Hyndburn Labour support RMT opposition to driver-only trains

A demonstration took place on 29th March at Blackburn railway station supporting the retention of guards on trains, with a large turnout from Hyndburn Labour Party members.


Rail union RMT today organised two days of strike action on Northern Rail over attacks on the role of the safety-critical guard and the extension of Driver Only Operation in the name of increased profits. The company continue to snub union calls for meaningful talks.


The union has demanded tripartite talks with the company and the DfT aimed at reaching a solution but has received no positive response to that call.

RMT has repeatedly pointed out that the move by German-owned Arriva Rail North to expand Driver Only Operation will mean nearly half a million trains running annually without a safety critical guard on board.  The union has also pointed out that there is nothing in Arriva’s franchise agreement that requires them to axe guards from Northern trains and that the decision is wholly theirs alone.

Oswaldtwistle: Labour help out at residents' litter pick

Labour Councillors and candidates took a break from campaigning to help local residents who had organised a litter pick near Nook Lane in Oswaldtwistle. 

St Oswalds Labour candidiate, Gayle Knight, said, "It’s become a notorious spot for flytipping and just generally untidy with waste scattering the beauty spot."

It was all hands on the deck and the volunteers cleaned up about 20 bags of rubbish which will be collected by the HBC waste services team.

HBC: New wheelie bin recycling in Summer 2018

Hyndburn residents will be able to recycle more easily soon, when the Council replaces the current sacks and box recycling system, with two new wheeled bins for each household instead.

Councillor Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling, said; “This new system means that we will 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.

Councillor Cox added; “We’re bringing in this new system after listening to feedback from residents who have asked us to make recycling simpler and to move collections to the back streets. The new system means households will only have to split their recycling between the two bins. The brown bin will be for paper and cardboard and the blue bin will be for glass, cans and plastics. Providing bins will also make it easier for residents in terraced properties, as collections will take place from the back street, where their grey wheeled bins are already presented. This means no more carrying boxes and bags through the house.”

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, added; “Providing the bins is a big investment for the Council which will help drive up our recycling rate. Recycling diverts waste from landfill so reduces the cost of waste disposal and helps keep Council Tax down.”

Information packs will start being delivered from April and the new bins will be delivered during May and June. Households in the North of the Borough should continue to present their recycling in their sacks and boxes until the new scheme starts on the 18th June and households in the South of the Borough should continue with their sacks and boxes until the 9th July”.

Rishton: New dry stone wall at cemetery almost complete

A new dry stone wall, being built by volunteers, is almost complete at the new Rishton & Great Harwood cemetery.

Seven volunteers have worked every week on the wall since the end of November, guided by walling tutor Alan Rhodes.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, thanked a team of local volunteers who are building the new Pennine style dry stone wall at the cemetery, saying; “Thank you to the volunteers who are making this excellent heritage feature for the future of the cemetery. I’m delighted that this has been achieved by the efforts of local people. ”

For more information about the new cemetery, contact the cemetery office on 01254 232933 or email cemeteries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

HBC: More free dog waste bags at Scaitcliffe House

Free dog poo bags are available for Hyndburn dog owners as part of the Council’s drive to encourage all dog owners to clear up after their dog. 

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Leader of the Council; said “The majority of dog owners do clean up after their dogs, but it’s just the irresponsible few who refuse to pick up after their dog who spoil things for everyone else. To encourage dog owners to clean up after their dog, I am pleased to announce the Council is once again offering free dog poo bags to all Hyndburn residents and would simply ask that the bag is placed in one of the 338 dog bins that are maintained by the Council, or take it home and dispose it in your grey wheeled bin”. 

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, added; “Dog fouling is a national issue and, although numbers of reported incidents have actually dropped in Hyndburn, our dedicated Dog Warden and Enforcement Team continue to work hard every day to tackle the issue and will issue fixed penalty notices to those who allow their dogs to foul.” 

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Leisure, added; “Problem areas identified by members of the public will be investigated by the Dog Warden, this includes parks and open spaces, and the Council’s three cemeteries for dogs off leads. We need everyone’s help in the fight against dog fouling, so if you see anyone failing to pick up after their dog please report it to the Council by email: enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk, or by calling 01254 388111.” 

To pick up your free dog poo bags visit Scaitcliffe House reception during office opening hours.

HBC: Dangerous dog owner found guilty in court

The owner of a dangerous dog, Josh Hargreaves, of Accrington, has been found guilty and ordered to pay almost £400 in fines and costs by Magistrates, after his dog attacked another dog last year, inflicting fatal injuries.

Blackburn Magistrates court heard how Josh Hargreaves’ dog, a Dogue de Bordeaux mastiff, ran out of a house on Cobham St Accrington and attacked Charlie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, whilst he was out walking with his owner in August last year.

Charlie was taken to the vets straight after the attack, but sadly died later of a punctured wind pipe.

The Council’s Dog Warden investigated the incident, and told Mr Hargreaves that he must keep his dog under control and that his property must be secured so that the dog cannot run out onto the footpath. The Council then prosecuted Mr Hargreaves under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Mr Hargreaves has also been served with a Community Protection Warning Notice which requires him to keep his dog on a lead whenever it is in a public place.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental issues, said; “This is a distressing case and our hearts go out to Charlie’s owner and family who have lost their beloved pet. We will always take action against dangerous dog owners and take them to court wherever we can.”

Church: Bench installed in memory of community stalwarts

A bench has been installed in Gatty Park, Church, in memory of two former Church community stalwarts, the late John Broadley and the late Alan Pearson, who both worked tirelessly over many years to make Church a better place for residents and visitors.

The bench, organised by Church Prospects, now stands proudly in the square outside Elmfield Hall in Gatty Park.

Cllr Loraine Cox, said; “The bench and plaque has been funded by Church Prospects to remember two large characters who both worked tirelessly to improve the area. Former Councillor and Mayor, John Broadley and lifelong local resident, Alan Pearson, helped to establish community groups and brought in funding to enhance Church. Both men made a huge contribution to this local community, they are sadly missed and will never be forgotten. They both loved this beautiful park and it’s wonderful now to have a bench here to honour their memory.”

Accrington: Basil Horsfall to be commemorated on 27th March 2018

A paving stone will be laid next week in tribute to a soldier who served with the East Lancashire Regiment and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his outstanding bravery during the First World War.

The commemorative paving stone is set to be laid at the Church Street Memorial in Accrington at 11am on 27th March, in tribute to 2nd Lieutenant Basil Arthur Horsfall VC, exactly 100 years on from the heroic act for which he received his medal, with members of his family in attendance.

Basil was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, for his most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty.

Basil was born in Colombo, Ceylon on 4th October 1887, the youngest son of Mr W Horsfall. He was a member of the Ceylon Engineers, a locally-raised force of European expatriates largely drawn from the Public Works Department which was mobilised for the duration of World War I. In July 1916, aged 28, he returned to Britain where he was gazetted as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment, on 19 December 1916.

Basil was wounded on 11 May 1917 whilst serving with the 1st Battalion and after recovery and convalescence in England was attached to the 11th (Service) Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment (the Accrington Pals) on 24th October 1917. It was during his service with the East Lancashire Regiment that his heroic actions led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross.

Members of Basil’s family are travelling from across the country to be in Accrington for the event. Paul Ashton, Basil’s great nephew, said, “As soon as I heard about this, I knew it was something which would be important for my family to attend. My grandfather was very close to his brother Basil and was devastated to hear of his death on his own return from the front. He was at the ceremony when his father received the Victoria Cross on behalf of Basil from King George V, and would be pleased to know that his family were present when the nation remembered his brother's sacrifice one hundred years later.”

As part of the service, Paul will read the citation which was published in the London Gazette all those years ago. Paul said; “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to read the citation. We are all looking forward to the day and remembering the sacrifice made by so many, and my Great Uncle Basil in particular.”

The citation in the London Gazette said; “2nd Lt. Horsfall was in command of the centre platoon during an attack on our positions. When the enemy first attacked, his three forward sections were driven back and he was wounded in the head. Nevertheless, he immediately organised the remainder of his men and made a counter-attack, which recovered his original positions. On hearing that out of the remaining three officers of his company two were killed and one wounded, he refused to go to the dressing room, although his wound was severe. Later his platoon had to be withdrawn to escape very heavy shell fire, but immediately the shelling lifted he made a second counter-attack and again recovered his positions. When the order to withdraw was given, he was the last to leave his position, and, although exhausted, said he could have held on if it had been necessary. His conduct was a splendid example to his men, and he showed throughout the utmost disregard of danger. This very gallant officer was killed when retiring to the positions in rear.”

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Mohammad Ayub, will be at the event, and invited people to come along saying; “A short service will take place at 11am on 27th March at Church Street War Memorial, Accrington to commemorate the laying of the stone and everyone is welcome to come along. As part of the day, the original Victoria Cross awarded to 2nd Lt Horsfall will be on display at Accrington Town Hall, and members of the public will have the opportunity to see the medal close up and learn more about the Victoria Cross.”

The establishment of commemorative paving stones to honour Victoria Cross (VC) recipients in England from the Great War is part of the national First World War Centenary campaign, which will see commemorative paving stones laid at the birth places of Victoria Cross recipients of the war in towns right across the country from 2014 to 2018.

HBC: Longest serving Councillor and Officer recognised at full Council

A long serving duo were recognised for their service at the full Council meeting on 22nd March, Cllr Bernard Dawson who has served on the Council for 38 years and Senior Member Services Officer, Monica Bell who has worked for the Council for 45 years.

Huncoat Councillor, Bernard Dawson, is stepping down from the Council in May after serving the Borough for 38 years, 34 of those representing the residents of Peel Ward and 4 years representing Huncoat Ward, Accrington. Bernard also served as the Borough’s Mayor in 1999/2000. He was presented with a photo, (original kindly supplied by the Accrington Observer), and an Accrington Stanley shirt by Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson.

Cllr Dawson said; “This has been a nice surprise, I’ve really enjoyed my years on the Council and working with people in the community, it’s been a real privilege to serve the area and I’ve had many happy years working with the people of Hyndburn.”

Senior Member Services Officer, Monica Bell, is the longest serving woman on the Council, with 45 years’ service. Monica was presented with flowers by Cllr Dawson.

Monica said; “I’ve seen many changes over my years at Hyndburn, but in all that time, I’ve never regretted ‘staying put’. I have worked, and work with, many marvellous officers and Councillors. Hyndburn is a strong ship, with a strong crew.”

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said; “I want to say a huge thanks to both Cllr Bernard Dawson who has served on the Council for 38 years and to our Senior Member Services Officer, Monica Bell who has worked for the Council for 45 years. Both are regarded very fondly by everyone here and we’re grateful for all their hard work over the years.”

Rishton: New cemetery for Rishton and Great Harwood unveiled

 

A tree planting ceremony to dedicate a new cemetery on Lee Lane to Rishton & Great Harwood residents took place today.

Construction work at the new cemetery, which will for the first time offer a natural burial option, is almost complete. Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, dedicated the new cemetery to the people of Rishton & Great Harwood on Monday 19th March, when he planted a flowering cherry tree there.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Cllr Parkinson said; “I’m extremely pleased to dedicate this new cemetery to the people of Rishton and Great Harwood. It’s fitting that we plant a tree here today, as, for the first time in the Borough; we can now offer a natural burial option, an environmentally friendly alternative, which will also create a woodland and habitat in this countryside location.”

Cllr Parkinson added; “This new cemetery has been built to provide residents of Rishton and Great Harwood with burial space for the next hundred years, as the old cemetery is almost full. It will provide areas for coffin burials for all denominations, as well as areas for ashes burials and the new natural burial option.”

Cllr Parkinson also thanked a team of local volunteers who are building a new Pennine style dry stone wall at the cemetery, saying; “Thank you to the volunteers who are making this excellent heritage feature for the future of the cemetery. I’m delighted that this has been achieved by the efforts of local people. ”

Seven volunteers have worked every week on the wall since the end of November, guided by walling tutor Alan Rhodes.

Cllr Ken Moss, Cabinet Member for Parks and Cemeteries, added; “The opening of this new cemetery means that future generations of residents from Rishton and Great Harwood can continue to be buried in their local cemetery. This is something the Council was happy to invest in and having a natural burial option offers something previously not available."

For more information about the new cemetery, contact the cemetery office on 01254 232933 or email cemeteries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

Hyndburn Conservatives no-show at full Council meeting

The Conservative group boycotted the full Council meeting on March 22nd, citing that there were too many items being discussed which were outside the power of HBC to affect.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said, "I'm puzzled by this because there is nothing on the agenda which is not directly related to Hyndburn Council. It is dereliction of duty to deliberately stay away from this council chamber and represent the public when they are paid an allowance to do so. Political stunts by the opposition to get a headline in the Observer are unforgivable. This is nothing more than an election stunt."

He added, "We live in a democracy, we should not be shying away from healthy debate but asking questions to make sure that this borough moves forward. The Conservatives are not doing the work, they come with glib sentences and smirk at motions such as those brought recently by Cllr Aziz to improve transport links."

Cabinet member, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "They have run away tonight to attempt a cheap headline in the Accrington Observer. Everyone misses a meeting now and then but to take a night off en masse is blatant electioneering, although I'm not sure how it's a positive thing."

St Andrews Councillor Stewart Eaves said, "I think we might be seeing a glimpse of the future here after May's elections. No Tories in the Council chamber."

Rishton Councillor Jeff Scales said, "Many years ago a guest repeatedly failed to turn up after being booked on 'Have I Got News For You' and was replaced by a tub of lard. Are we going to have to invest in seven tubs for the next Council meeting?"

Huncoat Councillor Eamonn Higgins said, "It's a pathetic act with no more purpose than to attract publicity in the run up to an election. Nonetheless, we debated several issues which directly affect the residents of Hyndburn, such as the proposed bus lane in Clayton and the future of Accrington Victoria walk in centre. I am disgusted that these Tory Councillors who are supposed to be representing the public have the bold brass neck to claim their allowances."

Several members of the public were observing in the gallery over the Council chamber.

Milnshaw Labour candidate, Andy Clegg, said, "I think it's an insult that such an honour as representing your constituents can be used as a cheap headline grabbing stunt. I hope that the people who these people are supposed to represent see through this seemingly desperate attempt to bag a few lines in the local press and win a few cheap votes."

St Oswalds Labour candidate, Gayle Knight, said, "Perhaps they were out campaigning and thought that was more important than representing the public."

The full agenda can be seen below:

HBC: No charge for charity street collections

With immediate effect there will be no charge for charities who wish to organise street collections in the town centre and on Broadway.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said, "To ensure that charities are genuine and not in competition with one another on any given day, we would ask that they contact the Licensing team at HBC."

Applicants should telephone Laura Hollister (01254 380611) or Steph Gaffney (01254 380055), to obtain a street collection permit for their chosen date. Application forms for the street collection permit are available from the licensing team or can be found on the Council’s website.

The permit is free of charge.

Rishton: New flags to be flown on HBC flagpoles

Both the Union flag and England flag at the Cenotaph in Rishton are looking quite tatty following a particularly windy Winter and are to be replaced shortly.

Cllr Clare Cleary said, "We have arranged for new ones to be installed in time for St George's Day on April 23rd. A new England flag will also be flown on the flagpole at the corner of Parker Street."

Great Harwood: New bungalow development at Water Street

Hyndburn Borough Council has announced that it’s working with the private sector on an important site in Great Harwood.

The site is located at the junction of Water St and Windsor Rd.

 Council Leader, Councillor Miles Parkinson, said, “The Council has a strong track record of working with the private sector to deliver regeneration in the Borough, and I’m looking forward to working with Andy to develop this site. While we will all need to look at the details of any scheme, my own thoughts are that it’s a great opportunity to build some more bungalows in Great Harwood. It’s a fantastic site with good access to the Town Centre, and it’s also close to the new Health Centre and Mercer Hall leisure facilities. I have spoken to the local Councillors for Great Harwood and I know that they are all keen to see this brownfield site developed into something that will enhance the Town. Great Harwood is a fantastic place to live with lots of character and community spirit, and I’m confident that the project will be a big success.”

 Andy Holt said; “It’s great to see the Council taking a proactive approach to development and I’m looking forward to working with them to see what we can do. When I bought the site my sole intention was to do something with it to enhance the Town, and I think that the ideas we’re talking about will do just that.”

Altham: Litter picking on Warwick Avenue

Cllr Steve Button took part in an organised litter pick on Warwick Avenue and Altham last week as part of a drive to clean up the area.

Steve said, "It was a bright, sunny afternoon and we had plenty of volunteers. We filled over 20 bags with litter and it's amazing how much rubbish gathers round the edges. The field is much better for cutting now and well done to all those who came along!"