Our Town, Our Future

Our Town, Our Future introduces you to the passionate individuals behind Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board. This month, we’re talking to Andi Eccles.

Andi has called Dewsbury home for over 23 years and has a personal investment in the town’s future. With a long career in retail and over 13 years delivering apprenticeship training, he brings a strong understanding of communities and genuine care for making them work well.

As a multi-cultural gay man, representation and belonging are causes close to his heart and key reasons for joining the Board. With relatives across Yorkshire, he is committed to making Dewsbury a place he is proud to share with his family and friends.

Tell me a bit about you and why you got involved with Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board?

A major reason why I joined was to be able to show people that look like me and sound like me feel represented. When people aren’t represented, they can feel unseen or misunderstood – and I wanted to be part of that shift.

I’ve lived in Dewsbury for 23 years or so, and I’ve got family who come to visit, including my niece, so, I’m passionate about having things to do in the neighborhood that she can enjoy. I can’t live here without actively trying to make a difference.

The apartment where I live really works for me, both in terms of connectivity and nearby amenities. I’m in the middle of the country, with family on both the west and east sides of Yorkshire. I love where I live, and I want Dewsbury to be a place that I can enjoy with friends, family, and loved ones.

I chose Dewsbury because of its environment – the connectivity, the architecture, and the history. It was a place that I felt I knew.

As a multi-cultural gay man, I’ve always been aware of being in a minority where I live, so it was important to me to settle in a place I felt I belonged. That’s probably part of the reason I ended up in Dewsbury.

I’ve now been a private apprenticeship training provider for 13 years, which has meant travelling up and down the country a lot. But even with all the travel, coming home to a place that makes me feel safe, included, and able to enjoy the things I value is what keeps me in Dewsbury. Even though I was brought up in East Yorkshire not far from the coast, I now consider myself to be more West Yorkshire.

As a professional and an individual, what do you bring to the Board?

I’ve got over 20 years of retail experience and when I moved to Dewsbury I was working for Asda, where I worked my way up to store manager and regional area manager.

As someone who lives in the town, I’m so passionate about the people of Dewsbury.

Being part of the Board lets me channel my own passion, insight and positivity into a space where we come together as a unified voice – which is powerful.

I’m super invested in improving the town as a resident and as someone who wants to feel more represented. I see being on the Board as an opportunity to connect with people who want help, need help, or who might not always be recognised, and to help make sure their views are seen and heard.

What excites you the most about Dewsbury?

To be honest, all of it. I think I’m most excited to have all the parts working together. The connectivity is so important – being able to get to places, but also to bring people here.

The opportunities that will come with this regeneration are so exciting. We’re constantly thinking of interesting ways we can get people to come and enjoy the town.

What’s been one of the biggest challenges or misconceptions about Dewsbury that you’d like to help change, and how would you do that?

As a Board member in Dewsbury, we want to change the perception that Dewsbury Neighbourhood Board is a faceless organisation. We’re always thinking of ways we can be seen outside of Board meetings.

We are planning to attend more openings and be physically present during big changes around the town. It’s important that we spend time together in each other’s communities.

It’s about showing that we’re all passionate, we share similar values, and we all have the same intention: to improve the town.

What project will make the biggest difference to Dewsbury and why?

I think the new Town Park will be an injection of green space that the town really needs. It will be great to have somewhere to go with my niece, family and friends.

Most of Dewsbury is made up of converted mills, brownfield sites, and housing without much outdoor space, so bringing in a central green space will help people feel that they’ve got somewhere to go and enjoy nature.

Alongside that project, the market and The Arcade in the town centre will boost the shopping and entertainment offering and will lead to a more diverse events programme.

I also think having a stronger nighttime economy, with lots of choice and something for everyone, will help different communities come together and celebrate in the same spaces – helping Dewsbury thrive.

What success look like for Dewsbury in the next 5-10 years?

The upcoming opening of The Arcade will be a great success, and I hope this sparks other arcades in the town to follow – such as the King’s Arcade and the Queen’s Arcade. I don’t want The Arcade launch to be the end of it.

It’s key to the town’s success that we make better use of those beautiful heritage buildings that have stood empty for way too long and think creatively about how they can attract new investors and bring more footfall.

We want to make Dewsbury’s future history now, so we can create the next legacy.

What’s your favourite part of Dewsbury?

One of my favourite things in Dewsbury is my allotment, especially when I go there with my 10-year-old niece. I don’t have any outside space at my apartment, but the allotment is only a short walk away.

I also love the fact that I Iive so close to some of my friends, including fellow Board member Sophie Johnson. It’s such a nice community – we’re all so like-minded.

Being on the allotment reminds me of growing up with my dad, when we used to grow lots of plants and learning about them. Teaching my niece now feels like carrying that on which gives me a real sense of purpose and feeling of belonging.

For the last 5-6 years, we’ve planted pumpkins to coincide with her birthday around Halloween. We carve them together, and it’s so special seeing her development, and understanding of how foods we eat are grown.

If you had to describe Dewsbury in three words, what would they be?

Heritage, multicultural and inspiring.

What’s your go-to independent spot?

I’m a big champion of shopping and eating locally. You’ll usually find me in one of the local independent cafés at least two days a week.

I also go to West Riding Refreshment Rooms for their bingo night, and every Monday I’m there for the quiz night with friends at the train station.

I always buy from the market – it’s so important to support the services our local people provide.

Crow’s News Park is another go-to for me. I love the walled garden as it’s so beautiful in all seasons. The playground was great for my niece when she was younger and being able to sit and have a picnic there is so lovely.

What do you love the most about the people of Dewsbury?

I love the fact that in Dewsbury you’re exposed to so many different cultures and types of people. If we really embrace that diversity, alongside the big and exciting changes happening, we’ll all be better for it.

Most people here are hardworking and have a lot of pride in their own space, whether that’s a balcony or a front garden. There’s a real sense of respect in the community.