Park apprentice plan is scrapped

Last year, Kirklees Council set aside cash to fund the Dewsbury Country Park countryside management apprenticeship scheme.

But the loss of key officers at Kirklees Council means there is no one suitable to supervise the apprentices. The two-year schemes were for 16-18 year olds.

The country park covers Dewsbury Moor, Ravensthorpe and Heckmondwike, and the plan was to train up 25 young people in countryside management and nature and conservation skills.

Coun Cathy Scott, Cabinet member for Place, said: “It’s very sad, but we have been losing key officers that were able to look after the apprentices. We just don’t have the resources to be with these people.

“This is not due to a lack of people wanting to do it.”

Council papers from last March show that the scheme would cost £105,000 per year, based on six apprentices being recruited.