LCC: Cuts to Lancashire now in excess of £685m

Further cuts to Lancashire County Council have been announced by the government which will take the savings required to £685m by the end of the decade.

The cuts are now beginning to seriously affect public services, with transport, libraries, museums and social care being the most noticeable.

A leaflet has been produced and is beng delivered by Cllr Miles Parkinson and the Labour Councillors to highlight the scale of the cuts to local services.

HBC: How to vote in the 2016 elections

Voters are being reminded to make sure they are ready to take part in the elections on Thursday 5 May.

Jane Ellis, Returning Officer for Hyndburn, said: “With the elections fast approaching, we want to make sure that everyone knows how to cast their vote with confidence on 5 May. Anyone looking for more information will likely find the answer to their questions at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk, and they can get in touch with the team here at Hyndburn Council if they have any further queries”.

Ben Brook, Head of the Electoral Commission, English Regions, said: “There are elections taking place all over England on 5 May, so wherever people live it’s important that everybody knows how to take part and have their say on issues in their local area. A lot of people don’t know what to expect on polling day, especially if they haven’t voted before, but with so much information available online and through your local Electoral Services team, we hope everyone will be able to feel confident about casting their vote in May”.

Here’s a rundown of things you need to know before polling day:

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 5 May. You had to have applied to register to vote by midnight on 18 April in order to be able to vote on 5 May. Your poll card will have been sent to the address where you are registered. It will say where your polling station is. You can only vote at the polling station that is stated on your own poll card.


Plan what time you will be able to cast your vote at the polling station, leaving plenty of time before the 10pm deadline. If you are in a queue at your polling station at 10pm you will still be able to vote. If you arrive at the polling station after 10pm then the poll will be closed and you will have missed your chance to take part.

If you have a postal vote, make sure it is returned by 10pm on Thursday 5 May. If you have not had time to post it before polling day, then you can take it to the polling station on polling day and hand it in. Your poll card tells you where your polling station is. Postal votes that arrive after 10pm on May 5 will not be counted.

If you’ve appointed a proxy, then they need to make sure they are able to vote at the correct polling station on your behalf.

If you are suddenly unable to vote in person, because you have a medical emergency which prevents you from attending on polling day, or your occupation, service or employment means that you cannot go to the polling station in person, and you only become aware of that fact after the deadline, then you may be entitled to appoint an emergency proxy.

You can apply for an emergency proxy up until 5pm on polling day. You should contact your local electoral registration office directly to ask about this.

What you need to take with you - just yourself!

You can take your poll card with you to show the polling station staff when you arrive. They will still ask for you to confirm your name and address. If you don’t have it with you, just tell the polling station staff your name and your address and they can check whether you’re on the electoral register.

Social media is a great way to let your friends and family know you have voted and to encourage them to do the same. So use Twitter, Facebook and any other social media accounts you have to get the message out there.

Remember- pictures of you before you go into or after you leave the polling station are great to use on social media posts but don’t take a picture of yourself inside the polling station as if you post this it could be a breach of the law.

The staff at the polling station will give you a ballot paper listing the candidates you can vote for. You may be given more than one ballot paper if there is more than one election taking place in your local area on the same day.

Staff are on hand at the polling station to provide advice on the voting process.

If you are disabled, you can ask the Presiding Officer for help and they can mark the ballot paper for you. You can also ask someone else to help you (e.g. a support worker, as long as they are either a relative or an eligible elector).

If you have a visual impairment, you can ask to see a large print ballot paper or you can ask for a special voting device that allows you to vote on your own in secret.

Take your ballot paper into a polling booth so that no one can see how you vote. Read the ballot paper carefully, it will tell you how to cast your vote. Do not write anything else on the paper or your vote may not be counted.

Mark your ballot paper according to the instructions. A pencil will be provided for you to do this, but you may use your own pen if you prefer.

If you make a mistake on your ballot paper, don’t worry, So long as you haven’t already put it in the ballot box just let the polling station staff know and they can issue you with a replacement ballot paper.

Fold your completed ballot paper in half and pop it in the ballot box - and that’s it done!

There is more information and a list of elections taking place in your area on www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.

Happy Easter from Hyndburn Labour

Church services are taking place across the borough to celebrate Easter Day and the Labour group would like to send best wishes to all residents over the bank holiday weekend.

HBC: New shop front design proposals - 24th March 2016

Shop owners and local businesses are invited to a drop-in consultation event on 24th March where they can have their say about new planning policy proposals for shop fronts in Hyndburn.

Local people are welcome to attend the event at Accrington Town Hall on Thursday 24th March. The session will run from 5.30pm until 7pm and will give people the chance to chat to Council Officers and air their views about a new draft planning policy and guidance note for shop fronts, security shutters and their design.

The policy and guidance note encourages high quality design and heritage to help promote vibrant and attractive street scenes around the Borough. Once adopted the documents will form part of the new Local Plan for the Borough and will be a key consideration in deciding future planning applications.

For more information and to view the documents visit www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/dmdpd, click on the ‘Development Management DPD Consultation Draft’ link and go to p93 (Policy DM28: Shop Fronts and Security Shutters) and p149 (GN5: Shop front design).

Rishton: Cabinet approves 25 year lease for Rishton United

Hyndburn’s Cabinet today approved the grant of a twenty-five year lease of part of Rishton Playing Fields to Rishton United Football Club.

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said; “This is great news for the Club and the local sporting community. The lease will enable the Club to establish this land as their home ground and to apply for funding from Sport England and the Lancashire Football Association, who require a twenty-five year lease as an essential part of any funding application. If funding is approved this money will enable them to develop the sports ground and promote sport, and in particular football for the local community.”

Chic Kelly, Chair of Rishton United Football Club, said; “The club currently have 21 teams both young and old and have had to travel all over the borough to play their home games for far too long. The club is very excited at Hyndburn Borough Council leasing the land and the prospects of one day that football will be in Rishton once again. There is still a lot of work to be done before this can happen but the granting of the lease is a huge step towards it. “

HBC: Councillors to vote on combined authority proposals - 24th March 2016

Councillors in Hyndburn will be voting on whether to give their approval to set up a Combined Authority for Lancashire on 24th March after residents and businesses were asked for their views.

Hyndburn Council supported the idea when it met to discuss the initial proposals before Christmas and it now has to decide whether to give its support to a formal bid being submitted to the Government.

Two thousand residents and businesses took part in the consultation, with the vast majority of people supporting the principle of a Combined Authority that would secure more investment and jobs for the county.

Councillor Miles Parkinson, Leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “I am pleased that there is broad support from residents and businesses for a combined authority for Lancashire. I will be asking Hyndburn Council to take the next step in creating a Lancashire combined authority as it provides opportunities to deliver real benefits for Hyndburn and for Lancashire.”

The consultation covered all parts of the county with the main feedback from the survey being:

74% of respondents strongly or tend to agree that a partnership approach is important in Lancashire

70% strongly or tend to agree with the proposal to establish a Combined Authority in Lancashire

Of those who disagree with the proposal, the main concerns are around where any resources would be focused across the county and the adverse impact the proposal might have on local services

A summary of the consultation responses can be seen at http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/downloads/Lancs_CA_Consultation_Report.pdf

Barnfield: Labour out litter picking

The Labour team have been out and about in Barnfield over the weekend litter picking and collected several bags of rubbish.

Barnfield candidate Jodie Travis said, "The Council keep our ward clean but people still drop a staggering amount of litter. Thanks to Bernard Dawson and June Harrison for all their tireless support. They are a real inspiration to me in Barnfield."

LCC: Over £550k for new Hyndburn Actives Lives scheme

Lancashire County Council have just announced new contracts across Lancashire to provide new services for obesity prevention, opportunities for physical activity, weight management focussing on dietary change and behavioural components.

County Councillor Azhar Ali, Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, said "I have approved new 3 year contracts across Lancashire for an 'Active Lives and Healthy Weight Service' commencing on the 1st April 2016. The new service will also maximise the use of digital technology to enable mass participation."

Cabinet member for Leisure, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "This will mean extra funding for Hyndburn to the tune of £185,373 per year, giving us a total contract of £556,119. It will be good for residents and go a long way to easing our budgetary concerns regarding leisure."

Milnshaw: Local Councillor gets involved in Laneside clean up

Working with Lanside Residents Association, Milnshaw Ward Councillor, Paul Cox took part in a community clean up day on Laneside estate in Accington on Saturday 12th March. Using funding obtained via Lancashire County County the residents association once again ensured the estate took part in this much appreciated spring clean.

Chair of Laneside Residents Association, Malcolm Sommerville, said, "We have been working hard over the last 20 years in improving our estate, this is another example of how we work to do this. I’m really great full that Paul, our local councillor, mucks in and helps keep the area clean."

The community clean saw skips, supplied by Hyndburn Borough Council, located at the junction of Haywood Rd and Ribblesdale Ave. The event ran from 8.30 till 12 and was aimed at Laneside's residents, giving them a chance to get rid of some of their winter waste. 

Local Labour Ward Councillor Paul Cox stated, "I always help these local events, keeping both Milnshaw, including Laneside estate, clean is vitally important to me. Getting involved in these projects is a important part of this. I believe almost three tons of waste was collected during this event which proves how successful they are."

Baxenden: High Sheriff of Lancashire opens the renovated Haworth Stables Block

The newly-renovated Haworth Art Gallery Stables Block was officially opened by the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Amanda Parker JP, during an official visit on Saturday 19th March 2016.

Cabinet member for The Arts, Cllr Ken Moss, Gallery curator Yvonne Robins and the Mayor of Hyndburn, Marlene Haworth, were in attendance to show the High Sheriff around the Stables Block and also launch the ‘Northern Artists’ exhibition before having lunch in the Gallery Kitchen.

Cllr Moss said, "The Stables block is one of only two remaining the country which were built to house both horses and cars at a time when both were being used as primary modes of transport. The newly-refitted block will now be an artistic studio and the renovation is superb."

Money for the renovation has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Great Harwood: New Ladies Only Gym opens at Mercer Hall

Local women are invited along to check out a brand new, ladies only, toning and cardiovascular fitness suite in Great Harwood this weekend.


The Feelgood Suite, at Mercer Hall Leisure Centre, threw open its doors to women on Saturday 19th March and this new facility offers a new kind of workout, using power assisted exercise equipment, rather than resistance based equipment. It’s great for those wanting to get fit, tone up and generally improve their health and is suitable for many people with conditions such as MS, fibromyalgia, stroke, back pain, ME, arthritis, joint replacements and many others.

Cabinet member for Leisure, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "The new Ladies Only Gym not only makes use of empty space at Mercer Hall but also offers some really great workout facilities in private rooms. It's great to offer more to the public and it helps keep the leisure centre financially viable for the future."




Great Harwood Councillor, Cllr Jenny Nedwell, said; "Residents have been telling us for a while that they’d like to see a good ladies only fitness suite locally, so please come along to see for yourself these fabulous new facilities, which offer a new kind of workout in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Cllr Bernadette Parkinson, said, "I'd urge all women who are thinking about starting to exercise to come and have a look at these excellent facilities in Great Harwood. When you walk in, the first thing you will notice is the friendly atmosphere. It’s nothing like any traditional gym I've ever attended, which is why it is perfect for women looking for something different and those who want to train in a ladies only environment."

The Feelgood Suite at Mercer Hall Leisure Centre Open Day starts at 9am on Saturday 19th March. There's no need to book, just come along and have a look at the new facilities. For more information call 01254 885 607.

Police: Do you recognise the signs of Child Sexual Exploitation?

Clive Grunshaw, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, has launched a campaign to raise awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

Clive said, "Children and young people are still being preyed on by people who want to sexually exploit them. That is why I have joined forces with Lancashire Police and other agencies across Lancashire to produce a new campaign aimed at raising awareness of sexual exploitation amongst children themselves."

Young people from St Augustine's School in Whalley worked with the PCC team to design the new campaign. You can read more here: poster campaign.

If you think someone you know may be being exploited or to know more about what to look out for you can get more information here: spot the signs of child sexual exploitation.

Barnfield: More Woodnook homes on Augusta Street regenerated and fully let

Regeneration work in Woodnook, Accrington, continues with homes on Augusta St now complete and fully let.

Specialist build to rent developer, PlaceFirst, is working in partnership with Hyndburn Council to transform the Woodnook neighbourhood through a range of housing and environmental improvements. Over 120 empty homes are being refurbished and brought back into use. In addition, over 200 houses and a number of shops are benefitting from facelift works, and two new community spaces are to be provided including a brand new public square at the heart of the neighbourhood on Nuttall Street.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, met Martin Ellerby, PlaceFirst’s Head of New Business & Innovation, at Augusta St for a tour around the Woodnook site. Cllr Parkinson said; “I was really impressed to see how things are progressing at Woodnook, along with the quality light and airy accommodation on offer. It was great to hear also how popular the homes there are proving with lots of people interested in the site.”

Martin Ellerby, Head of New Business & Innovation at PlaceFirst said: “Since the launch of the first homes last Summer, the market interest in Woodnook has been very strong. The new homes on Augusta Street have been completed and are now fully let, and we are receiving applications on a daily basis for the next release on Royds Street in April. The new homes in Woodnook will be complimented by a range of public realm improvements including street scene improvements, a new community garden, and a new public square in the heart of Woodnook. It’s been a really positive experience working with Hyndburn Borough Council and Woodnook demonstrates what can be achieved through genuine public-private partnerships”.

Rishton: Churches raise £70 for Rishton Charities

In the last of four services by Rishton Churches Together asking 'Who Is My Neighbour?' a collection raised £70 for Rishton Charities.

The service was held at Rishton Methodist Church on Albert Street and Cllrs Clare Cleary and Ken Moss were invited as guest speakers to talk about what it means to be a Councillor and how Rishton Charities works.

Cllr Cleary said, "It's a great honour to be a Councillor and it's very satisfying to be able to help people on a daily basis. We'd like to thank the churches for inviting us along and for the donation to the local charity."

The Rishton Charities were set up many years ago to help those in need, or sick or striving to better themselves. Each year a leaflet is pushed through every door for people to nominate someone who may be struggling and interest which has been earned on the investment accounts is paid out by the committee to those who are felt to qualify. Both Ken Moss and Clare Cleary are currently on the committee.

No money was paid out in 2015 as very low interest rates meant that there was a very low return during the financial year and it was decided to wait until Autumn 2016 to allow the funds to build up.

Barnfield: Sandy Lane Gardening Group and Incredible Edibles improve a roundabout

Incredible Edibles Accrington organised a working party for Saturday 12th March to bring a bit of life to the Sandy Lane roundabout. The Sandy Lane Gardening Group led on the project and managed to secure the funding needed from the Green Partnership Awards.

Barnfield Labour candidate 2016 Jodie Travis said, "Graham Jones MP and Cllr June Harrison asked if something could be done to brighten up the roundabout and Incredible Edibles were only too happy to help. They got a good team together and we spent a few hours planting up which should look fantastic in the coming months!"

Founder member and former Chair of the group, Katie Farnell, said, "Incredible Edibles Accrington is a group of volunteers from Hyndburn. Our purpose is to utilise unused land for locally grown edibles such as fruit and vegetables in Hyndburn. The edibles when ready can be picked and enjoyed by all. If you see one of our beds with weeds, weed it. If it needs water, water it. If it's ready for picking go ahead and pick it - our gardening spaces are for the whole community to enjoy!"


Cath Holmes said, "We also aim to bring arts, crafts, literature and many other activities to create food growing spaces that are fun, pleasurable and learning environments. Making these area enjoyable for all members of our community not just gardeners! We meet at The Park Pub, Manchester Road, Accrington on the first Wednesday evening of the month at 7.00pm."

The group have a Facebook page which can be found here

Deputy Leader attends Hyndburn Youth Council elections

Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Cllr Paul Cox, attended the elections of a new Member of the Youth Parliament to represent the young people of East Lancashire on 9th March.
 
The candidates were drawn from members of the area's Youth Council. Several members of this council were attempting to be elected to the three available seats: Hyndburn, Ribble Valley and Rawtenstall. The event took place at Accrington Town Hall within the council chambers.

Cllr Cox (who also represents Milnshaw) said, "What an inspiration these young people are, they all spoke with great courage and determination on subjects that were really important to them. If this is the standard set by our Youth Council then we should be very proud of the next generation."

If you wish to look at who was successfully elected then please have a look at Hyndburn Youth Council and see all the hard work, projects and campaigns this group are involved in.

Barnfield: Flytipping at Russell Street and Clement Street

Household waste including a bed and a fridge freezer has been dumped along Russell Street and Clement Street in Barnfield.

Barnfield Labour candidate for 2016, Jodie Travis, said, "I reported this to Cllr Paul Cox and it is now being dealt with by the Council. It really upsets me that people feel they need to do this when the Council offers free collection of bulky items. What a shame people treat Barnfield in this way and my little lad has to see it."

To arrange a free collection of any bulky item of furniture please contact HBC on 01254 388111.

Baxenden: Haworth Art Gallery now open on Tuesdays

From 1st March, the Haworth Art Gallery in Baxenden is now open an extra day a week for people to come and view the collections and temporary exhibits on display. The gallery will open from 12.00pm until 4.45pm Tuesday to Friday and 12.00pm to 4.15pm Saturday and Sunday.

The Gallery Tea room is also open from Wednesday to Sunday for refreshments and afternoon teas.

Cabinet member for The Arts, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "Thanks to good management by the Council and its staff, we can now open the doors for an extra day a week at no extra cost. We have an increasing number of visitors to the Gallery, particularly coach parties, plus our artworks and collections are generating both national and international requests to be loaned out. It's well worth coming to see what's on display and have a bite to eat in the beautiful tea room."

Church: Man fined £555 for dog fouling at Dill Hall Cemetery

An Accrington man was convicted by magistrates and ordered to pay £555 in fines and costs recently, after failing to pick up after his dog had fouled in Dill Hall Cemetery.

Phillip Andrew Gabriel, of Meadoway, Church, Accrington was issued with an on the spot £75 fixed penalty notice by the Dog Warden, who had witnessed him failing to pick up after his American Bull type dog had fouled in the cemetery.

Mr Gabriel was convicted in his absence at Hyndburn Magistrates Court of failing to clean up after his dog, contrary to the Borough of Hyndburn Dog Control (Fouling of Land) Order 2007.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental issues, said; “Dog wardens patrolled the area after complaints from cemetery visitors about dog fouling instances there. This case should serve as a warning to those irresponsible dog owners who refuse to pick up after their dogs, dog fouling is always an unwelcome anti-social issue, but in a cemetery setting it’s particularly upsetting and disrespectful to people visiting loved ones graves.”

Barnfield: Tree causes footpath hazards for elderly residents

A complaint has been lodged with the Hyndburn Labour Councillors regarding a tree in the middle of a sheltered housing complex on Plantation Road.

Barnfield candidiate 2016 Jodie Travis said, "The tree on Plantation Road is causing the footpaths to become slippy in wet weather. It is also causing the tarmac footpath to lift and this is only going to get worse in time. It has been pruned unevenly in the past and is now out of shape."

Hyndburn Homes have been contacted and asked to effect remedial work on the tree.

Hyndburn Leisure: Learn To Swim

At Hyndburn Leisure, we take swimming seriously. Many of you will have already booked your summer holiday, and knowing your child can swim confidently will be one less thing to worry about to help you enjoy your trip. Enrolement opens 7th March for courses beginning on the 14th. We cater for all levels with experienced teachers taking your child through the stages.

In addition, we introduce our brand new Rookie Lifeguard course. This is for children aged 9+ and is an extension to our learn to swim programme. The 10 week course includes self rescue, survival, safe entries and exits, simulated emergency response, CPR, in water rescue breaths, first aid skills and much more.

For budding life guards, there are still a few places left on our full lifeguard course running 11th-16th April. Must be aged 16+ and be able to pass a basic pool test.

You can find more information on learn to swim here, or call Hyndburn (01254 385 945) or Mercer Hall (01254 885 607) to sign up.

Spring Hill: Derelict property at 30 Spring Street

30 Spring Street in Spring Hill is currently derelict and boarded up and now presents something of an eyesore for the surrounding residents.

Cllr Diane Fielding said, "The house looks dreadful and it's not fair on the neighbours. I have asked the Enforcement team to investigate and ask the owners to tidy it up."

Oswaldtwistle: Harry Potter themed party at Civic Theatre - 12th March 2016

Join us for a Harry Potter themed tea party adventure at Civic Arts Centre and Theatre!

***LIMITED AVAILABILITY!***

Saturday the 12th March
10am to 12noon

Doors open at 9.30am
Drop your children off with us at 10am and collect them at 11.45am for photographs with the characters

Meet and Greet lots of Wizardary characters
Tea party includes drinks and cakes
Come dressed as your favourite Harry Potter character
(BUT PLEASE DO NOT BRING WANDS!)
Become a Wizard and learn potions and spells
Play lots of games
Suitable for children aged 3-10 years
All tickets just £7!

To book your tickets call 01254 398319
or visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/civicartscentre.
Please book to avoid disappointment!

Note: This is a drop off event, parents who wish to stay can wait in the cafe area provided.

Parking at the Rear of the Theatre and on Rhyddings High school car park.
Fully Wheelchair accessible.

Church: Forgiveness service at St Nicholas Church of England School

Cllr Loraine Cox  was invited to attended  a new monthly service being held at St Nicholas School in Church. The services have been put together by Fr Terry, Fr Lawrance and the worship group based within the local community as a way that the residents of Church can meet, reflect and take part in worship. The service have been setup to offer a location for many people who formally attended St James’s church after it closed late last year.
 
Cllr Cox, Church Ward, said, "These Friday praise events have been established to offer an alternative for many residents who felt a loss when St James unfortunately closed. But Fr Terry & Fr Lawarance wished to provide some form of praise within Church and have worked with the school in bringing this to life after requests from parishioners."

The group has planned three more praise days on:

• 18th of March 
• 29th of April 
• 20th of May 

These will take place at St Nicholas School, St Nicholas Rd Church Accrington BB5 4DN. Services will begin at 3.45pm and be followed by complimentary refreshments. The Worship Group have asked that all new and old members should feel fee to come along and take part.

HBC: New road at Accrington Cemetery

A new road has been constructed at Accrington cemetery to open up a new burial area and
provide an additional exit for people to use.

The Church of England burial area located next to the cemetery office in Accrington
Cemetery was getting full. To allow burials to continue in that part of the cemetery a new
road has been built which will allow burials in that area for many years to come. The new
road cuts across the cemetery from the entrance drive to the exit drive and means families
have much better access to the graveside without the previous parking issues.

Cabinet member for Cemeteries, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "The new road provides another exit for cars leaving the cemetery and crematorium on very busy days to make things easier for families. In addition the exit drive has been resurfaced to ensure the cemetery continues to be well maintained."

Oswaldtwistle: Hyndburn's oldest resident dies aged 109

Hyndburn Labour would like to pay tribute to Hyndburn's oldest resident, Alice Horne, who died on Friday 26th February 2016 aged 109.

Alice will be cremated at Accrington Crematorium at 3.00pm on Thursday 10th March 2016. The funeral procession will be leaving Alice’s home in Oswaldtwistle at 2.30pm.

The Funeral Directors are Kirby and Hughes, 228 Blackburn Road, Accrington, BB5 0AQ. Tel No: (01254) 233341.

Donations to Arthritis Care, c/o Kirby and Hughes.

Rishton: Parker Street corner development

As was detailed last summer during a consultation by Gleeson Homes, Parker Street corner is intended to become part of the new development along the canalside which includes Wheatfield Mill and the site of Gaskells Carpets. Several residents are now understood to have started a petition to Hyndburn Borough Council against this move.

Cabinet member for Housing, Cllr Clare Cleary, said, "The development is still going through the planning process and an application has been lodged by a group of residents for Parker Street corner to become an Asset of Community Value. If they are successful in the process then they will have to buy the land and maintain it themselves from that point onwards. Communities such as Belthorn have undertaken similar exercises and held productive talks with developers."

Cabinet member for Parks and Open Spaces, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "By 2018 HBC will have lost 73% of their annual funding so unfortunately we are going to see more pieces of underused land sold off. No one is happy about this but unfortunately we don't have the money anymore to simply carry on maintaining every grassed area. Parker Street corner is lovely but regrettably it is little more than a dog toilet at present."

Cllr Moss added, "It is a shame that the objectors didn't come to meet with Gleeson Homes when they were invited. The Rishton Councillors are more than happy to chat about what can realistically be done if they're genuinely serious about taking on this land but proper discussion is much better than a petition. Up to now we haven't been asked to take part in any public meetings."

Gleeson Homes have already made an offer on the site as part of the development. The process for determining an Asset of Community Value can take up to six months and the land will not be developed while this is ongoing.

If the land is ultimately developed then facilities such as the clock, flagpole and wooden animals at the corner will all be relocated over the bridge.

Hyndburn Leisure: Ladies Only Gym at Mercer Hall

The brand new Ladies Only Feelgood Factory is now up and running at Mercer Hall Leisure Centre, and the induction appointment book is filling up past.

This unique facility provides a range of toning tables with the latest cardiovascular equipment, and memberships include swimming, sauna, steam room and unlimited fitness classes. Hyndburn Leisure are also offering our fantastic 12 months for the price of 10 on annual memberships, plus no contract and no joining fee on direct debits.

Click here for more information and to make an appointment.

Spring Hill: Flytipping problems along Spring Street

There have been several instances of flytipping along the back of Spring Street in Spring Hill and Cllr Diane Fielding has been investigating.

Diane said, "It's a recurring problem and it's the Council that picks up the bill. That's taxpayer's money, our money that could be spent on other things. Residents need to ask to see a Waste Carrier's Licence when firms comes to clear waste as it is the residents themselves who are liable. HBC offer a free bulky goods collection so I would urge people to get in touch with us first and let us know of any offenders."

Please drive carefully in snowy conditions

A cold snap has brought a flurry of snow to East Lancashire and Hyndburn saw several inches of snow fall this morning which has led to slushy conditions on the roads and footpaths. Gritters have been out on the main roads but some side streets can be hazardous in colder weather.

Several accidents have already been witnessed across the borough and drivers are reminded to drive appropriately to the weather conditions.

Great Harwood: Churchfield House moves into the digital age with Council grant

Iconic Great Harwood landmark, Churchfield House, home of one of the borough’s original reading rooms, will soon appeal more to the modern reader, with four Kindles and two laptops available for visitors, thanks to a £1,500 boost from the Council.

Churchfield House was gifted to the Urban District Council by its owner Milton Haydock. Milton, a former Councillor, left his house, his artefacts and the grounds in the care of the Urban District Council, for the use and enjoyment of the people of Great Harwood after his death in 1926.

The house has undergone many changes since then and now, run by the Churchfield House Trust, this valuable community asset is available for hire and use and is also home to a popular café.

Lynn Wilson, of Churchfield House Trust, said; “Churchfield House was gifted by Milton Haydock to the people of Great Harwood and for many years it was used by residents as a reading room, but sadly, with the passage of time, the books bequeathed became mouldy and unusable. To add to the many uses for the house, it seemed sensible in this digital age to acquire laptops and kindles, for public use and computer training, and so we’re really pleased that, thanks to this £1500 boost, we can go ahead and buy them for local people to use.”

Council Leader, Miles Parkinson, said; “Churchfield House is a fabulous resource for the local community and the Churchfield House Trust members have breathed new life into the house by restoring it to its former glory and encouraging as many local people and organisations as possible to use the house. We’re happy to help continue its long tradition as a reading room, with this £1,500 being used to buy digital kit to bring it up to date with the latest technology.”

Lynn added; “Besides the kindles and laptops we will still have a selection of books and newspapers for adults and children to share over a drink and cake, so please pop in, everyone is more than welcome.”

HBC: Mayor's Ball raises over £3,000 for charity

The annual Mayor's Ball was held at Accrington Town Hall on Saturday 27th February 2016 in the recently-refurbished Ballroom under the theme of 'Hollywood Glitz and Glamour'. Over £3,000 was raised for the Mayoral Charities over the course of the evening.

Councillor Marlene Haworth was elected as Mayor of Hyndburn for the Municipal Year 2015-2016 at the Council's AGM on Thursday 21st May 2015 and will serve until May 2016.

Councillor Haworth has served as a Borough Councillor in the St Oswald's Ward for 11 years.
The Mayor has been a resident of the Borough for 35 years after moving here from Clitheroe, where she was born.  She is married with three sons, a daughter-in-law, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She has been supported in her Mayoral year by Mrs Dorothy Berry as her Mayoress on events and also her husband, Jim, who has acted as her Consort.

Councillor Haworth has chosen four charities to support during her year.  Derian House, Hyndburn Used Furniture Store (HUFS), Knuzden Over 55's Group and Macmillan Cancer Support Hyndburn in memory of Former Mayor and colleague, Councillor Pam Barton.

The entrance fee was £30 each and Hyndburn Labour were well-represented, with 10 Councillors and more than a dozen invited guests also buying tickets. Cllr Ken Moss was asked by the Mayor to take photographs throughout the night and a small selection are presented here.

The full set can be viewed at the Hyndburn Labour Facebook page.