Help restore our historic buildings

Two lock houses on the Calder and Hebble Navigation, one at Brookfoot and one at Elland, have been blighted by criminal behaviour and are now in an unsafe state.

But the Canal and River Trust are hoping to raise enough money to bring the two Grade II listed buildings back into use and make them a valuable asset within the community.

Tom Wright, community development and engagement manager for the Canal and River Trust, said: “These two buildings are an important part of the area’s history and would once have been thriving hubs for the local community.

“We want to recapture that and bring the two buildings back to life in a way that really benefits the people living nearby and encourages people down to the canal.

“We’re keen to hear what local people think and gather their ideas on what they would like to see each of the buildings used for.

“Hopefully, together, we’ll be able to create two great spaces that are really valued by the local community and can once again play an important part in daily life.”

Ruth Stephens, lead volunteer at Brighouse, said the cost of restoring the buildings would be around £30,000.

“They are in desperate need of restoration otherwise they will be lost forever, recent vandalism hasn’t helped,” she said.

“We need local support and we will have a stall at the Brighouse Canal and River Festival in August to gather support.”To share your ideas or to get involved, email [email protected].