SIGNIFICANT changes to the roads around a historic monument will be needed, if it is to be reinstated in the same location, it has emerged.

The 300-year-old cross in Oakenshaw was removed from its traditional position at a junction on Wyke Lane last year, after it was struck for the second time in under a year.

The monument acted as a small traffic island and was damaged when it was struck by HGVs in May 2021 and February 2022.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Damage to the based of a historic monument in Oakenshaw, pictured in February 2022 (Image: T&A)Damage to the based of a historic monument in Oakenshaw, pictured in February 2022 (Image: T&A)

Due to the damage to its base, the whole listed structure was removed and put into storage early last year.

At the time the Kirklees Council confirmed that decisions would be made as to whether to return it to its existing location or move it to a more suitable site, prompting a local petition calling for it to keep its original spot.

Now ten months on it has been revealed that without significant changes to the highway as well as restrictions on vehicle access, the Council cannot consider reinstating the monument in its original location for safety reasons.

In addition, no funding has currently been allocated to the monument’s reinstatement.

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Local councillor Andrew Pinnock, (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) quizzed Council bosses at a meeting yesterday (January 11, 2023) outlining that there is “strong local feeling that the cross should be restored to its original location” and calling for an update.

Cabinet member Councillor Naheed Mather responded by saying: “The monument currently remains in safe storage until funding is identified and a decision is made with regards to its reinstatement.

“The highways authority was tasked with undertaking a review of road network surrounding the monument, including both technical and onsite assessments, to establish if width layout of the network could facilitate unrestricted vehicle movements around the monument in its previous location.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Oakenshaw Cross in May 2021 after it was hit by a HGV (Image: Paul Mitchell)The Oakenshaw Cross in May 2021 after it was hit by a HGV (Image: Paul Mitchell)

“The assessment concluded that several vehicle types are technically unable to manoeuvre around the monument without leaving the carriageway or hitting the monument. Evidence also exists that demonstrates vehicles are leaving the carriageway, driving on footways and also damaging highways infrastructure including lighting columns.

“Therefore for safety reasons both of the monument, road users and pedestrians, the highways authority is unable to recommend its reinstatement without significant changes to the highway and the introduction of vehicle access restrictions which would be subject to a traffic regulation order.”

She added that options for the way forward had been provided, including relocating the monument which would be subject to a consultation, as well as planning and discussions with heritage.

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