Community News

LIVE Crofton to close at the end of 2026

LIVE Crofton has announced that the group will close at the end of 2026, saying a shortage of volunteers has left its small team carrying too much of the workload and led to volunteer burn-out.

The group says its final Scarecrow Festival will still go ahead on 19 and 20 September, and the Crofton Christmas Light Switch On will also continue this December. Other LIVE Crofton events planned for 2026, including Community Days and wishing tree installations, will be cancelled.

After the final events, LIVE Crofton’s remaining funds and equipment will be consolidated and redistributed to other local, like-minded community groups and organisations, following a vote by the current committee.

The Facebook page and group will remain active until after the final event. The group will then be renamed Caring for Crofton, becoming a place to share information about local activities rather than operating as a new community organisation.

Some events may continue independently. Hayley, LIVE Crofton’s current Events Coordinator, plans to carry on with the Health & Wellbeing Fair and some seasonal fairs, while other committee members may organise one-off community events in future.

Crofton Fun Day brings the village together

Crofton residents enjoyed a fantastic day of family fun at The Sidings, organised by Maureen Cummings and Crofton Parish Council.

Free ice creams, rides and a bouncy castle kept children entertained, while local stalls, Crimson Elite Majorettes and the dog show helped create a brilliant village atmosphere.

Charity football match brings Crofton together

The Sidings hosted a charity football match on Sunday 2 August, with patrons and staff from The Royal Oak taking on Crofton Juniors AFC.

Crofton Juniors AFC won 2–0, with money raised split between Yorkshire Rescue and Crofton Juniors AFC. Afterwards, everyone headed back to The Royal Oak for chilli, nachos and hot dogs.

Speeding concerns reported

Residents have reported concerns about speeding cars and a high-powered electric motorbike being ridden recklessly through the village.

The Parish Council believes details of the vehicles involved have been passed to West Yorkshire Police.

Grass verges, hedges and village signs

District councillors have asked for Crofton’s village signs to be cleaned or renewed. Some highway verges and road edges have now been tidied, although a number of routes still require attention.

Other reported concerns include overhanging branches, overgrown hedges that obscure drivers’ views and overflowing litter bins.

Concerns raised about Brand Hill

A resident has raised concerns about drainage ditches overgrown with brambles behind the Brand Hill area.

The area is also said to be attracting vermin. The matter is due to be passed to Wakefield Council.

Two parish councillors stand down

Crofton Parish Council has recorded the resignations of Rob Elson, known locally as “Bob the Litter Picker”, and Simon Bennett.

Simon served as a parish councillor for more than 31 years and was a founder member of The Sidings facility. The council thanked both men for their service to the village.

New village volunteering guide

Find ways to help Crofton Youth Club, local family activities, the Food Bank, Uniform Bank, Scouts, sports clubs and litter-picking projects.

Behind the reception desk

Information from organisations serving the Crofton community.

The practice asks patients to treat reception staff with kindness and respect while they help direct people to the most appropriate member of the clinical team.