Father Christmas comes to Accrington!

Santa’s Grotto opens with real live reindeer, in Accrington Market Hall on Saturday 1st December. Father Christmas is coming to town very soon, so take the children along for a traditional Christmas treat to see Santa and his elves, in the winter wonderland grotto at Accrington Market Hall. Children can even meet real live reindeer, Rudolf, Dasher and Prancer so make sure they’re not on the naughty list!

Grotto opening times:

Saturday 1st December 12.00 noon - 2.00pm
Saturday 8th December 12:00 noon - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 4.00pm
Saturday 16th December 12:00 noon - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 4.00pm
Saturday 22nd December 12:00 noon - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 4.00pm
Sunday 23rd December 12:00 noon - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 4.00pm
Christmas Eve Monday 24th 12:00 noon - 1:00pm and 2:00pm - 4.00pm

Admission £3, with a gift for every child.

Defibrillators now in HBC buildings

Three potentially lifesaving automatic external defibrillators (AED) are now in place in Council offices. The devices, famously used to help Premiership Footballer, Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a football game, deliver an electric shock to the heart after it stops pumping blood around the body. Statistics show that over 75,000 lives could be saved each year in the UK by having an AED immediately available. 

Speaking about the move, Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health said; “Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and without and AED the survival rate drops 10% for every minute. Sudden cardiac arrest is the world’s biggest killer, with around a140,000 deaths in the UK alone. “ 

Cllr Barton continued “We’re proud to be one of the first councils to provide AED in our offices and to have qualified First Aiders who are trained to use them. Many thanks to our Unison colleagues, who got the ball rolling by raising the idea in our Health & Safety Committee.”

Clive Grunshaw: First week in office as PCC

Clive Grunshaw marked his first day as Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Lancashire by meeting policing students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) on November 22nd 2012. The Commissioner spent the day at UCLan, where he gave his first speech as PCC before taking questions from students and local media. To find out more about the Commissioner's first day in office follow this link:

First-day-in-office-for-Lancashires-first-PCC

A YouTube video has also been uploaded of Clive Grunshaw's speech at the event:

Clive Grunshaw - UCLan Speech

HBC & VOSA Taxi safety checks

On Friday 23rd November, Hyndburn Councillors Chris Fisher and Tim O'Kane (pictured below) oversaw a secretly planned operation spot checking the safety and compliance of Private Hire and Hackney vehicles in the borough. 

The multi agency operation involved local Councillors, Police with ANPR (Automatic number plate recognition), VOSA and the councils own proactive licensing enforcement team.

Cllr Chris Fisher said " We asked the Police to target random Private Hire and Hackney Cabs and bring them in for a spot safety check. These checks included brakes, lights, suspension and tyres. Drivers were also checked by our licensing team and insurances by the Police."

"I would like to thank everyone who took part in this hugely successful operation last night.
Out of the 18 vehicles we tested a staggering 9 had serious defects and were issued with PG9 notices on the spot and taxi plates seized. Defects found included broken suspension spring, serious brake defects, no headlights and worn tyres."

"I wish to send out a clear message to operators in the borough that this is not a one off exercise, public safety is our primary focus and the vehicles they hire must be safe and comply with the law. Operators who don't share this view will be pursued and taken off the road"

HBC wins Motorvate Gold Standard

Hyndburn Council has again been awarded the prestigious ‘Gold Standard’ by the Energy Savings Trust as a result of steps that they‘ve taken to slash the emissions from Council vehicles. Speaking about the award, Deputy Council Leader Cllr Munsif Dad said, “This is great news, we’ve worked hard to become greener and we are thrilled to achieve the Gold Motorvate status again by cutting our fleet emissions by a massive 42.2% in the last six years. 

The Council joined the Energy Saving Trust’s Motorvate Scheme to demonstrate its commitment to reducing vehicle emissions. The scheme is a government backed environmental accreditation scheme which recognises and rewards achievements in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from car and van fleets. There are three award levels of Bronze, Silver and Gold for organisations with more than 50 cars and vans. Bronze for emission reductions of 5% or more, Silver 10% or more and Gold for 15% or more.

Christmas Lights Switch On Dates

Christmas lights are about to be switched on across the borough on the following dates:

• 24th November - Accrington, 6.00pm
• 28th November - Church Kirk, 6.30pm
• 29th November - Clayton-le-Moors, Barnes Square, 6.00pm
• 30th November - Rishton, Library, 6.30pm
• 3rd December - Church, Manor Gardens, 6.00pm
• 4th December - Oswaldtwistle, Jubilee Gardens, 6.30pm
• 5th December - Milnshaw, Dyke Nook Gardens, 6.30pm
• 6th December - Blessing of the Crib in Accrington, 4.00pm
• 7th December - Great Harwood, Towngate Square, 6.30pm

HBC wins Member Development Award

The Council has recently been awarded the Member Development Charter Level 2, an award given to local authorities which show the highest standard in Member development and training. It has been awarded in recognition of the Council’s work to provide Councillors with the support, skills and training they need to drive forward the Councils regeneration plans in these challenging economic times. 

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Council’s Member Development Panel, received the award saying; “We are really pleased to receive this award as it means that we have better trained, more knowledgeable Councillors, who as a result are well equipped with the skills they need to be able to serve our communities more efficiently. Well done to our Member Services, Organisational Development and ICT teams who have all played a huge part gaining the Member Development Charter level 2.”

Police praise Rishton boy Jacob, 6

Police and paramedics have praised the actions of a six-year-old boy who helped his elderly neighbour after she had fallen in her garden. Jacob Carr was riding his bicycle along Westwood Avenue, Rishton, around 3pm on Saturday 29 September, when he heard someone shouting for help from a nearby garden. 

Jacob immediately ran to tell his mum who ran to the address and discovered an 82-year-old lady had fallen and broken her hip. The lady was taken to hospital for surgery and she is now recovering. Police have visited the young boy and thanked him for saving the lady’s life.

Community beat manager PC Dave Render said: “Jacob knew something was wrong and so immediately ran to get his mum. His quick thinking and thought actions have probably saved her life. He is a real hero.”

Jacob’s mum Louise Carr added: “He was on the front riding his bike and I was in the garage. He came pedalling back and said he was worried because he had heard someone shouting for help. He took me to the house and I saw one of my neighbours had fallen in her garden so I quickly called for an ambulance.

“Jacob was brilliant. He even helped the paramedics by getting blankets out of the ambulance. If it hadn’t been for him we would have never known the lady was in trouble. He was very brave and Im really proud of him.”

Ambulance Head of Service, Peter Mulcahy said: “Jacob is a little hero and a true Paramedic in the making! Lots of children can be quite traumatised when coming across something like this but Jacob did the right thing by keeping calm and getting help.”

Eastgate Parking Update

After a very long a protracted dispute between the owners of Eastgate retail park and the parking company they employed, the contract between them has now been terminated. 

The Deputy leader of the Hyndburn Council, Cllr Clare Pritchard said; “The Council has had many complaints about the way the parking restrictions were imposed on Eastgate. I must stress that this car park is not owned by the Council, however we’ve worked hard along with local MP Graham Jones, on behalf of the people affected to try and get a satisfactory resolution to the problem. It is very disappointing that to date no clear instruction has been given regarding tickets issued between 2/6/12-8/7/12 in regard to outstanding fines and refund to those who have paid."

Cllr Pritchard continued; “This is a highly regrettable situation where the letting agent and the car parking company seem to have kicked this issue into the long grass. The good news is that parking on Eastgate is now back to 3 hours, in line with the free parking policy throughout the rest of the town and we will continue to pursue this issue on behalf of residents.”

Clive Grunshaw wins PCC Election

Labour party candidate Clive Grunshaw has won the first election to become Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner. The ballot was conducted using the AV system and in the first round the results were as follows:

Clive Grunshaw (Lab) - 66,017 (39.3%)
Tim Ashton (Con) - 58,428 (34.8%)
Rob Drobny (UKIP) - 25,228 (15%)
Afzal Anwar (Lib Dem) - 18,396 (11%)

For a clear win candidates needed to have 50.1% of the total vote so the count went to a second round using people's second preferences to determine the outcome:

Clive Grunshaw (Lab) - 79,790 (52.1%)
Tim Ashton (Con) - 73,262 (47.9%)

PCC Elections - 15th November 2012

Today is when Lancashire will elect a Police and Crime Commissioner and the Labour candidate is Clive Grunshaw (pictured). Electing a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) comes down to you, your vote matters. The person elected will hold the police force to account and decide how crime should be tackled in Lancashire.

The PCC will have many responsibilities and will be the voice of Lancashire when it comes to crime and policing. The change is one of the biggest to happen to policing in England and is designed to strengthen the relationship between the police and local communities. 

'Be Part of It!' on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lancspcc

For regular updates on Twitter: @LancsPCC

St Christopher's Question Time - 19th October 2012

St Christopher’s Sixth Formers quizzed a panel of local politicians today at a Hyndburn ‘Question Time’ event asking a range of questions on a host of topics including voter turnout, the role of police and reaction to the Royal Visit and the Olympic Torch coming through the borough earlier this year. 

The panel included Council Leader Cllr Miles Parkinson and Deputy Leader Cllr Clare Pritchard along with members of the opposition. Hyndburn’s M.P, Graham Jones was also on the panel along with Michael Hunt, Chief Executive of Leisure in Hyndburn. 

The event was organised by Hyndburn Council and is one of a series of events promoting citizens' involvement in democracy and local government, as part of Local Democracy week.

Council Leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said; “This was a lively and interesting debate and a great example of how Local Democracy week brings together our elected politicians with future generations of electors.”

Police Update - October 2012

Following meetings with Labour Councillors in Hyndburn, the local police force have begun a series of monthly reports to keep people informed of their activities. The following items were flagged up in October:

ALLOTMENTS
Allotments have been targeted recently within Great Harwood and Rishton; there are many well kept sites that have been attacked persistently by thieves. Local watch coordinator Tony Ford has assisted and is in the process of setting up further allotment watch initiatives. The local force have also utilised plain clothes police officers to spend time in and around the sites. Two search warrants were conducted at a local suspect's home. A breakthrough was made after stolen property was recovered and then identified by its owners as coming from the allotments. Forensic evidence has identified a local suspect who is currently being sought. There has now been a reduction in these crimes but the local police have pledged to remain focused on allotments. The message would be to report any suspicious activity around allotments. The offenders have committed these crimes at night or late evening and have either climbed over fences or cut through them. They have stolen tools, scrap metal, gas bottles and even food and wheelbarrows have been used to transport the property.

STOLEN MOPEDS
There was a recent increase in theft of mopeds and smaller engine motorbike which were then used for “joy riding” before being dumped or passed round groups of teenagers. A local male was arrested twice after being caught on stolen bikes and is awaiting court; he is now a “target “for officers to visit daily.

STOLEN BICYCLES
Bicycles have also been targeted by thieves and Hyndburn response officers also caught 2 males on a stolen bike in Great Harwood. They will also now be targeted by police.

SHOP WATCH
A recent shop watch scheme has been launched in our area with the opening of Tesco to join the other supermarkets. This has already proved successful with a male shoplifter from Clayton-le-Moors being identified by staff as a result of the shop watch photographs of known thieves. He was arrested and awaits court.

DRUGS
Officers have conducted further drugs searches and will continue to target the Cambridge street area of Great Harwood.

ILLEGAL FIREWORK SALES
Local neighbourhood officers have visited and will continue to visit local retailers regarding the sale of fireworks as it’s that time of year again. Anyone with knowledge of shops selling fireworks to people under 18 please let the police know as they commit an offence.

Finley to switch on Accrington Lights

Brave toddler Finley Rosbotham is set to make Accrington sparkle on Sat 24th November, when he flicks the switch on Accrington’s Christmas lights. 3 year old Finley, who was born paralysed down his left side and with part of his brain missing, was chosen for the role following his family’s tireless campaign to raise £20,000 for Holly House therapy centre for disabled children, where he learned to walk after being told he never would. Finley, of Pearl Court, Accrington, has already held a series of fundraising events and raised thousands for Holly House.

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Accrington Town Centre said; “ Finley is a little star and a true inspiration to us all. He’s the perfect choice to switch the lights on this year and we want everyone to come along and join in the festivities. It’s set to be a fabulous evening with lots of entertainment, fun, fireworks and the chance to start your Christmas shopping, 

Finley’s mum Kelly, said “Finley and all the family are absolutely thrilled and we can’t wait for the big day. She added; “ We were shocked and delighted when we heard the news and can still hardly believe it. He really deserves it because he works so hard and this a big thank you to him for everything he does.” 

Holly House, which is based at the Acorn Health Centre, helps children with disabilities and special needs. For more information about Finleys Friends Appeal for Holly House call the Accrington Observer news desk on 0161 211 2977, email accringtonobserver@menmedia.co.uk or pop into their office at Unit 3 of Accrington Market Hall.

Finley’s family have started a Facebook group entitled Finley’s Friends at Holly House Fundraising page and a Twitter feed @finrosbotham so you can follow the progress of the fundraising. You can also donate online at http://charitygiving.co.uk/finleyrosbotham.

Voluntary Smoking Ban in Playgrounds

Posters designed by local children asking people to ‘please take it away, we’re trying to play’ and not smoke in children’s play areas are now on display in Council play facilities across Hyndburn, as a new voluntary smoke free play area scheme is launched from 5th November.

The Council, in partnership with NHS East Lancashire and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust has launched the voluntary ban to encourage people not to smoke in Council play areas, following a consultation with play facility users which revealed that most people would strongly support a voluntary ban. 

The signs, designed by 10 year old Lewis Padden, Zaria Hussain and Amber Grewer–Boys from St Mary’s RC Primary School in Oswaldtwistle will be installed at all Council play facilities from the 5th November.

Andrew Bentley, Teacher at St Mary’s said; “The children were really keen to be involved in the campaign to encourage people not to smoke around their play area. Amber came up with the slogan ‘please take it away, we’re trying to play’ whilst Lewis and Zaria came up with the design. We are keen to protect our children from second hand smoke, so we are all pleased that their work will be on display in play areas across Hyndburn asking people not to smoke in them.”

Karen Thompson, Public Heath Consultant for Hyndburn, said, “Through this great scheme we hope to discourage young people from taking up smoking and protect them from starting something that could ultimately kill them. When parents take their smoking right away from their children it sends a strong message that smoking is not acceptable. Most parents don’t want their children to smoke and want to take steps to protect them. This is part of the NHS campaign to make smoking history for children.”

Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health at the Council said; “When we asked play facility users about introducing a voluntary smoke free play area scheme there was lots of support for it. The code is voluntary and we are politely asking people not to smoke in play areas as most people don’t want children to pick up the smoking habit in the first place and children learn a lot through imitation.”

Free Grit for Residents

Councillor Munsif Dad, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Environmental Issues, has announced that more grit bags are available for Hyndburn residents to help clear paths and roads around their homes during the winter months. 

Cllr Dad said, “We’ve just had our first frosts of the winter and we want people to be prepared as the weather turns colder. Residents have been telling us they really appreciated the previous offer of free grit bags so we’re going to run it again this winter. We have around 4,000 bags available which will be delivered to residents on a first come, first served basis”

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, concluded, “By providing the grit bags, we are not only helping local people get in and out of their homes, we’re also helping them get to work and keep local businesses open and help keep Hyndburn moving in the snow.”

To reserve your free bag simply contact the Council either by telephone: 01254 388111; e-mail: enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk; complete the online grit bag request form at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk or write to Customer Services, Town Hall, Broadway, Accrington BB5 1EZ.

Great Harwood Area Council - 8th November 2012

The next meeting of Great Harwood Area Council will take place on 8th November 2012 at 7.00pm at Bank Mill House. Labour Councillors Noordad Aziz (pictured), Ciaran Wells, Gareth Molineux and Kerry Molineux will be in attendance to answer residents' questions and provide updates.

My 7 hour shift with Hyndburn CANsafe - Graham Jones

I recently did a seven hour shift with CANsafe on a dark Friday night. My experiences showed to me how effective this initiative is. Originally set up in Peel ward it is now a scheme that is running across Hyndburn, being rolling out across Lancashire and I believe such is it's success, it won’t be long before it is standard police practice nationally. It is about to launch in Blackburn. Community activist Joyce Plummer and PC Martin Midgely deserve huge credit for setting up this initiate.

Nearly all the 40 professionals involved gave their time voluntarily or as part of their normal work hours. The extra cost of the operation was remarkably just £400. Not only did it target vulnerable young people and alcohol, but the five teams patrolled every neighbourhood in Hyndburn in unmarked cars for any suspicious activity. Our patrol had numerous police interventions, properties where child grooming is suspected, known haunts for youngsters drinking and where drink was confiscated if an under 18 was present, 16 and 17 years olds found drinking in town centres and pubs, patrolling off licences, stopping suspected burglar’s and individuals acting suspiciously late at night in residential areas.

Patrols were made up of police officer and special constables, child protection professionals and trading standards. The people stopped were surprised to see such an intense police presence. Children deemed vulnerable were taken to a safe place where care professionals spoke with them and their parents. Parents are forced to collect their children and made aware of the circumstances in which they were found.

CANsafe is one of the best recent police initiatives and the feedback they are getting is incredible. The fact it was initiated from the neighbourhood where I live and represented is welcome.

Oswaldtwistle Area Council - 7th November 2012

The next public meeting of Oswaldtwistle Area Council will take place at 7.00pm at the Civic Arts Centre on 7th November 2012. Labour Councillors Bill Pinder (pictured) and Colette McCormack will be in attendance to take any questions from residents.

Doing Business with HBC

Hyndburn Borough Council are running an event on 7th November aimed at making it easier for local businesses to work with the Council. It is primarily aimed at building and trade, but will cover some other areas. The event will cover the rules that we as a Council need to abide by, tips for bidding for work, and there will also be an open market place so businesses can talk directly to officers who are responsible for procuring works. Businesses should follow the instructions on the flyer to register. There are also some details on the website:

Doing Business With HBC

Positive News for Accrington Market Hall

Accrington’s refurbished Victorian Market is going from strength to strength. After a £2million makeover, it won a best markets award and then shone in the national spotlight earlier this year when the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited in May. 

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Markets said: “It’s certainly been a year to remember for the market traders and visitors alike. After the original £2m investment we’re keen to keep it vibrant and thriving and attract more quality traders, so it’s great to be able to announce that the Market Hall is now almost fully occupied with four well established traders moving in this year to enhance the fantastic range of products and services already on offer. 

Cllr Pritchard concluded; “There’s a lot of doom and gloom talked about Britain’s town centres so it is really pleasing in these tough economic times to have this success story right here on our market. We’re extremely proud of The Market Hall which offers a friendly welcoming atmosphere where you can spend time relaxing in the wonderful cafes, see the plaque unveiled by HRH the Queen, learn about local history, view artwork by local artists and browse the wide range of bespoke stalls selling high quality products. We also offer free parking, so come and visit us soon and see for yourself.”

Review of HBC Land Assets

Cllr Ken Moss (pictured here with Cllrs Ciaran Wells, Ian Robinson and Wendy Dwyer) is currently heading a review of all land owned by Hyndburn Borough Council to look at better uses for areas which are a drain on financial resources. The review is being carried out on a town-by-town basis to enable a thorough investigation and the Great Harwood investigation has now been completed during a pilot programme.

Councillors from each ward are being asked to look at their own areas ahead of investigations to come up with suggestions and will be heavily involved in the discussion process.Each township is expected to take around 2-3 months to review with 13 parcels of land having been considered during the Great Harwood exercise and recommendations have now been drawn up.

Some areas are unsuitable for sale or development as they form green spaces or car parks but others have been deemed as a waste of Council expenses and recommendations will be put to the Cabinet shortly. The next review is of Clayton-le-Moors and Atham, with Rishton to follow at the start of 2013.