Three years on, frustrated residents want to see an end in sight to problems posed by a landslide which has closed a Halifax road since.
The landslip closed the road at Prospect Street – which is just off the main New Bank road out of town heading towards Bradford and Leeds – in December 2023.
Residents say the closure is causing problems, including for the emergency services, but Calderdale Council says legal issues relating to it mean progress is slow.
In a question sent to Calderdale Council’s Cabinet, resident James Butterfield said residents needed to know what action is being taken to resolve the situation.
“More recently there has been an incident where emergency services experienced delays accessing the area due to the current situation on Prospect Street.
“This raises serious concerns about public safety and the risks posed to residents should further emergencies occur,” he said.
Mr Butterfield said at this stage residents are not simply seeking updates on the situation.
“We cannot face another winter with the road and surrounding area remaining in its current condition.
“Could you please provide a clear timeline for the planned works and confirm when residents can expect tangible action to begin?” he said.
Responding, Cabinet member for Community Safety and Enforcement, Coun Paul Hawkaluk, said the council was “pursuing a number of avenues to resolve the problem.”
But as the council was involved in a legal process relating to it, only some things could be shared with the public.
“We share the frustration and negative impact this landslip has caused.
“I only wish I could give an indication as to timescale, however given the complexities in this case and the many variables it is not possible to do so,” he said.
Coun Hawkaluk (Reform UK, Salterhebble, Southowram and Skircoat Green) said as the council is involved in a legal process it must follow set and, at times, legally required, processes.
These can take time and also limit the amount of detail that can be shared publicly, he said.
“However, I can reassure you that once we are in a position to share information, without damaging our attempts to resolve the issue, we will be open and transparent as to the council’s response and be clear on timescale,” said Coun Hawkaluk.
He said regarding the concern raised about emergency response, he had been informed by council officers that that information in respect of the ongoing closure of Prospect Street has been shared with the emergency services.
“The council’s priority continues to be public safety so please be reassured that we will not hesitate to take further action if needed to keep communities safe and will re-open the road when it’s safe to do so,” said Coun Hawkaluk.