Peel: Friar Court Christmas Party

Peel residents have paid for a buffet plus £230 of raffle prizes that included three very large hampers for the elderly residents of Friar Court.

Peel Councillor Joyce Plummer said, "They were very appreciative of what we have done for them and gave us all a warm round of applause. It was a really lovely afternoon!"

Mayor's Viewpoint - Cllr Munsif Dad - December 2014

In this season of goodwill, it’s timely to tell you about my recent visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where I went with a delegation of fourteen other people from across the UK. I was honoured and humbled to meet some of the mothers of the victims of genocide, to hear their stories and to see the memorial and the museum there. The visit was not only very educational and thought provoking, but also a really emotional experience.

I’ve been proudly wearing my White Ribbon recently, as an Ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign.  The campaign takes a unique approach, by encouraging men to promote a change of attitude, using their voice to raise awareness and make a stand against gender-based violence. The Council is pledging to achieve the White Ribbon Award, further demonstrating our resolve to do all we can to raise awareness about domestic violence, whilst supporting services to reduce its incidence and help victims.

At the Council meeting last month we were pleased to recognise the achievements of a number of outstanding local individuals and organisations. Bernard Scully received the Church Ruby Award, as he and his wife, Doreen, have devoted much of their time to making Church a better place. More recently, Bernard founded, with others, the Hyndburn Heritage Museum, now situated in the Arndale Centre which has proved extremely popular and keeps the rich heritage of the Hyndburn alive.

Councillors also showed their appreciation of Sandy Lane Gardening Group who were  awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award possible for a voluntary group in the United Kingdom and What More UK Ltd,  who earlier this year was awarded the Queen’s Award for Industry in the International Trade category. Well done to all of them.

As a proud Lancastrian I was also pleased to be part of the Lancashire Day celebrations which took place across the county on Thursday 27th and to see the traditional proclamation being read at Accrington Town Hall before the raising of the Lancashire flag.

I recently attended a fundraising lunch for the Accrington and District Blind society organised by Paul and Sarah Barton at the Poplar club in Accrington which raised over £1000!  A big thanks to Paul and Sarah and to the ten other Mayors who came along, it was a great event, raising much needed funds for a great cause.

Now we’re well into the festive season it’s been wonderful to be involved in the switching on of the Christmas lights around our townships. From the big event in Accrington, which featured entertainment and fireworks, to the smaller switch ons which have been really well attended with enthusiastic crowds and great atmospheres.  We’ve been treated to local schoolchildren singing carols around the various Christmas trees along with much good cheer and mince pies.

And finally, best wishes from the Mayoress and I for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Great Harwood: New gate installed at Lowerfold Park

A new gate for Lowerfold Park has been funded by the Great Harwood Councillors. The gate was installed by the Parks Team at Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum in November 2014.

Various designs were supplied and the final choice was made by the children at St Bartholomew's School.

Huncoat: Families enjoy activity day in Spout House Wood

Families enjoyed woodland crafts and activities at an Autumn Activity Day in Huncoat.

Spout House community woodland hosted the event, organised by Hyndburn Council, as the local event for National Tree Week on Saturday 29th November.

A very popular activity was to make bird boxes from locally sourced timber to provide more nesting sites for woodland birds.  People also decorated the boxes by stencilling leaves of the trees found in the woodland.

Making a link through the generations, one group of children made a ‘family’ bird box and said they are going to bring their grandparents for a walk to see it.

Pictured with their bird box in a beech tree are cousins Isabelle Heys (front left), Caitlin Birtwell (front right) with Iona Birtwell and Elijah Heys.

Mum Laura Heys said;  “Many thanks for the event, we all had a lovely time. Mum and dad live nearby so they’ll enjoy coming over with the kids to see the bird box.”

For more information about community activities at various woodlands around the borough, please contact Anne Hourican, Hyndburn Borough Council on 0154 388111.

HBC: Lancashire Day 2014 with Hollands Pies

Lancashire Day took place across the county on Thursday 27th November 2014.

The Town Crier, Rawden Kerr, read the Lancashire Day Proclamation outside Accrington Town Hall at 10.30 am along with the Worshipful the Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Munsif Dad, followed by the raising of the Lancashire Flag.

Many people enjoyed the free traditional Lancashire fayre on offer, kindly supplied by Baxenden-based Holland’s Pies.

The Town Crier also read the Lancashire Day Proclamation in Great Harwood at 12 noon by Churchfield House.

The Mayor, Cllr Munsif Dad, said; “As a proud Lancastrian and this year as Mayor of Hyndburn I was honoured to celebrate Lancashire Day on 27th November. Please come along to either of the proclamations if you can, everyone is more than welcome to help us celebrate.”

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson added; “Many thanks to everyone who came along to help us celebrate Lancashire Day and to Holland’s Pies for their support of the event.”

For more details about Lancashire Day, visit The Friends of Real Lancashire website at www.forl.co.uk.

HBC: Apprenticeship Event - 15th January 2015

Local businesses are being urged to take part in an Apprenticeship event, set to take place in the New Year, on 15th January from 4pm – 7pm at Accrington Town Hall.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said; “We’ve already run two successful apprenticeship events, attended by over four hundred young people and filling many local apprenticeship vacancies. Lots of businesses have already signed up and we’re looking for more businesses with real apprenticeship opportunities to come and promote them at the event.”

Training providers and businesses from across Hyndburn and beyond who are already signed up, include; Training 2000, NLTG, Accrington and Rossendale College, Themis, BAE Systems, Hyndburn Homes, LCC, Age UK, 247 Home Rescue, Hyndburn Borough Council and Scott Dawson Advertising.

The event is aimed at anyone, of any age, who may be thinking about an apprenticeship. Attendees will be able to find out more about apprenticeships direct from employers and training providers, seek expert advice and get one-to-one support in applying for apprenticeship vacancies.  
There will be real live vacancies on offer, along with the chance to apply for apprenticeships and have an interview with potential employers on the day.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said; “An apprentice learns on the job, and is able to gain qualifications by learning new skills, whilst earning money at the same time. The Hyndburn Apprenticeship event is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is interested in becoming an apprentice.  Attendees will not only be able to try their hand at a range of skills and trades, but also apply for real vacancies and have an interview with potential employers actually on the day.”

For details call 01254 388111 or email enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk

Blessing of the Crib - 4th December 2014

The Mayor, Cllr Munsif Dad, would like to invite members of the public to attend the annual Blessing of the Crib service taking place at 2.00 p.m. on Thursday 4th December, outside the front of Accrington Town Hall.

Father Lawrence Carson-Featham and Revd Ian Enticott from St James Parish Church in Accrington will be leading the service and Blessing the Crib with children from St Mary Magdalen’s Primary School choir performing carols at the event.

The Mayor, Cllr Munsif Dad, said, “The Blessing of the Crib is a wonderful way to start the Christmas Celebrations in Hyndburn, so please come along and join us.”

Following the service, free refreshments will be available in the Town Hall.

Lots going on in Accrington this Christmas!

The borough is sparkling with thousands of Christmas lights now and there’s plenty going on to keep you feeling festive.

Some township lights are still to be switched on and this Thursday 4th December, will see the annual Blessing of the Crib service taking place at 2.00 pm, outside Accrington Town Hall.

Santa's in his Grotto at Accrington Market Hall from Saturday 6th December, so take the children for a traditional Christmas treat to see Santa and his elves in the winter wonderland grotto at Accrington Market Hall.  Saturday 6th December – 1.30 to 3.30, Saturday 13th December – 10.00 to 12.00 and 1.30 to 3.30, Saturday 20th December - 10.00 to 12.00 and 1.30 to 3.30, Monday 22nd December - 10.00 to 12.00 and 1.30 to 3.30,  Tuesday 23rd December – 10.00 to 12.00 and 1.30 to 3.30 and Christmas Eve Wednesday 24th December - 10.00 to 12.00 and 1.30 to 3.30.

Also don’t miss Accrington's Wonderful Winter Fayre - Saturday 13th December, featuring festive food, drink and goods including art & toys, children’s entertainment, St Christopher’s Choir and Jazz Band, fair rides, roasted chestnuts,  mulled wine and mince pies.

Get set for a Festive Fun Day on Saturday 20th December in Accrington Town centre with entertainment including Accrington Pipe Band, children’s entertainment, fairground rides and a small Christmas market.

Councillor Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for town centres said; “There’s lots going on in Accrington in the run up to Christmas, so please come along and bring the family. Late night shopping on Thursdays and Sundays means there’s still of time to fit your shopping schedule around the hectic run-up to Christmas and bag some festive bargains. And don’t forget to do some Christmas shopping in our award winning Market. If you’re too busy to pop down then you can do it on line at www.accringtonmarketonline.co.uk  and you can collect it all in one go or have it delivered to your home.”

For more information visit www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk

HBC: Council pledges support for White Ribbon campaign

Hyndburn Council will shortly submit its application to achieve the White Ribbon Campaign Award, which aims to involve men in anti-violence against women and girls, by encouraging them to promote a change of attitude, using their voice to make a stand and raise awareness.

The Council has a long history of helping address abuse and violence towards women and girls within our local community, but the White Ribbon Campaign takes a unique approach.  It encourages men to promote a change of attitude, using their voice to make a stand and raise awareness and an action plan has been developed showing how this commitment will be achieved.

Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said; “It gives me great pleasure to announce that we will shortly submit our application to achieve the White Ribbon Award, especially today the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. We have a long history of increasing awareness on this issue and supporting services aimed at reducing and supporting victims of domestic violence.  White Ribbon Towns aims to rally entire communities to end violence against women”.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Council Leader, added; “By pledging to achieve the White Ribbon Award we are further demonstrating our resolve to do all we can to raise awareness about domestic violence, whilst supporting services to reduce its incidence and help victims.”

White Ribbon Day signals the start of the 16 days of action to stop violence against women and girls. Ambassadors were presented with their White Ribbon badges and this will form part of a social media campaign where photos of ambassadors will be tweeted for the following 16 days signalling our commitment and raising awareness of this campaign.

Small Business Saturday - 6th December 2014

Saturday 6th December is ‘Small Business Saturday’, which is a national campaign to promote and support local traders in the UK. Shoppers are encouraged to come into Accrington town centre and our other townships to support our hardworking independent traders and stock up for Christmas.

Councillor Clare Cleary said; “Our small businesses and independent traders are the lifeblood of our towns. There are over 250 shops and services in Accrington town centre alone. They are hardworking, provide a great service and employ lots of people. Please show them your support by paying them a visit.”

See https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/ for more details

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

Church: Newly-refurbished cafe at Gatty Park now open

The cafe at Elmfield is now launched and open on Saturdays too!  The range of coffee is also available to purchase to take home for those who enjoy 'proper' coffee.

Free Wi-Fi is available for workers who wish to check emails and for Lancashire County Council workers to access VPN services. It is also a lovely venue to meet friends or clients. Please click on the images above to see the new cafe leaflet for The Parlour@Elmfield Hall.

Feel free to call for a coffee or lunch and experience the newly refurbished Elmfield Hall in the beautiful grounds of Gatty Park, Hyndburn Road, Accrington BB5 4AA.  The facility is now open for bookings, meetings 6 days a week - Monday to Saturday 10am till 4pm (cafe) and Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for other services at Elmfield Hall and Trafalgar (Trafalgar Street, Burnley).

A delegation of Councillors and HBC representatives visited Elmfield House over the summer to view the ongoing renovations to the whole building by CSNW and were very impressed,

Church Councillor Joan Smith said, "Elmfield Hall has badly needed this investment to transform it into a proper community facility and the work that has been carried out is amazing. I look forward to seeing more people visiting both Elmfield Hall and Gatty Park as a result."

Mayor presented with Duke of Lancaster Regiment photograph

The Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Munsif Dad, was presented with a framed photograph of himself with the Duke of Lancaster Regiment when they were awarded the Freedom of the Borough earlier this year.

Cllr Dad said, "I had the pleasure of meeting the Duke of Lancaster Regiment again on Remembrance Day in Manchester. The Brigadier General remarked that the battalion always get such a warm welcome in Hyndburn whenever they visit. I am proud to have been Mayor in the year when they were given the Freedom award."

Look Before You Book this Christmas

Thinking of eating out this Christmas?

If you’re planning that special Christmas meal with work colleagues, friends or family the Food Standards Agency would like to remind you to ‘look before you book’.

Christmas is a time to enjoy good company and good food without worrying about food poisoning. But the truth is, you can’t tell a restaurant’s hygiene standards by how clean and tidy the staff look or by how busy it is.

It’s the things you can’t see – like germs spread by bad hygiene practices - that you need to consider. There’s one easy way to set your mind at rest – check the food hygiene rating.

The food hygiene rating tells you about hygiene standards in restaurants and other food businesses. It’s really easy to check. Just go online and check the Food Standards Agency website: www.food.gov.uk/ratings or if you’re out and about check for the green and black sticker; if you can’t see one, just ask.

The ratings are determined by local authority food safety officers and run from 0-5, with a 5 rating meaning a very good level of food hygiene. 93% of food businesses are rated 3 or better so there are plenty of places with good standards and you can easily avoid taking your family to those not meeting the grade. If you don’t see a green and black sticker in the window or you spot a low rating online, you can make a better informed choice.

Catherine Brown, Chief Executive, Food Standards Agency, agrees: “This Christmas, do this one little thing for peace of mind when eating out. Take a moment to check the food hygiene rating, pick the right place, and enjoy a great meal out.”

Cllr Paul Cox, Hyndburn Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, said, “It’s easy for people in Hyndburn to check hygiene ratings online and choose a restaurant for their Christmas parties that takes food hygiene seriously. This is an important time for local businesses. A good food hygiene rating is something to be proud of. It matters to customers so we are encouraging all businesses in Hyndburn to display their rating and have a prosperous Christmas season.”

For more information, visit www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/hygieneratings

Church: New-look Elmfield Hall now open for business

With over a month passed since Community Solutions North West opened the new look Elmfield Hall at Gatty Park. Church Labour Councillor, Joan Smith, called in to see how the project has developed.

Debora Clark, Managing Director, gave Cllr Smith a update of some of the events and schemes currently underway or planned for the near future.

Ms Clark said, "Coming soon is the launch of our new partnership network for all agencies actively working or wanting to work with us. I have had a lot of conversations over the past 2 years with many of you to see how this can be achieved and we are super excited about this launch – for anyone interested in working more closely with us please contact me and I will forward you more details of how to get involved."

She also added, "Our cafe at Elmfield is now launched and open Saturdays too! Our our range of coffee is also available to purchase to take home for those of you who enjoy ‘proper’ coffee. We have free Wi for workers who require to check emails and for Lancashire County Council workers to access VPN services. Its also a lovely venue to meet friends or clients. Feel free to call for a coffee or lunch and experience the newly refurbished Elmfield Hall in the beautiful grounds of Gatty Park, Hyndburn Road, Accrington BB5 4AA. We are now open for bookings, meetings 6 days a week – Monday to Saturday 10am till 4pm (cafe) and Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for other services at Elmfield Hall and Trafalgar (Trafalgar Street, Burnley).

Community Solutions North West Ltd can be contact several ways, either
http://www.facebook.com/communitysolutionsnw or via Twitter on http://www.twitter.com/CommunitySNW

They can also be contacted by email on info@communitysolutionslancashire.co.uk

Altham: What More presented with Queen's Award for Enterprise

At the Council meeting on 20th November 2014, Councillors showed their appreciation of What More UK Ltd who earlier this year was awarded the Queen’s Award for Industry in the International Trade category.

Established in November 1999, What More UK Limited has grown rapidly to become the UK’s largest manufacturer and brand leader of plastic housewares, gardening and storage products, under the brand name WHAM and now employs over 300 local people. The company has over 1100 product lines currently in the market and is constantly looking to expand its ranges by developing new innovative ideas for the home, from its state-of-the art manufacturing and distribution plants in Accrington (Altham Business Park) and Burnley.

Over recent years, What More UK has been bestowed with many awards including ‘Outstanding Exporter Achievement’ by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, 2013 Regional Award for ‘Environmental Sustainability' and being chosen as one of UKTI’s North West’s Export Champions.

What More currently exports to 48 countries including the Far East. Receiving the Queen’s award is a significant achievement and will enable the company to grow further both at home and overseas. What More UK are market leaders and its products are in all major retailers throughout the UK.

Its success is based on the quality of its people, the quality of the goods it produces the intensity of its investment programme in innovative new products. The company officially received the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2014 from Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, The Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, at a ceremony at their head offices in Lancashire, attended by over a hundred
guests including local Mayors, MPs and local business leaders.

Mr Andy Holt MBE, Managing Director, was present at the Council meeting to hear appreciation from several Councillors of the firm’s achievements.

Altham Councillor Miles Parkinson said, "I'd like to say that their success is down to me being their ward Councillor but we all know that isn't true. It's down to a local firm working hard and expanding which we as a Council want to see in any Hyndburn business. We're so pleased that you continue to employ local people and are proud to have you in Hyndburn."

Lancashire Day 2014

Lancashire Day takes place across the county on Thursday 27th November 2014.

The Town Crier, Rawden Kerr will read the Lancashire Day Proclamation outside Accrington Town Hall at 10.30am along with the Worshipful the Mayor of Hyndburn, Councillor Munsif Dad followed by the raising of the Lancashire Flag.

Traditional Lancashire Delights supplied by Baxenden based Holland’s Pies will be available for free to the general public outside the front  of Accrington Town Hall until lunchtime.

Following this the Town Crier will read the Lancashire Day Proclamation in Great Harwood at 12.00pm by Churchfield House and again at 2.00pm at Parker Street corner in Rishton.

The Mayor Cllr Munsif Dad said, “As a proud Lancastrian and this year as Mayor of Hyndburn I'm looking forwarding to commemorating Lancashire Day on 27th November. Please come along to either of the proclamations if you can, everyone is more than welcome to help us celebrate.”

For more details about Lancashire Day, visit The Friends of Real Lancashire website at www.forl.co.uk.

Huncoat: Spout House Wood activity day - 29th November 2014

Spout House Community Woodland in Huncoat is set to host a seasonal activity day on Saturday 29th November, as part of National Tree Week.

There are a whole range of activities for local families to a take part in, enjoy and help improve their local woodland into the bargain.

There’s a selection of Christmas crafts on offer, with the chance to make Christmas wreaths, stars or angels to take home.  Or you could decorate a woodland tree, get creative and make your own natural decorations.

Materials and tools will be provided for you to make a bird box and there’ll also be the chance to get hands on with woodland thinning to help the existing woodland to progress.

You can also see a beautiful natural shape being carved into a tree.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Council Leader said; “Spout House Community Woodland in Huncoat is looking great, with the new trees and meadow areas developing well. There’s a whole range of seasonal activities for local people to enjoy, so please come along and support the activity day on the 29th November.”

For all activities meet at the meadow across the playing fields from Bolton Ave, Huncoat and please come prepared for all weathers with wellies, warm clothes and waterproofs.

If you have ideas for things you’d like to happen in the woodland or for more information about the activities, please contact Anne Hourican on 01254 388111 or anne.hourican@hyndburnbc.gov.uk

Accrington Christmas Flyer 2014

A special Christmas flyer has been produced by Hyndburn Borough Council to promote Christmas in Accrington and the surrounding wards. This has been posted to every household and is part of a drive to encourage people to see what Accrington has to offer.

Cllr Clare Cleary is Cabinet Member for Town Centres and said, "There is plenty going on in Accrington this Christmas and we want to encourage people to shop local over the festive season. We have just launched Click-and-Collect, the Market will have the splendid Christmas decorations with Santa's Grotto as usual, plus there is the fantastic switch on event on 27th November in the town centre!"

High resolution copies of the pamphlet can be viewed by clicking on the images above.

Church: Ruby Award presented to Bernard Scully

Church resident Bernard Scully has been presented with the Hyndburn Ruby Award for all his voluntary work in the community.

Bernard has been described as the heart and soul of Church. He was brought up in the area and has lived there all his life. He and his wife, Doreen, have devoted much of their time to making Church a better place. He was involved, with Prospects, to transform an unsightly piece of land behind Church Kirk into a garden and picnic site.

He has also been instrumental in transforming Gatty Park into a Green Flag park, with the help of the Parks Team and many volunteers, of which Bernard was one. With Prospects Foundation, a derelict growing compound previously used by the parks department for the production of annual bedding was transformed, with the refurbishment of a semi-derelict nursery glass house and the provision of a polytunnel
as a community food growing area - Gatty Park Community Food Growing Project.

More recently, Bernard founded, with others, the Hyndburn Heritage Museum, now situated in the Arndale Centre. He is Vice-Chair of the Hyndburn Heritage and Community Group which runs the museum and which has proved extremely popular in keeping the heritage of the Hyndburn community alive.

Baxenden: Tiffany artwork to be featured on BBC One

One of the pieces from the Tiffany glass collection at the Haworth Art Gallery in Baxenden is to be featured in a BBC One television programme at the end of November.

Gallery co-ordinator Yvonne Robins said, "I have just received a letter from the BBC to inform me that the second Antiques Roadshow programme recorded at Townley Hall will be transmitted on Sunday 30th November at 8.00pm on BBC One. The programme will feature the Haworth Art Gallery’s Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Mosaic from our Tiffany glass collection."

Baxenden: Sandy Lane Gardening Group receives Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

The Sandy Lane Gardening Group have been presented with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and this was marked at the Council meeting on 20th November 2014.

Cabinet member Ken Moss said, "The group was started in 2009 with the express purpose of helping out at the Sandy Lane garden areas but it now supports Creative Support, a team who assist people with mental health problems and learning difficulties."

He continued, "The group is now totally self-financing and works with other community groups such as Prospects and the Friends of groups. They've raised thousands in grant funding and have won awards at RHS Tatton Flower Show in both 2013 and 2014. This award is the highest possible award for a voluntary group in the UK and on behalf of the Council I would like to thank you for your work and congratulate you all on receiving it."

Secretary of the group, Gerry Burke, said, "We started off looking after 35 square metres but we now have over 150 square metres and we try to help all those people have a better quality of life. 'Eco-therapy' is one of those modern buzz words but we believe that simply medicating and watching Jeremy Kyle is no good to anyone, you need to get out there and do something useful."

Leader's Viewpoint - Cllr Paul Cox - November 2014

Christmas is fast approaching, so if you’re planning to clear out some cupboards and free up some space ready for the season, please remember to recycle as much as you can. We’re happy to help, as we’ll collect and recycle any old paper or card items, plastic bottles or containers, glass jars or bottles along with any clean, dry, clothing or household textiles and household size batteries. All we ask is that you rinse out the containers and wrap the clothing, so it doesn’t get wet. You can also pick up replacement bags, boxes, textile bags and battery bags from Willows Lane.

It’ll soon be time to deck the halls and get the house looking all festive. If you’re thinking of getting a real Christmas tree, don’t forget we can also recycle it in the New Year once the celebrations are over.  Just put your tree, without plastic or lights, where you normally present recycling at the front of your home, along with your recycling containers or bags, on your first recycling collection day after the 6th January and we’ll do the rest.

We’re also embracing new technology to make recycling even easier and you’ll soon be able to download a bin app for smart phones. The app will tell you all about the date of your next collection, which containers you need to put out and what items you can recycle. It will also give you the option to send you a text or email to remind you about what to recycle and when. We’re planning to launch this over the next few months, so we’ll let you know more then.  When we launch the bin app we’ll also enhance our Bulky Waste Collection service so you’ll get a text with an update if you request the service.
As part of our drive to be more environmentally friendly and cut costs, we won’t be reprinting the two yearly recycling calendar and will move this information onto the Council’s website, or you can access it via the new app. Don’t worry if you don’t have access to the internet though, as we’ll be happy to print off your calendar for you, just give us a call.

Whilst the Council suspends normal green waste collections during December, January and February, you can still have your green bin emptied once a fortnight.   Just call us on 01254 388111 to book this service.
And finally, now the wintry weather has really set in, some residents are concerned about tall trees in high winds. That’s why I’m pleased that the Council recently made £10,000 available for a tree maintenance programme. This is something that the Cabinet has been working on for a number of months now and the programme will look at large trees on Council owned land and public highways.

Cllr Paul Cox

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services

White Ribbon Day - 25th November 2014

The White Ribbon Launch will take place on Tuesday 25th November at 9.30am in Accrington Market Hall.

Cabinet Member Cllr Pam Barton said, "I am personally really excited about celebrating White Ribbon Day.  The White Ribbon Campaign takes a unique approach.  It encourages people to promote a change of attitude, using your voice to raise awareness and make a stand against gender-based violence."

Photographs taken on the day by HBC will form part of a social media campaign and will be tweeted for the following 16 days signalling our commitment and raising awareness of this campaign. Residents are encouraged to visit http://www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk/makepledge and join thousands of people around the world making a commitment to play their part in standing up to condemn violence against women.

If you would like to discuss any of this further please do not hesitate to contact Cllr Barton on 01254 380989.

Get set for Christmas in Hyndburn

Townships will be sparkling soon, with the switching on of thousands of Christmas lights across the borough.

Accrington’s spectacular Christmas light switch on will take place on Thursday 27th November. The evening will feature entertainment on stage outside the Market Hall from 6pm and after the big switch to light up the town, there’ll be a spectacular firework extravaganza and the shops will stay open late for a spot of late night Christmas shopping.

Township switch on events are also set to take place, starting on Tuesday 25th November at Clayton-le-Moors, Wednesday 26th November in Oswaldtwistle, Monday 1st December in Huncoat, Tuesday 2nd December in Church, Wednesday 3rd December in Milnshaw, Thursday 4th December in Baxenden, Friday 5th December in  Rishton, Friday 5th December in Great Harwood and Monday 15th December in Altham, with various things planned at different events to get you feeling festive.

Santa’s Grotto also opens Saturday 6th December, so take the children for a traditional Christmas treat to see Santa and his elves in the winter wonderland grotto at Accrington Market Hall.

Cllr Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Town Centres said; “Bring the family into Accrington on the 27th   November for the big switch on. Its set to be a fabulous event with a great programme of entertainment and a spectacular firework display and heralds the start of lots of festive events during November and December.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson Council Leader added; “ It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with all the switch on’s around the borough, including the Accrington spectacular.  Please bring the family into Accrington for the big switch on and also come along and support your local community switch on event. Many thanks also to all the Councillors and members of each community, who have worked hard to organise these local township events.”

See www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk for details of Christmas events in the borough.

Rishton: Provision of Superfast Broadband

A question was submitted on notice by a resident to the Leader of the Council, Miles Parkinson, regarding provision of superfast broadband in Rishton.

A Council spokesman said, "Lancashire County Council are leading on the ‘Superfast Lancashire’ project and BT is their contractor for the rollout programme. For the installation of the majority of on-street broadband infrastructure (the green boxes, etc) then BT don’t have to seek our permission they just advise us they are going to do the work and then get on with it."

A website has been set up for residents to check on the status of their superfast broadband availability in their area: www.superfastlancashire.com

The Rishton postcode has been checked and the website is saying the following:

Your area is enabled for Superfast Fibre but your cabinet is not ready yet so you can’t place an order today. It is in our plans to be upgraded and we update this info weekly, so please check back later.

Residents are able to register their interest on the website and get notified when they are accepting orders.

HBC: Councillors to attend White Ribbon seminar

Hyndburn Borough Council has arranged for a Councillors' seminar featuring Chris Green as part of White Ribbon's campaign to end violence against women.

Chris Green is Director of White Ribbon Campaign UK which engages men in speaking out about violence against women. He has developed an award scheme for municipalities to grant white ribbon status for involving men in White Ribbon activities.

From 2005-2008 he was a member of the Council of Europe Task Force to combat Violence against Women, and a member of the World Health Organisation’s Violence Prevention Alliance. He is a trustee of and sits on the advisory board of White Ribbon Scotland. In 2007 he was awarded the title Ultimate Man of the Year by Cosmopolitan Magazine for his work on anti-violence strategies.

He is a member of the UK End Violence Against Women Expert Advisory Group and the End Violence against Women Prevention Working Party. He is a member of the Association of Chief Police Officers Voluntary Sector Advisory Group and the National Institute for Clinical and Health Excellence
Programme Development Group on Domestic Violence. In 2012 his training in engaging men in challenging violence against women included British Council in Istanbul, Oxfam in Lebanon, and World Wide
Association of Girl Guides in Antwerp.

The Rhymes of No Man's Land - 29th November 2014

All residents are invited to The Rhymes of No Man’s Land at St James’ Church, Accrington at 7.00pm on Saturday 29th November. The event, which is part of Mid Pennine Art’s project Truce, is collaboration with Lancashire County Council Up for Arts programme and is an evening of song, performance and visual art commemorating the Christmas Truces of 1914 and the organisation has teamed up with Spring Hill School who will be performing a song written especially for the event.

Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance. You can either collect them from Accrington Library or book them on the Eventbrite page https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-rhyme-of-no-mans-land-tickets-14193542267

Baxenden: Free events at Haworth Art Gallery on 22nd and 23rd November 2014

Shown above is an invitation to the launch of Dennis Duckworth – A Retrospective in Style which will take place at Haworth Art Gallery on Hollins Lane in Baxenden on Saturday 22nd November at 12.00pm.

On Sunday 23rd November there is also a FREE concert by Derek Lang and Tommy Young at 2.00pm.

There is no need to book for either events, but please come along early!

Lancashire Constabulary Online Reporting

Lancashire Constabulary have launched their online reporting microsite. This site has been developed in response to the public's expectation to be able to report matters to the police online. The initial release will offer the public six options:

• Report an Incident or Crime
• Lost and Found Property
• Contact An Officer
• Recruitment
• Compliments
• Complaints

The new site can be found here:

https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/

Grassroots Football: A Matter of Life and Death - 21st November 2014

Join the Houses of Parliament Outreach Service at the home of Accrington Stanley FC on Friday 21st November at 7.00pm as they debate, discuss and seek ways to increase dialogue amongst Parliamentarians, lobbyists, campaigners and football enthusiasts about the way grassroots football is organised, governed and financed in this country.

Speakers at the event will include:
·     Graham Jones MP for Hyndburn and a member of the All Party Parliamentary Football Group
·     David Crausby MP for Bolton North East (originator of the e-petition ‘save grassroots football’)
·     Kevin Rye - Supporters Direct
·     Kenny Saunders from the 'Save Grassroots Football Campaign'

Other speakers to be announced. Entry is free and food will be served.

An eye-watering £835 million was spent by Premier League football clubs during the last transfer window; £757 million was spent building Wembley Stadium; £105 million has been spent on St George’s Park training complex; football seems awash with money! Yet, amateur and grassroots football leagues up and down the country are dying because of rising costs and poor facilities, as more and more young people turn their backs away from playing our national game.

How can we improve the state of grassroots and amateur football for the long term benefit of football in this country? How can grassroots football be saved?

If you care at all about the future of grassroots football in the UK, come along and let your feelings, opinions and recommendations be known.

To reserve your place go to https://grassrootsfootball.eventbrite.co.uk