The Illingworth Ward Forum met on 9 June 2025, and discussed a range of local issues including policing, anti-social behaviour, speeding, and community initiatives. Councillors agreed to follow up on a number of actions, including contacting the police about their lack of presence at ward forum meetings, looking into the ownership of benches needing refurbishment, and reporting an overgrown snicket¹ to Abbey Park. Residents also voiced concerns about a recently approved battery storage application in Holmfield.

Police Absence and Response Times

A key concern raised at the meeting was the absence of a neighbourhood police representative and the perceived inadequacy of police response to local issues. Councillor Stephanie Clarke agreed to contact the police to emphasise the importance of their attendance at future ward forums. Residents reported that they felt police attendance was lacking for urgent matters, which increased fear and a sense of unsafety. There was a perception that criminals were not being brought to justice, leading to a lack of respect for authority, particularly among young people. Residents also expressed concerns about speaking out against anti-social behaviour for fear of consequences.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Residents raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, including discarded syringes and broken bottles, and the use of quad bikes in Beechwood Park. Councillor Stephanie Clarke was to raise Beechwood Park issues at the SCG². It was reported that a new order, similar to an anti-social behaviour order, was in place covering any public space in Calderdale. While council officers can address breaches of this order, only the police have the power to legally stop a vehicle. A resident asked about installing CCTV cameras in Beechwood Park car park, but was told this was not possible due to data protection concerns. It was noted that engagement work was taking place at Beechwood Park to occupy young people and improve behaviour.

Traffic and Speeding

The forum addressed speeding and traffic issues in the ward. Calderdale Councillors discussed the use of mobile speed vans, with concerns raised that they were being placed in locations without significant dangers, rather than in areas with known speeding problems and accidents. Residents felt this was a money-making scheme rather than for safety. Speed humps had recently been installed on Heathy Lane. NHP³ were to conduct speed checks at Natty Lane, Illingworth Road and Riley Lane.

Abbey Park Residents Group

An update was provided on the Abbey Park Residents Group, which had met in April and organised a litter pick on 20 May with 20 participants. NHP organised a football match on 29 May at Natty Lane, with plans for more football engagement in the summer. The group planned to schedule another meeting and were considering setting up a WhatsApp group to improve communication.

Local Issues and Maintenance

Residents raised a number of local issues requiring attention. One resident had been trying to get two benches on a road refurbished for several years. Councillor Shane Taylor agreed to investigate the ownership of the benches. Residents also highlighted the lack of maintenance, particularly overgrown hedging around the ward, and suggested a community clean-up. Councillor Shane Taylor agreed to report an overgrown snicket leading to Abbey Park.

Holmfield Battery Storage Application

The meeting discussed the planning application from MASDAR for a battery storage facility in Holmfield. Concerns were raised that the fire service had indicated insufficient water pressure in Illingworth to extinguish a battery fire. Despite these concerns, the application was approved by four councillors. Councillors expressed their intention to continue objecting to the development and were considering a judicial review, despite the significant cost. They also suggested submitting a complaint about how the application had been handled. It was reported that the decision notice was available on the planning application, but the conditions were not accessible.