Empty buildings are being brought back to life and new housing estates are being created to cater for the demand of house-hunters who are in search of a rural lifestyle with good transport links and all modern-day amenities nearby. Cleckheaton, the largest of the Spen valley towns, has a compact shopping centre with plenty of shops and stores with many outlets being family run. There is also a popular indoor market - perfect for bargain hunting.

Cleckheaton is also home to the Aakash - the largest Indian restaurant in the world.

If you fancy a meal and a drink in pleasant surroundings, there are lots of pretty villages with traditional country pubs. Many have benefited from recent refurbishments designed to update facilities while at the same time preserving a rural atmosphere.

Neighbouring Heckmondwike also has a bustling town centre, with free parking, a large superstore and an open market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There is also a Farmers’ Market in Cleckheaton once a month.

For things to do, Heckmondwike is host to the Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre, situated in 20 acres of picturesque countryside. there are wildlife walks, plenty of activities and a unique range of rare breeds at the farm.

Red House Museum in Gomersal is a 1660s house full of history which was home to the Taylor family - cloth merchants and manufacturers. The museum features a variety of exhibitions and courses throughout the year and provides much-needed entertainment for children in the school holidays. Gomersal is a thriving community which continues to expand with new housing development.

Keeping fit in the area is easy with lots of local sports teams and clubs, gyms and fitness centres including Whitcliffe Mount Sports Centre in Cleckheaton, Princess mary Playing Fields and the Spenborough Pool - both in Liversedge.

There is also the Spen valley Greenway, an old railway line which has been transformed into a quiet cycleway and walkway, running right across the heart of the Spen Valley from Oakenshaw to Dewsbury.