Rishton: Canal cleanup organised for 23rd August 2015

Rishton resident Stephanie Clarkson has organised a clean-up of the canal through the village on Sunday 23rd August 2015 from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. This has the support of the Canal and River Trust and they will be represented on the day to provide supervision and a cleaning barge will also be in attendance.

The Rishton Prospects group are also involved and Colin Cooper said, "Stephanie has been in South Africa taking part in the International Citizen Service (ICS) programme (in partnership with Tearfund), working on various community development projects and living with host families in a poor rural community. It is expected that on return to the UK, participants in the programme will complete an ‘action at home’ project. Stephanie has chosen the canal clean-up as her project and will hope to broaden its scope for longer term sustainability once the initial cleaning operation is done."

Al interested resident are encouraged to turn up on the day to lend a hand. The group will meet at 1.00pm at the Canal Cafe under High Street bridge.

Baxenden: Afternoon Tea at the Gallery Kitchen Tearoom

The Haworth Art Gallery in Accrington, home of a world renowned collection of Tiffany glass, now boasts its very own tearoom. The Mayor, Cllr Marlene Haworth, was joined by Mayoress, Dorothy Berry, Council Leader Miles Parkinson and Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Ken Moss, to officially launch The Gallery Kitchen Tearoom on Wednesday 29th July.

The Gallery Kitchen Tea Room, which is open from 12-4pm Wednesday to Sunday, is the brainchild of Simon Shields. Simon has already built up an enviable reputation for good food as the landlord of the award winning ‘Griffin Inn’ at Huncoat, The Gallery Kitchen has a varied lunch time menu and also serves teas, coffees, and cakes throughout the day and all food is locally sourced and freshly prepared. The premises are fully licensed and offer catering for functions at the Gallery as well as outside events.

As well as offering visitors a delightful place to enjoy a meal, The Gallery Kitchen also works in conjunction with the Haworth Art Gallery to provide refreshments for pre-arranged group visits and cater for wedding groups, including drinks, canapés, buffets and small receptions.

Cllr Haworth said, “I’m always been a big fan of the Haworth, so it’s wonderful to see this spanking new tearoom open now, bringing in more visitors to eat and drink quality locally sourced food, in beautiful surroundings. It’s already proved really popular, so come along and treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea.”

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said, “We are delighted that the tea room is now open and doing well, it’s something we’ve been working towards for a long time and Simon Shields and his excellent team, including Chef, Jason Robinson and Front-of-House Manager, Joseph Shields are already creating an excellent reputation for the Gallery Kitchen.”

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Leisure, added, “These are exciting times for the Haworth, with work on the Stable Block and Motor House scheduled to start very soon so that new artists’ studios should be up and running by next spring. The Haworth is also going from strength to strength as the popular choice for wedding bookings.”

Simon Shields added; The Gallery Kitchen has been very well received and become a success within the space of a few weeks. It’s been an overwhelming and humbling experience for everyone involved.”

So why not make a date for a delicious lunch in beautiful surroundings and see what everyone is talking about? The Gallery Kitchen is open from Wed to Fri 12 noon to 4.45pm and Saturday and Sunday 12 noon to 4.15pm. For more information call 01254 491660.

Huncoat: New defibrillators installed

Five potentially lifesaving automatic external defibrillators are being installed in Accrington and Huncoat, with the first one already in place at the gates of Peel Park, at the foot of the Coppice in Accrington. Others will be installed outside the Whittakers Arms Pub on Burnley Road, The Black Bull Pub on Lowergate Road Huncoat, The Railway Pub at Huncoat Railway Station and the Mapleford Nursing Home on the wall facing Bolton Avenue.

The devices, famously used to help Premiership Footballer, Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a football game, deliver an electric shock to the heart after it stops pumping blood around the body. Statistics show that over 75,000 lives could be saved each year in the UK by having defibrillators immediately available.

Speaking about the move, paramedic and Huncoat Councillor, Eammon Higgins, said, “It’s fabulous that the first of the defibrillators is now in place. I’m only too aware with my work as a paramedic that sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and without these machines the survival rate drops 10% for every minute. Sudden cardiac arrest is the world’s biggest killer, with around 140,000 deaths in the UK alone."

He continued; “These state of the art defibrillators have been bought from the North West Ambulance Service, with funds from Huncoat Neighbourhood Management Board and the help of former Cllr Dave Parkins who has been a key player in their installation, thanks to all of them.”

Cllr Higgins concluded, “We’ll be arranging a one hour training course in basic life support and the use of the community defibrillators, which residents are very welcome to attend. It will be delivered by NWAS Paramedics and promoted when details are finalised.”

Hyndburn Conservatives 10% tax cut promise is unfeasible

The recent by-election in Spring Hill resulted in a comfortable Labour victory but claims were made on Conservative election literature that they would reduce Council tax by 10% if elected into power in Hyndburn. The idea that this is financially plausible is entirely refuted by the Labour group as it would mean a reduction in the amount available to spend each year by approximately £400,000 and this would have a significant impact on services.

Cabinet member for Resources, Cllr Gareth Molineux, said, "Over the next 2 years the council needs to find additional savings of £4.6 million. This was a saving that the Council already knew about before George Osborne made his latest budget speech but a further spending review is due in the Autumn which will hit us even harder. It will be November before the Council is made aware of additional savings that it needs to make."

He added, "Clearly reducing council tax by 10 % is an attractive election tag line but unfortunately a reduction of that amount would see see all front line services reduced significantly. The local Conservatives are resorting to desperate electioneering, proving that they cannot be trusted to put the people of Hyndburn before their political careers."

Viewpoint - Cllr Miles Parkinson - July 2015

 George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, recently announced further reductions in public expenditure. Whilst the full detail of these reductions won’t be available until Autumn everyone anticipates more cuts in the money available to local government, after we have already seen the amount of Government Grant for services reduced locally, from over £10.2m to around £6.8m between 2010/11 and 2015/16, the current financial year.

After suffering a reduction of over a third in our finances, looking forward at the level of further reductions which will emerge over the coming months, as the detail on the impact on each local Council is announced; I expect the pressure to mount considerably from what we had previously envisaged. The Council has made huge efforts over the last 5 years to protect local tax payers and services from the impact of these cuts. However, with the election of a new government committed to further reductions in public spending, the Council faces even tougher choices going forward.

As a direct result of the Chancellor’s announcement, I have asked Council Officers to start to examine a whole range of services provided by the Council, where we would need to either reduce, or end subsidies on prices and make the Council’s charges more commercial, to help offset the amounts of money the Government is withdrawing from the Council. In the current environment we face a very stark choice of asking local people to pay more for some services, or having to reduce or end services that we no longer simply have the funds to continue to support. We will continue with our commitment to not increasing Council Tax during this period, but if the Government is withdrawing large amounts of money it pays to fund local services, raising extra funds from services we provide is one way of ensuring we can continue to deliver the vital services our community needs here in Hyndburn.

Despite the challenges facing the Council there are still many reasons to be positive. In Accrington the new Bus Station will soon be complete, meaning work can start on transforming the site of the existing bus station.
Following the completion of the state-of-the-art refurbishment of the Town Hall Ballroom, the next phase of improvement works is now well underway, creating a first class venue which can cater for a wide variety of events.

At the Haworth Art Gallery, as well as the fabulous exhibition and gallery shop, you can now dine in style at the newly opened Gallery Kitchen. The Gallery is a great place to visit any time of year which I highly recommend.

An outline planning application for land at the side of Junction 6 of the M65 proposes to create around 2,000 jobs.

Regeneration work continues with Keepmoat building new homes along Blackburn Rd and Placefirst bringing approximately 130 empty homes back into use in Woodnook.

I will ensure the Council works hard to deliver efficiencies in the way we do things, deliver transformational change across the borough and protect the services you have told me are important to you.

Netherton: Former St John's Church site regeneration

The site of the former St John's Church in Netherton is currently undergoing regeneration following the demolition of the church several years ago.

Cllrs Bernadette Parkinson and Noordad Aziz are fully supportive of the new site which will provide affordable new housing for rent.

Netherton: New alley gates have reduced crime

Netherton Councillors Bernadette Parkinson and Noordad Aziz have been on one of their regular walkabouts through the ward and have been spaking to residents on Glebe Street regarding the newly-installed alley gates.

Glebe Street and the surrounding area has seen problems with antisocial behaviour on the back streets but alley gates were provided using remaining funds from the Area Council budget. Residents are really grateful to the Councillors for their hard work on this issue and feedback has been very positive regarding a reduction in crime.

Church: Armed Forces Day 2015

 Armed Forces Day this year was held within Gatty Park on 30th June.  Both Labour Church Ward Councillors, Loraine Cox and Joan Smith, had worked closely with several organisations within Hyndburn to bring a fun family day in the shadow of the newly refurbished Emfeild Hall. The event, which ran from 12.30 until 4pm, was attended by hundreds of residents who enjoyed displays from Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Gatty Park Bowlers and the Accrington Pipe Band. 

Cllr Loraine Cox said, "We worked with The Royal British Legion to make this Armed Forces day a real celebration of past and present. We were joined by both the Mayor, Cllr Marleane Howarth, and our Member of Parliment, Graham Jones, in really making this a true family fun day. But the Sucess of the day was also down to all those who helped make this event happen, Hyndburn Council democratic services, Hyndburn Homes and Gatty Park bowling club."

Allotmentary display at Tatton Flower Show

An ‘Allotmentary’ garden display, the fruit of many local people’s labours, is proudly on show at RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park, which runs to 26th July.

The ‘Allotmentary’ display is an allotment and vegetable exhibition showcasing the hard work of many green-fingered local volunteers and groups, working under the banner of Hyndburn Federation of Allotments.

The allotment features unusual vegetables and edible flowers including; yakon, oca, groundnut and electric daisies, attracting the attention of celebrity TV gardener, Gardeners World’s Carol Klein, so watch out for Tatton coverage on BBC2 today and tomorrow.

The allotment display at Tatton is the culmination of many months of work by volunteers from organisations including Baxenden Allotments & Garden Society, Church Prospects Panel, Clayton le Moors Prospects Panel, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, Sandy Lane Gardening Group, Incredible Edible and the Council, who have been working together in Gatty Park greenhouses and allotments across the Borough, growing vegetables and edible flowers for their show garden at RHS Tatton.

Cath Holmes, Chair of Hyndburn Federation of Allotments, said; “It’s been the biggest and best yet. This year’s display is all about promoting the benefits to mental health and general wellbeing of allotmenteering and growing, as being out in the fresh air, producing food to bring to your own table, is very therapeutic for both mind and body. A big thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who has given their time, support and expertise to the project “

Leader of HBC, Cllr Miles Parkinson, plus Cabinet member for Leisure, Cllr Ken Moss, were in attendance at VIP Day to have a sneak preview of the HGSF's display.

Cllr Moss said, "The Tatton Show is one of the most prestigious floral events in the British calendar so to be able to show here is fantastic. The Green Spaces Forum's showing represents a coming together of various community groups and the Council to make something really special. Well done to all!"

Milnshaw: Shrubbery issues at Lupin Close

Several residents of Lupin Close, Accrington, have made contact over the last few weeks with their local Milnshaw Labour Ward Councillor to try and help resolve a issue with several shrubs and trees within Milnshaw Gardens. These problems have been on going for a a couple of years and if not addressed could possibly lead to damage to residents fences. 

Milnshaw Labour Councillor, Paul Cox, said, "I was contacted about this matter originally from residents who had a couple of bushes growing through their fences, I was then approached by a couple more residents who had a few concerns with two trees in the grounds of Milnshaw Gardens. I contacted Accent Homes and our own Council tree Officer about these issues to try to see if we could work together to solve some of the problems. Last week a site visit identified the problems, with a compromise solution being agreed by all parties which will lead to the shrubs being cut back and some small pruning work to the trees."

Cllr Cox added, "Accent Homes and there grounds Mantance team have been fantastic and have offered to cut back the shrubs which have caused residents concerns. There are also working closely with our Tree officer to identify what works can be undertaken on the trees. This will be really good news to the resident s of Lupin Close who originally brought this to my attention."

If you or any resident within Church & Milnshaw Wards has any similar issue than please get in touch with your local Labour team who are more than happy to help resolve or provide information on Bourough Council Issues.

Contact details can be found on our “contact us ” section

Church: Elmfield Hall conference facilities

If you are looking to hold a meeting, training event, social event or staff development day – look no further than Elmfield Hall – situate in the beautiful grounds of Gatty Park, Accrington. With competitive rates, catering facilities, equipment hire and the added bonus that all profits go to support the social aims of Community Solutions including our Food Bank and Support Solutions Departments!

Additionally, if you are a training provider who delivers excellent training but struggles to fill your courses with local people then please call us to discuss working in partnership as we have some great opportunities for you.

For all information please contact Andrea Gibson on 01254 460080/ andreagibson@csnw.co.uk for a quote and to discuss any of our room hire options.

Rishton: Resident celebrates 100th birthday

 Marie Hocking of Talbot Street celebrated her 100th birthday last Saturday and the occasion was marked by a visit from the Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Marlene Haworth (pictured right), which was arranged by the Rishton Councillors as a surprise.

Mrs Hocking, who was born on 18th July 1915, moved to England from Belgium 77 years ago where she had grown up opposite the parliament buildings in Brussels. Following a period cleaning the borough's park toilets, she ended up at Gaskells Carpets where she worked for 25 years.

Marie said, "I have known a lot of war in my time, as I was born during the First World War and met my English husband during the Second World War. I have worked hard for everything in my life and, whilst I don't have much, it is mine and I am happy in my little house."

She added, "I am so grateful for all my cards and flowers and everyone who has come to see me. My telegram from the Queen arrived at 9.00am and I was so proud to receive it, now I have had a visit from the Mayor!"

Cllr Ken Moss said, "The Mayor and Mayoress arrived at 1.00pm with a card and a big bunch of flowers and had a chat with Mrs Hocking about her life. It was really nice to see how many people had sent a card and I know that more visitors were on the way after we left. Many happy returns, Mrs Hocking!"

Milnshaw: New dog bin installed on Thorneyholme Road

 Milnshaw Labour ward Councillor, Paul Cox, was contacted on a recent Laneside estate walkabout by a local resident after concern was raised about the dog bin on Thornyholme Rd being near capacity the majority of the time. This issue has developed now Highams playing fields have opened fully to allow resident to exercise their dogs.
 
Cllr Cox said, "Just recently, as part of my portfolio, Hyndburn Borough Council installed 100 new dog bins around the district. However with the inprovment works nearly complete on Highams its usage has dramatically risen and following a request from a resident I have asked for an additional dog waste bin to be added."

Councillor Paul Cox added, "It’s important to state that Hyndburn Council has worked to remove many of the excuses for individuals who do not pick up after their dogs. We supply free dog waste bags and, where needed, place extra dog bins."

Councillor Cox takes part in regular ward walks around Milnshaw, but can also be contacted via email or telephone.

Baxenden: Haworth Art Gallery Summer of Fun

A host of free activities has been arranged at the Haworth Art Gallery on Hollins Lane and details can be found on the flyer above.

These are open to all residents and are completely free!

Spring Hill: Diane Fielding wins for Labour in by-election

Diane Fielding has retained the Spring Hill seat for Labour in Hyndburn and will now fill the vacant seat left upon the sad death of former Councillor Pam Barton on 2nd June 2015.

The results were as follows:

Diane Fielding (Labour) - 678
Mohammed Safdar (Conservatives) - 475
Kenneth Smith (UKIP) - 137
Kerry Gormley (Green) - 17

The turnout of voters was 37.4% which, although leaving a considerable number of non-voters, is exceptional for a local election.

Cllr Fielding said, "I am very excited and relieved to have won! I have been chair of various community groups for over ten years and have had plenty of well-wishers along the campaign but the one which means most of all is the text I got from Pam Barton's daughter this morning. It means more than she will ever know, I'm glad to have done it for Pam."

Rishton: Harry Grayson to step down in 2016

Rishton Councillor, Harry Grayson, has announced that he is stepping down from Hyndburn Borough Council and will not be seeking re-election next year. Harry has served on HBC since being elected 2006 and is currently the Chair of the Planning Committee, as well as sitting on numerous boards and committees outside the Council.

Harry said, “I have served ten years as a Rishton Councillor and have enjoyed every second trying to improve the place where I was born and have lived for 65 years. However, I am reaching the stage where I would like to partake in more activities with my family and so it is time for me to step aside and let someone else take the reins. I would like to thank everyone in Rishton for supporting me over the years and wish all residents the best for the future.”

Cllr Grayson will remain on HBC until May 2016 and anyone who is interested in standing for election should get in touch with any of the Rishton Councillors by August 1st 2015.