LCC prepares for winter on the highways

A winter statement has been issued by the Labour-run Lancashire County Council regarding plans for gritting and dealing with cold weather on the highways:

During winter, we work hard to keep traffic moving on our main roads and to minimise delays and accidents caused by ice or snow. Of the 4,300 miles of roads we are responsible for, around a third are part of our priority roads for salting and snow clearing. Ideally, our gritters would treat every road in Lancashire, but in reality this is just not possible. Instead we identify priority roads and footways that will receive preferential treatment for salting and snow clearing to help keep our residents moving.

Our priority road network is made up of non-trunk motorways, 'A' roads and 'B' roads, which are routes in and out of towns, and single routes into villages. The Highways Agency is responsible for gritting the motorways.

We budget around £4million per year for the winter service, last year we spent £5.35m. It is a demand led service and when the winter weather is worse than average, the service will continue to be delivered. On the days when it snows, we can spend over £100,000 per day.

We have a number of resources which help us deliver the winter service including:

• 49 gritters operating across the county from 10 depots. They are all paired with a snow plough for use in severe weather.
• 32,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled across the county for this winter.
• Over 1,800 grit bins and salt heaps in key locations around the county to help keep public areas clear. We fill these before the start of winter and refill them as often as we are able to.
• 39 farmers and agricultural contractors who have equipment to carry out snow clearing and provide additional support during bad weather when our resources are stretched.

As usual, we are working closely with parish and district councils, businesses and local organisations to deliver a consistent message to the public about what they can do to prepare for winter and what we will do.

In response to confusion over what steps can be taken when clearing snow and ice, the government has issued advice, which explains that there is no law stopping you from clearing public spaces.

You can find out more about the winter service along with links to a mapping system which highlights the gritting routes, when we are gritting, winter weather advice and school closures by visiting:

www.lancashire.gov.uk – search for 'winter'.
www.twitter.com/lancashirecc - search #lancswinter.
www.facebook.com/lancashirecc

East Lancashire Transport and Highways Masterplan

A consultation has got underway regarding the East Lancashire Transport and Highways Masterplan. The consultation runs for six weeks from 23rd October 2013 and a link to the plans can be found here:

http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/web/?siteid=5489&pageid=43429&e=e

Extracts from the page which point towards current issues in Hyndburn include:

In East Lancashire, local plans, which set out housing and business sites are not yet fully developed. Therefore, the draft masterplan presents the big issues we need to address to make sure people and goods can move efficiently in East Lancashire, and proposes where studies should focus to get a better understanding of future problems and potential solutions.

These studies will produce the sound evidence we need to make the case for further investment in new schemes to make sure we have the right priorities to get value for money from every pound spent. 

It proposes wide-ranging, detailed work to identify problems, gaps and opportunities affecting roads and public transport, to make sure that people, businesses and housing markets have better links within East Lancashire and to other areas of economic opportunity. It looks at how the current rail network can be exploited to its full potential, making the most of investments by Network Rail elsewhere in the North West, and if there are benefits in extending the current network.

It also builds on recent confirmation of £40m funding for the Pennine Reach rapid bus transport scheme to improve links between Hyndburn and Blackburn, and the announcement by Transport for Lancashire of major investments in East Lancashire.

Oswaldtwistle: Rubbish-filled yard leads to £700 fine

Failing to clean up her rubbish filled back yard cost an Oswaldtwistle woman over £700 in fines and costs recently.

Council Enforcement Officers visited Gemma Proctors home on New Lane Oswaldwistle after receiving complaints about rubbish in the back yard there. They served her with a notice ordering her to clean it up which she ignored; therefore the Council took her to court where magistrates imposed large fines and costs.

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Environmental Health said; “We won’t tolerate this kind of anti-social blight and will always prosecute people who fail to clean up their mess. We gave Ms Proctor plenty of chances to get the rubbish removed, but unfortunately she chose not to do so, leaving us no option but to remove the rubbish ourselves and take her to court, where magistrates imposed substantial fines and costs.”

HBC Annual Audit 2012-2013

The External Auditors have now completed their work on the Annual Audit of Accounts and have asked that their letter on this subject is distributed to all Councillors. Reproduced below are some of the key paragraphs from the 15-page report:

The Council has a good track record in achieving the revenue budget and managing financial performance and met its savings target of £2.1m in 2012/13. The Council's updated Medium Term Financial Strategy, submitted to Cabinet on 23 October 2013, sets out the requirement to deliver savings of £1.26m in 2013/14, and £5.3m over the following three years to 2016/17, in order to deliver a balanced position. This will be a significant challenge for the Council that will require further transformation to secure the level of savings required and maintain sufficient service quality. At 30 September 2013 the Council forecasts a surplus of £300,000 by the end of the 2013/14 financial year.

The Council has proper arrangements in place for securing financial resilience. The Council has robust systems and processes to manage effectively financial risks and opportunities, and to secure a stable financial position that enables it to continue to operate for the foreseeable future.

Overall our work concluded that whilst the Council has managed the reductions in finance from central government so far, it faces further challenges ahead because of the further significant planned reductions in future government funding.

However, the current arrangements for securing financial resilience are good. There is appropriate challenge and support from members, and the Council prepares and keeps under review its medium term financial plan. There are good arrangements in place to monitor and manage revenue and capital budgets, and regular reports to management and members on financial and service performance during the year.

We have reviewed whether the Council has prioritised its resources to take account of the tighter constraints it is required to operate within and whether it has achieved cost reductions and improved productivity and efficiencies.

During the year the Council continued to use the funding allocation it received under the former Housing Market Renewal programme to promote the improvement of housing provision in the borough. This included the purchase of further properties and their transfer to the Council's developer partner for refurbishment.

We reviewed the robustness of the Council' arrangements to deliver its programme of savings totalling £1.26m to deliver a balanced budget in 2013/14 and its plans to identify further savings of £3.36m over the next two years. The updated Medium Term Financial Strategy submitted to Cabinet on 23 October 2013 now forecasts savings required of £2.9m over the next two years and a further £2.4m in 2016/17.

A link to the full report can be found on the Hyndburn Labour Group Facebook page:

Facebook - Hyndburn Labour Group

New Hyndburn Police Station still in the pipeline

Leader of the Council Miles Parkinson has written to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, Clive Grunshaw, to request clarification on the proposed new police station in Accrington.

A reply has been received which states that the new Hyndburn station is still on the five year plan for Lancashire Constabulary and the full letter is attached to this report.

100 extra dog waste bins to be installed

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, today welcomed the installation of the first in a series of new dog bins across the Borough.

Cllr Cox said; “street cleansing is one of our top priorities and we know that that dog fouling is a big concern for local people. We’ve investing £15,000 into the service and these extra one hundred dog bins are being installed in all wards installed right around the Borough, bringing the total to three hundred, plus another fifty four within our parks, which our Waste Services and Parks Teams empty each week.”

Cllr Cox continued; “All Councillors have had a say in where the bins should be installed on their patch, based on residents feedback and the new bins will be going in over the coming month.”

Labour candidate for St Andrews in 2014, Stuart Eaves said; “I’m really pleased to see the new bins being installed, anything which helps keeps dog dirt off our streets is really welcome." Stuart is pictured above with Cllr Paul Cox (left) showing off the first of the new bins to be installed in Oswaldtwistle at the junction of Thwaites Road and Union Road.

The Council’s street cleaning teams service over six hundred and fifty litter bins around the Borough, which they empty at least twice a week, or when a hand sweeper passes.  A recent resident’s survey has shown that satisfaction with street cleanliness continues to increase and now stands at 86% and these results come on the back of our five star and gold standard wins in the recent national Clean Britain Awards.

Cllr Cox concluded; “Our street cleaning, waste and recycling crews do a great job, day in, day out, in all weathers collecting waste and keeping our streets clean and tidy.  We know there is more to do, and the installation of the extra one hundred dog bins across all wards within the Borough is part of this.”

If you see anyone’s failing to pick up after their dog report it to the Council on 01254 388111.

The breakdown of how the new bins are to be allocated in each ward is as follows:

Altham - 6

Barnfield - 3

Baxenden - 6

Central - 2

Church - 4

Clayton - 5

Great Harwood: Netherton & Overton - 19

Huncoat - 10

Oswaldtwistle: Immanuel - 4

Oswaldtwistle: St Andrews - 11

Oswaldtwistle: St Oswalds - 6

Milnshaw - 6

Peel - 4

Rishton - 9

Spring Hill - 5

Total New Bins: 100

Hyndburn Remembrance Sunday schedules

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

10^th November 2013

SCHEDULE OF PARADES

ACCRINGTON

9.45 a.m. Transport will be provided from Crawshaw Street to take members of the public and marching organizations to the Cenotaph at Oakhill Park.

10.30 a.m. Service at Cenotaph, Oak Hill Park.

The Silence will be observed at 11.00 a.m. The laying of the wreaths will follow. After service and wreath laying, marching organizations and those wishing to join the parade should make their way to the main entrance of the park on Manchester Road where they should form up for the parade.  Transport will be provided for those members of the public who do not wish to parade from the Hollins Lane entrance of Oakhill Park back to Crawshaw Street, Accrington.

11.30 a.m. Parade from Oakhill Park, Manchester Road to Accrington Town Hall via Abbey Street and Blackburn Road.

The Civic Party will leave the procession at Accrington Town Hall. The parade will continue to Crawshaw Street where it shall be dismissed.

e

ALTHAM

10.15 a.m. Service at St James Church Altham.

Service in Church followed by Act of Remembrance at the war memorial.

e

BAXENDEN

3.00 p.m. Service at St John’s Church, Baxenden.

e

CHURCH

Assemble at 10.20 a.m. on Bank Street.

Parade Departs at 10.30 a.m. Parade from Bank Street up Henry Street via Buckingham Grove and Riding Barn Street to Gatty Park for service and wreath laying.

Service at the War Memorial, Gatty Park at 11.00 a.m.

At the conclusion of the service, approx 11.20 a.m. the parade will be dismissed.

Please note there will be no return procession.

e

OSWALDTWISTLE

Assemble at 2.00 p.m. on Thwaites Street.

2.10 p.m. Parade to War Memorial – From Thwaites Street along Union Road to the War Memorial on Rhyddings Street.

2.30 p.m. Combined Service and laying of wreaths at the War Memorial.

At the conclusion of the service, the parade will turn return to the Oswaldtwistle Conservative Club on Rhyddings Street via Haworth Street and Catlow Hall Street

e

CLAYTON – LE – MOORS

Assemble at 9.30 a.m. at Civic Hall, Pickup Street.

Procession starts at 9.40 a.m. Procession from Civic Hall, Pickup Street, Whalley Road, Sparth Road and Grange Street.

Service at All Saints Church at 10.00 a.m.

After the service in church, the parade will march to the War Memorial in Mercer Park for a short service and wreath laying at approximately 11.00 a.m.

At the conclusion of the service, approximately 11.20 a.m. the parade will return to the Civic Hall via Grange Street and Pickup Street,

e

GREAT HARWOOD

10.20 a.m. Assemble at Town Gate

10.35 a.m. Parade to the War Memorial via Church Street and Church Lane

10.50 a.m. Service and wreath laying at the War Memorial, including observance of the silence at 11.00 a.m.

At the conclusion of the service, approximately 11.20 a.m. the parade will return via Church Lane and Church Street to Town Gate for dismissal.

There will also be a Church Memorial Service at St Bartholomew’s and St John’s commencing at 10.00 a.m.

e

RISHTON

9.45 a.m. Service at St Charles Church, Rishton

10.30 a.m. Parade from Station Road, turn left into Blackburn Road and proceed to the War Memorial for a short service and wreath laying ceremony.

At the conclusion of the service the parade will return via Blackburn Road to the Library for dismissal.

e

HUNCOAT

2.10pm Assemble at The corner of Burnley Lane and Lowergate Road, Huncoat. Procession to the War Memorial

Procession to War Memorial for Wreath Laying ceremony at 2.30 p.m. 

New refuse vehicles unveiled

Councillors today welcomed the arrival of the first of six new waste and recycling vehicles, as part of its rolling programme to keep vehicles at their maximum efficiency.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, explained; “Waste collections are one of the Council’s top priorities as we know that it’s something that really matters to our residents. We’ve managed to save £100,000 each year by making efficiencies in our waste and recycling collection rounds, which we’ve reinvested in these new vehicles, which will not only use less fuel, but are also  easier and cheaper to maintain.”

The move comes after a recent survey of residents showed that satisfaction with street cleanliness continues to increase and now stands at 86% with residual collections at 91% and recycling collections at 96%. This is on the back of the Council’s five star grading and gold standard award in the national Clean Britain Awards.

Cllr Cox added; “Our waste and recycling crews do a fantastic job out in all weathers collecting waste and clearing fly-tipped waste to keep the Borough clean and tidy.  If you see anyone fly tipping please contact the Council (in confidence) on 01254 388111 with a registration number and description of vehicle, our enforcement officers will do the rest.”

Great Harwood: Mercer Hall Open Day - 26th October 2013

Come and try out Mercer Hall Leisure Centre and Spa - for FREE!


Hyndburn Leisure is throwing open the doors of Great Harwood’s hidden gem from 9am on Saturday 26th October, when, for one day only, all activities there will be FREE. The move comes after the recent successful Hyndburn Community Sports Awards highlighted a great year of sport both nationally and locally. Now Hyndburn Leisure want to keep the momentum going and encourage as many people as possible to take part in sport and physical activity.


Everyone is welcome to come along, with lots of fun for all the family on offer, including the gym, swimming, fitness classes and the Spa, children’s activities like Wii games, along with the chance to win a host of prizes. There’ll also be exclusive discounts on offer for future activities available for one day only, and we will be launching the Oblivion, the new children’s pool inflatable part funded by Great Harwood Area Council.

Councillor Ciaran Wells, Cabinet Member for Leisure said; “Mercer Hall Leisure Centre is one of Great Harwood’s best assets and the dramatic improvements in the sauna and Steam facilities make it a really attractive leisure offer. We want as many people as possible to come through the doors and try out things for free, with a view to them taking up a new hobby and being more active, be it at our leisure facilities or elsewhere”.


Doors open at 9am with free activities available until 1pm. We are expecting a busy day, so please book your activity in advance to avoid disappointment, by calling 01254 885 607 or email gareth.hughes@hyndburnleisure.co.uk.

Christmas Markets come to Accrington

For the first time ever, Accrington is set to host a series of Christmas Markets and the Council is asking traders to come forward and be part of this exciting new venture.

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Markets, said; “We’re really pleased to announce our plans for a series of Christmas Markets to run during December in front of Accrington’s historic Market Hall. These seasonal markets will help promote local traders selling festive food, drink and goods including art and toys, to Hyndburn folk and people right across the region, looking for some Christmas cheer and gifts. So we’re asking traders to apply for space on the markets now, to join in the festive fun and help make this a prosperous Christmas to remember in Accrington town centre.”

Cllr Pritchard added; “We’ve got lots going on to get people feeling festive in Accrington this year and these all new Christmas Markets are set to complement a range of other seasonal events in the town, including the ever popular Santa’s Grotto in the Market Hall and the reindeer parade on Broadway on 7th December.

Cllr Pritchard concluded; “There will be 10 Chalet type stalls available for rent and space for some gazebos during December, we’re expecting plenty of applications, so it’ll be first come, first served, with only two of any similar trade on each day.”

The Christmas Markets will be held on Thursday 5th, Saturday 7th, Thursday 12th, Saturday 14th, Thursday 19th, Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd December. To apply for a gazebo at £10 per day, or a chalet at £15 per day, on the Christmas Markets visit www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk or call 01254 388111. Closing date for applications is 15th November 2013.

For more information, call Town Centre Manager Rob Grigorjevs on 01254 388111, or email rob.grigorjevs@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

Milnshaw: Accrington Victoria petition gains hundreds of signatures

The petitions to save the GP walk-in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital are filling up fast. Milnshaw Councillor Clare Pritchard (who is also Deputy Leader of HBC) is pictured here with the full petitions. As of midnight 21/10/13 the petitions have attracted over a 1000 signatures. A clear signal to the East Lancashire clinical commissioning group that this services is wanted by Hyndburn's residents. 

Cllr Pritchard said "We would like to thank everyone who has supported the campaign to keep the GP Walk In Centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital open. We have collected hundreds of signatures but we need more. Please, please continue to sign either the online petitions or one of the paper copies that are in public venues throughout Hyndburn. We need to send out a strong message to the East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group that this well used service must be saved."

Great Harwood: Community Clean Up

A community clean up event took place on Saturday 12th October and the Labour Councillors were out in force with HBC staff and residents, who were encouraged to dispose of their unwanted bulky items for free in a Council skip.

The event was well-attended, with people queuing up early and all residents are thanked for making use of this service.

Milnshaw: Winter bowls

---

Due to the amount of local interest, crown green bowlers will once again be provided with a bowling green throughout the winter months, so the more hardy members of the bowls community can continue to participate in the sport they enjoy all year round. Using a bowling green in the winter months prevents it being used during the first half of the summer bowling season, so necessary renovation work can take place to keep the green in good condition. As Milnshaw Park has two bowling greens the second green is used for winter bowling. This will allow bowlers from across the borough the play in winter and will help protect the condition of summer greens.

Anyone who wishes to play winter bowls at Milnshaw Park will need to apply for a winter bowls pass from the Parks Service based at Willows Lane Depot by ringing the Sports Pitch Booking line on 01254 356 265 or ‘silver surfers’ can request a pass via email pitchbookings@hyndburnbc.gov.uk . As with the summer bowling the winter bowls passes are also free of charge, as part of the Active People Initiative.

Springhill: Community Clean Up

Springhill Councillors Pam Barton and Munsif Dad took part in a Community Clean Up on Friday 11th October. The event took place in Ferngpre with students of Mount Carmel School, HBC officers and Hyndburn Homes staff.  It was widely regarded as a success as it immediately improved the look of the area.

This is not the first time such an event has been organised and several are intended in the future in other wards in Hyndburn by the Labour Councillors.

Extraordinary Full Council Meeting - 14th November 2013

The HBC Labour Councillors have called an extraordinary meeting of the full Council on Thursday 14th November to address the serious issues now surrounding the proposed closure of the GP walk-in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital.

Deputy Leader Clare Pritchard will be joined by fellow Milnshaw ward representative Paul Cox, plus Springhill Councillor Pam Barton who is Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing in making speeches attacking the coalition government's cuts which have led to this situation and will affect thousands of people across Hyndburn.

The meeting starts at 7.00pm and is open to the public who can come and view proceedings from the gallery.

For further information, please contact your local Labour representative.

Accrington: Incredible Edibles volunteers requested

Incredible Edibles have approached the Hyndburn Councillors for assistance in publicising their cleanup events over the coming few weeks. One has already taken place on 12th October and volunteers are requested.

Event coordinator Cath Holmes said, "We would really appreciate some help with work events we are holding in Oak Hill Park to clear back and repair the rock garden pools which are leaking, overgrown and full of debris. Working days are Saturday 20th and 26th October from 10.30am until abround 3.00pm. We will meet at Manchester Road by the top gates at Oak Hill Park.  Tools and gloves will be provided but please wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Don't forget to bring your own lunch and drinks!"  

The events will not be taking place if it is raining as sand and cement are needed to do the repairs. For more information email Cath at cath.holmes@pendle.gov.uk

Church: Environmental Visual Audit

Thursday 10th October saw an Environment Visual Audit in Church Kirk to oversee the state of the amenities. Environmental health officers were joined by local residents, HBC cleansing staff, and both the County and District Councillors.

Milnshaw: Campaigning for Accrington Victoria

Milnshaw Councillors Paul Cox and Clare Pritchard have been campaigning to save the GP Walk-in Centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital which is now threatened by cuts from the Conservative-led coalition government. Paul and Clare took to the streets with leaflets and information on Saturday 12th October and the Labour councillors staged a protest outside the centre on Monday 14th October.

An online petition has been set up which residents are urged to sign and there is a dedicated Facebook page with more information:

Petition - Accrington Victoria Hospital Walk-In Centre

Facebook - Accrington Victoria Walk-In Centre Campaign

Digital inclusion comes to Church & Milnshaw

The seventh national ‘Get Online Week’ takes place from 14-20 October, and we're encouraging everyone to “Get Digital” with staff from theSWITCH at Banbury Community Centre. Paul Campbell from the SWITCH said "It doesn't matter if you've never touched a computer, or never been on the internet before, or even if you know a little already but want to learn more. We can help you do more of the things you do every day by doing them digitally.You could be making free video calls to friends and family abroad, filling in an application form for your dream job, comparing prices for car insurance in seconds, or getting ideas for healthier versions of your favourite recipes".

He added "Come along and join us everyone is welcome, whatever your age or ability, have a brew and a chat, see what we offer and have a look around; we would love to see you".

The event is running at Banbury Community Centre - 19 Banbury Close, Off Lancaster Avenue, Accrington on Thursday 17th October from 10:00am to 2:00pm (Disabled access and toilet facilities available). You can also pop in all day Tuesdays at our regular open session and speak with the staff/volunteers about how we can help you.

Milnshaw Councillor Paul Cox also stated "this is an excellent opportunity for residents to have a go online and get to grips with the Internet. Both Paul & Lain at the SWITCH are on hand to assist all comers in doing more with the web. Just come along and have a go"  

The event was put together with the help and support of Hyndburn Homes working with the local community and identifying a need to help people make more use of the Internet. Along with a  free raffle on the day for all those attending, there will be a chance to speak with other partners including Vedas Careers Consultants and Slips, Trips and Falls Team and your Hyndburn Borough Council representatives.  

Campaign to keep the Walk in Centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital

                 PLEASE SIGN THE PETITON

On 11 October, Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Clare Pritchard, launched a campaign to save services at Accrington Victoria Hospital, as the walk-in centre there comes under threat from the East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group’s budget cuts.

Cllr Pritchard is urging local people to sign a petition to back the campaign to save our services at the hospital.  Cllr Pritchard spoke out as East Lancs Health Chiefs indicated recently that savings need to be made and they have started a consultation process to find out how often local people use the walk-in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital, how often they visit their GP and how often they use their GP’s out of hours service.

To sign the petition visit  http://chn.ge/GRm8aR.

Cllr Pritchard said; “This is potentially the biggest change to local primary health care provision for many years and is a big deal for Hyndburn people. The walk in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital is a popular and valuable service with over 35,000 people using it last year, from our local population of 80,000.  We feel to lose it would be the thin end of the wedge as we fear Hyndburn would eventually lose Accrington Victoria altogether.  We want to raise awareness of the possibility that we could lose this vital service at the hospital for local people and are urging everyone to back the campaign to keep our hospital services, as once we lose them, there’ll be no way back.”

Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities said; “Evidence shows that services such as the walk in service at Accrington Victoria hospital are very popular, we don’t want to lose them and so we’re keen raise awareness and ensure that local people have their say in this important debate. So please take part in the consultation at http://www.eastlancsccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/accrington-health-access-centre.”

A questionnaire is available to complete in public buildings around the Borough from libraries, GP practices and Council buildings and it can also be accessed electronically via the Council website or from the following link http://www.eastlancsccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/accrington-health-access-centre.

East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group is also holding an ‘open day’ event in Accrington Market Hall on Saturday 12/10/13 between 10am-2pm, where the public will be able to talk to health professionals and local GP’s about the process, which closes on 30^th October 2013.

Fast Politics Event - 22nd October 2013

A ‘Fast Politics’ event is taking place in conjunction with the Lancashire County Council's Young Person’s Service on Tuesday 22nd October between 7.00pm and 9.00pm at Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre. This is an opportunity for younger people to connect directly with local politicians and have the chance to get their views across. There will be a presentation from the Hyndburn Youth Council followed by refreshments.

All HBC & Hyndburn LCC councillors have been invited and confirmed attendees so far are Labour Councillors Clare Cleary, Ken Moss, Harry Grayson, Gareth Molineux, Miles Parkinson, Bill Pinder and opposition Councillor Nick Whittaker.

Anyone wishing to find out more information should ring David Harvey-Higgins on 07766991907.

Central and Springhill: PACT meeting

The Central and Springhill Labour Councillors recently held their regular PACT (Police And Communities Together) meeting on a damp night in order to answer residents' queries regarding the local police force.

Anyone wishing to comment on or report a crime should contact any of their local Councillors (details under the Your Councillors tab on the homepage of this blog) or by phoning 101 and logging it with the police.

HBC to host 'How Parliament Works' event

Hyndburn is set to host a ‘How Parliament Works’ event, at Accrington Town Hall on Friday 18th October.

Graham Jones, MP for Hyndburn, will be the keynote speaker at the event, talking about the role of an MP from both a constituency and Parliamentary point of view and later hosting a question and answer session.

The event, which is about encouraging greater engagement between the public, the House of Commons and the House of Lords will widen knowledge of how parliament works and how to actively participate.

Councillor Miles Parkinson, Leader of Hyndburn Council, said; “We are pleased to host this ‘How Parliament Works’ event and to have our MP Graham Jones attend to talk about his role. It will help promote local democracy and raise awareness of the work, processes and relevance of Parliament to Hyndburn people.”

The event runs from 10am until 12.30pm and a small number of free places are open to the general public.  To reserve your place, call Michael Cunliffe in Democratic Services on 388111, or  email michael.cunliffe@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

Hands off Hyndburn's Health Care

Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, today urged local people to have their say about access to primary health care in the Borough, at a consultation event taking place in Accrington Market Hall, this Saturday 12th October.

 

East Lancs Health chiefs have started a consultation process to find out how often local people visit their GP, how often they use their GP’s out of hours service and how often they use the walk in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital and Cllr Barton is urging people to have their say.

 

The Hospital is located within Milnshaw Ward and local Councillor Paul Cox added "I can not press this issue more it is vitally important to save this unit, which is why I'm saying we must send a message to the clinical commissioning group, Hands off Hyndburn's  Health care. I'm urging as many residents as possible to visit the market this weekend and state the case for keeping this walk in centre" 

East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group are holding  ‘open day’ event  in Accrington Market Hall on Saturday 12/10/13 between 10am-2pm where the public will be able to  talk to health professionals and local GP’s about the process which closes on 30th October 2013.

 

A questionnaire is also available for people to complete in public buildings around the Borough from libraries, GP practices and Council buildings and it can also be accessed electronically via Council website or from the following link http://www.eastlancsccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/accrington-health-access-centre

 

Councillor Barton said “Hyndburn Council is totally committed to the provision of local health care services and we will strive to ensure the residents of Hyndburn do not see a reduced primary health care service. This process is about enabling the public to have their say and make informed choices about the type of service they want. Please go along to the Market Hall this Saturday to have your say, or complete the questionnaire before 30th October.

Accrington retailers unite for a festive treat

Accrington’s retailers and businesses are set to reunite to attract Christmas shoppers back to the town following the success of a summer campaign.

An August ‘Shop Local’ campaign supported by Hyndburn Council and marketing agency Scott Dawson Advertising saw shops and services enjoy an upturn in business – now a second flyer and bus advertising campaign is set to be launched ahead of the Christmas period.

The flyer will feature more than 50 businesses who will contribute a small fee to promote their festive deals and product offerings – professional photography of all businesses will be shot in Accrington Market Hall on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October.

The flyer, which will also contain Hyndburn’s festive entertainment listings, will be distributed to 37,000 homes across the area at the beginning of November with a further 3,000 copies to be handed out to businesses, leisure centres and other locations.

To give shops a further boost, the council has listened to retailers’ pleas to move the Christmas light switch-on back to its former Thursday night slot to enable them to profit from late night shopping.

Councillor Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Town Centres at Hyndburn Council, said: “By working in partnership with local businesses we want to reinvigorate Accrington Town Centre.  The festive flyer, once again, lets people know the great offer we have with free parking and over 250 shops and services. There are some great events for all the family over the festive period and we want to encourage people and businesses to get involved and enjoy the festive atmosphere.”

The flyer will be designed, produced and distributed in conjunction with Scott Dawson Advertising who devised and managed the summer campaign.

There is still time to be included in the flyer – anyone interested can contact Sue Lawson on sue@scottdawson.co.uk or 01282 426846 by 16th October.

Follow @AccringtonShops on Twitter for the latest news from Accrington’s shops and services.

Age UK Lancashire - Leisure activities and support for the over-50s

Age UK Lancashire has just produced a leaflet detailing leisure and social activities for the over-50s and a scan of it can be seen above. The contact number for Age UK Lancashire is 01254 871010 for anyone who wishes to find out more.

The reverse of the flyer shows details of daytime support available to older people and further information can be obtained by phoning 0300 3031234.

Benefit Fraud update - September 2013

Hyndburn Borough Council's Investigation Team have just published their monthly update. The Benefit Fraud sanctions and penalties for the 2013/14 administrative year have a combined notional sanctions value of £72,400:

•  11 Prosecutions
•  29 Official Cautions
•  2 Administrative Penalties

The school holidays have ended and people’s routines have, in a lot of cases, returned to normal. This is traditionally a time where people become aware of potential fraudulent activity. Therefore, please be on the lookout for the potential signs and if you see something or are told something please report it to us promptly so we can put a stop to it.

The Fraud Hotline 01254 380 240 is available 24 hours a day to leave details in addition to the Council website’s Report-a-Fraud page:

HBC Report Benefit Fraud

LCC Health Scrutiny Committee webcast

Clayton-le-Moors Councillor Tim O'Kane recently attended the LCC Health Scrutiny Committee at County Hall and raised several issues relating to Hyndburn. Lancashire County Council meetings are webcast and Tim's speech can be heard by following this link:

LCC Health Scrutiny Committee - 10th September 2013

A timeline on the right hand side allows viewers to fast forward to the relevant section and Tim's speech begins at 1:45:40.

Polling district review

Hyndburn Council is looking at the places where you go to vote at election time and is keen to find out what you think.

A statutory review of the polling districts and polling places within the Borough is now taking place.

Jane Ellis, the Council’s Returning Officer and the person responsible for the review, says “The review of where people in Hyndburn go to vote at elections will look at how easy the places are for electors to get to and also at access issues for everyone. People will be able to suggest alternative buildings for use as polling places. The Council will also be consulting with Councillors and other interested groups.”

If anyone in Hyndburn wants to write in with their suggestions then they should do so by Monday 25th November: Electoral Services, Scaitcliffe House, Ormerod Street, Accrington BB5 0PF or by email to: pollingstationreview@hyndburnbc.gov.uk

Altham: New parish council clerk appointed

A new clerk has been appointed to Altham Parish Council. Mrs Denny Randall-Felix can be contacted at Altham Parish Council, Council Offices, Media House, Burnley Road, Altham, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5TX.

Milnshaw: Health Review could see cuts to Milnshaw based Community Hospital

A review of the current health care provision in Hyndburn by the East Lacanchire Clinical Commissioning   group could well see plans to scale down or even close the hugely successful walk in unit at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital. Accrington Victoria Health Access Centre, based at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital, is a GP practice and minor illness walk in centre.  Patients who are registered with the practice benefit from a full range of primary care services including routine appointments, well being checks etc as well as access to the walk in centre for minor illness. 

Patients not registered with the practice may also access the walk in service for urgent minor illness problems.

Milnshaw ward councillor Paul Cox said "This unit is a vital part of the community and provides an excellent   service often during out of hours. To even consider closeting it would be a terrible mistake. It is said that the unit went over budget last year by £1million, however I say that this is an example of a unit be drastically under supported by this Governments cuts to our health system" 

He added, "Yesterday we saw Mr Cameron pledging to open doctors surgeries till 8 and at weekends, yet here, in Hyndburn, we are looking at closing a key health provision. Again it seems Hyndburn suffers at the hands of this Coalition Governments indiscriminate cuts. Let's hope the review will support the need for this service" 

Cllr Pam Barton, portfolio holder for community's at Hyndburn Council has urged residents to take part in the survey. She added that an event is also being held at Accrington Market Hall on October 12, between 10am and 2pm, where the public will be able to talk to health professionals about services.

Surveys are available from GP surgeries, libraries, council buildings and the walk-in centre itself. Or you can call 0800 0322424 or visit www.eastlancsccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/accrington-health-access-centre 

Have your say on Primary Health Care

Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, today urged local people to have their say about access to primary health care in the Borough.

The move comes as East Lancs Health chiefs start a consultation process to find out how often local people visit their GP, how often they use their GP’s out of hours service and how often they use the walk in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital.

Cllr Barton said; “These local health services cost a considerable amount of money and Health Chiefs are indicating that savings need to be made. Therefore some difficult decisions may also be necessary about where the savings will be and what services they will affect.  Evidence shows that services such as the walk in service at Accrington Victoria hospital are very popular, but this comes at a cost.  Health chiefs  are considering whether there are other ways of providing access to primary health care, such as improving the service received from your GP, or the out of hours call out service, and the Council is keen to ensure that local people have their say in this important debate.”

A questionnaire will be available for people to complete in public buildings around the Borough from libraries, GP practices and Council buildings and it can also be accessed electronically via Council website or from the following link http://www.eastlancsccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/accrington-health-access-centre

East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group are also holding  ‘open day’ event  in Accrington Market Hall on Saturday 12/10/13 between 10am-2pm where the public will be able to  talk to health professionals and local GP’s about the process which closes on 30th October 2013.

Councillor Barton concluded; “Hyndburn Council is totally committed to the provision of local health care services and we will strive to ensure the residents of Hyndburn do not see a reduced primary health care service. This process is about enabling the public to have their say and make informed choices about the type of service they want. We would encourage as many people as possible to complete the questionnaire before 30th October and/or attend the open day to make sure they have their say.”