HBC: Accrington Food Festival 2018

The annual Accrington Food Festival will be held again this year in the town centre on Saturday June 2nd.

Entry is free and there will be over 60 stalls selling all kinds of delicious food, plus there will be cooking demonstrations, D-Day commemmorations plus a cake workshop and much more!

HBC: Leader's Viewpoint - May 2018

Now the elections are over, it’s back to the important business of moving the Borough forward. The regeneration of Accrington town centre remains one of our top priorities and it was fantastic to see Accrington Stanley’s team and management arrive in style on Broadway aboard an open top bus, greeting over two thousand cheering supporters who packed into the town centre to celebrate Stanley’s promotion and league win in the glorious Bank Holiday sunshine.

We’re tremendously proud of Accrington Stanley and our congratulations go to Andy Holt, John Coleman and all the players and staff. It’s been a gripping season and there’s been a buzz around the WHAM stadium with a feel-good factor which has rippled out right throughout the town, especially on that marvellous 6th May celebration day with thousands of jubilant supporters singing and cheering for Stanley on Broadway. They’ve made history, well done Accrington Stanley!

The day before, on Bank Holiday Saturday, another sizzling hot sday in the sunshine, Accrington Town Centre bustled as thousands of people flocked to the town for brand-new event #AmazingAccrington – Music Festival Live! It was a fabulous day, which increased footfall in the town and showcased the skills and talent of local people and businesses. Families were enjoying it and the sheer volume of people attending was testament to just how great a day it was.

We have lots more exciting events planned for Accrington town centre over the summer, including the ever popular Accrington Food Festival on 2nd June. It’s set to be the biggest one yet, with Continental Markets on Friday 1st June and Saturday 2nd June. Then on Saturday 1st September we’re looking forward to another new event for the town centre - the Chocolate Festival, Car Cavalcade & Soapbox Challenge.

Also this summer recycling is set to become easier when we roll out a new recycling system, replacing the current sacks and box system, with two new wheeled bins for each household. We’ll all be able to recycle much more efficiently and our streets will be cleaner, as the rubbish that sometimes blows out of the sacks and boxes on windy collection days will be contained within the wheeled bins, which are also much easier for residents and collection crews to handle.

Information packs with all the details about the new and improved recycling scheme will be delivered to residents in the coming weeks, with the new bins starting to be delivered later this month and the scheme starting in June for some residents and July for others.

Other big news is that it’s all go for the funding to upgrade Highams Playing Fields to offer an improved range of facilities for local people to take part in sport, including a full-size floodlit 3G artificial pitch; multiple junior and adult football pitches; a rugby pitch; an artificial cricket wicket and brand new changing rooms for the whole community to use.

In these days of austerity the Council simply doesn’t have the money to fund a project like this and so I want to say a big thank you to Accrington Stanley Community Trust and all the companies and bodies giving generously to make this multi-million development happen, providing such a tremendous resource that the whole community can benefit from.

And finally my very best wishes to you for a lovely summer, I hope we’re all in for lots more of the glorious Bank Holiday weather!

Cllr Miles Parkinson
Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council

Hyndburn Election 2018: Go to vote!

Today is local election day and the polling stations are now open until 10.00pm.

The Hyndburn Labour Councillors try for the most part to be as non-political as possible but today we would ask everyone to vote Labour.

This is a purely local election and nothing to do with national politics so we would ask people to go and vote based on who they think will do the best for their area, not the party leaders in Westminster. Hyndburn Labour have balanced the books and delivered £10m in investment across the borough without borrowing.

Please don't reward the Tories for cutting our money, vote Labour today.

Hyndburn Election 2018: Still time to return postal votes

If you are registered to vote by post and still haven't returned your ballot papers there is still time to do so.

Postal voters can still use post boxes until the last scheduled collection on 3rd May or alternatively drop their completed ballots in sealed envelopes at their nearest polling station.

Cllr Ken Moss said, "There are currently around 300 postal ballots in Rishton which have not been returned and we would encourage people to use their vote. You can still cast your vote up till 10.00pm on May 3rd by going to a polling station."

PCC: Police numbers reduce by over 20,000 since 2010

Police cuts have reached crisis point as we have the lowest police numbers since March 1985 (http://bit.ly/2uNjnTZ)

Do you think the Conservative government's cuts to our police force are right?

These reports show that police force numbers have dropped to a 30-year low, with a drop of 0.7% to 123,142 police officers across England and Wales (2016-17). Shockingly, this is the lowest total number of police numbers since 1996.

PCC Clive Grunshaw said, "Reports also highlight that the number of soldiers has fallen by 7,000, proving that the recruitment and retention crisis in the armed forces is getting worse under the Tories’ watch. I have stood up time and time again to deplore the Government’s cutting of 1,000 police officers across Lancashire."

Clayton-le-Moors: Bus lane scheme opposed

Cllr Miles Parkinson wrote to Highways at Lancashire County Council regarding proposals for a second bus lane by the Hare and Hounds junction in Clayton-le-Moors. He also hand delivered the letter to all of the residents in the area to keep them updated.

Cllr Parkinson said, "The introduction of a second bus lane would cause unnecessary disruption and if the plans go ahead, the Labour Group on Hyndburn Borough Council will strongly oppose them. The substantial amount of money allocated for the scheme could be better spent on much-needed repairs for our roads."

Amazing Accrington: The first UK playground deidcated to disabled children

In 2015, the Hyndburn Parents & Carers Forum approached Hyndburn Borough Council and requested a meeting with the Parks Team to discuss the problems their families had with the current play provision. A review by HBC of its current play facilities then followed and the Hyndburn “Play Plan 2016-2020” was produced.






As a result, designs were drawn up for a play area at Hyndburn Leisure Centre dedicated to disabled children.

Cabinet member for Parks, Cllr Ken Moss, said, “Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum has helped several Hyndburn communities raise funds for badly needed children’s playgrounds since it formed in 2005 but never one quite like this one, which will not only be the first of its kind in Accrington but the first of its kind in Lancashire, the Northwest and beyond. This is a playground for disabled children who, through no fault of their own, are unable to use the fantastic playgrounds scattered around the borough that most parents take for granted.”

The Parks Team also enlisted the assistance of HGSF, Inclusive Play and Hyndburn Leisure Trust and consultation began on the type of play equipment and ancillary facilities that were required.

Cath Holmes, Secretary with HGSF remembers Shirley Parkinson, HBC Parks Department Liaison Officer, initially bringing the proposal to HGSF. “I’ve never seen Shirley so passionate about a project. That rubbed off with Forum Members, many of whom have children or grandchildren themselves, so straight away there was an understanding, a common theme. The Forum gave it their full backing and is as determined as the Hyndburn Parents and Carers Group to make it a reality.”

Shirley went away to research what equipment was available and found a company – Jupiter Play and Inclusive Play - to help with the design what is a very special Sensory Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) playground specifically designed to meet the needs of disabled children, whilst allowing their more able bodied siblings to play with them.

Shirley told us: "As a mum myself I was often close to tears when talking to some of the Hyndburn Parents & Carers and learning of the problems they were experiencing in a trip to the park or playground. I have worked for over 10 years with Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum securing funding for worthy community projects, but for this project we desperately need the public’s help.”

Play is an important part of any child’s childhood, so when HGSF learned there was currently a group of young people that were denied the opportunity to go to their local park and have fun with their family and friends, they just had to get involved.

Sarah Lewis, Parent Carer and Chair of Hyndburn Parent and Carers Forum, said “The park will allow our son to play safely, independently and most importantly we would be able to have fun as a family which we can't currently do in mainstream parks. He has no sense of danger, low muscle tone and other medical problems that restrict his play and he continually gets frustrated because he can't use the majority of the play equipment. I have to follow him around everywhere to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Having a safe environment where he can use all the equipment would be amazing, not only for Oliver but for all families. We've been working so hard with fundraising and raising awareness. We've done numerous fundraising events in the last 12 months want to make sure everyone has heard about what we are trying to achieve."

The special schools across Lancashire told the project that although they have the means to take the children out on school trips, it’s almost impossible to find the facilities that could cater for the different range of disabilities so the opportunities are very limited. The Parks Team and HGSF looked at how it could help this very special group of young people.

HGSF are endeavouring to raise the necessary funds to turn this dream into a reality and this is where it really needs help - even a small amount puts us one step nearer – as does talking about the project, gaining support and momentum.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said, "We already have several award-winning parks in the borough but are difficult to use for those children who have disabilities. This new play area will be for those children to enjoy in safety in addition to the other playgrounds that most of us parents take for granted."

Hyndburn MP, Graham Jones said, “This particular project would be a first for the UK and as parents of disabled children tell me, a great asset for the local sub region. The levels of safety required for children with such challenges is quite different and a normal playground just presents a huge risk to worried parents, so much so they often are reluctant to take disabled children there. This playground is much needed.”

Hyndburn Labour - An amazing team for Hyndburn

Hyndburn Labour are fielding a full slate of candidates in every ward up for election this year and as the campaign enters the final stage there has been a very positive response on the doorsteps for Labour.

All candidates and their teams have been out canvassing in each ward since February speaking to residents and delivering their own literature which details how Labour have been working to improve the borough since 2011.

Election day is Thursday May 3rd and polling stations are open between 7.00am and 10.00pm.

A&E waiting time figures 2005-2018

The Socialist Health Association has released a graph of the A&E waiting times for 130 major NHS trusts in England from 2005 to 2018.

The percentage of patients seen in four hours or less in major A&E departments during the first quarter of each year is as follows:

• 2005 - 96%
• 2006 - 96.6%
• 2007 - 96.8%
• 2008 - 96.5%
• 2009 - 96.8%
• 2010 - 96.9%
• 2011 - 94.8%
• 2012 - 93.7%
• 2013 - 91.1%
• 2014 - 92.7%
• 2015 - 87.5%
• 2016 - 81.8%
• 2017 - 81.4%
• 2018 - 76.8%

Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Miles Parkinson, said, "There is almost a 20% increase in the number of people waiting longer than four hours in A&E departments and yet we are facing the closure of the Accrington Victoria walk-in centre which will place even more pressure on Blackburn Hospital."

He added, "With the cuts to Burnley and Chorley A&E departments this is only going to cause longer waiting times for people in East Lancashire. Hyndburn Labour are firmly opposed to these government cuts, a further indication that the Conservatives are not interested in the Northwest."

A petition against the closure of Accrington Victoria walk-in centre can be found here:

https://www.change.org/p/save-accrington-walk-in-centre 

Amazing Accrington: Music Festival - 5th May 2018

 

On Saturday 5th May 2018, Accrington Town Centre will come alive as local talent take to the stage to showcase their singing and musical skills, with special guests Tabitha Jade, Ella Shaw and Christian Burrows. The day will be compered by hosts from local radio station, 2BR.

Hyndburn Borough Council, in partnership with organisers, Scott Dawson Advertising – as well as Gold Sponsors, Langtec plus Accrington and Rossendale College - have decided that 2018 is the year to introduce a brand-new event to Accrington: a music festival, #AmazingAccrington - Live.

Keen to show off the good things that #AmazingAccrington has to offer, as well as the special guests, two home-grown acts who reside or are educated within 15 miles of the town centre will take to the stage during the day.

Bands and solo singers / musicians have this week been invited to submit a video, alongside the application form, to be judged by Reece Bibby and a panel of objective judges. From playing in local Accrington pubs to international concerts with band, New Hope Club - made up of Reece Bibby, Blake Richardson and George Smith, they all share the same motivation, to make fun music! Their first song was a cover of ‘Wake up’ by the popular band The Vamps. The Vamps then signed New Hope Club to their label, Steady Records and the band have taken off with a huge following of fans. 19-year-old Reece is living a busy life and has been thrust into the fast lane of the music industry. As a renowned singer combined with being a local lad, he’s the perfect person to judge the competition.

The two people shortlisted will be given a 30 minute slot on the main stage as well as a £200 cash prize. The only catch? Performers are being asked to sing TWO of their own, original songs during their performance. The rest of their 30 minute session on stage can be made up of any covers they wish to perform.
Murray Dawson of organisers Scott Dawson Advertising said: “As part of our #AmazingAccrington initiative, we are looking to run this event on the bank holiday weekend to increase footfall and get the tills ringing for shopkeepers in the town plus promote the existing bars and clubs by underpinning the live music they are running in their establishments to ensure new customers come to town for the day and evening.”

Pubs looking to run live acts and DJs in the evening include The Abbey, The Arden, Brooks Club, The Castle, Warner Arms and Broadway.

The event is a family friendly event and will be kick-started at 11:00am by children’s entertainers Mr Tickles and Mr Red, especially for the toddlers and young children, before moving on to the shortlisted acts and then special guest performances.

The event is being well supported by local business, Langtec, who are Gold Sponsors for the event. Langtec have been established for over 50 years. They are a Queen’s Award winning local business who are specialist composite tubing manufacturers.

Andrew Turner, Managing Director at Langtec, said, "We are really keen to showcase everything Accrington has to offer. As a business we export throughout the world but always promote #AmazingAccrington at every chance. We love getting involved in local events and are proud to be sponsoring the upcoming music festival. Accrington has a lot of talent; it has a lot of positive things going on and we want the rest of the country to see that. It’s important for the company to stay local, which is why we’ve decided to sponsor this event, believing it will be a great success.”

Accrington and Rossendale College are also Gold Sponsors of #AmazingAccrington – Live! They are the local further and higher education provider who specialise in apprenticeships.

Charlotte Scheffmann, Assistant Principal, said:

“We pride ourselves on our community. Forming and keeping connections with local businesses and local people is of huge importance to the college. Allowing local talent to take to the stage and show their singing and musical talent off to their families, friends and strangers alike, is a great way to get everyone from the town down to the centre. The college is proud to be sponsoring this year and we are sure it’ll be a well-attended event. We’re hoping some of our degree students from Music Production send in auditions, as we know they are superb at what they do and deserve their moment in the limelight as much as anyone else!”

In addition to the magical musical performances, there will be numerous food and drinks stalls, suitable for all of the family from 10am until 4pm on Broadway, then later on in the local pubs and clubs.

*Please note* that all entrants must be over the age of 14 at the time of performing.

People wishing to find out more or submit an application form can do so here www.amazingaccrington.co.uk

Hyndburn Labour continues to oppose closure of Accrington Victoria walk-in centre

The CCG have done another u-turn and the phased closure planned for this weekend will no longer be taking place. The closure date for Accrington Victoria Walk-in centre has also changed to Sunday 17th June at 8pm.

At a recent Haslingden and Hyndburn Constituency Labour Party meeting it was agreed to write to both the Clinical Commissioning Group and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt on the matter.

To whom it may concern,

Haslingden and Hyndburn Constituency Labour Party notes the plans to close Accrington Victoria Community Hospital's walk-in centre.
 
We recognise the valued and vital service that the centre provides to communities and expresses concern that its closure will leave thousands of users without accessible healthcare including the homeless who are unable to register at a GP surgery, we believe any alternative provision should ensure that services are easily accessible, able to cope with demand and refrain from adding pressure to other services including local A&E departments.
 
Haslingden and Hyndburn CLP ask that you reconsider the closure of Accrington Victoria Walk-in centre and provide the necessary funds to retain the service respectively.
 
We look forward to your response in this matter.
 
Yours Faithfully
 
Glen Harrison
Haslingden and Hyndburn CLP Secretary