Latest news with #Cleckheaton
BBC News
10-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
NHS, defence, education and more in focus for voters in government's Spending Review
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing more difficult choices in the Spending Review on will sets the budgets for all government departments over the next few review will confirm how much taxpayers' money will be spent on the NHS, defence, police, education and other public services used by millions, as well as how much money the government plans to invest in projects like new public she makes her final preparations, people living in Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire outlined what they think her priority should be. 'The NHS is on its knees' Melissa Marley, 32, has spent the last two years studying at the University of Huddersfield to become a midwife but has quit her course after amassing debt of £60,000 and said there was "no hope for jobs at the end of it".The mother-of-three would like the chancellor to put more money into the NHS because it is "on its knees" and added "people abroad would kill for a system like that, so it needs protecting". Originally from Wakefield, she went back into education in 2021 to provide a better life for her began training as a nurse in 2022 before training as a midwife in well as £20,000 of tuition fees, she also owes about £40,000 in her maintenance grant accrued through her studies over the past few was originally going to defer due to health issues but decided to stop her course and is now hoping to become a maternity support role supports midwives, rather than being a midwife said the lack of jobs in midwifery was "sad because there are so many people putting so much work in. "They are working hard, having to miss times with their family, their children and then to have nothing at the end of it is sad". 'A less stable world' Pensioner John Addison agreed that a big part of the Spending Review had to be more funding for the NHS .He said that it was "hard work getting appointments".Mr Addison expressed his concern about spending on defence - and how more money was needed for that. He explained that he worried about the future for his grandchildren and younger people growing up in a less stable said that the Army had "been run down lately so we need to up it a bit because you never know what is around the corner with what's going off in the world." Earlier this month, a British defence review published recommendations which welcomed the government's ambition to spend 3% of Gross Domestic Product by 2034 but warned "as we live in more turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster."Several Nato allies have already committed to spending more than 5%. School buildings 'in a terrible state' Bill and Pauline Wardlaw would like to see funds focused on the education system and investing in the future. Bill was particularly concerned about problems with school said they were in "a terrible state" which meant "children are going to school in inadequate buildings and a lot of money should be spent getting them up to a decent standard".Pauline agreed with her husband but would also money spent on ensuring infrastructure around new housing estates is in place. She said when new housing is built "they need to make sure there is provision for the people that they are going to put in those houses - like doctors, education, schools etc because it is just not there".Ms Wardlaw was also frustrated with trying to get a GP appointment: "It's three weeks before you can see a doctor unless you ring up at 08:00 and then you are in a queue." 'Support for mums is needed' Beth Flannagan-Jones was out with her 16 month old daughter wanted to see more cash targeted at activities and support groups for mothers and babies. She said toddler groups could help mums who felt "alone".Ms Flannagan-Jones said there were "a couple of options but many of them are private and you have to pay for them"."If you have not got a lot of money and are on a budget I think a few more council groups and mum groups are missing," she added. 'Green investments need oversight' Pensioner David Lumb acknowledged the cuts to winter fuel allowance had been damaging to Labour party as some older people relied on the payment. He backed a more targeted approach to the benefit - which seemed to chime with the announced on Monday changes to the level the benefit would be paid at, meaning 75% of pensioners would now be eligible. His biggest priority was the NHS citing "the way the nation relied" on the service during the pandemic. However, Mr Lumb said he would also like to see more investment in green initiatives, but when it comes to home insulation he said it depended on "how efficiently it is done". "Quite often the government sponsor these things and they aren't properly monitored," he added. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Upgrade for popular walking route gets under way
Part of a popular walking and cycling route which runs through a West Yorkshire beauty spot is set to be upgraded. Work on the Spen Valley Greenway between Cleckheaton and Liversedge would begin on Monday, according to Kirklees Council. Lights and signage along the 1.5-mile (2km) section of the Greenway would be improved, while the off-road path would be widened and resurfaced. The scheme, funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Kirklees Council and the charity Sustrans, was expected to take six months, a council spokesperson said. The section, which runs from Tesco in Cleckheaton to the Knowler Hill Tunnel in Liversedge, would be closed for the duration of the work, with signposted diversions in place, they added. Moses Crook, deputy leader of Kirklees Council, said: "I'm delighted to see the improvement works on Spen Valley Greenway begin. "This investment is a fantastic boost for the community, enhancing access for everyone whether they're walking, cycling, using a wheelchair or pushing a pram. "It's a great step towards sustainable, inclusive travel and a healthier, more connected future for everyone." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. Access improvements to off-road path completed Jo Cox community wood 'a fitting tribute' Kirklees Council West Yorkshire Combined Authority
BBC News
09-06-2025
- BBC News
Upgrade for popular Spen Valley Greenway gets under way
Part of a popular walking and cycling route which runs through a West Yorkshire beauty spot is set to be upgraded. Work on the Spen Valley Greenway between Cleckheaton and Liversedge would begin on Monday, according to Kirklees and signage along the 1.5-mile (2km) section of the Greenway would be improved, while the off-road path would be widened and resurfaced. The scheme, funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Kirklees Council and the charity Sustrans, was expected to take six months, a council spokesperson said. The section, which runs from Tesco in Cleckheaton to the Knowler Hill Tunnel in Liversedge, would be closed for the duration of the work, with signposted diversions in place, they Crook, deputy leader of Kirklees Council, said: "I'm delighted to see the improvement works on Spen Valley Greenway begin. "This investment is a fantastic boost for the community, enhancing access for everyone whether they're walking, cycling, using a wheelchair or pushing a pram. "It's a great step towards sustainable, inclusive travel and a healthier, more connected future for everyone." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
