Michael Broomhead

Holly O’Connor, whose husband Andy died of skin cancer in 2022, is campaigning with Widows’ Fight for reforms to Bereavement Support Payments. The group wants payments extended beyond the current 18 months, linked to the cost of living, and continued until the youngest child turns 18. A petition delivered to Downing Street gathered more than 100,000 signatures and will be debated in Parliament. The Department for Work and Pensions defended the scheme as short-term support, pointing to Universal Credit for further assistance, but campaigners say the current system leaves bereaved families and children at risk of poverty.

Wellholme Park in Brighouse has reopened after three years of work as part of Calderdale’s £31 million flood alleviation scheme. The redesigned park includes two flood storage areas capable of holding nearly 9,000 cubic metres of water, improving protection for 414 properties, including 359 businesses. The Environment Agency and Calderdale Council say the project has also enhanced biodiversity and recreational facilities, although visitors have been warned about the fire risk during dry weather.