In Batley, West Yorkshire, opinions are markedly divided about the state and reputation of the town, reflecting a blend of optimism and nostalgia amid ongoing challenges. The local community showcases contrasting perspectives, highlighting the multifaceted nature of life in Batley.
Amateur boxer Obi Hussain, 19, originally from Afghanistan, expresses a positive outlook on the town he has come to appreciate. Speaking while strolling down the bustling Commercial Street on a Wednesday afternoon, Hussain described Batley as "fabulous," praising the kindness of its residents. As someone who regularly visits from his home in Manchester, he remains enthusiastic about becoming a champion in boxing and values the community he has found in Batley.
Conversely, some long-standing residents convey a sense of disillusionment with significant changes in the town. Olive and Sharon, both in their 70s, lament the loss of essential services and venues that once defined Batley's social landscape. Olive remarked, "I think it's rubbish now - they have taken everything away; there's nothing here," indicating her intention to move to Knottingley. Sharon, on the other hand, despite her dissatisfaction, remains rooted in Batley due to family ties.
Others, like Zoe, a frequent shopper in the town, share her sentiments about its decline. She described Batley as feeling like "a ghost town" with a diminishing array of shops. Michael, a resident of two years, provided a perspective that highlights a burgeoning dining scene, citing various local eateries such as Picasso Pizza and Howies Fish Shop. However, he also noted a darker side of Batley’s nightlife, mentioning issues like begging and shoplifting.
Local business owners are experiencing heightened struggles, as portrayed by Mohammed Jamil, who runs Pound Express on Commercial Street. Jamil described current trading conditions as "very, very quiet," attributing the slump to rising costs associated with rent, wages, and stock. He observed a shift in consumer behaviour, stating, "If we put things up 50p, people are complaining," hinting at the financial pressures on shoppers.
A sentiment echoed among local shoppers includes a desire for a wider variety of retail outlets. One customer remarked on the convenience of shopping in Batley, yet acknowledged the need for more diversity in the town’s retail offerings. Although a shop worker noted that the town presents a different image by night, describing it as having characteristics akin to a ghetto, others perceive a more dynamic atmosphere during daytime.
Musician Jason Darrington, part of the Ska band Acoustic Skadom, acknowledged the creative and architectural strengths of Batley while contesting the "ghost town" label. He celebrated the vibrancy brought by the town’s eateries and the architectural beauty of its buildings. Furthermore, Darrington suggested that Batley is evolving more successfully than its neighbour, Dewsbury, asserting, "I think Batley is now the better of the two towns."
In essence, Batley stands at a crossroads, with a blend of positive community spirit and deep-seated concerns regarding its trajectory. The varying narratives from residents and visitors illustrate the complexity of the town's current identity and future possibilities.
Source: Noah Wire Services