Great-grandfather of Graham Jones MP to feature on new Accrington Pals beer bottle

The Irwell Works Brewery are releasing a beer at the request of the Accrington Pals to mark their centenery and the bottle will feature Edwin Taylor, the great-grandfather of Hyndburn MP Graham Jones.

Graham said, "He served for 4 years in the RAMC. His ship, Prince Edward, was sunk by a German submarine in 1915. The vessel went down in just four minutes according to extensive research and he was one of 400 survivors out of 1,200."

He added, "Great-grandfather served on the western front after that. He lived on Grange Street in Accrington, now pulled down, and was a delivery driver for Accrington Railway Station. I'm looking forward to the beer, I'm just awaiting the bottles!"

An Accrington Pals page listing the details of Mr Taylor can be found here:

http://www.pals.org.uk/avl/sw_wa.htm

'Gallantry at Gallipoli' will be released soon and is expected to feature at the Accrington Food Festival on 6th June 2015.

Another Accrington Pals beer will also be on sale at Strangers Bar at Westminster later this year. Graham said, "'Lest We Forget' Accrington Pals beer will available on draught in Parliament between 30th June and 5th July. Big thanks are due to the Accrington Pals committee for that one."

LCC: Improvements to East Lancashire Cycleway planned

LCC are making plans for cycleway improvements in East Lancashire. £2.6 million has been allocated (subject to final confirmation) from the Growth Fund, together with £3.29 million from Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council, over a programme timescale of 5 years.

Hyndburn is very well represented with proposed projects at Huncoat Greenway costing approximately £286,500 and Woodnook Greenway which will upgrade existing tracks southwards to connect with the rest of the National Cycle Network - a share of £2,413,000 for the sections within Hyndburn.

It is also hoped that there will be further ongoing cycleway activities in addition to these and representatives from Hyndburn Borough Council have flagged up a number of other key opportunities around Hyndburn.

LCC will be arranging opportunities for consultation and input on local ideas as the programme develops.

HBC: Tree pruning programme completed

An extra £20,000 was provided by Cabinet to the Parks department earlier this year to implement tree work across the borough to reduce costs. This has now been completed and has made a major difference to the current schedule of work, compensating for a sizeable reduction in the authority's tree work grant and allowing many outstanding jobs to be completed.

Cllr Ken Moss said, "The extra funding provided by Cabinet for tree work earlier this year has now been spent. It has made a real difference to the condition of the tree stock and has allowed us to fell numerous unhealthy and dangerous trees, get rid of 133 tree stumps dotted around the Borough as well as plant 50 replacement trees of more appropriate species."

He added, "I find it disappointing that this scheme has appeared on Conservative literature, essentially trying to take credit for something we have already done."

A reminder to return your postal ballots

Postal voting forms were sent out on 20th April and should now be with all residents who have registered to vote by post. People are urged to complete and return them as soon as possible if they have not already done so as it will enable them to be counted more quickly ahead of the declaration on May 8th.

Anyone who has still not returned their form by 6th May is advised to take it to their nearest polling station by hand on May 7th to ensure that it is counted.

Hyndburn Leisure: 13 months for the price of 10

Fantastic offer available in April and May only from Hyndburn Leisure - sign up to the Feelgood Factory and get 13 months for the price of 10!

The offer is also available on our brand new Feelgood Factory Premier Memberships which includes unlimited access to our fitness classes, swimming pool and use of sauna and steam room.

This ladies only toning environment is suitable for anyone who wants to exercise in a simple, hassle free environment. Our team will guide you through your journey and develop a programme which suits your needs.

Try us today with a free one day trial pass, or skip the trial and sign straight up by calling 01254 385 945

For a trial pass click here

Overton: Litter on Windsor Road

Complaints have been made by residents to the local press regarding litter on Windsor Road rec in Great Harwood and local Councillors have now been informed.

Cllr Gareth Molineux said, “We have been aware over the last few years that Windsor Road has been subjected to a lot of anti-social behaviour which usually means a lot of litter. We have worked with the Community Payback team to tidy this area in the past."

He added, "Looking forward, we are hopeful that bringing a new 5-a-side football pitches to the area will not only provide the Leisure Trust with a fantastic asset but will also act as a deterrent for anti-social behaviour and irresponsible dog owners.”

The full story can be read here in the Lancashire Telegraph.

Baxenden: Haworth Art Gallery Stables Block public meeting - 29th April 2015

Thanks to National Lottery Funding, via the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the vacant and semi-derelict former Stables and Motor House at Haworth Art Gallery will be transformed into artist studios by Hyndburn Borough Council.  As well as the refurbishment of the building, there  are over 20 activity projects that will be run over the next 2 years to involve the local community and visitors.

If you would like to find out more, please come along to the public meeting on 29th April between 5.30pm and 7.30pm where you can meet the project team and discover how the project is developing.

Baxenden: David Hartley helps litter pick on Recreation Ground

An HBC clean up operation in Baxenden on 24th April was given an extra boost by support from the Labour candidate for local Councillor, David Hartley.

David said, "I helped out with the clean up efforts on Baxenden Recreation Ground by litter picking and it went well. Between myself and the Council staff we ended up with eight bags of rubbish and the rec looks a lot better now."

David has been out canvassing for several months and is hopeful of unseating incumbent Conservative Councillor Kath Pratt on May 7th.

Graham Jones MP: A Tribute to former Labour Councillor Dave Forshaw

Dave Forshaw RIP

It it was really sad to hear that a great comrade of Hyndburn Labour, Dave Forshaw has recently passed away. We lost Jack Grime recently and last year Colin Feeley and Sardar Ali.

I can hear Dave even today in his gruff working class accent talking about taking the fight to the Tories and how we must stop them. Anyone who knew Dave would recognise his voice. They would also recognise his passion for the Labour party which was ever present in anything he said or did.

I went to see Dave about 12 months ago and it was sad to see him struggling but he was happy enough in his own way. Battling on as Dave always did. It was great to have a conversation with him about old times but Dave was just as interested in the future as well. He said he was frustrated he just couldn't get out of bed to come out and campaign apologising for his ill health and the fact that his comrades were out knocking on doors and he wasn't there to help. That was Dave. Always thinking about taking the fight to the Tories and standing alongside his comrades.

We went knocking on doors many many times together. Dave was always great company, always ready to go to that extra door, always wanting to campaign, make the argument, always passionate. Forever Labour.

He would ring me up to ask how things were or just to make sure that we were doing everything we could to defeat the Tories. I remember the 2004 Rishton ward election where Dave was Labour's candidate. I remember going over many times to Rishton to campaign with him and discuss the election. Just to be out and about and around him was fun. Everyone loved campaigning with Dave. He gave those around him a lift with his energy, enthusiasm and passion. He was funny too with a great sense of humour. We lost that election but it didn't dampen Dave's commitment, enthusiasm or his passion to 'beat them next time'.

When he wasn't fighting Tories he was generally laughing, drinking or talking or all three at once! I recall those days and that particular election very fondly and now with a great degree of sadness knowing that Dave has passed away. If Dave was campaigning in Rishton I was over there straight away. He was such great company and we got along so well.

He had loads of energy and every day was a campaigning day in which he loved to meet people and make the case for Labour.

I used to see him at the Rishton events too where we would always have a good natter. He rang me up one day saying he had loads of videotapes of Rishton events from the past and that I was on one or two of them. He asked me if I would look after them and transfer them to DVD. I said I would. He had a passion for the future but a fondness for the past too.

He was a great and well known Rishtoner. How can anyone forget Dave's gruff voice, his strong working class East Lancashire accent and mannerisms. He was a man of the people, a typical working-class Labour man. No nonsense. The Tories were for the rich and Labour the workers Dave would repeat. Great days.

Dave, you'll be missed mate but you'll never be forgotten.

Graham Jones MP

Rishton: Pothole complaints to Labour Councillors

Filled potholes in Rishton have prompted complaints to local Councillors.

Cllr Harry Grayson said, "I have had numerous complaints regarding the standard of work concerning filled potholes on Derby Street and Chapel Street in Rishton.  It is alleged that a lady tripped over a filled hole that was raised as the Tarmac had not been packed and levelled correctly. After visiting the site, I must agree that it is there is evidence that this work was not carried out correctly."

Requests have now been made for LCC to review the way potholes are repaired.

Clayton-le-Moors: RNLI Recruitment Evening - 29th April 2015

The Hyndburn and Ribble Valley branches of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute are hosting a recruitment evening on Wednesday 29th April 2015 at 6.00pm. Anyone who is interested can simply turn up anytime before 8.00pm to Mercer House in Clayton-le-Moors.

For more information call 07757487837.

Town Centre makeover will commemorate Accrington Pals

On 1st July 1916, on that fateful first day of the Battle of the Somme, the Accrington Pals suffered severe losses and over 600 casualties, leaving the community back home shattered and hardly anyone unaffected.

A new town centre square to commemorate the sacrifice and bravery of the Accrington Pals, their families and comrades will be the centrepiece of a project which will also see the restoration of some of Accrington’s historic retail and commercial buildings.

A £1.5million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been announced to allow restoration of shop fronts and building repairs to be carried out to key properties in the town and create a new public square in front of the Market Hall and Town Hall to commemorate the Accrington Pals.

Hyndburn Borough Council is investing an additional £1.5million into the project which will see essential work carried out in the heart of the town centre. The Townscape Heritage project aims to restore these majestic, historical buildings and help bring vacant and underused premises back into use. This will give the local economy a vital shot in the arm.

Councillor Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Town Centres, said; “This is fantastic news. Accrington is a town with a strong and proud heritage and its fine legacy of mid to late nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings are key to its distinct identity. Building repairs, shop front restorations and the regeneration of vacant and underused floorspace will enhance the town's key shopping corridor, create a strong backbone of regeneration and support recent and planned investments in the town centre. Together these works will improve the town centre's economic vitality and viability, complementing the development of Accrington Railway Station, the proposed bus station and the transformation of Accrington Market Hall. "

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, added; "The Council is committed to securing the future of Accrington Town Centre and this initiative will see the improvement of many attractive buildings along one of its arterial routes and the development of a public realm scheme commemorating the Accrington Pals. Recognising that the square is in the heart of Accrington, the Council will be working with local people and a variety of organisations, including the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, to ensure that these works provide a fitting remembrance of the bravery and sacrifice of the Pals.”

The Accrington grant is the latest in a series from the Heritage Lottery Fund to give a new lease of life to the former mill towns of Pennine Lancashire, once the prosperous powerhouses of the Industrial Revolution. Local councils, working with various partners, have secured Heritage Lottery funding through the Townscape Heritage (TH) scheme (formerly Townscape Heritage Initiative) to regenerate these historic but often rundown towns.

Sara Hilton, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “We’ve worked really hard with local authorities, heritage organisations and other community groups across Pennine Lancashire for many years now. Towns like Accrington, Bacup, Burnley and Darwen have come a long way in terms of their heritage townscape and making the most of what their areas have to offer. It’s great to hear what a difference HLF funding is making. These areas are still development areas for us – and we’ll continue to try and encourage more applications – but we’re delighted that the important heritage of these beautiful mill towns is being recognised and appreciated more widely than ever before.”

Happy St George's Day 2015

Hyndburn Labour would like to wish everyone a happy St George's Day and the English patron saint's day is being marked by various pubs, clubs and groups around the borough.

Cabinet member for Education, Leisure and The Arts, Cllr Ken Moss said, "I would encourage anyone who wants to fly the England flag on 23rd April and celebrate being English to do so with pride. The flag is now flown permanently at various locations and I applaud anyone who wants to show their patriotism in this way."

Community Trigger

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Pam Barton, has spoken about the new ‘Community Trigger’ which came into place as part of new legislation from 20th October and encouraged those who would be eligible to use it.

The Community Trigger is a way that members of the public can ask partners from the Community Safety Partnership to review their responses to complaints of anti-social behaviour.  

The Community Trigger won't replace organisations' own complaints procedures, and people still have the opportunity to complain to the Ombudsman or Independent Police Complaints Commission if they are unhappy about the service they’ve received from an individual officer or service.

Cllr Barton said; “The purpose of the Community Trigger is to enable members of the public to ask for a review of their antisocial behaviour case to be carried out. This will allow all involved agencies to assess the way in which the complaints have been dealt with so far, and if any further actions can be put in place to resolve the issues.

Victims of Anti-Social Behaviour will be able to use the Community Trigger to request a review of their case. Agencies, including Councils, Police, local health teams and registered providers of social housing will have a duty to undertake a review of how they have dealt with a case when the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome and the case meets our locally defined threshold.”

Chief Supt Bill McMahon said, "Lancashire Constabulary is committed to listening to the views of people within our communities. We recognise the importance of putting victims first. The introduction of the ‘Community Trigger’ will help reassure victims that we take their reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and will work in partnership to reduce vulnerability within our communities."

Cllr Barton added; “The Community Trigger can be used by any victim of anti-social behaviour or by any person acting on their behalf, for example a family member, friend, carer, Councillor, MP or other professional person. This is intended to ensure that all victims are able to use the Community Trigger. However, the victim’s consent should be sought by the person using the Community Trigger on their behalf.”

More details are on the Council's website at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk

Barnfield: Scouts St George's Day Parade 2015

St Paul's Barnfield Scout Group will once again be leading their annual St George's Day Parade on Sunday 26th April 2015.

The parade will depart at 12.00pm from St Paul's Church on Plantation St, Accrington. At approximately 12.20pm, the salute will be taken by the Mayor at the Market Hall and they will join onto the parade at the rear. A service will be held at 12.30pm in Accrington Town Hall and places for this need to be booked to allow adequate seating to be provided.

For ticket availability please contact:

Sarah Barton
St Paul's, Barnfield Scout Group
Email: info@bartonhallworth.co.uk
Tel: 07412647168

World War I Exhibition running until 30th June 2018

The Lancashire at War Exhibition opened in February 2015 and will run until 30th June 2018 at Preston's Museum of Lancashire. 

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of life on the front lines in a permanent display of a First World War trench. Discover the stories of Lancashire soldiers and the women on the homefront supporting Great Britain’s wartime industries.

Visit the attracttion at:

The Museum of Lancashire
Stanley Street, Preston PR1 4XP 01772 534075

A website can also be viewed here.

Accrington Market Hall has it all now!

The award winning Accrington Market Hall is bucking the national trend and is now almost fully occupied. Recent traders include Family Footwear selling all types of footwear, Georges Bike Box selling pre-loved and new cycles (including accessories and repairs) and Lidens Discount Frozen Foods selling great value frozen foods. Customers can buy a wide variety of high quality goods and services at amazingly competitive prices.

In addition to getting weekly staples such as meat, fruit and veg, the Market is also a fantastic place to come and relax, access free WiFi and spend some time as we have a great food offer including 3 cafes, Asian treats, Tex Mex and Roosters chicken stall. While you’re there you can visit the balcony traders and enjoy a relaxing massage, hair cut or buy a gown from Balcony Brides for that special occasion.

Councillor Clare Cleary says “There is a tremendous amount of pride in our Market and the investment by the Council has paid dividends. People can come and visit this wonderfully restored Victorian building and buy high quality local goods and services from local traders. The traders take care of the customers and will take time with a smile and a chat to meet their needs. There are a couple of spaces left so we’d love to hear from any new traders so we can be completely full.”

This news follows close on the heels of the e-commerce website launched last year where those customers who don’t have the time to get down to the Market after a busy day can order their goods on line at www.accringtonmarketonline.co.uk and either come and collect it or have it delivered to their home.

Barnfield: Free beekeeping course - 27th April 2015

Master beekeeper David Rayner will be hosting a free introduction to looking after the insects on Monday 27th April from 10.00am until 3.00pm at Trinity Church on Rough Lee Road in Accrington.

Drinks will be provided but residents are urged to bring their own lunch.

Overton: Former Labour Councillor Dave Forshaw passes away

David Arnold Forshaw, a former Hyndburn Borough Councillor has recently died.  He was a Labour Councillor for the Overton Ward of Great Harwood for the Municipal Years 1995/96 to 1998/99 (4 years).

He is to be cremated at Accrington Crematorium on Friday, 24th April 2015 at 1.00 pm.  The funeral directors are Rishton Funeral Services, 5 High Street, Rishton, BB1 4JZ.  Tel:  (01254) 877447

Church: Phase 3 of Project Phoenix now on site

Keepmoat, in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Great Places Housing Group, has recently commenced the third phase of Project Phoenix – a former Housing Market Renewal scheme which is currently revitalising the communities of West Accrington and Church.  To mark the occasion, the partners held an event to mark the unveiling of the new show home on the scheme.

Phase three, also known as Phoenix Place, will see 103 new high quality homes built to the south of Blackburn Road.  These will be a mix of 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom homes, including a number of bungalows.  The majority of the homes will be for private sale, but 20 are to be let for Affordable Rent by Great Places Housing Group.  The plots purchased by Great Places are distributed throughout the scheme and are seamlessly integrated into the wider development, to encourage an inclusive and tenure-blind environment across the neighbourhood.

Phoenix Place builds on the great steps made already with West Accrington and Church, to transform the local housing market and redefine long-standing perceptions of the neighbourhood.

The previous two phases of the scheme saw the development of over 100 high-quality new homes which offered both local residents and newcomers to the area a greater level of housing quality and choice and a step-change in their future housing aspirations. This represents a significant improvement in the West Accrington and Church neighbourhood, which previously suffered from acute low demand, abandonment and socio-economic deprivation but has now become a vibrant and sustainable place where people have and will continue to choose to live, work and invest now and in the future.

Gareth Roberts, Operations Director for Keepmoat Homes, said: “I am immensely proud of our achievements to date within West Accrington and Church and look forward to continuing that track record on Phoenix Place. Interest seems to be growing in the development and, given its prominent location on a key route into Accrington; it is an attractive gateway into the town. I’d also like to extend my thanks to Hyndburn Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Great Places Housing Group for their continued support and Accrington & Rossendale College for providing the delicious food for the event.”

Councillor Clare Cleary, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Housing commented, “The Council is delighted that Keepmoat continue to deliver high quality, affordable homes with the support of the Council, Great Places Housing Group and the Homes and Community Agency. The improvements we now see in the West Accrington neighbourhood can be truly described as transformational and feedback from the Community is very positive.”

HBC: Assistance collection bags for the disabled and infirm

Recycling has been made even easier for residents who struggle to carry recycling receptacles to the Council’s designated collection point on their street. People who struggle due to infirmity or disability can now apply for an assistance collection bag.

To get an assistance collection bag residents need to fill out an application form, please telephone the HBC Customer Contact Centre on 01254 388111 to request the form.

Hyndburn Labour Election Statement 2015

This election is about a choice. A low-paid Great Britain with pay and conditions deteriorating or a better future. When working people succeed, Hyndburn succeeds. Labour brought in the living wage at Hyndburn Council and Labour want to do that for everyone. We recognise the cost of living and have frozen Council Tax for the last four years.

The Labour Council and MP secured £3,000,000 to regenerate Accrington, supported businesses across Hyndburn, helped retailers take up empty units, assisted firms to expand. With the MP we have run three successful youth job fairs attracting the likes of BAe.

Employment is a big challenge we have secured the largest new business site in Lancashire at Junction 6 to provide up to 2000 jobs while expending sites at Altham and push for development at Junction 7, Clayton. While making transport links better securing a direct rail link to Manchester and hopefully through to the Airport in 2019.

Austerity ended housing regeneration funding to Hyndburn so we allocated the remaining capital to reviving Woodnook while taking up a robust housing enforcement policy. We have introduced Landlord Licensing and we intend to look at introducing other areas of the Borough to Landlord licensing to stop the effect of rogue landlords have on your street.

Hyndburn Labour tackled health challenges by investing in parks and leisure facilities and halted Government closure of Accrington Walk in Centre.

We have also secured £millions in funding to protect our heritage and with greater community involvement across Hyndburn.

Vote Labour for a positive future in Hyndburn for all.

Graham Jones: Hyndburn MP is the most responsive in East Lancashire

Hyndburn and Haslingden MP Graham Jones was the most responsive politician in East Lancashire last year, it was claimed.

Graham, who is currently the Labour candidate currently campaigning for re-election at next month's general election, replied to 45 out of 48 people who responded to a survey by WriteToThem.com.

It meant he was the eighth most responsive MP in the UK, the survey found.

Lancashire Telegraph have run a story on it here.

Labour Party Manifesto 2015

The Labour Party manifesto for the 2015 General Election is now online in PDF format for any members of the public to inspect.

The document lays out the principles on which the national party are hoping to secure an outright majority at the May 7th election and take control of Westminster.

The Labour Party manifesto page can be found here.

The full document can be read here.

Spring Hill: Flytipping at Spring Street

Rubbish has been dumped to the rear of 71 Spring Street in Spring Hill to the rear of the local Labour Councillor's house.

Cllr Pam Barton said, "We've only just had a community clean up in this area and so I'm very disappointed to see this almost straight away. Council crews will come to clear it but it is costing the borough money that we could be spending on better things."

If anyone has any information please come forward in confidence to HBC on 01254 388111.

HBC: Power washing of town centres across Hyndburn

HBC jet washing of the main streets in town centres is taking place across the borough and the team moved to Rishton on 31st March.

Cllr Ken Moss went to meet the work crew as they started and was joined by Cabinet member for Waste Services and Street Cleansing, Cllr Paul Cox.

Paul said, "The initial aim is to remove the large amounts of chewing gum which have built up on pavements across the borough and make the shopping areas look more presentable, after which it will be a regular ongoing job to keep the streets clean. It will cost around £15,000 per year and this has been completely offset by other efficiency savings within the Waste Services department."

Statement from Cllr Miles Parkinson on Council Tax freeze

I am pleased that for the sixth successive year Council Tax will not increase for local residents for Hyndburn Council services.  There remains great pressure on the Council to continue to make savings, as the Government continues to reduce the funding it gives to local government.  This year we have saved over £670,000 from right across the Council by reducing staff numbers, efficiency improvements and working smarter and harder.  This has allowed the Council to avoid having to raise Council Tax while achieving a balanced budget.  We have continued to prioritise achieving savings in the Council’s back office functions to ensure that services to the public are impacted as little as possible.

We are also continuing to work hard to ensure that we bring investment into the area and this year we will commence the work to boost Accrington Town Centre using Lottery Funds and our own money.  This £3m+ investment along with the building of a new Bus Station over the next few years should give the Town Centre the boost it needs to continue to provide an appropriate shopping facility for Hyndburn and allow local businesses to thrive going forward.

Many people in Hyndburn face challenging health issues and we are investing this year significant sums to provide new leisure facilities and update existing ones to ensure that the facilities exist and are suitably attractive and well maintained to encourage people to take up physical activity and look after themselves by adopting healthier lifestyles.

Regeneration activity is also continuing with our partners KeepMoat and Place First with new houses being built along Blackburn Road and our major refurbishment programme in Woodnook already taking shape and transforming the area.  The investment we have made over the last few years has been significant and more monies will be devoted to these important investment activities over the coming twelve months.

We continue to live in tough and turbulent times but as a Council we are committed to improving the local area, keeping council tax increases to a minimum and protecting front line services.

Cllr Miles Parkinson

Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council

Labour supporters erect garden signs around Hyndburn

Labour supporters around the borough are erecting signs in their gardens and houses by the roadside to promote the local candidates.

Dozens have now gone up across Hyndburn, with Great Harwood seeing a particularly large amount in support of Gareth Molineux and Graham Jones.

If any resident wants to put a sign up in their garden, or even a poster in their front window, please get in touch with your local Labour Councillors and candidates.

HBC: Motion on Todmorden Curve rolling stock

The new Todmorden curve which directly links the Accrington railway line with Manchester was re-opened last year after being closed for decades. However, trains are not yet running on it due to a lack of provision by the government and old underground carriages are being brought up North for use on the new line.

Cllr Noordad Aziz put the motion to Council to request better rolling stock for Hyndburn and said, "The successful link of the direct train from East Lancashire to Manchester Airport will have a significant impact on Hyndburn’s Infrastructure and will provide an additional economic and social mobility injection into the area. We ask that steps are taken to review this matter, so that the area can benefit immediately on the opening of the Ordsall Curve."

Cllr Clare Cleary said, "This is a huge opportunity for the region but we need to come forward with strategic ideas rather than simply accepting government cuts to ticket offices and conductors. We have always been the poor second cousins in the North and now we are getting second-rate stock instead of encouraging local production of new carriages. Leasing old trains for the North costs a fortune and comes at the same time as billions are being spent on buying brand new stock for the South."

Cllr Harry Grayson added, "Whilst the connection is excellent news and will reduce travelling times considerably for people in Hyndburn, Rishton is not a stop on the new service and passengers will need to travel to Accrington station first. We are the largest single ward in the borough, it makes no sense not to be included."

The full motion to Council can be viewed here.

Clayton-le-Moors 2015: Melissa Fisher

Clayton-le-Moors resident Melissa Fisher has been selected as the Labour candidate for the ward in the 2015 local elections and has been out canvassing for months, meeting residents and listening to their concerns.

Melissa said, "I am so pleased to have been selected as your local Labour candidate for Clayton. As a long term resident of Clayton Le Moors with two children in local schools, I understand the issues people face. I know the Labour Councillors have worked hard to bring positive politics to Hyndburn."

She added, "I look forward to meeting you on the doorstep, but if you have any further questions, please give me a call or drop me an email. I will be happy to help."

Melissa can be contacted by phone on 07976 412160 or by email at mel.fisher33@gmail.com

HBC: Leader pays tribute to outgoing Councillors

At the Council meeting on 26th March 2015, Council Leader Miles Parkinson has paid tribute to four Councillors who are standing down in May. Labour Church Councillor and former Mayor of Hyndburn, John Broadley, was not present at the meeting and Miles will be visiting him at home shortly to give a vote of thanks on behalf of HBC.

Independent Huncoat Councillor Dave Parkins is also stepping down and Miles said, "Dave has served on the Council for 21 years and is well respected in Huncoat. He has seen some big changes to HBC during that time and I'm sure that, like myself, he would never have thought he would still be sitting here after all these years."

An emotional Cllr Parkins replied, "It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the people of Huncoat. I'm sad to do this but when you need to go, you go. I like to think I am leaving it in better shape than I found it and a lot of that is down to help from community groups, the police and former Councillors. I will mis it but thank you for all your help over the years."

The Council Leader also said a few words to thank Oswaldtwistle Councillor Brian Roberts and Clayton-le-Moors Councillor Nick Collingridge for all their work over the years.

Hyndburn Crime Statistics

Please see the link below which provides details of Hyndburn’s crime statistics.  From this chart you can compare Hyndburn’s performance to the other areas in Lancashire:

http://www.saferlancashire.co.uk/2011/statistics/crime/index.asp

If you click on the drop down box it provides information on ‘all crime’,  ‘anti-social behaviour’, ‘burglary’, ‘robbery’, ‘vehicle’ and ‘violent’ crime.

Hyndburn is showing reductions in ‘all crime’, ‘ASB’, ‘burglary’ and ‘robbery’.

Hyndburn is showing an increase in ‘vehicle’ and ‘violent’ crime.

New CG images of Accrington Bus Station

Work on the new bus station in Accrington as part of the Pennine Reach scheme has started and new images have been released showing how the finished building will look.

The station is part of a wider project to link townships together across East Lancashire through bus and rail networks and includes new terminuses at Accrington and Blackburn, plus upgrading of bus stops and the creation of electronic bus lanes which give public transport priority at traffic lights.

The scheme is expected to be fully completed by 2017.