Baxenden: David Hartley selected to represent Labour in 2015

David Hartley has once again been selected by the Baxenden Labour branch to be the candidate in the 2015 local elections. David has fought several campaigns in Baxenden in recent years and his hard work has narrowed the gap between the Labour and Conservative votes considerably.

The Labour group have been out campaigning in Baxenden and early responses are very favourable, showing a surprising spike in opinion against the Tories.

David can be contacted on 07866776917 or by emailing dhartley1992@hotmail.co.uk

Immanuel: Colette McCormack campaigning for 2015

Former Mayor of Hyndburn, Colette McCormack (centre), has been out canvassing in Immanuel ahead of the 2015 local election for the ward.

Colette is no stranger to HBC, having previously been a Councillor and narrowly beaten in the 2014 elections. She hopes to regain her seat next year and has the support of the Labour party.

Netherton: Wall at Churchfield Garden in need of repair

The wall around Churchfield Garden has been damaged along the Beech Street section and has now been reported for repair by Netherton ward Councillor, Bernadette Parkinson.

Accrington: India Street play area to be removed

The play area at India Street in Accrington is to be removed as it has reached the end of its lifespan and is now considered beyond economical repair.

An opportunity to replace this play area at the nearby Bradshaw Street site exists and this is to be explored and developed with local consultation. This alternative site will allow greater opportunity for a children’s play area than currently exists at the India Street location, which is limited in space and close to a number of local properties. Some fund raising will be required to provide a new, modern, play facility and this will take time to develop and as such the replacement to this play area will not occur until 2016 at the earliest.

Removal of this play area is programmed to take place on Monday 15th September. Grass seed will be sown in place of the play area to provide a small green garden area at this location.

Rishton: Cllr Ken Moss on BBC Radio Lancashire

Cllr Ken Moss appeared on the Sean McGinty programme on 27th August 2014 to discuss the forthcoming nomination of actress Julie Hesmondhalgh for the Freedom of the Borough award.

Julie is set to be put forward for the award at the meeting of the full Council on 11th September. It is the highest honour given to any resident and is conferred on people who have given eminent service to the borough. There are currently eight living Freemen of the Borough (including athlete Ron Hill) and the honour was also given to the entire Duke of Lancaster Regiment earlier this year.

Cllr Moss said, "Julie is a prominent Accrington actress and one of several from the area to have appeared on Coronation Street. Her euthanasia storyline brought discussion of the subject to the fore, largely thanks to her portrayal, and the fact that she has won awards for that performance speaks volumes."

He added, "She has still kept her Accrington roots and is also a supporter of the Maundy Relief charity right here in our borough. She thoroughly deserves to become a Freeman due to her work in promoting the area."

The nomination will be put to the vote and, if successful, the award ceremony will take place this autumn.

Accrington Motor Show - 6th September 2014

Accrington town centre will be transformed into Monte Carlo on Saturday 6th September with a cavalcade of historic cars unlike anything seen in the town before!

At 11am, around 25 historic cars of various makes, models and ages will set off in spectacular convoy from the Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa in Clayton-le-Moors, near Blackburn, making their way to Accrington’s Broadway in the town centre as part of the daytime celebrations of the Rally Drivers’ Ball.

The event will pay tribute to the Accrington Pals in the centenary year of World War One and there will be a collection in the town centre to raise money for future Pals’ projects.

These remarkable vehicles will then be on display in the grounds of the Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa for the remainder of the afternoon.

The collection will showcase a variety of classic racing cars, including rally cars, several entrants from the Le Mans 24 hour race and even a Formula 1 car from 100 years ago, all of which will driving through Accrington town centre for all to see.

The circuit will have a ceremonial start at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa with Tim Foster from “Group B Rally Cars” and Chris Wood himself. The cars will drive through to Broadway before turning back and returning to the starting point.

During the circuit, there will be the chance for a photo call outside Accrington town hall, so no one will miss the once-in-alifetime opportunity to capture these spectacular vehicles all in one place!

If you have a historical car you’d like to display at the motor show, please get in touch with Kevin Furber on 07850 732867 or kevin@scottdawson.co.uk

A website for the event can be found here

Central: PACT meeting - 28th August 2014

Central Labour Councillors Abdul Khan and Mohammed Ayub were joined by Spring Hill Councillor (and current Mayor of Hyndburn) Munsif Dad for a PACT surgery at the corner of Willows Lane and Chester Street on 28th August.

Police and Councillors met with residents and several issues were raised which will now be addressed.