‘Friendly’ Yorkshire town where locals replace ‘grot places’ with ‘havens of calm’

Visitors won’t find many ‘grove spots’ in Mirfield, as an army of volunteers seek them out and whip them into shape.

Not only do they tidy up, volunteers create “havens of calm”, removing weeds and litter and planting plants and flowers of all varieties, from lavender to roses.

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Christine Sykes, secretary and fundraiser at Mirfield in Bloom, is one of the volunteers and is proud of how Mirfield has been improved since they started work in earnest in November 2017. It has become a major undertaking with a budget this year of over £57,000 with support from Mirfield Town Council, John Cotton Group and donations from businesses and individuals.

“When Mirfield in Bloom was formed in November 2017, we decided from the start that we were not just flowers,” explains Christine. “The project was to make Mirfield a nice place to live, involving as many members of the community as possible.

“We have empowered residents to adopt an area and involve friends and neighbors to form sub-groups working with our small committee, most of whom are over 70 years old.

“We all keep pavements clean and weed-free, attack ‘grot spots’ and turn them into havens of calm, while putting on floral displays to enhance the area.

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“All age groups can be involved because the process is structured so that people can do as little or as much as they can. Attention is given to all the places around the city, including the canal and river bridges. Indeed, over the years I have spruced them up by painting them before placing the barrier planters.

“Groups work together, neighbors become friends, all age groups are happier and healthier, the city looks great, and it discourages littering and graffiti.

“This has revitalized the whole community and we hope everyone in Mirfield loves where they live.”

Everyone seems to appreciate the burst of color and reduction of obvious litter.

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Chris Grant, an accountant who has worked in Mirfield for around 30 years, says it’s a “lovely little town” full of friendly people who care about the place. He noticed the volunteer army and helped maintain a small patch near his office.

One downside to living or working in Mirfield is the heavy traffic, but Chris says you get used to it. “My office faces the main road. You get used to the traffic. Notice that when it’s not there.”

Daniel, who was visiting a Mirfield vet from his home in Ravensthorpe, joked that the people of Mirfield were better looking than those in his neck of the woods. He described Mirfield as “rich”, adding: “It’s fine. But if you don’t have a lot of money, there’s not much here.”

John, 77, a Huddersfield Town fan who has lived in Mirfield for 40 years, says the town has grown a lot in that time with more houses being built. He says rail links are good thanks to Mirfield station where you can catch a train to Leeds or Huddersfield and beyond. And they rate local schools very highly.

“I think it’s a friendly town,” he says. “Everyone gets along.”

And the city has a thriving pub scene, he adds with a smile. It is on the Transpennine Ale Trail. Pubs include The Railway, The Navigation Tavern, Dusty Miller, The Pear Tree and The Flower Pot.

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Paul Keighley, a residential partner at Bramleys, estate agents and surveyors, rates Mirfield highly as a desirable place to live. He started his career as an estate agent in Mirfield in 1987, so he has a soft spot for the town.

He said: “Mirfield is very popular with an excellent mix of homes dating back many years. The Kirklees Hall estate reached the outskirts of Mirfield, with many rumors that Robin Hood was buried on the property. Not sure if you believe it, but some of the properties on the property have been said to be amazing.

“The town center has an excellent mix of shops, bars and restaurants and has the railway station and access to junctions 25 and 26 of the M62, making it a popular location for commuters.”

“Mirfield has a good school. The supply of good quality properties makes it a popular area and generally great value.”

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