Jane Bodhi - Community Voice

16/09/2026

Update on the Far Dene road closure

I know there has already been an update regarding the permit for the works on Far Dene, but after seeing the continuing problems this is causing for people in the village, I contacted Yorkshire Water directly today.

The road was dug up following the water burst last week and has now apparently been left for around five days without any further work taking place. In the meantime the road closure means buses, including school buses, cannot access the village. People who rely on public transport are struggling to get anywhere and some schoolchildren are having to walk to the next village to catch a bus.

I explained all of this to Yorkshire Water and made it clear that I don’t think it is acceptable for a main route into the village to be left like this for days with the amount of disruption it is causing.

I was told that the work is contracted out. I pointed out that Yorkshire Water are ultimately responsible for the contractors they employ and residents shouldn’t be left dealing with the consequences while responsibility is passed elsewhere.

They have told me that work is due to start today and they are hoping to have it completed by the end of the week. I stressed that it needs resolving as quickly as possible, particularly because of the impact on people who rely on the buses and on children getting to school.

Yorkshire Water have said they will email me with updates, so I’ll post any further information when I receive it.

24/06/2026

🌿 Burton Open Gardens – Sunday 28th June 🌿

14 beautiful gardens, live music, refreshments, plant sales and a great day out for all the family!

🕚 11am–5pm
💷 £6 per person (accompanied children free)

All proceeds go to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal, Kirkwood Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

A fantastic local event right here in Kirkburton & Highburton.🌸🌳🎶

22/06/2026

Hearing that Keir Starmer is stepping down has made me think about the real impact political decisions have on people’s lives.

The removal of the Winter Fuel Payment is one that stayed with me. I spoke to older people who were genuinely worried about how they would keep warm through the winter.

Whatever our politics, I hope those making decisions never lose sight of the people affected by them. ❤️

17/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18y8cXD2aP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

How To Reach Your Local Neighbourhood Policing Team

We’re making it easier for you to get in touch with your local officers. An NPT Contact Form is now available for the public to use.

✅ Report non-emergency concerns
✅ Share local issues or intelligence
✅ Request contact from your local team

Your voice matters — and now it’s even easier to be heard.

Please follow the link: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/my-neighbourhood/contact-your-local-neighbourhood-policing-team

Let’s work together to keep our communities safe and connected.

16/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1E4DvhUJg5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A message from Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison:

Today, we mark ten years since the death of Jo Cox, a proud Kirklees MP whose life was dedicated to serving others. The Mayor of Kirklees has shared the following words as we remember Jo.

Jo represented Batley and Spen with warmth, compassion and conviction. She was a passionate advocate for her constituents and for the causes she believed in, always striving to make a positive difference to the lives of others.

Ten years on, her legacy continues to be felt across our communities and across the country. Her belief in kindness, understanding and bringing people together remains as important today as it was during her lifetime. Her words, “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us”, continue to resonate and inspire people from all walks of life.

As Mayor of Kirklees, I know that Jo’s connection to this place and its people remains strong. The values she championed continue to be reflected in community initiatives such as The Great Get Together, which brings people together in friendship, understanding and celebration of our shared humanity.

Today, we remember Jo with gratitude for her service, reflect on the values she stood for and honour the lasting contribution she made to public life.

On behalf of the people of Kirklees, I send my thoughts to Jo’s family, friends and all those who knew and worked alongside her.

Jo’s legacy endures, not only in the work she carried out, but in the countless people she inspired and continues to inspire today.

13/06/2026

I came across a story today and it really made me stop and think.

A mum lost her husband at just 38 years old, and her daughter watched her dad die from cancer at the age of five. Yet the support available to bereaved families now ends after just 18 months.

Whatever your political views, no child stops grieving after 18 months. Losing a parent is something that can affect a child for life.

If you feel bereaved families deserve better support, please take a moment to read, share and sign the petition. Sometimes a simple share can help bring attention to an issue that too many people don’t realise exists.



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ccm1Ngydu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/06/2026

It was a pleasure to meet and have dinner today with Hannah Spencer, the newly elected Green MP for Gorton and Denton.

We had some really positive conversations about the importance of strong local communities, supporting residents, protecting our green spaces and ensuring local voices are heard.

Whatever our political views, it’s always valuable to share experiences, learn from others and discuss the issues that matter most to the people we represent.

As always, my focus remains on our local villages, listening to residents and working to make our communities the best they can be.

Thank you Hannah for taking the time to meet and chat.

Community starts with conversations, and today was a good reminder of that.

06/06/2026

Last night I was honoured to be invited to a volunteer appreciation meal hosted by Community First.

It was a lovely evening spent with some truly inspiring people, enjoying great food and good company. The event was a way of saying thank you to the volunteers who give their time to support others across our community.

Community First do fantastic work throughout Huddersfield, from supporting families through their food bank and providing food to those in need in the town centre, to delivering many other projects that help local people.

A huge thank you for the warm welcome, the delicious meal and the thoughtful volunteer gift. Most importantly, thank you for everything you do for our community. Your dedication, kindness and hard work make a real difference to so many lives.

It was a pleasure to be part of the evening.

01/06/2026

Happy Pride Month everyone! 🌈

Over the coming weeks we are lucky to have three fantastic Pride events taking place in our local area, celebrating diversity, equality, inclusion and community.

📍 Batley & Birstall Pride – Sunday 28th June📍 Huddersfield Pride – Saturday 4th July📍 Holmfirth Pride – Saturday 25th July

Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally, or simply want to support a welcoming and inclusive community event, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

As many of you know, I was recently elected as Equality & Diversity Co-ordinator for Kirklees Green Party, and I will be attending all three events. If you see me there, please do come and say hello, I'd love to meet local residents, community groups and fellow supporters.

Pride is about visibility, respect, acceptance and celebrating the diversity that makes our communities stronger. I hope to see lots of familiar faces supporting these wonderful local events.

29/05/2026

A local fundraiser has been set up to help raise £2,000 towards this year’s lights. I’ve made a donation and would encourage anyone who can to consider supporting it too.

Every little helps, and it would be lovely to see the village lit up again this Christmas. 🎄

Iʼm raising money to Help Replace Kirkburton Xmas Lights . Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.