(This article is based on our latest podcast episode)
The Leader of Calderdale Council’s Liberal Democrat group has called on the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Scott Patient, to step down from his post, following revelations about political influence over public consultation and officer communications.
Speaking in an interview for the Calderdale Inside Out podcast, Cllr Paul Bellenger said:
“He’s been hiding things. He’s been silencing officers… I don’t think he’s the right person to be deputy leader or portfolio holder. If I was Scott, I’d be stepping down.”
His comments follow a growing row over the Council’s handling of a proposed parking scheme on Fallingroyd — a stretch of the A646 between Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge.
What’s happening at Fallingroyd?
The Council's plan was to remove around 80 free roadside parking spaces and install a segregated cycle lane. A revised version later proposed retaining parking but charging for it.
Local residents, canal boat dwellers, commuters and businesses raised concerns about the impact. One of them, artist and teacher Winston Plowes, said:
“On both sides of the road there's lots of people. They all park on this bend — because it's the nearest free space to where they live. And they've got nowhere else to go.”
No local data, no bus company input
In August 2024 when Councillor Sarah Courtney, Cabinet Member for Transport, asked officers for the evidence justifying the removal of the parking, she was given a 600-word briefing. It referenced:
Government transport policy (Gear Change, Bus Back Better)
A 2012 academic study using a driving simulator
General statements about traffic flow
There was no traffic modelling from Hebden Bridge. No parking data. No records of local congestion.
The document did cite issues with bus delays between Halifax and Todmorden — but First Bus, who operate the route, have confirmed to Calderdale Inside Out:
“We are not aware of a consultation or have reported problems with our services, but would be willing to participate if asked.”
What did residents say?
In a non-statutory consultation held in August 2024, 86 people objected to the plans. Just 8 supported them.
Minutes from a Council officer group (TRO) — the governing body responsible for assessing new traffic proposals — stated in the meeting minutes:
“It was unanimously agreed to defer a decision… subject to further investigations into the issues raised from the consultation.”
But that decision was not communicated publicly, and no update was provided until late Autumn.
The instruction not to reply
In October 2024, Machpelah Neighbourhood Watch contacted the Council again — asking what had happened.
An internal email later released under FOI shows the Council’s Neighbourhood Liaison Officer forwarded the message to a colleague, writing:
“I am continuing to receive letters on this matter, which at present — adhering to Councillor Patient’s instruction — I am generally not responding to at the moment.”
This directive — from a senior councillor to a non-political officer — is now central to the growing political fallout.
Bellenger: “He’s hiding things from the public”
Reacting to the emails, Cllr Paul Bellenger said:
“It’s wrong because at the end of the day… he’s stopping that officer from basically telling the truth…..He’s been silencing officers to prevent them from telling you what is actually happening…”
“If I was Scott, I’d be stepping down — or I’d be asking for him to be stepped down.”
Calderdale Inside Out requested an interview with the political leadership at Calderdale Borough Council (we didn’t receive response to that request), but when asked about why Councillor Patient issued the instruction not to engage with residents Calderdale Council said:
“The instruction was to ensure the appropriate officer responsible for dealing with the matter was involved in any response.”
Where things stand
In February 2025, the Council suggested it would mark out bays on Fallingroyd and introduce parking charges. But no further details have been shared, and no parking strategy has been published.
If you have a story you’d like us to look into then get in touch – email us: calderdaleinsideout@icloud.com.
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