pay poignant tribute to the pair. Georgina Darragh said: "So very sad awful a dad and his wee daughter taken far too soon Rest in Peace sweet souls". Angela Walshaw wrote: "Oh this is so sad ,and pray the little girls as full recovery". Anne Sellers added: "Aww so so sad my thoughts are with family rip both of u". Detective Inspector Paul Greatorex said: "We are continuing to work with colleagues at the fire service to investigate this dreadfully sad incident which has resulted in a father and daughter losing their lives. "Extensive enquiries have been ongoing since yesterday and we have been working to locate and support relatives of the victims both here and outside of the UK at what is clearly an awful time for the family. "While our enquiries remain ongoing we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances regarding the cause of the fire and will be preparing a file for the coroner in due course. "Our support for the family involved clearly also still continues." is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
