Leader's Viewpoint - Cllr Pam Barton - August 2014

First of all, I’m thrilled to be able to tell you that we’ve secured funding which will allow the Community Safety Partnership to continue their great work to protect vulnerable children and young people from the dangers of alcohol and therefore reduce associated anti-social behaviour. The money will be used to run more successful Community Alcohol Network (CAN) and CANSafe Operations, schemes which go beyond simply removing alcohol from children, they’re also about  offering advice, support and ensuring parents are aware of their children's behaviour.   It’s fantastic news that this joint initiative, which involves agencies working together to address the negative impact underage drinking and anti social behaviour is set to continue.

Whilst the England football team may not have done very well in the World Cup, a  campaign to raise awareness of the consequences of domestic abuse, arson, drink-driving, alcohol-fuelled violence and cooking fires this summer, did very well indeed. Along with partners across Lancashire we promoted the "Ugly Consequences of the Beautiful Game" campaign with posters, banners, roadshows and social media, with a clear message to offenders - there are no excuses. Don't pay the penalty.

Hyndburn Road Safety Forum has been working hard to improve road safety in Hyndburn.  Their work included a 20 mph campaign and a Community Roadwatch scheme. They’ve also been out and about talking to children in local primary schools and people in Accrington Town centre about keeping safe on our roads.
I hope you and your family have been having fun this summer, there’s certainly been plenty to keep the whole family entertained over the summer holidays, with a whole host of activities packed into the Summer Fun Booklet, funded by The Children’s Trust.

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is urging residents to come forward and bid for a share of £50,000 to help their community.  Clive Grunshaw is handing out the cash through his Community Action Fund, and wants residents to spread the message around their neighbourhoods that grants of up to £2,500 are available for grassroots projects which will make a real difference.  I urge anyone who is interested to visit www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk  for further information.

And finally, don’t forget that  it’s easier for Mums to breastfeed their babies whilst they’re out and about in Hyndburn, with a network of over thirty breastfeeding friendly establishments across the Borough signed up to the Breastfeeding Pledge.  The importance of breastfeeding is acknowledged nationally and internationally as the best way to give your child a great start in life, but mums are often put off breastfeeding in public because of lack of suitable places or because of unsupportive comments or behaviour. With this network of progressive businesses signing the Breastfeeding Pledge, mums know that they are welcome to breastfeed their babies in these establishments and won’t be asked to leave or asked to feed their baby in the toilet. For a full list of Hyndburn’s Breastfeeding Friendly Businesses visit Hyndburn Council’s website at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

Cllr Pam Barton

Cabinet Member for Health and Communities