Mayor’s Chauffeur attacked in dark alley

By Michael Peel

Fears have been raised for the safety of Calderdale’s civic regalia after the mayor’s chauffeur was knocked to the ground in a darkened street.

Jenny Bartholomew was about to take the mayor’s gold chain – worth more than £50,000 – from the civic limo when she was assaulted by a youth.

She was hit in the face and suffered a black eye – but was able to slam the boot lid shut before staggering for help to the town hall, where the chains are kept in a safe.

Councillors have now called for a review and police are investigating. The street outside the town hall was dark because a light had blown and it is believed Miss Bartholomew was out of range of CCTV.

It happened on Sunday night after Mayor Arshad Mahmood had been to a Holocaust memorial service at Halifax Minster. Miss Bartholomew took the mayor home and was returning the 150-year-old civic chain to the town hall.

She was approached by a youth who she thought was seeking directions and quickly closed the boot.
The youth became abusive and hit her, knocking her to the ground, before fleeing.

Miss Bartholomew, civic attendant for nearly a decade, said: “I’m still a bit shaken and I got a black eye but I’m fine.”

The mayor said: “My first concern is for Jenny, who was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries. I am pleased she has recovered quickly and is now back at work.” Council democratic services manager Peter Burton said: “During the incident, the regalia was locked in the car boot.

“We are reviewing our arrangements to make sure they are appropriate.”

Former mayor Colin Stout called for a special meeting of the council’s civic advisory group to discuss the incident and review security.

He said: “Thankfully, the mayor’s attendant wasn’t too seriously injured but it could have been much worse and lessons need to be learned.”

He said the chains were irreplaceable and added: “It is so easy these days for people to sell gold items.

“You can just pop it in the post with no questions asked.”

The chain is 18-carat gold and was given to Halifax Borough Council in 1854 following a public subscription.

Police says the suspect is a white youth, about 17 or 18, and wore a hooded top.

Witnesses should call 0845 6060606 or Crime-Stoppers on 0800 555 111.