Kirklees Council is developing a new tourism strategy to attract visitors to the district, but a major challenge has emerged – few people outside the area even know where Kirklees is.
The strategy, which will soon be open for public consultation, aims to highlight the region’s rich heritage and scenic beauty.
However, concerns have been raised that ‘Kirklees’ is not a recognisable destination beyond its function as a council boundary.
Clr Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield) pointed out that Kirklees itself is named after Kirklees Hall and estate, which isn’t even within the council’s own borders.
He questioned whether Mirfield and other towns in the district were getting the attention they deserve in the tourism plans.
Among the key attractions mentioned in the early draft are Oakwell Hall in Birstall, Bagshaw Museum in Batley, Castle Hill in Huddersfield, and Standedge Tunnel in Marsden. However, Clr Bolt believes the council has overlooked major opportunities, such as capitalising on cycle tourism after the Tour de France Grand Depart passed through in 2014, and making better use of historic connections, such as those to the Brontës in Spen Valley.
With Mirfield’s own rich history – including its links to Robin Hood and its scenic canal-side walks -residents may wonder whether their town will feature prominently in the final tourism strategy.
The council is expected to invite public feedback soon, giving Mirfield a chance to have its voice heard.
