Review of the year 2014: October

OCTOBER 2014 Emily Warrillow who wrote to the owner of the Maccess building.

Emily Warrillow wrote the owner of the former Maccess building, which had become a source of controversy after it had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and several fires.

Thieves stripped the lead from a church roof, plunging the parish into financial crisis. Rainwater poured into the north side of St Paul’s church in Mirfield, forcing the cancellation of midweek services and a planned concert. It was, according to the vicar. the fourth major theft from the church in just over five years.

Dewsbury-born rugby league star Sam Burgess scooped the game’s top accolade after he was named International Player of the Year. The 25-year-old, who began his career as a junior at Dewsbury Moor, became the first Englishman in history to receive the award.

An action group was formed to stop Batley’s railway station from falling into disrepair. The group, led by Coun Gwen Lowe, thought a clean-up would help improve commerce in the area. Northern Rail, which maintains the station, has since agreed to carry out paint work, provide flower boxes and repair the guttering.