Hyndburn Summer Fun 2014

A booklet packed with fun activities for children and young people to enjoy in Hyndburn over the summer is now available.

The booklet, produced by Hyndburn Children and Young Peoples Trust, in partnership with Lancashire County Council and Hyndburn Borough Council has a whole host of things to keep young people entertained over the summer, including swimming, football, performing arts, gymnastics, trampoline sessions, dance and arts and crafts.

The booklet, which has been distributed to every school child in Hyndburn, provides a calendar with hundreds of activities for children and young people to take part in over the summer holidays. Featuring the Holiday Zone at Hyndburn Leisure Centre, drama projects at the Civic Arts Centre and for teenagers at “The Zone”, plus a range of activities for younger children.

Councillor Ken Moss, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families said, “Following the success of the scheme in previous years we were keen to promote the fantastic range and quality of facilities and events in the borough.”

Councillor Jenny Nedwell, a member of the Children’s Trust Board added, “The Children’s Trust have produced the brochure to help keep you informed over the summer holidays.  Whatever your age, whatever your interests, whatever the weathers doing, we’re sure there’s something there you’ll enjoy.”

Rishton: Accrington Camera Club

Accrington Camera Club is a group of friendly and enthusiastic photographers pursuing all aspects of image capture. They welcome all levels of photographers, from complete beginners to advanced workers, and have a wide range of experiences which we willingly share. This experience comes from their own photographers, darkroom workers and digital image workers.

They produce all styles of images, from 'record' (e.g. images of buildings) through to 'salon' style digital manipulated work, in both mono and colour, utilising many types of cameras from basic compact cameras up to professional DSLRs.

The group meet at Primetime on Stourton Street in Rishton and the website for the camera club can be found here:

Accrington Camera Club

Magnificent Seven Green Flags for Hyndburn

A magnificent seven green spaces in Hyndburn are among the best in the country and have been presented with the prestigious Green Flag Award for green space excellence.

Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium, along with Wilson Playing Fields and Woodlands, Lowerfold, Cutwood, Oakhill, Mercer and Gatty Parks have each been awarded a Green Flag - a sign to visitors that they are well-maintained and well-managed, with excellent facilities.

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Parks said, “A lot of hard work, by a lot of people has gone into getting these Green Flags and their award is a testament to the sterling job done by the many community groups and staff involved. The fact that we now have seven sites, holding the prestigious Green Flag is great news for everyone, as this shows that they are well managed and maintained, welcoming, safe for users and have good links with the local community.”

Cllr Moss added; “A big thank you should go to the Friends and other support groups associated with the parks such as Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, PROSPECTS, Hyndburn Athletics Club, Residents Associations, the Local History Society and our dedicated parks, cemetery and crematorium staff who all worked so hard to make these magnificent seven sites reach the high standards to get Green Flag status.”

Central: Dirty back yard on Malt Street

Central ward Councillor, Abdul Khan, has been contacted regarding rubbish accumulating in the rear yard of an address on Malt Street which is attracting flies.

Cllr Khan has documented the case with photographs and this is now being dealt with by the relevant department within Hyndburn Borough Council to get the tenants to clean the property up.

Rishton: Canalside development plans move forward

A development plan for the canal corridor through Rishton is currently in the process of being drawn up. The masterplan will look at developing the canalside areas in a holistic manner which will require any future planning applications to compliment each other and be in the best interests of Rishton's future.

Cllr Ken Moss put a motion to full Council in 2013 to secure funding for the project and fellow ward Councillor, Clare Cleary, has now taken up the baton and is moving forward with the scheme.

Cllr Cleary, Cabinet member for Housing, said, "This is a great scheme and I am excited to take it to the next stage. We are sitting on bags of untapped potential along the canal and with so much undeveloped land at the moment it makes sense to state what we want from it rather than leaving it purely in the hands of property developers."

Leader of HBC, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said, "Along the canal we have a number of sites in the Rishton area that offer the potential for some very attractive canal side housing.  The Council has recently agreed to fund a development brief that should help to stimulate the market and attract the interest of developers. The brief will be completed by December this year."

Noisy Neighbours

Recent issues with noisy neighbours in the borough have prompted action from both the police and Labour Councillors.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for environment issues, said; "We take the issue of noise nuisance very seriously and will use all the powers available to us to tackle it, even seizing equipment where people ignore requests to keep the noise to acceptable levels. In this case Enforcement officers had served an Abatement Notice on Blaize Young which was subsequently breached.  Therefore they applied for a Warrant to Enter and seize equipment, which was granted by Blackburn Magistrates on Friday 18th July. Enforcement officers acted on the same day, entering and seizing equipment, in the in presence of police officers."

Hyndburn Lights Out - 4th August 2014

Hyndburn people are invited to take part in a national ‘Lights Out’ event on 4th August, at the Accrington Pals Memorial on Church St, Accrington, to mark the centenary of the outbreak of World War One.

‘The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.’ Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary, uttered these words on the eve of Britain officially entered the First World War. Exactly 100 years later the Royal British Legion are inviting millions of individuals, households and companies to join together in a national moment of reflection.

They’re encouraging everyone in the UK to turn off their lights between 10pm and 11pm on 4 August 2014 – leaving only a single light or candle for this symbolic act of reflection and hope.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, encouraged local people to take part, saying, “The Royal British Legion hopes to light one million candles across the UK to remember each and every one of those Service men and women who gave their lives in the war to end all wars. Please come along and take part in the Hyndburn Lights Out event at the Accrington Pals memorial from 10pm -11.15 pm.”

The Accrington Royal British Legion, with help from the Accrington Pals Centenary Working group, will be lighting candles as a mark of remembrance and respect on 4th August . Several members of Accrington Pipe band and the British Legion Standard Bearers will be in attendance.

William Turner Plaque to be unveiled - 4th August 2014

A plaque dedicated to the memory of famous local Accrington Pals historian, William ‘Bill’ Turner, will be unveiled on Monday 4th August at 4.15pm in the Richard Ainsworth Room, Accrington Library by his wife Mrs. Ruth Turner.

The plaque is to acknowledge the huge time and effort Bill Turner spent on researching information about the Accrington Pals in order to preserve the memory of the Pals for prosperity and which he used to write his book ‘The Accrington Pals’.

Bill Turner was a local expert on the history of the Accrington Pals and had worked closely with members of Accrington Library and the location of the plaque reflects his time spent there.

Mrs Turner, a member of the Accrington Pals working group, said; 'I’m so pleased and proud that Bill’s lifelong work of chronicling the history of the Accrington Pals and recognition for their bravery is to be marked in this way. It’s especially poignant that the plaque is  installed on this day and in this year,  the centenary of  the outbreak of World War One. Also that it will be  in Accrington Library, a place very close to Bill’s heart, as it’s where he spent so much time researching the Pals.”

Mrs Turner will be joined by her family, other members of the Accrington Pals Working group, Library staff, the Mayor and Consort and other dignitaries at the unveiling.

Election 2015: Hyndburn Labour campaign underway

Candidates how now been selected by the Labour party across Hyndburn for the local elections in 2015 and campaigning is underway in earnest, with canvassing taking place in all wards.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones will also be defending his parliamentary seat and has been campaigning in the borough each week along with Labour colleagues.

Local and national elections take place on 7th May 2015.

Rishton: Local burglars caught in the act

Over the course of Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July, the Petre Estate has been a target for vehicle and property crime. A second Rishton burglar was caught in the act in Clayton Le Moors.

A police report sent to the Rishton Councillors stated that the offenders have now been caught and stolen items recovered. They have both been charged with over eleven offences and were remanded to appear in court on Monday 21st July.

Rishton Councillor, Ken Moss, said, "This is a good result for our local police. We have had a crime wave recently, largely believed to have been caused by a small number of individuals, so the fact that they have been caught will be a relief to many."

He added, "Information is key to solving crimes and catching people. Please do get in touch if you have any information, everything will be treated in confidence."

Spring Hill: Dog owner convicted for pet fouling

An Accrington man who allowed his dogs to foul on two separate occasions on Ormerod St, Accrington, has been convicted in court and ordered to pay over £500 in fines and costs.

Council officers saw Nigel Hesmondhalgh, of Ormerod St Accrington, with his three dogs, none of which were on a lead, allowing one of the dogs to foul the garden area outside Scaitcliffe House and also on a grass verge further up the street. Mr Hesmondhalgh  failed to pick up the mess on  both occasions.

The incidents were recorded on CCTV and Mr Hesmondhalgh was issued with two fixed penalty notices, which he failed to pay.  He also ignored several attempts to talk to Enforcement Officers about the incidents and failed to turn up in court and so was convicted in his absence of  failing to remove his dog’s faeces from a designated area under Article 3 of the  Borough of Hyndburn (Fouling of Land ) Order 2007.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said “There is no excuse for not picking up after your dog; we have plenty of dog bins around the borough. This case highlights that there is an irresponsible minority who fail to pick up faeces left by dogs in public places, which is not only unpleasant but can also transmit disease to other dogs and humans.  This case sends a strong message to irresponsible dog owners; we take a tough line on this kind of offence and will take people to court if necessary.  We also offer £50 rewards to people if their information leads to a successful prosecution for dog fouling as part of the Councils drive to tackle this issue.”

Residents are offered £50 rewards for information on dog owners who allow their pets to foul public spaces, as part of the Councils drive to tackle dog fouling.

Last year, 100 extra dog bins were placed around the Borough, bringing the total to 300, with another 54 in parks.  Free bags for owners to use to clear up their dog waste are available from Scaitcliffe House Reception and Willows Lane Depot Reception.

Several fixed penalty notices have also been issued by police community support officers in Clayton-le-Moors in recent months.

If the information provided leads to either a successful prosecution or the issuing of a Fixed Penalty Notice, then, subject to criteria and guidelines, the Council will give the resident who reported it £50.

To report anyone you witness allowing their dog to foul in a public place or any other dog related offence, please call the Council on 01254 388111 or visit www.hyndburnbc.go.uk.

Baxenden: Summer Exhibitions launch on 26th July 2014

A new exhibition is about to open at Haworth Art Gallery in Baxenden.

Bollywood Posters (from Blackburn Museum), paintings by Elizabeth Crabtree, photography by Clare Drew, plus a history of the Stables and Motor House compiled by UCLAN students and research volunteers and photographs of the Stables as they are now taken by students from Hollins Technology School with the assistance of members of Accrington Camera Club.

This summer, the Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington, offers not one, but two fascinating exhibitions to enthral your senses and excite your mind!

The launch of these exhibitions will take place on Saturday 26th July at 12 noon with the Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr. Munsif Dad, and there will be free family activities, workshops and a variety of refreshments from onion bhajis to chocolate brownies, all-in-all, a fabulous, free, family day out! The exhibitions will then run until Sunday 14th September.

Accrington Pals Western Front Tour 2016

Details are attached of a tour that has been arranged of the Somme, in the centenary year, 2016. This is for local people and it is hoped that the Mayor and Mayoress will be part of this tour.

ABOUT THE PROPOSED TOUR
This three-night tour of the Western Front will look at the role of the Accrington Pals in
the Great War, particularly the Battle of the Somme. It will provide a chance for family
members to visit sites associated with loved ones while also looking at the wider
background to the conflict. We will be staying in comfortable 3 star hotels in the
famous towns of Ypres and Arras, and travelling by luxury coach.

The Guide on our tour will be Historical Trips co-founder and director Nigel Jones,
author of 'The War Walk: A Journey along the Western Front'. Nigel's father Frank
Jones served on Haig's staff as a shorthand writer during the war, and his uncle,
Rifleman Ernest Jones, was killed near Ypres, aged 18 in 1915. Nigel has been visiting
the battlefields since childhood, and is an authority on the Great War. We would, of
course, also welcome your own input and any expertise your members undoubtedly
have on the Accrington Pals in particular.

KEY FACTS
Price per person (based on a couple sharing a room) - £475
Single person supplement - £75

The tour price includes:
• Coach from and back to Accrington
• All museum fees
• 3 nights hotel accommodation in 3 star hotels
• Breakfast and dinner

To add an extra day (4 nights accommodation) please add £100 to these costs.

ACCOMMODATION
Ypres – Eg. Novotel
Arras – Eg. Hotel l'Univers
 
ABOUT HISTORICAL TRIPS
Historical Trips was founded by Michael Ivey and historians, Nigel Jones and Roger
Moorhouse. We specialise in organising WWI and WWII battlefield tours. Nigel Jones
is a recognised authority on the First World War and has guided many tours to the
WWI battlefields. His classic book, ʻThe War Walk: A Journey along the Western
Frontʼ, is useful background reading.
 
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Historical Trips is a member of the Travel Trust Association (number U8438) and has
an ATOL Licence (T7382). All tour bookings receive 100% financial protection.
 
PROVISIONAL ITINERARY
The itinerary below is provisional and can be changed to suit. We can add requests to
visit other sites of interest to those travelling as we receive them. The itinerary can be
fleshed out with an extra day to incorporate more time on the Somme and a visit to
Cambrai and the excavated British tank, ʻDeborahʼ.


June 29
Our coach will leave Accrington at 9.00am for the journey to the channel tunnel. En
route we stop for lunch before making the Channel crossing. Nigel Jones will give an
introductory lecture on board the coach called ʻThe Coming of the Great Warʼ. We
arrive in Ypres in the early evening, check into our hotel and attend the ʻLast Postʼ
ceremony at the MENIN GATE MEMORIAL. We then return to our hotel for dinner.

July 30
We check out of our hotel and visit the IN FLANDERS FIELDS MUSEUM, Ypres. We
then drive towards Arras making pit stops at PLOEGSTEERT ('Plug Street') and OPPY
WOODS where the East. Lancs Regt (aka Accrington Pals) were in action. We have
lunch and check into our Arras hotel. We will visit the Underground Warfare museum
at WELLINGTON QUARRY in the afternoon and return to our hotel for dinner.
 
July 1
We rise early for breakfast and drive to SHEFFIELD PARK MEMORIAL at SERRE to
be in position in a preserved front line trench by 7.30am, 100 years to the second after
the Pals went over the top to launch their attack on the fortified village of SERRE. We
lay a wreath at the ACCRINGTON PALS MEMORIAL and en route we stop at AYETTE
(cemetery) and COLINCAMPS village where the Pals were billeted as they marched
towards the Somme. Later in the morning we present the Pals' Roll of Honour to the
Mayor of Serre. We have lunch at Ocean Villas Cafe, AUCHONVILLERS, and visit the
excavated trench in the cafe's back garden. After lunch we tour the Somme battlefield
including NEWFOUNDLAND MEMORIAL PARK, THIEPVAL MEMORIAL and
LOCHNAGAR CRATER. We return to Arras for dinner at our hotel.
 
July 2
We depart our hotel for the return trip to Accrington, stopping for lunch and arriving
back in Accrington in the early evening

Bookings are being taken by Nick Collingridge at Mercer House, so if you would like to book, contact him
-        Email - mercer1842@hotmail.co.uk
-        Tel. 01254 659427

Leader's Viewpoint - Mayor Munsif Dad - July 2014

Proud!  That’s how I, my fellow Councillors and the many people who came to Accrington or saw the Freedom Parade in the media felt to see the spectacular march in Accrington on the first of July.

It was a beautiful sunny day and the route was lined with thousands of Hyndburn folk, including lots of local schoolchildren, smiling, clapping, cheering, waving their Union Jack flags and giving The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment a loud, warm and totally rapturous welcome.

It was a big day in Hyndburn’s rich history and one which will live long in the minds and hearts of all those who were part of it. It was a day to make you proud whether you were in the Parade or in the crowds and what a year to have the honour and privilege of being Hyndburn’s Mayor.

I felt so proud because so many people came to Accrington and  so many of my fellow Mayors from across Lancashire joined me to see The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment exercise their Freedom of the Borough, highlighting the deep respect and support which exists across Hyndburn and across both Lancashire and the North West for the Regiment.

I’m also proud because I’ve been lucky to witness first-hand the immense professionalism of the Regiment, reflected in each of the 120 kingsmen of the 1st Battalion who represented the Regiment at the Freedom Parade.

The Regiment has a rich and distinguished history which can be traced back to the 1680. Known now as ‘The Lions of England,’ the Regiment’s predecessors have been involved in many historic events, including The American War of Independence, Waterloo, The Crimean War and of course both World Wars.
During the Great War, the Regiment’s antecedents raised 176 battalions with 109 of those battalions seeing active service overseas, earning 124 battle honours and 43 Victoria Crosses.

One of those battalions was the 11th (Service) Battalion (Accrington), The East Lancashire Regiment, who we know locally as the Accrington Pals. On 1st July 1916, over 700 Accrington Pals left their trenches with the objective of capturing the village of Serre, suffering huge losses with many of their number wounded or killed, leaving hardly any family locally untouched.  On that day, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the British Army suffered almost 60,000 casualties.

Prior to the Freedom Parade we attended St John the Evangelist Church, where the Accrington Pals chapel is located, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the Accrington Pals and of the sacrifices that continue to be made by our Armed Forces in protecting our freedoms.

During the Second World War, the Regiment’s predecessors once again distinguished themselves, raising 67 battalions, earning 108 battle honours, including the ‘Normandy Landing’ battle honour for their role in capturing the initial beachheads on the D-Day landings, and 2 VCs

In more recent regimental history, the 1st July is an important date as it was on this date in 2006 that The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment was formed, following the merger of the The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment,  The King’s Regiment and The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, .

Because of them, I and countless others, feel so proud.  The Freedom Parade on 1st July showed that the bonds between the civilian and armed forces communities remain strong and why the Armed of Forces of the United Kingdom are respected and revered around the world. It also created lots of happy memories which will stay with us all forever.

Six ways to cut your energy bills with Warm Homes Hyndburn

Hyndburn residents still have the chance to cut energy bills and improve energy efficiency in their homes, thanks to an innovative partnership with the Council, Hyndburn Homewise and Dyson Energy Services.

The Council and its partners have come up with a range of energy money saving packages in response to the changing energy market.

The refreshed scheme will see qualifying households provided with free loft and cavity wall insulation and will also include other money saving packages such as; free solar panel systems to suitable households, a range of flexible finance options to help purchase a new A rated boiler and will help residents take advantage of the new government initiative, the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund.

Residents could also save up to £365 on energy bills by switching supplier with the Council backed, Community Switching scheme. Community Switch provides a free service to help you compare prices and make switching easy. No paperwork and no hassle!

Councillor Clare Cleary welcomed the revised energy efficiency packages for the scheme saying; “These new offers could help householders significantly reduce the cost of their energy bills. Please act now to take advantage of the offers before the cold winter weather arrives.”

Residents should ring Homewise on 01254 232 249 or alternatively call in to see them at 2/4 Whalley Road, Accrington BB5 1AA.  Homewise are acting as the ‘point of referral’ for all households.

Milnshaw: Presentation on proposed development at Hameldon Mill

On Wednesday 16th July, Milnshaw’s Labour Councillor, Paul Cox, attended a brief presentation put forward by a development company looking to transform a largely unused area of Laneside into a new housing development.

Cllr Cox said, "I thought it prudent to go along to this presentation because it both signifies a potential huge development with Milnshaw and will also affect many residents in the local area."

The proposed development is still at a very early stage, with possible adjustments still to be made. However the new developer, working with the sites current owners, arranged this presentation to allow members and officers the chance to see how the site can be delivered.

Paul Cox added, "I must thank the developers for allowing me the chance to have a look at this project, it’s just a shame that I was the only representative from Milnshaw at the meeting."

The new developers will now look to present a full planing application on the proposed site.

Milnshaw: Councillor Paul Cox and Ray Smith Charity Bike Ride from Liverpool to Leeds 10-11th July - Day 1



Day 1



Stanley Dock

Outside Stanley Dock Liverpool



Wigan Pier

Wheelton







Passing Through Blackburn

End of Day 1 the halfway point in Church

The ride stated outside a welding workshop round the corner was a passage way through red brick wall, which lead to the Stanley Dock branch of the Leeds Liverpool canal. Pushing the bicycles over the first lock was the start of our journey.  

We rode alongside some expensive houses which shortly lead out into the countryside. The towpath from Liverpool to Wigan was part good, part grass and grass with narrow wheel ruts. There was a lot of arable land round the Burscough area with potato, cabbage and corn. Our second stop was the start of the Wigan Locks. 

On our way up the many locks, we passed a spot recognised as Wigan Pier with a little bit of history on the pier. After Wigan the land was mainly for cattle, sheep and a few horses. The paths being dry but still with bumps and rutted tracks, they  were more ride able being dry rather than wet slippery and  muddy as they had been on our practice rides. A couple of hours after Wigan we approached the more recognised areas of Chorley then Blackburn. Then finally after 8 hours we ended our first day’s ride at the halfway point of the canal near to Church Kirk - 63.50 miles in total.

Back home I thought a bath would be relaxing, I ran the water in the bath got in then jumped back out after realising my legs had a touch of sunburn, however more cold water sorted that out.

Spring Hill: PACT meeting on Clifton Street

Spring Hill and Central ward Councillors Pam Barton, Mohammed Ayub and Abdul Khan have held a PACT meeting with residents on Clifton Street. Members of the Fire service were also present as well as attendees from Early Break.

Please contact your local Labour Councillor if you have any issues you want to discuss.

Lancashire Growth Deal 2014

The Lancashire Growth Deal is a 6-year package of new investment worth over £370m, agreed between Government and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which will realise the growth potential of the whole of Lancashire. It is made up of £234m from the Competitive Local Growth Fund and £140m from public sector partners and the private sector.

The Lancashire Growth Deal aims to create between 3,500 and 5,000 new jobs and safeguard almost 3,000 jobs, as well as the delivery of between 3,200 and 5,500 new homes and between 120,000m2 and 200,000m2 of new commercial floorspace.

Government and the LEP have agreed to co-invest in 13 jointly agreed priorities:

• Blackburn to Bolton Rail Corridor: This project will deliver line improvements to support an enhanced train frequency between Darwen, Blackburn, Ribble Valley and Manchester, thus supporting greater commuting journeys into Manchester and improved opportunities for those travelling into Lancashire from Greater Manchester.
• Blackburn Town Centre Improvement: The project comprises a range of small scale interventions linked to the Blackburn Town Centre Transport Strategy and will underpin existing town centre developments, including the Cathedral Quarter and the Freckleton Street Knowledge Zone.
• Boost: Further investment for business support co-ordination through Lancashire's established business growth hub.
• Centenary Way Viaduct Maintenance, Burnley: The project will bring about essential maintenance and repairs to this key bridge structure in Burnley, enabling it to operate to full capacity and support town centre growth.
• Burnley - Pendle Growth Corridor: This project targets junction and other transport improvements to release additional site capacity and enable quicker movement of goods, services and people through this key economic corridor.
• Blackpool Bridges Maintenance: The project will repair 11 defective bridge structures across Blackpool which are either failing or have restrictions placed on them, thus ensuring key corridors to the resort remain open.
• Blackpool Heritage Visitor Attraction: The project will create a new tourist attraction based around Blackpool's resort heritage, proposed for the Winter Gardens.
• Blackpool Integrated Traffic Management: The project will provide an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) that will reduce pedestrian/vehicle conflict on the Promenade by offering alternative routes and improving public transport performance, whilst supporting the illuminations and other event management.
• East Lancashire Cycle Network: This project will enable better cycle access between major residential areas and places of employment.
• Lancashire FE Skills Capital: A programme of investment in Energy and Engineering facilities and estate renewal of poor quality college accommodation.
• Lancaster Health Innovation Park: This project will establish new facilities and a test space for companies carrying out product and service development in collaboration with the university and healthcare bodies.
• M55 to St Annes Link Road: The project will provide a new road connecting the south of Blackpool to the north of St Annes, creating a positive impact upon future employment sites (including Whitehills and Blackpool Airport), new housing growth (Heyhouses) and the visitor economy, including future hosting of the R&A Open Golf Championships.
• Preston City Centre to Bus Station Improvements: The project will enable the extension of the Fishergate public realm improvements from their current point to the bus station, integrating the city's two public transport hubs and supporting future development and modernisation of both the rail and bus stations and a greater number of journeys.
• Preston Western Distributor: This project will link the A583/A584 to the motorway network via a new junction (Junction 2) on the M55, improving access to the Warton site of the Lancashire EZ and enabling the comprehensive development of the North West Preston strategic housing location.
• A6 Broughton Bypass: This project will provide critical congestion relief on the A6 to the north of Preston, also unlocking housing sites and enabling full development of new and future employment sites in Preston East.
• Blackpool Town Centre Green Corridors: This project will create green infrastructure corridors to Blackpool Town Centre, improving gateway and arrival points into the town itself.
• Blackpool to Fleetwood Tramway Extension: This project will extend the existing Blackpool tram network to Blackpool North Railway Station, creating seamless rail provision for visitors to Blackpool and residents of the Fylde Coast.
• Darwen East Distributor Route: This project will provide a new road that will support significant new housing development to the east of Darwen.

Overton: Wall in need of repair at Churchfield House

A damaged wall at Churchfield House in Great Harwood has been reported for repair by Cllr Kerry Molineux and Leader of HBC Cllr Miles Parkinson.

It is hoped that the damaged section will be attended to very shortly.

Graham Jones MP begins election campaign for 2015

MP for Hyndburn, Graham Jones, has been out canvassing ahead of next year's local and general election. Graham was first elected to parliament in 2010 and has the full backing of the Labour group in Hyndburn to continue as representative for the borough.

Graham and various Labour Councillors have already been campaigning in Knuzden, St Oswalds and Baxenden, with each of the townships to follow over the next few months. Positive responses for Graham and the Labour group as a whole have been encouraging, particularly in traditionally Conservative strongholds such as Baxenden where support for Peter Britcliffe and the local Tories would appear to have waned considerably.

Selections are now complete for all Labour candidates and profiles will be posted online in the near future.

LCC: Changes to Hyndburn bus service 20/21

Lancashire County Council have announced that there will be a change to the 20 and 21 services in Hyndburn.

• 20/21 Accrington - Great Harwood - Blackburn - Oswaldtwistle -Blackburn 

From 21st July 2014 Pilkington's Accrington Ltd will withdraw all journeys on this service. Alternative services, provided by Transdev Lancashire United and M & M Coaches, are available throughout the route.

Netherton: Community Cleanup is a success

A community cleanup day in Great Harwood has been hailed as a success by both residents and local Councillors as skips were provided for collected waste around the area.

Cllr Noordad Aziz said, "We had a great community clean up with 6 skips filled to the brim and over 200 residents got involved. At least 10 residents said it was exactly what was required and they were really pleased with it."

Accrington house prices second cheapest in England

A new Halifax survey has shown that Accrington is the second cheapest place to live in England, results showing that properties in Accrington have a value of £935 per square metre.

Councillor Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Housing, commented, “The average house price figures can give a distorted picture in a place like Hyndburn because we have such a large number of smaller two bedroomed terraced houses, and these are often at the lower end of the price range.  This does not mean, of course, that the housing market is different here from anywhere else in the North of England, simply that the larger number of smaller houses sold in the area impacts on the statistics.“

Councillor Cleary added, “According to the latest figures published by the land registry the average price for a house in the area is £99,300. The upside of having a predominantly terraced stock is that it is still possible for people to buy a relatively affordable house. Having said that, we have put a lot of effort in over the past few years, talking to developers about diversifying the housing stock by building more three and four bedroomed houses in the area. Right now, we have active discussions with developers about several sites across the Borough where we expect this sort of development to take place. This is exactly what happened along Blackburn Road in Accrington where we demolished some of the old terraces and replaced them with newer larger houses. These have proved very popular with buyers and virtually everything that has been built there over the past three years has sold within months of going up for sale.”

HBC Industrial Action - 10th July 2014

A national day of industrial action on Thursday 10th July will affect Hyndburn Council services.

A number of important services such as general waste collection (excluding recycling which will be collected on the next due date), street cleansing, Accrington Market, and the Great Harwood and Accrington Leisure Centres are expected to remain open.
 
However, the one-day strike called by local government trade unions will mean some services will be reduced and, as a consequence, the Council’s contact centre, including the main switchboard, will be closed. Accrington Town Hall reception will also be closed although the Council’s main office at Scaitcliffe House, Ormerod Street should be open from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm on the day.

The Council would like to apologise for any inconvenience or disruption caused.  This is a 24 hour industrial action and normal services will resume on Friday 11th July.

Milnshaw: Cllr Paul Cox starts 2015 election campaign

Milnshaw Councillor Paul Cox, who is also Cabinet member for Waste Services, has started his campaign for re-election in 2015 and has been out visiting residents to see if they have any problems.

Paul has been a valued asset to both the Council and the Labour group since his election in 2011 and has the full support of his colleagues for the 2015 election.

Accrington Pals Concert - 3rd August 2014

The Accrington Pals included a significant number of recruits from Burnley and Chorley.

 

In the magnificent surroundings of the Great Hall at Towneley Hall on Sunday afternoon, 3rd August starting at 2.00pm the East Lancashire Concert Band (Formerly "Accrington Old Band" who led the Pals recruitment parade in September 1914), will be marking the centenary of the eve of the Great War.

 

They will perform a concert of WW1 music. Admission is free and open seating is offered on a first come, first served basis:

http://www.eastlancsconcertband.org/forthcoming-and-past-events.html

 

You may also be interested in the large number of wooden crosses already laid at the side of the driveway leading to the Hall. Many of these will bear the name of a Pal. On Monday 4th August from 9.00pm free parking will be made available for anyone wishing to take part in a torch lit walk up to the War Memorial.

Soon after 10.00pm crosses will be laid by descendants of those named followed by ceremonial activities and a service.

The band's Chairman, Alan Isherwood, has agreed to play the Last Post at 10.58pm and at the end of two minutes silence will sound Reveille.

BBC TV "Events" plan to broadcast this. For more details click

http://www.burnleyinthegreatwar.info/littlechildrenweak.htm

Huncoat: HBC aiming to refurbish Station Road park

Independent Councillor Dave Parkins has raised concerns that a park in Huncoat is currently not fit for purpose and is getting a £100,000 revamp. Dave said he has been working with council officers on this and has said there is currently a consultation ongoing with residents over what they would like to see in the play area.

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet member for parks said, "The Council is looking to refurbish the play area at Station Road recreation ground in Huncoat but it is at the very early stages. We are is currently consulting local children and residents about the type of play equipment which could be used. Design proposals will be then be formulated and considered along with suitable sources of funding. Once a proposal has been firmed up residents and local children will be consulted again to gauge their views.”  

Huncoat: Meadow Magic events in July at Spout House Wood

Hyndburn people are invited to come along and help to improve their woodland and make some
meadow magic at Spout House Community Woodland this month.

Wednesday evening 16th July from 6pm – 8pm, ‘Spread the meadow’. Help our lovely wildflowers to expand into a new patch near the existing meadow and preparing the new space for wildflowers. Over 12 years only please.

Sunday afternoon 20th July, from 2pm – 4pm, ‘Meadow magic’. Come and collect wildflower seed and learn all about the butterflies in the meadow. Why not bring a picnic to enjoy afterwards or go for a walk around the woods. This event is family friendly and all children must be with an adult please.

Monday morning, 28th July, 10.30am – 2.30pm, ‘Woodland gateways’. Join other conservation volunteers making improvements with brews and tools provided.  Please bring a packed lunch. Over 16 years only please, stay as long or as little as you like.

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Leisure said; “Please come along and help develop this beautiful woodland, there are three different activities on offer with something for all the family to enjoy along with the chance to enjoy a picnic and a stroll around the woods.”

For all activities please wear old clothes, boots and be prepared for all weathers and
meet at the meadow across the playing fields from Bolton Avenue.

Cllr Moss added; “We’d love to hear about what you would you like to see happening and when.  Please contact Anne Hourican with your ideas on 01254 388111 or anne.hourican@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.”

Baxenden: Accrington Camera Club lecture at the Haworth Art Gallery

There will be a free Accrington Camera Club lecture at the Haworth Art Gallery on Sunday 13th July at 2.00pm.

'Techniques with Photoshop' is a workshop with Mike Dickinson plus there will be images from the recent 'Goth Festival at Whitby' with Bernard Taylor

Refreshments will be available after the lecture – no need to book, but please arrive promptly.

Milnshaw: Labour Councillor Charity Cycle Ride of Leeds-Liverpool Canal

On 10th and 11th July 2014, Milnshaw Labour Councillor, Paul Cox, along with fellow rider Ray Smith will be cycling the Leeds to Liverpool Canal. the charities both riders are supporting are Accrington Blind Society and North West Air Ambulance. The route of almost 127 miles will be completed over the two days.

Cllr Cox said, “Myself and Ray noted that the halfway point was right here in Hyndburn, in fact it is located right in the centre of Church, so we decided to ride the entre route in aid of two important charities that helped many residents of this area”

This cycle ride is just part of the Mayoral Charity  events taking place this year within Hyndburn. The current Mayor, Cllr Munsif Dad, added, “This is a fantastic effort made by one of our local councillors to help support one of my chosen charities this year, we hope that everybody supports this event and wish both Paul and Ray well.”

Both cyclists have been taking part in several training rides over the last few months, during which both riders have commented on how much safe cycle way is available for all levels of riding.

Paul Cox commented, “Hyndburn has an abundance of great cycle ways and greenways around the borough. These pathways are open to all riders from the novice to the expert. Cycling is a great way to stay active and enjoy some of our fantastic heritage. Hopefully if we can encourage just a few to give cycling a go, then that has to be seen as a positive."

If you wish to donate then please contact either Cllr Paul Cox or Cllr Joan Smith, details available on our contacts page, for any support you wish to give.

The Working Class Movement

I am writing to invite you to join the Friends of the Working Class Movement Library, and help to support this marvellous and unique collection.

Put simply, the library tells the story of how working people have worked together over the last 200 years to change society for the better.  The collection includes  holdings on  Thomas Paine in the 1790s, the Peterloo massacre of 1819,  200 years of trade unionism, Chartism, the Socialist movement, the Suffragettes, the International Brigade and many other movements.

The late Ruth and Edmund Frow started the library in their own home in the 1950s because they believed  that working people should remember and value  their own history. For forty years this remarkable couple spent their spare time travelling the country with their caravan and collecting thousands of rare items.
 
The library is a national collection and is recognised as one of the most important working class historical archives in the country. It is a registered Charity, and run in a democratic manner by a voluntary Board of Trustees in partnership with the staff and  our volunteers.  It is open to all to use without charge, and has many visitors and researchers.

We hold regular exhibitions, meetings and  other events in the course of the year.

The running costs of the library are met by contributions from individuals and trade unions and by an annual grant from Salford Council which has  substantially decreased over the past 10 years.   In 2011 the Council  cut our grant by  a further 33%. We are currently  drawing on our reserves  to keep going but these will not last forever. We are therefore appealing to those who support the aims and ideals of the library to  join the Friends of the library .

I am a Trustee of the WCML because I  believe that these stories should be saved for future generations, and celebrated. Lee Hall, the writer of “Billy Elliott” and “The Pitmen Painters”,  is a Friend of the library  and wrote to us  to say  that “what you represent and protect is incredibly important to me. So much of my work is about celebrating the politics and creativity of working class people. I feel it is only right I should support others doing the same.”

The  cost of joining  for individuals is £10  per annum plus any donation you might like to make.
I hope you will be able to help.

Yours sincerely

Maxine Peake, Trustee

Great Harwood: MP and Councillors hand out trophies to Great Harwood Rovers

Cllrs Miles and Bernadette Parkinson, along with Hyndburn MP Graham Jones, visited Harwood Rovers on Saturday 21st June to present the players with trophies. Chairman Craig Hall was also present to lend a hand!

The Labour team had an enjoyable afternoon with the players and will be out again tomorrow for Prom in the Park, plus an event at Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle.

Rishton: Colin Cooper presented with Ruby Award

Rishton resident Colin Cooper has been presented with the Hyndburn Ruby Award for outstanding service to the community. The award was created to mark 40 years of Hyndburn Borough Council and is being given to one resident in each township who Councillors feel have given the most to their respective areas.

The Rishton Councillors nominated Colin for his work in the borough which now spans six decades since he moved from the West Country in 1966.

The award was presented by Mayor Munsif Dad at the full Council meeting on 26th June 2014 and Cllrs Harry Grayson, Ken Moss and Miles Parkinson all paid tribute to Colin's work in Rishton over the past six decades.

Colin said, "This is my third award after the Rishton Award in 2000 and the Parker Street clock in 2010 so I must be doing something right!"

He added, "Inevitably, my commitments have kept me away from home for many hours so I would like to thank my family, especially my wife Jennifer, for their support. To the Councillors, thank you for honouring me with this Ruby Award."