Milnshaw: Highams Playing Fields renovations unveiled

Hyndburn Borough Council’s Queen Elizabeth II playing fields, located on Thornyholme Road in Accrington, took another step forward last week as the fencing that protected the site has been removed. This has now allowed the local commiunity to have a look at what has been achived as part of the £400,000 redevelopment project.

Milnshaw Labour Councillor, Paul Cox, said, "This is just another move in the right direction as this huge redesign and rebuilding scheme on Highams playing fields continues. The project had fallen behind schedule and as such we took the decision to leave the temporary fencing up as long as possible to allow the grass seed to establish."

Highams playing fields have been transformed over the last 12 months as extensive work has seen new drainage coupled with new playing surfaces installation and built on site. This further development follows on from earlier work at Highams which has included new play equipment and the installation of a cycle way through to Huncoat.

Cllr Cox added, "Our green spaces are vital and the controlling Labour group of Hyndburn Council firmly believe that should be both improved and safeguarded for future generations. This is an example of us working with outside funders to achive a massive improvement within the Laneside estate."

Number of people using food banks to double

A study by Oxford University suggests the number of people using food banks will double to more than 2m a year under the Conservatives’ plans for £12bn of welfare cuts.

Dr Rachel Loopstra’s research paper, entitled 'Austerity, Sanctions and the Rise of Food Banks in the UK', shows that food parcel distribution per head of population will rise by 0.16 percentage points for every 1% annual cut in benefit spending.

Labour used past cuts to calculate the figure based on Conservative plans for a £12bn cut in the welfare bill. Labour’s spokesperson on work and pensions, Rachel Reeves, said that David Cameron would have no choice but to cut tax credits and child benefit to meet the £12bn target.

Labour Milnshaw Councillor, Paul Cox, added "This would be yet another blow to many residents within Milnshaw, the last five years have been tough. Constantly we have been told that we must all feel some of the austerity cuts. However I feel this has be far to disproportionate to people living in the north west, especially East Lancashire. This Government has continued to hit the weakest the hardest and this is just another example."

The Funeral of Councillor Pamela Barton

The funeral of Spring Hill Councillor, Pam Barton, took place on Thursday 14th May 2015 at St James' Church in Accrington. The church was full to capacity with friends, family and colleagues who attended the service to celebrate the life rather than mourn the death, as Pam had wished.

There were tributes from County Councillor Clare Pritchard, a poem reading by Luke Reilly and a very emotional send off from Graham Jones MP, a close friend to Pam and her husband Richard for many years. The cortege then set off to Accrington Crematorium for a final blessing.

A news story and picture gallery by the Accrington Observer can be found here:

Accrington Observer - Mourners gather to pay respect

Donations are requested to go to the Ferngore Residents' Association. Please contact:

John Drinkwater
5 Lindadale Avenue
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 0NG
01254 392738

Peel: The Coppice Play Area extension now open

The Coppice Playing Field extension for older children has been a scheme by The Friends of Arden Hall and Coppice which is run by local Labour Councillors June Harrison, Wendy Dwyer and Joyce Plummer. They have raised £30,000 from various sources for this project. including donations from Peel and Barnfield and Huncoat Area Councils.

The new play area extension at Peel Park opened for the bank holiday weekend on May 4th and a plaque to acknowledge all contributions to the project is displayed near the entrance.

Rishton: Dog waste bin at Eachill Gardens

The Rishton Councillors have received complaints that the dog waste bin at Eachill Gardens has been full to overflowing recently and this has now been passed to the Waste Services department for investigation.

The bin has now been emptied but will be monitored to see whether the location needs further facilities.

Hyndburn Leisure: The Ballroom at Accrington Town Hall

After a stunning refurbishment, The Ballroom at Accrington Town Hall is the perfect venue for your Sportsman's Dinner, Presentation Night or end of season party.

The new venue includes a state of the art sound and lighting system, 2 stunning new bars including the Lounge, a mezzanine overlooking the entire ballroom, staged area perfect for your entertainment and a fantastic wooden sprung dance floor.

With capacity for 240 for a sit down meal or 350 presentation style, the veune is suitable for all your end of season needs. 3 course meal options start from £12.95 per head and hire rates are unbelieavably generous. Choose the Ballroom for your celebration, it will be the best choice you make this year.

Call us on 01254 380 293 to discuss your needs or follow this link:

The Ballroom @ Accrington Town Hall

Clayton-le-Moors: Pavement repairs

The state of pavements in Clayton-le-Moors has been addressed by the County Councillor for the area, Miles Parkinson, and remedial steps have now been taken.

Miles said, "One of the main issues for residents are roads and footpaths. I have fought hard for Whalley Road, First and Second Avenue, Cranbourne Avenue, William Street and Windsor Avenue for money to be spent on them after residents complaining about the state of them. Unfortunately due to limited resources and continued cuts to Councils budgets some areas l have only managed to get patching."

Clayton-le-Moors: Litter traps removed at Lancaster Drive

Residents of Lancaster Drive, Clayton Le Moors contacted Cllr Miles Parkinson and Cllr Chris Fisher, raising the issue of unsightly bushes in front of their properties which were rubbish traps. One resident stated they seen rats so the local Labour Councillors stepped in as Hyndburn Homes who unfortunately did not have a budget to remove the shrubs.

Miles said, "I secured funding to have the bushes removed and provide additional litter bins whilst also making sure LCC began a replacement programme of street lights on the estate along with other locations in Altham Ward."

Huncoat 2015: Labour gain

Eamonn Higgins has won the Huncoat local election to secure his first term as one of the two ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Eamonn will now hold his position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Eamonn Higgins (Labour) - 933
• Nick Whittaker (Conservative) - 809
• Janet Brown (UKIP) - 539
• David Daly (Green) - 106

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Huncoat was 65.55%.

Eamonn replaces outgoing Independent Councillor Dave Parkins, who supported Eamonn throughout his campaign. Dave is very well respected within the ward and the Hyndburn Labour group would like to thank him for all his work alongside us over the years.

Clayton-le-Moors 2015: Labour gain

Melissa Fisher has won the Clayton-le-Moors local election and secured her first term as one of the two ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Melissa will now hold her position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Melissa Fisher (Labour) - 951
• Stephen Brierley (Conservative) - 776
• Liam Clark (UKIP) - 535

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Clayton-le-Moors was 61.88%.

Barnfield 2015: Labour hold

Cllr June Harrison has won the Barnfield local election and secured a second term as one of the two ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and June will now hold her position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• June Harrison (Labour) - 938
• Jean Hurn (Conservative) - 691
• Walter Brown (UKIP) - 425

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Barnfield was 60.87%.

Immanuel 2015: Conservative hold

Colette McCormack failed to win in the Immanuel local election and Conservative Cllr Judith Addison secured a second term as one of the two ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Judith will now hold her position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Colette McCormack (Labour) - 706
• Judith Addison (Conservative) - 986
• Mark Taylor (UKIP) - 516
• Simon Woods (Green) - 78

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Immanuel was 61.55%.

St Oswalds: Conservative hold

Labour hopeful Susan Young lost out to the Conservatives in the St Oswalds local election and the seat remains in Tory hands. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and the results were as follows:

• Susan Young (Labour) - 1,005
• Lisa Allen (Conservative) - 1,267
• Kenneth Smith (UKIP) - 1,087

The total percentage of voters who turned out in St Oswalds was 65.61%.

Baxenden 2015: Conservative hold

Labour hopeful David Hartley sadly lost the Baxenden local election but secured a respectable number of votes in what is generally regarded as a safe Tory seat. His performance in the election means that Baxenden can now be considered as a target for Labour in future years.

The results were as follows:

• David Hartley (Labour) - 736
• John Bargh (Conservative) - 1,044
• Stuart Scott (UKIP) - 515
• Kerry Gormley (Green) - 62

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Baxenden was 71.05%.

Church 2015: Labour hold

Loarine Cox has won the Church local election and secured her first term as one of the two ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Loraine will now hold her position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Loraine Cox (Labour) - 1,029
• Marion Raynor (Conservative) - 338
• Dayle Taylor (UKIP) - 456

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Church was 52.27%.

Milnshaw 2015: Labour hold

Cllr Paul Cox has won the Milnshaw local election and secured a second term as one of the two ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Paul will now hold his position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Paul Cox (Labour) - 1,179
• Roger Jepson (Conservative) - 542
• John Taylor (UKIP) - 474

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Milnshaw was 61.55%.

Altham 2015: Labour hold

Cllr Miles Parkinson has won the Altham local election and secured another term as one of the two ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Miles will now hold his position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Miles Parkinson (Labour) - 1,164
• Stacey Melling (Conservative) - 585
• Lee Entwistle (UKIP) - 594
• John Bolam (Green) - 103

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Altham was 59.97%.

Central 2015: Labour hold

Cllr Mohammed Ayub has won the Central local election and secured another term as one of the two ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Ayub will now hold his position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Mohammed Ayub (Labour) - 1,563
• Mohammad Saleem (Conservative) - 516
• Christopher Matthew (UKIP) - 224
• Afzal Aqeel (Independent) - 45 

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Central was 63.65%.

Overton 2015: Labour hold

Cllr Gareth Molineux has won the Overton local election and secured a second term as one of the three ward Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Gareth will now hold his position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Gareth Molineux (Labour) - 1,132
• Patrick McGinley (Conservative) - 1,093
• Ian Robinson (UKIP) - 900
• Joan West (Green) - 164

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Overton was 65.21%.

Rishton 2015: Labour hold

Cllr Clare Cleary has won the Rishton local election and secured a second term as one of the three village Councillors. The count took place in the newly-refurbished Town Hall at 11.00am on 8th May 2015 and Clare will now hold her position until 2019.

The results were as follows:

• Clare Cleary (Labour) - 1,391
• John Bargh (Conservative) - 971
• David Dowling (UKIP) - 904

The total percentage of voters who turned out in Rishton was 62.57%.

Hyndburn Leisure: This Girl Can

This Girl Can is a nationwide campaign to women and girls more active. Hyndburn Leisure are supporting this by offering all girls and ladies over 14 years of age a free trial pass in our gym.

Hyndburn Leisure understand that not everyone can train every day in the town that they live. You may work in Burnley or Blackburn and want to train in your dinner hour, but use facilities in Hyndburn in the evenings and weekends. The Active Network is the solution for you. Join Hyndburn or Mercer Hall Leisure Centre on our Premier Membership and get access to facilities across East Lancashire. membership includes gym, unlimited fitness classes, swimming, sauna and steam room.

Call us today on 01254 385845 or email memberships@hyndburnleisure.co.uk to begin your fitness journey.

Graham Jones MP wins second term

Graham Jones has been re-elected as Hyndburn MP and is set to serve a second five-year term in office.

The results were counted at Accrington Town Hall and the result declared after 4am on 8th May 2015:

Graham Jones (Labour) - 18,076
Kevin Horkin (Conservative) - 13,676
Kerry Gormley (Green) - 1,122
Alison Firth (Liberal Democrat) - 859
Janet Brown (UK Independence Party) - 9,154

The local election votes will be counted at 11.00am this morning.

Election 2015: Polling Stations now open

Polling stations are now open across Hyndburn until 10.00pm tonight and residents are urged to go and use their vote.

You do not need your polling card to vote, simply turn up at your nearest polling station and give your name and address.

Anyone who needs a lift to a polling station can contact any of their local Labour representatives.

Vote Labour in Hyndburn

With just one day left until voting begins in the 2015 elections, the Hyndburn Labour group would like to thank residents for their warm welcomes on the doorstep and messages of good luck.

We have been canvassing for months in wards across Hyndburn and Haslingden and have tried to get to every household to speak to people. It has been entirely worth it to find out how people are intending to vote and why, what their problems are and how they would like us to address them.

Graham Jones has worked tirelessly as MP for the borough since 2010 and has been instrumental in improvements to issues such as the Todmorden Curve rail line and scrap metal theft, as well as pushing for tougher regulation of private landlords and raising standards for tenants.

The 23 Hyndburn Labour Councillors have worked to keep HBC in good shape since taking control in the 2011 local elections and have put robust plans to keep the authority in shape, despite suffering the harshest government cuts out of all Councils in the country and inheriting a £12.9m debt from the Conservative administration.

We have frozen Council tax for four years and we have done so again in 2015 and have not borrowed money to invest in votewinning projects. We have used £1m of capital funding this year to secure over £8m more for local projects through a lot of hard work and co-operation with community groups. Our capital programme for the foreseeable future is not only fully financially costed but sustainable and our track record in Hyndburn demonstrates this.

In contrast, the Conservatives have only offered a negative campaign which has focused on talking the town down and published a list of promises that the Labour group are already in the process of implementing.

Vote for a positive future, vote Labour in 2015.

Spring Hill: Cllr Pam Barton passes away

Spring Hill Labour Councillor Pam Barton has passed away this morning. Tributes have been pouring in for a respected community representative and a much-loved friend to many.

Council Leader, Miles Parkinson, said, "Pam was a friend and colleague for more than 17 years and was a fighter whether that was her own health or in her Cabinet role as member for Health and Wellbeing for all the residents of Hyndburn. She fought to stop the closure of Accrington Victoria Walk in Centre and succeeded so now we must continue Pam's fight. Pam will be sorely missed by all past and present colleagues within the Labour Group and Party in Hyndburn."

He added, "In these last few years, her health has given her difficulties but would never complain, simply get on with her Council duties representing the residents of Spring Hill. We enjoyed many ups and downs on the Council and over her 17 years she served in numerous positions with one goal, which was to improve the lives of Hyndburn residents."

Graham Jones said, "Rest in peace Cllr Pam Barton, who sadly passed away this morning. You were a special person and a stalwart of the party."

Peel Councillor, Joyce Plummer, said, "A truly lovely lady, it is only a week since Vincent and I visited her in hospital and was having a good laugh with her. Her first comment was, "Fancy this happening a week before the election, I should be out there canvassing." Pam and myself had many chats over the phone and I found her truly inspirational, I am deeply saddened by her death and I am sure we will all miss her dearly."

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

HBC: Green Flag Awards 2015

The annual Green Flag Award polls are now open and it is time to vote for your favourite Hyndburn park. The award is the industry standard for excellence and also helps towards funding bids for those areas.

Using the link below, put your postcode in to leave a comment on why you love your park and these will be passed on to the relevant parks manager:

http://www.greenflagaward.org/award-winning-sites/north-west/

Hyndburn Leisure: New 3G pitch now open

The brand new FIFA 1* 3G pitch is now open at Hyndburn Leisure Centre. Prime evening and weekend slots are still available on 7, 9 and 11-a-side pitches so ask about the fantastic discounts for block bookings and unbelievable summer deals.

Just because the football season is finishing doesn't mean you have to. Train throughout the summer on the newest 3G pitch in the area.

Email contactus@hyndburnleisure.co.uk or call 01254 385 945 to book

Church: Cafe now open at Elmfield Hall

Residents are invited to call for a coffee or lunch and experience the newly refurbished Elmfield Hall in the beautiful grounds of Gatty Park.

 Deborah Clark at CSNW said, Our cafe at Elmfield is now launched and open Saturdays too! Our our range of coffee is also available to purchase to take home for those of you who enjoy 'proper' coffee. We have free WiFi for workers who require to check emails and for Lancashire County Council workers to access VPN services. It's also a lovely venue to meet friends or clients."

The cafe is now open for bookings, meetings 6 days a week - Monday to Saturday 10am till 4pm (cafe) and Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for other services at Elmfield Hall and Trafalgar (Trafalgar Street, Burnley).

Clayton-le-Moors: Woodland artwork queries

Cllr Miles Parkinson has received questions from members of the public regarding artwork in Woodlands which has been damaged and removed.

A Council spokesman said, "We have had the probation service doing some work in Woodlands and they built a wigwam out of twigs and logs, undertaken by the instructor on site with them. They were asked to take it down due to it being a target for fire and vandalism."

Hyndburn Leisure: Mercer Hall pool refurbishment on 11th May 2015

A refurbishment of the pool hall at Mercer Hall in Great Harwood is due to begin on 11th May.

This will include decorating, tiling and a new stretch fabric ceiling which will improve the look of the pool hall. Unfortunately, this does mean that the pool will need to be closed during the time of the works. We are anticipating an 8 week closure of the pool. The gym, sauna and steam rooms will be available as usual during this time.

Alternative pool access is available at Hyndburn Leisure Centre. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Follow this link for pool opening times:

Hyndburn Leisure Pool Programme

Film Club: Cinderella - 2nd May 2015

We hope you enjoyed your last visit to Film Club in our brand new Ballroom @ Accrington Town Hall. Just to remind you that Film Club is back for the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 2nd May at 1.30pm with a special showing of Classic Cinderella, with guest appearances from Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother!

Tickets are available by calling 01254 380 293 or you can book on line by clicking anywhere on the picture below.

We hope you have a fantastic bank holiday weekend and look forward to seeing you on Saturday.

Great Harwood: V E Day 70th Anniversary Service - 10th May 2015

British Legion members in Great Harwood have organised a service and parade on Sunday 10th May to mark the 70th anniversary of VE day, which falls on Friday 8th May.

There will be a service at Great Harwood Cenotaph on Sunday 10th May at 11.30am, followed at 12.00pm by a parade down Church Lane, Church Street and Queen Street to The Plough, where a charity fundraising event will be held.

Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Munsif Dad said; “We appreciate the Great Harwood Royal British Legion members' time and effort in organising these events to mark this momentous date in history and hope that lots of Hyndburn people go along to support them on 10th May."

For more information contact Great Harwood British Legion.