Oswaldtwistle: Stolen coping stones replaced

The York stone coping stones from the wall at Stanhill Gardens were stolen recently and have now been replaced.

St Oswalds Councillor, Glen Harrison, said, "Unfortunately this is a chronic problem across Hyndburn and there is no guaranteed way to protect against stone theft. It's very expensive and I find it sad that there are people out there who would steal from public areas for their own ends. However, we have replaced the copings with concrete slabs and tidied up the wall."

Rishton: Damaged park railings to be replaced

Railings around the childrens' play area at Harwood Road rec have been repeatedly vandalised and fallen into disrepair over the past few years. Bars are missing in several sections which in turn have allowed dogs to enter, causing fouling and intimidation of younger children.

The Rishton Councillors have agreed to spend some of the capital money remaining in the Area Council pot to replace the railings.

Oswaldtwistle: Gates to stop flytipping at Heys allotments

Flytipping at Heys allotment site in Oswaldtwistle has become a regular problem and is now costing Hyndburn Borough Council thousands of pounds a year to clean up. Local Councillors Glen Harrison and Stewart Eaves have met with the Cabinet member for Allotments, Cllr Ken Moss, to find a solution to the issue.

Cllr Eaves said, "We have submitted a request to spend some of our Area Council money on fitting locked gates at the entrances to the allotments. Tenants and horse riders will still have access but it will stop the dumping."

Cllr Harrison said, "There is over £30,000 left in the Oswaldtwistle pot but Cllr Britcliffe and the Conservatives are opposing the move. I can't understand why, this is affecting not only our residents but the future of Heys allotments."

Cllr Moss said, "The allotments service is stretched already and we don't have the resources to keep dealing with flytipping on this scale. Why Peter Britcliffe would try to block this in his own area is a mystery. Gates are the only answer for a sustainable allotments service and the Leader of the Council agrees with me on this."  

There have been 34 instances of flytipping at the Heys site in one year alone, each costing a minimum of £100 to clear up. Gates to block the five entrances will cost £8,250.

Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, has approved the capital spend and work will begin shortly.

Rishton: Work begins at new cemetery

Construction has begun at the new cemetery off Lee Lane which will see burial capacity secured for many decades to come.

Cabinet member for Cemeteries, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "This is a much-needed new facility and represents the first ever cemetery in Rishton. It will be named the Rishton and Great Harwood Cemetery and is expected to cater for burial requirements for at least another 70 years."

The field was bought by HBC several years ago to compensate for the existing Lee Lane Cemetery which is likely to be full within 2-3 years.

Great Harwood: Councillors out cleaning bus shelters

The Great Harwood Labour Councillors have been out cleaning bus shelters around the ward to improve the general appearance of neglected stops.

Cllr Jenny Nedwell said, "We are undertaking the work which people will notice and improve the look of Great Harwood. Plenty of buses went past with waves from passengers who seemed to appreciate what we are doing."

The Councillors are planning more sessions to clean road signs which have grown dirty.

Rishton: Construction begins at Parker Place

Construction on the 72 new homes at the old Gaskells Carpets site, currently going by the name of Parker Place, was officially started on Thursday 10th November with a ground cutting ceremony. Cllrs Clare Cleary and Miles Parkinson were in attendance along with the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn.

Cllr Cleary said, "This represents a real beginning of regenerating this site. The local Councillors are all enthusiastic about this and we have had many enquiries about how residents can buy new houses before the first one is even built. It's an exciting time for Rishton."

Oswaldtwistle: Vote for The Abundance Hub

Please click on the link below to support the Abundance Hub bid for funding through the Aviva Community Fund.

They’re looking for 800 great projects throughout the UK – and you can have as many as 10 votes – so please help to bring this opportunity to Hyndburn.

The Abundance Hub - where excess produce can benefit local people in need rather than going to waste. Community food growing training and support, healthy eating, and cooking skills. It will also act as the community hub for donation of surplus locally grown fruit and veg. The programme will be open to all but will particularly seek to support disadvantaged communities and marginalised groups across Hyndburn.

Here is the link for the Abundance Hub bid - LINK.

Please register – which is quick and easy – and then cast your 10 votes.

Accrington: Remembrance Day 2016

 

Hyndburn Borough Council and the Royal British Legion organised the annual raising of the flag on Armistice Day out side Accrington Town Hall on 11th November 2016. The event was introduced by the Mayor of Hyndburn, Cllr Tim O'Kane, and featured readings from local clergy, schoolchildren and ex-servicemen.

 

The Deputy Mayor of Hyndburn, Peter Britcliffe, did not attend the service.