422 businesses awarded rate relief by HBC in 2014/15

A Freedom of Information request has been submitted by the Conservatives asking why Hyndburn Council has received only 2 applications for the 50 per cent discount available to businesses moving into empty retail premises under the government’s Business Rates Reoccupation Relief Scheme announced at the end of 2013. A 50% discount on business rates is available for 18 months following occupation of empty premises by a new business.

Presently, there are currently 139 vacant retail premises across the Borough of Hyndburn.

A spokesperson for HBC said: “Eligibility for the Business Rates Reoccupation Scheme restricts assistance to only new businesses and requires premises to have been vacant for a minimum of one full year before qualifying for a reduction. All the scheme details are on the Council’s website, which is currently under review to promote business rates and reliefs available so potential business people are clear of the business rates payable, as well as reliefs they are eligible to claim prior to signing a business lease.  Anyone enquiring via the Contact Centre is advised of the scheme and the Council’s Revenues Team are always happy to provide advice and guidance."

They added, "The Council recognises the importance of a vibrant retail sector and therefore has promoted the Government’s Rates Relief Scheme which supports qualifying, existing retail businesses.  In 2014/15 the Council took a proactive approach and automatically awarded retail relief to 422 business who met the eligibility criteria and this process has been applied to the 2015/16 financial year.”

Milnshaw: Skip amnesties on Milnshaw and Laneside Estates

On Saturday March the 28th, between 9.00am and 12.00pm both Laneside Residents Association and Milnshaw Residents Association put on two very successful skip amnesties. The event was organised by Laneside Residents Association obtaining funding from Lancashire County Council and Hyndburn Borough Council. The event turned out to be extremely popular with four skips being filled via both locations.

Milnshaw Labour Councillor Paul Cox said, "The Chair of Laneside Residents Association, Mr Sommerville, mentioned how a skip drive on the estate would be a great way to kick off the spring clean around the area. I was happy to help organise some funding to add to the money they had already received from our County Councillor Clare Pritchard to help acheive this. What a success!"

At both locations residents were waiting, as the skips arrived,  to get rid of some household items. One resident pointed out that this was a fantastic idea and really helped everybody take some pride in the area that they lived.

Cllr Cox added, "Several residents commented that, although Hyndburn Council offers a free bulky item collection service, some items just end up hanging around. Skip drives like this gives them the opportunity to throw that away. It was also mentioned that some residents don’t drive so tip runs were out of the question. All in all this was a very well used service."

The skip drives in Milnshaw are just part of the big community clean up organised by the government which has been taking place around the borough over the last few weeks. Street power washing and litter picking in the town centres are just part of that.

Cllr Cox concluded by saying, "I’m really proud to represent this area and when I see the whole Communtiy come togehter like this it only goes to prove that keeping this borough clean is something all resident feel passionately about."

If any resident does have any items they wish collecting then contact either 01254388111 or email enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk to check suitability and arrange collection.

Viewpoint - Mayor Munsif Dad - March 2015

I was honoured to be invited to events marking International Women’s Week last month.  One was the annual Aawaz Women of Achievement event, where I presented awards and certificates to a group of young people. Aawaz is a charity which raises awareness about the importance of women and their contribution in voluntary work. I’ve seen how from a small start as a tiny community group Aawaz has grown and become a well-respected and credible organisation with a proven track record of delivering tangible results.

I also attended the Women’s World Day of Prayer event at Trinity Community Church in Accrington. It was an event for both men and women to join together all over the world on that day to reach out and pray and take a moment in our busy lives to come together and pray together.
The diversity of Hyndburn has changed since the First World War with the migration of many from the Indian Subcontinent to work in the mills of Accrington and surrounding towns.  I recently supported a shared histories event which highlighted the stories of how this community’s elders contribution is intertwined with the history of the Accrington Pals, at a special event at Accrington Town Hall.

Many of the soldiers of the Commonwealth hailed from the same areas as the Asian Community of Hyndburn and I was delighted that so many teachers and pupils from local schools attended the shared histories event. It featured an interactive talk with real memorabilia related to the contribution of the soldiers of the Commonwealth in the First World War and was a wonderful way of bringing the communities together and learning about the contribution that all the communities from across the world made in the First World War and how they have a link to Accrington. Many thanks to all those who came along.

I’ve had the pleasure of attending Rossendale Mayor’s Ball this month and Ribble Valley’s Mayor’s Ball last month. Both were enjoyable fundraising events and I’m very much looking forward to my own Mayor’s Ball coming up later this month.

It’s the biggest fundraising event of the year and will take place at Accrington Town Hall on Saturday, 25th April. Tickets are still available at £30 and the evening is all about raising money for my Mayoral Charities: Accrington Deaf & Blind Society, East Lancashire Hospice, East Lancashire Air Ambulance and Macmillan Cancer Research, so please support us by coming along and raising lots of funds for these worthy causes.
We’re still looking for sponsors for the ball and are holding a raffle so we’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to provide sponsorship or donate vouchers or raffle prizes.

The Mayoral Ball starts at 6.30pm on Saturday, 25th April and features a delicious three course meal and cabaret entertainment. For more information about the Ball, sponsorship or donation of vouchers or raffle prizes, please call Monica Bell at the Council on 01254  380114 or email monica.bell@hyndburnbc.gov.uk

North punished by Conservative cuts while the South gets increases

A map of the cuts to Council grants by the government shows that the North is hardest hit whilst large areas of the South are actually getting increases.

Hyndburn Borough Council is once again stung with the maximum cut of 6.4% although in reality this is likely to be much higher due to other funding stream reductions. A recent annual reduction of 8.8% worked out at nearer 16% once other factors were considered.

Lancashire is particularly hard hit as it contains a quarter of all Councils which will suffer the hardest cuts.

In contrast, Southern areas such as Tewkesbury, Surrey, Windsor, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Cambridgeshire will all receive grant increases of up to 3.2%.

A full list can be found here.  

HBC: Fuel poverty stats show 1,785 homes in Hyndburn have no central heating

A recent report has shown that 1,785 of homes in Hyndburn don't have central heating (5.2 per cent), the third worst in the county and the 19th worst nationally.

Cllr Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Housing, said, “Hyndburn has some of the oldest housing stock in the country and with a greater proportion of stone built terraced housing than almost anywhere else in the country, this makes it very difficult to insulate and therefore reduce energy costs.  In the circumstances, it is not surprising we find households in fuel poverty, especially those households on low incomes."

She went on to say, “However, Hyndburn Council is working closely with its partners Homewise, Dyson Energy Services and Community Switch as part of the ‘Warm Homes Hyndburn’ initiative to assist in tackling fuel poverty in the borough. This scheme assists households access funding to make their homes warmer by  improving the energy efficiency through a range of measures including installation of loft and cavity wall insulation (where possible) and the provision of replacement boilers. Community Switch is encouraging households to switch energy supplier for a better deal so it costs less to heat their homes.”

Hyndburn Labour newspapers delivered across the borough

Tens of thousands of newspapers promoting the work of Graham Jones and the Labour party in Hyndburn have been delivered across the borough.

Dozens of helpers in all wards delivered as many as possible in order to get the message out before 30th March, the start of the short election campaign.

More literature will be posted very soon from the Hyndburn Labour group and please feel free to stop any of our campaigners if you want to know more about your candidates.

HBC: Poo Dunnit? £50 dog fouling reward scheme

Hyndburn’s refuse and recycling wagons are now being used in the fight against dog fouling, displaying banners asking Poo Dunnit? - promoting the £50 reward scheme for residents who can prove that a person has failed to clean up after their dog has fouled.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Issues, said: “We need local people to help us in the fight against dog fouling and so it’s great that our fleets of recycling and refuse vehicles are out about all over the borough helping to promote the £50 reward scheme. We take a proactive approach to dog fouling, but we can’t have a dog warden on every street corner. We will make payments to residents who inform us of dog owners who allow their dogs to foul on footpaths and other places which lead to the issue of a fixed penalty notice, or a successful prosecution.”

Councillor Cox added; “Residents feel strongly about dog fouling, we are determined to do all we can to combat it. We’ve already installed an extra hundred dog bins around the borough, bringing the total to 300, with another 54 in parks. We’ve also provided 200,000 free bags for owners to use to clear up their dog waste which are available from Scaitcliffe House Reception and Willows Lane Depot Reception.

We will also take people to court where necessary and recently a man who allowed his dogs to foul on two separate occasions in Accrington was convicted in court and ordered to pay over £500 in fines and costs. Another dog fouling case is currently pending in the court and several fixed penalty notices have also been issued by Police Community Support Officers in Clayton-le-Moors.

This £50 reward campaign is about getting the message through to the minority of irresponsible dog owners who don’t clean up after their dogs that we are on the case and anyone caught failing to clean up after their dog will face a fine. Dog fouling is unsightly, unpleasant and can be dangerous to health and this scheme is part of our campaign to tackle it.”

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.

See details of the £50 reward scheme, how to report and the qualifying criteria are on the Council website at: http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=888&pageNumber=1

The vehicles will also help to spread the message about free micro chipping sessions which will carry on taking place across the Borough, as the law is changing and from 6th April 2016 micro chipping will be compulsory for all dog owners in England.

LCC: Consultation on public rights of way

A formal consultation by Lancashire County Council on the public rights of improvement plan commenced on 23rd March 2015 and will run for 12 weeks until 15 June 2015.

You can view the plan and give your response using an online questionnaire here:

http://www3.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/consultation/responses/response.asp?ID=268.

A hard copy of the draft public rights of way improvement plan is available to view at any one of the libraries across Lancashire during the 12 week consultation period and alongside this a series of informal drop in sessions are being held where you can discuss your views face to face with a rights of way officer if you prefer.

A public session is being held in Accrington Library on Monday 11th May 2015 from 3.00pm until 6.00pm. The library can be found on St James' Street, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 1NQ.

HBC: Olympic-sized water savings on allotments

Over the last 3 years the Council has worked closely with allotment tenants and the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments to make sure that the amount of mains water used is substantially reduced.  The days of cheap drinking water are long gone; the cost of mains water to tenants in 2012 was so great that it was exceeding the allotment rents.

The Council's main thrust was to move the water billing system from a one-size-fits-all policy to a policy of site-by-site billing.  Previously all tenants with mains water were charged £37.50pa, regardless of how much the particular site used.  From 2013 the Council introduced a policy of charging each allotment site according to how much the allotment site actually used.  Tenants have started to realise that the more water that is used the higher the water bill each year.

In 2012, the amount charged per tenant was £37.50; in 2015 this has been reduced to an average of £16.26 per tenant, a massive reduction.  Some sites are using more water than others, the lowest annual charge per tenant on one site being £9.41 and the highest being £46.83 per tenant on another site.

The quantities of water used have shown a dramatic reduction; in 2012, 6,400,000 litres of water was used, equivalent to 2.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Water saving has now reduced this down to 2,200,000 litres of water, less than one Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The Council aims to continue the downward trend, not only saving allotment tenants more money but also reducing the amount of Carbon Dioxide produced to atmosphere.  Cleaning water into drinking water requires massive amounts of energy.  Plants do not require mains water and will do better on rainwater.  The Council hopes to encourage more allotment tenants to turn to rainwater collection, which is free and does not result of carbon dioxide production.

From 2016, allotment tenants can opt out of the mains water billing system if they agree not to use the mains water and turn to rainwater collection.  The cost of purchasing a rainwater barrel is relatively small, the cost of which can be recovered after only a few of years not paying water bills.

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Allotments, said, “The amount of water saved over the last three years is amazing and has saved the allotment tenants lots of money.  We’re encouraging tenants to use more rainwater, as its plentiful and costs nothing.”

Cath Holmes, Chair of the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments, said “Water bills and excessive use have been one of the biggest gripes from allotmenteers.  It’s great that the Council tackled the issue and brought in a fairer system by billing on a site by site basis.  I think it has focused minds, resulting in a drastic reduction in the amount of mains water being used.  The option to opt out, takes that one step further.  Collecting rainwater is easy, environmentally friendly, better for your plants and free.”

Want your own allotment?  The Council still has some vacant allotment plots at the Woodnook, Meadoway and Baxenden allotment sites. Even more green fingered Hyndburn folk can now have the chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Allotment plots available include small, easy manageable raised beds to the larger allotment plots, where some good healthy digging will be needed, but well worth the reward of eating your own veggies and fruit.

Please contact the Council on 01254 388111 for more information about allotments.

HBC: Staff member Adam Bentley clocks up 25 years long service

Council Motor Vehicle Technician, Adam Bentley, received a 25 year long service award recently, after clocking up 25 years working for the Council.

Adam received his award from Chief Executive Dave Welsby,  who started work with the Council  on the same day as Adam on 26th February 1990, a day that stands out because there were hurricane force winds sweeping the Country, causing havoc on the roads and motorways, and leaving half a million homes without electricity.

Adam, who works at the Councils Vehicle Maintenance Unit, is a keen motorcyclist, and competes at national hill climbs. During the summer months he does a charity bike race each month in Wigan with all money raised going to the Air Ambulance or Blood Bikers charities.

Adam said: “The 25 years have flown by. Since I started here back in 1990 aged 26 I’ve always worked as a mechanic, but I’ve often been called into help with all sorts of other things over the years like road repairs, gritting, installing street lights and helping out in parks on football duty. Every day is still different and I spend my days carrying out repairs and MOT’s on Council vehicles and taxis. The people you work with closely over the years become almost like a second family and I’m lucky to work with a great bunch of people.”

HBC: Statement on scrap metal thefts

The introduction of Waste Collection Licensing by HBC has dramatically reduced the amount of metal theft in Hyndburn but rogue collectors are still operating and stealing across the borough.

Cabinet member for Housing and Regeneration, Cllr Clare Cleary, said, "Metal theft affects everyone, from the stealing of cables that delay train journeys, to the theft of lead from church roofs and numerous other metal items. We will not hesitate as an authority to use the powers available to us to put an end to the misery and cost caused by unscrupulous traders and those dealing in stolen metals.”

Scrap metal dealers can be prosecuted in the magistrates court if they operate an unlicensed business. Other powers available to the Council include issuing closure notices which require businesses to cease using the premises for scrap metal dealing immediately. If they continue to operate as dealers in breach of the notice then Councils are required to apply to the magistrates court for a Closure Order.

All residents are urged to secure any metal items or valuable possessions in sheds and garages. Bike owners are advised to chain cycles together to make them harder to steal.

HBC: New report shows that North/South divide has widened

A new Hyndburn Borough Council report requested by Council Leader Cllr Miles Parkinson considers if the renewed economic growth is benefitting all parts of Great Britain or if its widening the North / South Divide.

The focus for the North is on ‘older industrial Britain’ which the report defines as 96 districts that cover part but not necessarily the whole of the North including Wales and Scotland. The South is defined as London and the South East. North and South are used in the summary below as shorthand for these two definitions.

Compared to 2009 over half a million more jobs were created in the South by the end of 2013 compared to 70,000 fewer jobs in the North. By the same measure Hyndburn had  900 fewer jobs. Decline in jobs in the North would have been significantly worse had it not been for the ‘northern powerhouses’ of Manchester and Leeds.

The reduction in public sector funding and resultant job losses has had a greater impact in the North where public sector jobs accounted for a greater proportion of total jobs and the private sector job market is weaker.

Between 2009 and 2013 for every 1  new Private Sector job created in the North (50,000) there have been 12 created in the South (600,000).

In the South virtually all job growth has been in full time employment whereas almost 20% of job growth in the North has been part time jobs. Again Manchester and Leeds distort this figure because they alone account for 31% of the growth in full time jobs in the North.

Between 2010 and 2014 there has been an increase in the number of people classed as self-employed. In the North there was 12% increase compared to a 16% increase in the South. However in the South the increase tends to be in professional and higher skill occupations whereas it is elementary or low skill occupations in the rest of the country.

Despite a higher growth in earnings in the North – 4.9% compared to 2.3% - average earnings in the North remain far behind those in the South – the gap is around £110 per week.

The number of zero-hours contracts has increased across the Country but reliable numbers are difficult to determine. 37% of people on zero-hours contracts are aged between 16 and 24. The average hours given to people on zero-hours contracts appears  to have reduced from 30 hours to 20 hours.

Unemployment levels in the North remain higher than the South. Between 2010 and 2014 the out-of-work benefit claimant rate fell across Britain but at least a part of the fall reflects the impact of Welfare Reforms.

The report concludes that the gap between North and South is widening and the recovery is benefitting the South more than the North. The authors suggest a number of policy measures to turn this situation around but recognise it isn’t a short term fix. These policy measures are:

• Keep the UK economy growing – easier to promote jobs and investment in less prosperous areas when the national economy is growing
• Rebalance towards industry and regions – move away from the over reliance on Financial Services in London
• Use public sector procurement as a tool to drive local growth - create training opportunities, support local economies and small local businesses
• Invest in infrastructure to support the regions
• Deliver effective administrative structures to support businesses and industry
• Make the most of European funding
• Keep financing aid to businesses
• Beef up the Enterprise Zone initiative
• Introduce a targeted job creation programme
• Cut unemployment and low pay to reduce the spending on welfare benefits

HBC: Rapid vehicle charge point for electric cars installed in Accrington

A rapid vehicle charge point unit has now been installed next to Accrington Town Hall. The Council are now arranging with the electricity supply company to sort out the electrical connection after which it will be able to get the unit commissioned and operating. Hopefully this will be done over the next couple of weeks.

The unit is a rapid charge point unit which means it is capable of charging a vehicle from zero to 80% full charge in approximately 40 minutes. For this reason the unit comes supplied with high capacity charging cables attached. It is also fitted with 3 different connectors to cater for the different standards currently fitted to electric vehicles.

The unit has been installed adjacent to a disabled parking bay and this will be re-marked to ensure there will still be 5 disabled bays. The loading bay will go to create the electric vehicle charge point bay.

HBC: Medium term financial graph shows scale of Government cuts in Hyndburn

A graph in the latest HBC Cabinet report on the Medium Term Financial Strategy shows the steep cuts which have been imposed on Hyndburn Borough Council since 2010 and will leave the authority with around 60% less money by 2017.

Cabinet member for Resources, Cllr Gareth Molineux, said, "The figures beyond 2015/16 are estimated based on a number of assumptions regarding predicted cuts. Figures for 2010/11 to 2012/13 have been adjusted historically for Council Tax Support which was not included during these years but was added in 2013/14."

The latest report on the HBC finances can be found here:

Cabinet - Financial Position 2014-2015

Huncoat: Conservation activity at Spout House on 30th March 2015

Ancient boundaries are being revived as part of the Spout House community woodland scheme at Huncoat.

Come along and help make history, by joining a conservation activity on Monday 30th March, starting at 10.30am.

A very special feature of the area is the mediaeval layout of long narrow fields which is clearly visible in the landscape.  Documentary evidence dates as far back as 1534 and some of the boundaries could be even earlier than this.  The ‘strip’ fields would have been ploughed by oxen in mediaeval times and this layout is one of only a few surviving examples in the whole of Lancashire.

The Spout House community woodland has already been transformed, much to the delight of local people, with good surfaced paths and entrances nearly completed, enabling many more people to get out and discover its beauty.

The next stage is planting new hedgerows full of vibrant native shrubs to reinforce the ancient boundaries and provide homes for lots of wildlife.  

The meeting place for the activity is the meadow across the playing fields from Bolton Avenue, Huncoat. Please wear strong boots and be prepared for all weathers.  The shrubs are small and easy to plant so everyone can get involved.

Heritage experts have given strong support for the project and advised that there is lots of potential for local people to get involved in understanding the significance of the historic features on the Spout House site.

Later in the year, it is hoped that another project will help to uncover more information about the ancient field system and related early origins of the Huncoat area.  If you are interested in learning how to do heritage based research, looking at original archive documents and old maps, then please do get in touch.

For more information, please contact Anne Hourican, Senior Environmental Initiatives Officer, Hyndburn Borough Council on 01254 388111.

HBC: Cyclist safety system installed on vehicles

Hyndburn Council is the first Council in Lancashire to improve cyclist safety, with the installation of ‘TurnAlarm’ alarm system across its fleet of waste collection vehicles.

Every refuse and recycling vehicle will be fitted with enhanced audible and visual awareness mechanisms to indicate when vehicles are turning left, reducing the risk of accidents involving cyclists.

The ‘TurnAlarm’ functions as both an audio and visual warning to approaching cyclists. High intensity LEDs flash from its side mounted position and a high volume speaker provides audible warning that the ‘vehicle is turning,’ when the vehicle is indicating to turn left. As an added safety measure, 360 degree cameras have also been installed to allow the drivers to see all around the vehicle.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Issues and keen cyclist himself, said “Cyclist safety is extremely important to the Council and we are delighted to be the first authority in Lancashire to have this system installed across our fleet, as it will help to improve vehicle visibility and awareness for cyclists on our roads.”

HBC: Every Baby Matters

People from organisations across Hyndburn came together this week for an “Every Baby Matters” event.

The event was aimed at raising awareness on factors which can help prevent infant mortality and consider how different agencies – from midwives to children’s centre staff as well anyone working with children and families, could better work together to tackling the underlying issues.  The presentations included smoking in pregnancy, nutrition, breastfeeding, genetic counselling service and safety.  Organisations signed up to the “Every Baby Matters Pledge”.

Cllr Pam Barton, Hyndburn Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, who opened the event, said: “It was great to hear the ideas and commitment from everyone in the room.  We’ve seen a reduction in recent years of babies dying before their first birthday, but every case is a tragedy and it’s vitally important we do all we can to prevent such deaths where possible.  The infant mortality rate is actually a wider indicator of the health of a community, as it is heavily influenced by things like smoking and healthy lifestyles, as well as the choices parents make.  This event was really about giving all children in Hyndburn the best start in life and helping their chances of future success.”

Would your organisation like to sign up to the Every Baby Matters Pledge?  Contact Wayne Gibson on 01772 539904 or email wayne.gibson@lancashire.gov.uk.

HBC: Community Clear Up events start in Hyndburn

Community Clear Up Day is a 'national spring clean', taking place on the first day of spring - Saturday 21st March. Backed by the government, it aims to spruce up the country's high streets, residential and business areas, villages and parks.

Spring cleaning starts in Hyndburn with chewing gum clean ups from footpaths in each area of the borough, starting on Tuesday 17th March in Queen St Great Harwood, Accrington on 21st March, with all other townships to follow over the next few weeks.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Issues, said, “Chewing gum blights footpaths as it’s difficult to remove and needs specialist jet wash equipment to tackle it.  We are tackling the issue as part of the national community clear up and the specialist removal team will be out and about across the borough over the next few weeks removing chewing gum from the borough’s footpaths.”

Cllr Gareth Molineux, added, This is a great initiative, chewing gum is unsightly and difficult to remove and we’re happy to kick start the programme of spring clean events in Great Harwood.”

Register to vote by 20th April 2015

As a national advertising campaign is launched to encourage voter registration ahead of the General Election, Hyndburn Council is encouraging local people to visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

On May 7 voters will go to the polls to elect a Member of Parliament for Hyndburn.

The Electoral Commission today launched its national voter registration campaign to remind people to register by April 20.

Jane Ellis, Electoral Registration Officer for Hyndburn, said, “Time is now running short to make sure you can take part in the elections, so I’d encourage everyone in Hyndburn to take action now if they aren’t registered to vote. Our message is simple: you can’t vote, if you aren’t registered by 20 April.  It’s easy to do and only takes a few minutes online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you’re not sure, please double check’.

Residents can check whether they’re registered to vote by calling 01254 388111.

Recent research conducted by YouGov for the Electoral Commission found that:

• 21% of people who rent privately think they’re automatically registered to vote if they pay council tax
• 40% of those surveyed think it is not possible to register to vote online in England, Scotland and Wales. 
• 69% do not know that the deadline to register to vote, with 13% thinking it is already too late to register.  When given a choice of five options only 32% correctly identified the deadline as 20 April.

Ed Miliband rules out SNP coalition

Labour leader Ed Miliband has formally ruled out a coalition with the SNP, stating that there are big differences between the two parties.

Mr Miliband said, "There will be no SNP ministers in any government I lead," and stated that such talk was scare-mongering by his Conservative opponents.

He said, "Not ruling out a deal, or a pact, or support from the Scottish National Party means that the Labour Party is effectively saying, 'We're trying to ride to power on the back of a party that wants to break up our country.'"

The SNP pushed for the Scottish referendum in 2014 which was to decide whether Scotland should break away from the United Kingdom or not.

The Conservative Party have made repeated insinuations that the Labour Party will enter into a coalition agreement with the SNP in the event of their not winning enough seats for an outright Westminster majority after the elections on May 7th 2015.

Clayton-le-Moors: John Street footpath resurfacing

Cllr Miles Parkinson has been contacted by residents in his role as County Councillor for the area regarding the condition of the footpath on John Street in Clayton-le-Moors and work is now underway to remedy the situation.

Cllr Parkinson said, "After being contacted by residents on John Street in Clayton Le Moors I am happy to be able to say that I haved secured funding for footway resurfacing and a new pavement will be in place shortly."

Clayton-le-Moors: David Cross to be given HBC Ruby Award

Long-time Clayton resident, David Cross, is to be awarded the final Ruby Award of the civic year at the
Council’s 26th March meeting to recognise his outstanding service to Clayton–le-Moors.

To mark the 40th anniversary of Hyndburn Borough Council in 2014, the Council has presented Ruby Awards in the 2014/15 municipal year, to recognise outstanding service by individuals to the community in each of the areas of the former councils that came together to form Hyndburn - Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Great Harwood, Oswaldtwistle, Rishton, Accrington and Altham Parish Council.

The last of these awards, the Clayton-le-Moors Ruby Award, is to be presented at the 26th March Council meeting to Mr David Cross.

The nomination says; “David is a long-time resident of Clayton-le-Moors and has always taken an interest in the welfare of others. As a resident of Albert Street, he helped to set up “Street watch”. He has also been a member of the Neighbourhood Management Board. Since moving to sheltered accommodation on Willow Close, he has been a catalyst for residents’ activities, including weekly bingo sessions and a weekly meal club. He has also been proactive in working with the landlord, Hyndburn Homes, to improve the surroundings for residents.”

Rishton: Have your say on Rishton Canalside

Local people are being given another chance to air their views about Rishton Canalside plans at consultation event set to take place on 25th March in Rishton.

Following on from the first event held recently, an exhibition is on display and people will have another chance to have their say about the emerging options for Rishton Canalside.

Residents, local businesses and community groups are all welcome to come and view the exhibition and have their say about the options on 25th March from 2.00pm - 8.00pm at Rishton Conservative Club, Cliff Street, Rishton.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Council Leader, urged people to visit the exhibition saying; ““There are some exciting ideas coming forward for the Rishton Canalside area and its future. We want to make sure as many people as possible come along to see the options and have their say about them on 25th March.”

HBC: Grow your own on a Hyndburn allotment

Fancy growing your own?

Growing your own fruit and veg is really popular these days, both for healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle and with a wide range vacant of allotment plots at the Council’s Accrington and Baxenden allotment sites up for grabs, even more green fingered Hyndburn folk can now have the chance to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Allotment plots available include small, easy manageable raised beds to the larger allotment plots, where some good healthy digging will be needed, but well worth the reward of eating your own veggies and fruit.

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Allotments, said “The Councils allotments are a fantastic place for people to get outside and enjoy a healthy activity.  Learning about how things grow and eating your own food is a very rewarding experience.  Having an allotment gets you away from the rush of life, for some quite time and relaxation.  Some of the sites are really out of the way with amazing views.  It amazes me what can be achieved by some people, growing so much with so little land.  I look forward to visiting the allotments this year with representatives from the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments to see how the Council is doing and how we can improve the allotments still further”.

Some areas in Hyndburn including Oswaldtwistle, Rishton, Great Harwood and Clayton le Moors still have very long allotment waiting lists and the Council will be working in partnership with the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments during the year to ensure that the allotments in these and other areas are being properly used.  The Council wrote to over 100 allotment tenants last year, of which just fewer than 50 are now used by new allotment tenants.

Cath Holmes, Chair of the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments said “the Council has long waiting lists for some sites, so it is unfair on those people waiting, when some allotment holders are not properly using their plot.  Some have been under used year on year.  Allotments are a great way of meeting new people, getting out and about, exercising.  It’s well documented that growing and allotmenteering is beneficial to mental health and wellbeing. New tenancies should be encouraged.”

Call Ian Marfleet, Allotments Manager at Hyndburn on 01254 388111 for further information or on the Councils Allotments website.

Accrington Police Station to relocate to Town Centre

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner has announced plans to relocate Accrington's Police Station to newly converted town centre premises later this year.

The plans mean police will be based at former retail premises at 8/10 Broadway in the town centre providing a visible police presence and helping to revive the area.

The current station in Spring Gardens, Accrington is just under half a mile away, but the premises are inefficient and outdated for modern policing needs and require considerable investment to bring them up to standard.

The move will save more than £51k per year in costs of running the existing police station and provide a base for the Neighbourhood Policing Team, a public access point, hot-desk space for immediate response officers, parking for police vehicles and patrol bikes.

Commissioner Clive Grunshaw explained: "The need for a new police station was identified some time ago when it became clear that current premises would be too costly to upgrade.

"I will be investing £500k converting the new premises and ensuring they are equipped with appropriate communications for example. This is a one off cost and will provide an essential facility in the town improving the visible policing presence and helping to regenerate the town centre. Buildings don’t catch criminals, but there is no doubt the town centre station will be a welcome addition to the area."

 Easter Divisional Commander Chris Bithell said: “There will be no change to operational policing in the town and residents will still receive the same high standards of policing they are used to. The relocation is a positive move as the new neighbourhood police station will be around half a mile from its previous base but will be more accessible in the heart of the town centre.”

The new station will be based in former retail units and leased from Hyndburn Borough Council. Leader Miles Parkinson said:  "I’m delighted that the Commissioner has worked with us to relocate the service.  Having the new police station on Broadway will be great for public access and it will also add positively to the town centre.

"This is an example of another significant investment for Accrington town centre alongside the new bus station that is currently being built and the town centre heritage initiative which will start in the next year or so."

Earth Hour - 28th March 2015

On Saturday 28th March between 8.30pm and 9.30pm people around the world are asked to turn off unnecessary lights and other electrical equipment to highlight awareness of climate change.

Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum member, Cath Holmes, said, "Please see the website at www.earthhour.org to find out a bit more about the initiative and it’s history. We hope you can join in and encourage others too but please be careful if you do join in and decide to light any candles or similar."