Dewsbury could be centre of new local authority for north Kirklees

It would mean splitting Kirklees into two councils – one in the north and one in the south.

Supporters of the plan say it could happen within three years and save at least £2.5m every year.

The scheme calls for the two new councils to share services and a supergroup of top bosses with Calderdale Council.

The new Dewsbury and Spen Valley Council would be based in Dewsbury and cover the whole of north Kirklees.

Kirklees Conservative leader Coun Robert Light said: “If this is one thing that kickstarts Dewsbury town centre then it’s a great scheme.”

But the proposals have been slammed by Labour and Liberal Democrats who say they are unworkable.

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