A GROUP of Brighouse businesses are calling for urgent action to improve a key road they say is “dangerous and dreadful”.

The firms, which together bring in more than £140 million to Calderdale’s economy every year and employ hundreds of people, want swift action to resurface Birds Royd Lane.

They say the poor state of the road, the main access point to the estate, is putting off customers, giving a dreadful impression to visitors and staff are in danger on the commute to work.

The firms behind the call include welded steel mesh manufacturer Siddall & Hilton, craft and specialist beer importer James Clay & Sons, and steel manufacturer Firth Steels, along with 20 others.

Together they say their future in Brighouse is at risk unless Calderdale Council makes urgent plans to properly resurface Birds Royd Lane so they can do business properly. 

Graeme Hirst, director at Birds Royd Lane-based Exploria, which manufactures high-end campervans, said: “We regularly receive negative feedback from our clients on the poor state of the roads and have had vehicles damaged in the past from large potholes. Understandably, our clients don't like their new, bespoke vehicles being driven along such a sub-standard road surface and it damages our reputation.“

“Action is needed now by Calderdale Council to properly resurface the road, which is dangerous and dreadful, and not just fill in potholes with repairs that fail after just a few days.”

Other businesses on the estate agree that the poor state of the road is costing them money.

Alec Kendrick, head of operations at River Street-based James Clay & Sons, said: “We have identified a trend within our repair and maintenance costs for our transport fleet that shows an average spend of £778 per vehicle per year. This is double the standard repair and maintenance costs experienced in the industry and disproportionate to the rest of our fleets at our other sites. 

The group has written to the Council asking for an update on its plans for Birds Royd Lane.

Calderdale Council’s assistant director for strategic infrastructure, Steven Lee, said they were aware of concerns from local businesses about the condition of Birds Royd Lane, and have included the road in proposals for the upcoming year’s work programme.

“We understand the importance of well-maintained highways and do all we can to ensure that we make regular improvements to our network, including spot treatments and resurfacing programmes as well as infrastructure and safety upgrades.”

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