Michael Broomhead
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@Bradford_TandA senior reporter. Email michael.broomhead@newsquest.co.uk if you have a story to share. Views mine
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Articles by Michael Broomhead
'We're ecstatic' - Date fixed for parliamentary debate on better bereavement support
A woman whose husband died from an aggressive form of skin cancer has spoken of her joy after it was confirmed a Parliamentary debate will take place on bereavement payments next month. Andy O'Connor died aged 43 in 2022, leaving behind his wife Holly and daughter April. Holly – who is originally from Batley and now lives in Netherton, near Huddersfield – is part of Widows' Fight, a group campaigning for better financial support for people who have lost their spouse or partner.
Plan to ditch city's 'sanctuary' status defended
A Reform UK councillor has defended plans to withdraw Bradford Council from its City of Sanctuary status after opposition politicians accused the party of promoting "hate and division". The Reform-led authority is considering ending the accreditation, which was awarded in 2021 in recognition of Bradford's commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
Reform UK councillor defends motion amid hate and division claims
A senior Reform UK councillor has defended a plan to withdraw Bradford from City of Sanctuary status – after opposition politicians accused the party of “spreading hate and division”. In 2021, Bradford Council was granted Local Authority of Sanctuary status by the national charity. This is a symbolic accreditation awarded to local authorities which commit to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
Bradford Reform councillor defends plan to drop City of Sanctuary status
A senior Reform councillor has defended plans to strip Bradford of its City of Sanctuary designation following accusations from opposition figures that the party is "spreading hate and division". Back in 2021, the national charity City of Sanctuary awarded Bradford Council Local Authority of Sanctuary status. The symbolic recognition is given to local authorities demonstrating commitment to fostering safe, welcoming and inclusive communities for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.
New hope for residents 'sick' of crime magnet park
One campaigner says he has personally picked up more than 100 nitrous oxide canisters from the site in Scotchman Road Hopes are growing that a neglected park space hit by anti-social behaviour could soon be given a new lease of life as a sports and leisure facility. The land at Scotchman Road in Heaton was once a popular community space, before it fell into disrepair and started attracting troublemakers.
Nobody wants to see it like this - campaigner welcomes plan for neglected site
A CAMPAIGNER has welcomed Bradford Council's plan to possibly build a sports venue at a neglected site. Last month, the council said it was in the early stages of planning for a new facility on land at Scotchman Road in Heaton. The site used to be a popular community space, including an astroturf pitch, before it fell into disrepair and became a magnet for crime.
Leeds businesses 'suffering' as town centre parking charges blamed for lost footfall
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'A great day for West Yorkshire', says mayor as new bus station opens in Heckmondwike as first in Weaver Network
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Campaigners object to major Leeds data complex
Follow Campaigners object to major Leeds data complex Don Mort; Michael Broomhead - Local Democracy Reporting Service Tue, September 15, 2026 at 2:43 AM EDT Campaigners at the protest on Saturday [BBC] More than 42,000 people have signed a petition objecting to a Microsoft data centre near Leeds. Microsoft is continuing to face opposition to the scheme at the former Skelton Grange power station site in Stourton.
Campaigners object to major Leeds data complex
More than 42,000 people have signed a petition objecting to a Microsoft data centre near Leeds. Microsoft is continuing to face opposition to the scheme at the former Skelton Grange power station site in Stourton. Supporters of the petition have raised concerns over the amount of water and energy it would use, though Microsoft has said it is committed to being "carbon negative [and] water positive" by 2030.
Rare bicycle donated to much-loved Bradford museum after adventurer's death last year
A RARE bicycle used by an adventurer from West Yorkshire has gone on display at Bradford Industrial Museum. The bike belonged to the late Neil Crabtree, a lifelong cycling enthusiast who bought it from Ellis Briggs Cycles in Shipley in 1989 for just under £300. Originally from Halifax , Mr Crabtree developed a passion for cycling as a young boy. His Ellis Briggs bike accompanied him on countless journeys, including cycling holidays across the UK and overseas.
First look inside Dewsbury Arcade as large crowds gather for re-opening of architectural jewel
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Delayed Kirkgate repairs 'to start this month'
Leeds City Council has said it aims to begin long-delayed repairs on a historical city centre street this month. Lower Kirkgate has been closed to traffic since April 2024, when one of the 18th Century buildings partially collapsed. Last month, the council said it was awarding a contract worth £680,000 for urgent maintenance on the street, which is one of the oldest in the city.
Campaign to reopen Bradford district swimming pool intensifies with plea to council
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to reopen a Bradford district swimming pool are urging the council to cancel an order which could eventually lead to the potential sale of the building. Bingley Pool shut during the Covid lockdown in 2020 and has remained closed. Earlier this summer, Bradford Council said it would hold off on selling the pool for six months after it was previously listed as a disposable asset.
Campaign to reopen Bradford district swimming pool intensifies with plea to council
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to reopen a Bradford district swimming pool are urging the council to cancel an order which could eventually lead to the potential sale of the building. Bingley Pool shut during the Covid lockdown in 2020 and has remained closed. Earlier this summer, Bradford Council said it would hold off on selling the pool for six months after it was previously listed as a disposable asset.
'Number 10 needs to get out of the way' - campaigners' solution to make West Yorkshire tram network reality
Campaigners are calling on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deliver "proper devolution" to ensure West Yorkshire finally secures a tram network. In 2024, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) outlined proposals for a £2.5 billion tram system linking Leeds and Bradford. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin had hoped to see trams operational in West Yorkshire by the early 2030s.
Urgent plea over planned £2.5 billion tram network running between Leeds and Bradford
CAMPAIGNERS are urging new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce “proper devolution” to ensure West Yorkshire finally gets a tram network. In 2024, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) set out plans for a £2.5 billion tram system running between Leeds and Bradford. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin had hoped trams would be running in West Yorkshire by the early-2030s. But last December – after a Government review – it emerged her ambition is unlikely to happen until the end of the 2030s.
Urgent plea over planned £2.5 billion tram network running between Leeds and Bradford
CAMPAIGNERS are urging new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce "proper devolution" to ensure West Yorkshire finally gets a tram network. In 2024, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) set out plans for a £2.5 billion tram system running between Leeds and Bradford. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin had hoped trams would be running in West Yorkshire by the early-2030s. But last December – after a Government review – it emerged her ambition is unlikely to happen until the end of the 2030s.
Calls for PM to introduce ‘proper devolution’ to make planned tram network a reality
By Michael Broomhead, Multimedia Local Democracy Reporter Campaigners are urging new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce “proper devolution” to ensure West Yorkshire finally gets a tram network. In 2024, West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) set out plans for a £2.5 billion tram system, including a line running through West Leeds between Leeds and Bradford. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin had hoped trams would be running in West Yorkshire by the early-2030s.
'Put yourself in our shoes' - Widow's plea to PM after losing 'wonderful' husband
A WOMAN whose husband died from an aggressive form of skin cancer is urging new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reforms to bereavement payments. Andy O'Connor died aged 43 in 2022, leaving behind his wife Holly and daughter April. Holly – who is originally from Batley and now lives in Netherton, near Huddersfield – is part of Widows' Fight, a group campaigning for better financial support for people who have lost their spouse or partner.
'I caught coronavirus in 2020 - now I can't leave the house'
A Bradford resident whose life has been "devastated" by Long Covid has urged the Prime Minister to take greater action in supporting those living with the condition. Dad-of-two Darren Parkinson, 50, said he caught coronavirus in 2021 and now finds it difficult to leave his house due to Long Covid. He said the condition cost him his two-decade career as a learning disability nurse with the NHS – and also compelled him to resign as a Green Party councillor on Shipley Town Council.
Inside Wellholme Park Brighouse as it re-opens after three-year upgrade
A beloved Calderdale park redesigned to better protect homes from flooding while enhancing local wildlife has been met with widespread praise. Since the revamped sections of Wellholme Park in Brighouse reopened, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, according to those involved in the project. The park was shut for three years to accommodate the extensive works, which form part of Brighouse's wider £31 million flood alleviation scheme.
'Put yourself in our shoes' - Widow's plea to PM after losing 'wonderful' husband
A WOMAN whose husband died from an aggressive form of skin cancer is urging new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reforms to bereavement payments. Andy O'Connor died aged 43 in 2022, leaving behind his wife Holly and daughter April. Holly – who is originally from Batley and now lives in Netherton, near Huddersfield – is part of Widows' Fight, a group campaigning for better financial support for people who have lost their spouse or partner.
Man's desperate plea to Prime Minister Andy Burnham after Long Covid 'poisons' body
A BRADFORD district man who says his life has been "devastated" by Long Covid has urged new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to do more to help people living with the condition. Dad-of-two Darren Parkinson, 50, said he contracted coronavirus in 2021 and now struggles to leave his home as a result of Long Covid. He said Long Covid cost him his 20-year job as a learning disability nurse for the NHS – and it also forced him to stand down as a Green Party councillor on Shipley Town Council.
Man's desperate plea to Prime Minister Andy Burnham after long Covid 'poisons' body
A BRADFORD district man who says his life has been “devastated” by Long Covid has urged new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to do more to help people living with the condition. Dad-of-two Darren Parkinson, 50, said he contracted coronavirus in 2021 and now struggles to leave his home as a result of Long Covid. He said Long Covid cost him his 20-year job as a learning disability nurse for the NHS – and it also forced him to stand down as a Green Party councillor on Shipley Town Council.
Huge steel beams lifted into place as new railway viaduct takes shape in Ravensthorpe
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Plea to end parking charges at popular beauty spot
Follow Plea to end parking charges at popular beauty spot Don Mort - Local Democracy Reporting Service; Michael Broomhead - Local Democracy Reporting Service Fri, July 31, 2026 at 5:13 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Plea to end parking charges at popular beauty spot Councillors have called for parking charges at a beauty spot to be scrapped after they claimed visitor numbers had plummeted.
Watch key moment in construction of 'impressive' new railway viaduct
WORK is nearing completion on a new railway viaduct - described as an "impressive feat of engineering" - in West Yorkshire. The 350-metre-long, 2,400-tonne structure is being built over the River Calder at Ravensthorpe, near Dewsbury. The penultimate pair of beams were installed on Wednesday, connecting the structural steelwork either side of the water. When finished, Baker Viaduct will have space for four tracks, allowing more trains to operate.
Newly-formed shopkeepers group pleads for more support as major works hit footfall
Brighouse businesses worried about falling footfall amid major regeneration work have voiced their requests for more council help to get them through it – but are also optimistic about the future. The first stage of the major works – a scheme which forms a part of Brighouse's £19.1 million Town Deal funding award – is expected to finish later this summer.
'A depressing eyesore' - Group urged to surrender lease of derelict community centre
A GROUP with plans to re-develop a Bradford community centre could be forced to hand back the lease of the derelict building after years of apparent inaction. The Greenwood Centre in Swain House is currently an eyesore that has been blighted by years of vandalism and arson.
Historic yet modernised theatre still retains a unique vibe
It's got the history, it's equipped for the future but above all it has the vibe – and Halifax 's Victoria Theatre is in the middle of celebrating a landmark year, its 125th anniversary. Entertaining the Calderdale public since 1901, it is a cultural institution adored by many – the beating heart of Calderdale's cultural scene. Calderdale Council has been celebrating aspects of its past this year, and it also has an eye on its future.
472 solar panels and EV charging points - How Bantams are fighting climate change
A HIGH-PROFILE event has taken place at Bradford's Valley Parade showcasing how communities are working to tackle climate change. As families and businesses brace themselves for what is expected to be the third heatwave of the summer this week, the Government held its inaugural Energising Britain event at Bradford City's home on Monday. Energising Britain aims to bring together and celebrate people and organisations working to help the environment.
Ellie Sax brings sound and spirit of Ibiza to iconic venue
JUST like the weather, Ellie Sax was red hot at the Piece Hall. Born and brought up in Halifax , Ellie has played some of the most famous dancefloors on the planet - and last night she returned to the historic open-air courtyard of her hometown, bringing the sound and spirit of Ibiza to West Yorkshire.
Doubts over long-term future of market in Leeds
Follow Doubts over long-term future of market in Leeds Leeds City Council is planning to run a consultation into the long-term future of Pudsey Market [Local Democracy Reporting Service] Shoppers and traders in part of Leeds are being urged to have their say on a local market amid uncertainty about its future.
Future of market with glorious heydey in doubt as council launches consultation
A town's market is no longer financially viable due to a decline in the number of customers and stallholders, the council has said. A consultation is set to be launched on the future of Pudsey Market as officials seek views on how to revive trade. Leeds City Council stated it was keen to secure the market's long-term sustainability following rising costs and low stall rents. Several stalls were left vacant in Pudsey's market square this week.
Video: Council to launch public consultation over Pudsey Market’s future
By Don Mort, local democracy reporter, and Michael Broomhead A West Leeds market is no longer financially viable due to a decline in the number of customers and stallholders, the city council has said. A consultation will be launched next month on the future of Pudsey Market as views are sought on how to boost trade. Leeds City Council said it wanted to make the market sustainable in the long term after being faced with rising costs and low stall rents.
'It's a great loss' - End of an era as Kirkgate Shopping Centre shuts for good today
IT is the end of an era as Bradford's Kirkgate Shopping Centre closes for good today. The shopping centre is shutting after half a century ahead of its demolition to make way for the new multi-million pound City Village development. Some of the businesses which were based in the centre have now moved to other spaces in the city. The Telegraph & Argus visited the eerily-quiet centre on Wednesday and spoke to Jeanne Bridgeman, who taught people how to sew in one of the units.
Reform-led council urged to fly rainbow flag from its buildings during Pride month
PRIDE campaigners are calling on senior Calderdale councillors to reconsider a decision not to fly the rainbow flag from any of the authority's public buildings this month. Calderdale Council's new ruling group Reform UK has said the Union Flag will fly from Halifax Town Hall. But Reform is under fire for refusing a request to fly the rainbow flag in Pride month from any of its other buildings - most specifically Halifax's Shibden Hall.
Bradford Council undertakes ‘high-level review’ of Clean Air Zone | News
It comes after the authority’s leader, reform councilor Stephen Place, said the CAZ charges should be dropped. Author: Michael Broomhead, multimedia journalist on local democracyPublished June 11, 2026 Bradford Council has confirmed it is undertaking a “high-level review” of the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ). It comes after the authority’s leader, Reform councilor Stephen Place, said CAZ taxes should be scrapped – arguing they have a negative impact on businesses.
'High-level review' of Clean Air Zone under way
Michael Broomhead - Local Democracy Reporting Service Sat, June 13, 2026 at 8:13 AM UTC 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The council's leader says ways are being looked at to remove the CAZ scheme at the earliest opportunity [Local Democracy Reporting Service] Bradford Council has confirmed it is undertaking a "high-level review" of the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ).
Reform UK-led Bradford Council is undertaking 'high-level review' of Clean Air Zone
BRADFORD Council has confirmed it is undertaking a "high-level review" of the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ). It comes after the authority's leader, Reform UK Councillor Stephen Place (Royds), said CAZ charges should be scrapped – arguing that they have a negative impact on businesses. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) issued a 'ministerial direction' to cut pollution levels in Bradford in 2018 – when the Tories were in power nationally.
Catchy new song aims to combat knife crime and save lives
A CATCHY new music video has been released in a bid to tackle knife crime across West Yorkshire – and help save lives. Created by Leeds artist Nigel Ngwenya, Keep the Door Open is part of a campaign led by West Yorkshire Combined Authority to combat serious violence. The song focuses on the long-term consequences of carrying a knife. It shows how one decision has the potential to impact life opportunities, including people’s education, employment and relationships.
'This is not the right place to put one of the biggest wind farms in the country'
THERE are just weeks left for people to make their views known on controversial proposals to build one of the biggest windfarms in the country. Public consultation on Calderdale Energy Park's plans to put 34 giant wind turbines on Walshaw Moor, which is located between Hebden Bridge and Haworth, the village associated with the Bronte sisters, runs until June 10. The company says the turbines will generate enough low-carbon electricity to power 198,000 homes a year.
Council considers allowing parents to take babies into certain films rated 15 and 18
A POPULAR cinema has backed a possible rule change to allow babies into screenings of some 15 and 18-rated films. Bosses at the historic Hyde Park Picture House in Leeds said they supported relaxed licensing restrictions for 'baby cinema clubs'. Leeds City Council is considering whether to allow infants, aged under 12 months, into top-rated films deemed suitable for the family clubs. Which movies would be involved?
'Roadworks disruption cost my Italian restaurant £60k - and we're still recovering'
A BUSINESSMAN from the Bradford district says his Italian restaurant is still recovering from the financial effects of roadworks in a town centre. Calderdale Council recently started work on the next phase of multi-million pound project to re-model travel around the bottom end of Halifax. Roadworks at the top end of Halifax, which are now being completed as part of the major scheme, have caused disruption to businesses - including the Sapore Italian restaurant.
‘Significant’ disruption for rail passengers amid major work over next two months
Rail passengers in West Yorkshire are being warned to expect “significant” disruption as work continues on the multi-billion pound Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU). One of the most disruptive periods of work is due to get underway tomorrow (May 2) and will last for much of the month. TRU is a long-term project aimed at transforming the railway between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York. It promises to electrify the route and add extra track, delivering greener, faster, more frequent services.
Residents fear for future over 'disturbing' night-time activity
Residents living close to Leeds Bradford Airport are demanding action to stop an increase in night-time flights. They have. The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) has said Leeds City Council needs to do more to address the issue. Group members assembled outside the Civic Hall while the council examines a planning application from the airport that could alter night flight regulations.
Delight as 'rare' bandstand reopens after major restoration project
IT'S not just a gem, it’s a rare one – and the hope is restoration of a much-loved landmark will see it used increasingly more often. Grade-II listed Todmorden Bandstand, in the town’s Centre Vale Park, has been well-used in the past but has face its trials and tribulations over the years including arson and attacks by vandals. It was in danger of demolition, but residents began campaigning to save it, town councillors took up the theme.
Why Keighley should be UK Town of Culture - according to those behind bid
PEOPLE behind Keighley's bid to be the UK's first-ever Town of Culture in 2028 have explained why they think it should win the coveted title. The UK Town of Culture is a new contest launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Three finalists - a small town, a medium town and and a large town - will be chosen. The winner will be crowned UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive a £3 million prize to deliver a programme of cultural events. The two runners-up will each receive £250,000.
'Helping hauliers would keep inflation down'
Keep It Cool managing director Nikki Redhead is urging the government to do more [LDRS] Hauliers have urged the government to provide support after the US-Israel war with Iran caused the largest jump in petrol and diesel prices in three years. Logistics companies in West Yorkshire said they had seen price rises of more than 24%, which is passed on to the customer, leading to increased costs at the supermarket.
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