By KLTV Newsdesk –
A new barrier will prevent vehicle access to Castle Hill each night from Monday 26 April 2021 in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour in the area.
Kirklees Council have announced they are introducing the “high security”, lockable barrier on Hill Side, close to the junction with Lumb Lane.
The barrier will be in use overnight for the next 18 months to prevent vehicles from reaching the summit of Castle Hill.
The hours will vary over the coming months with the gate closing earlier in the winter and later in the summer. This full list of hours are as follows:
- November to February | 4.30 pm – 7 am
- March to May | 7 pm – 7 am
- June to August | 9 pm – 7 am
- September to October | 7 pm – 7 am
The public will still be able to access the hill at any time by foot.
Colin Parr, Strategic Director for Environment and Climate Change said: “Castle Hill is, and always will be, an iconic site in Kirklees. We want everyone who visits to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
“We know most visitors to Castle Hill act responsibly, but sadly there are a minority who are not so considerate of others.
“By introducing this barrier we aim to reduce any anti-social behaviour that takes place in the car park.”
He added that the impact of the barrier will be reviewed in 18 months,
The council says they will assess the impact the overnight closure has on levels of anti-social behaviour in the car park at the top of Castle Hill before deciding whether to make the barrier permanent.
The addition of the barrier comes under the powers of an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order.