Petition Against the Closure of Hollowgate - November 2025
THE ISSUE
We, the undersigned, urgently call on Kirklees Council to reconsider the planned closure of Hollowgate this November and to reschedule the piling work so it takes place either before or after November and December 2025.
Why This Matters
Closing this vital, characterful road at the heart of Holmfirth during the busiest trading period of the year will have devastating consequences for local businesses, residents, and the town as a whole.
Footfall data shows that over one-third (33%) of annual revenue is earned during this crucial pre-Christmas period. Blocking a main route into the town at this time will
- Cripple local businesses already struggling after 16 months of disruption
- Gridlock the town centre, deterring shoppers and visitors
- Put livelihoods, jobs, and community wellbeing at serious risk.
What We Were Promised
The project would last 72 weeks, freeing up the Christmas period for recovery. Hollowgate would be closed for a maximum of 9 days, with pedestrian access maintained throughout.
What Is Now Being Proposed
We now face a five-week closure with restricted pedestrian access right through the festive trading season.
The Wider Impact
- Pedestrian routes to shops, cafés, and services will be blocked
- Traffic gridlock will deter visitors and create chaos for residents and workers
- Negative social media coverage will harm Holmfirth’s reputation as a welcoming destination
- The temporary two-way Toll Bridge system will cause confusion and danger for drivers, pedestrians, and delivery vehicles
- Deliveries, waste collection, and care visits will be disrupted
- People with disabilities, children, and carers will face unsafe conditions
- Buses and tradespeople will struggle to reach customers
- Businesses already hit hard could be pushed to the brink
Our Message
Holmfirth Businesses Together wants every independent shop, café, and service in town to make it through to the end of the Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan next spring, ready to thrive again and showcase everything that makes Holmfirth special.
We are asking Kirklees to show flexibility and fairness by rescheduling this work so our town can survive the winter.
Please support your town by signing this petition and returning it before the Cabinet meeting next Tuesday 22 October.
Let’s stand together to keep Holmfirth open, safe, and thriving this Christmas.
Thank you for your support!
Holmfirth Business Together Contact the author of the petition