Great Harwood: Last full Council meeting for Cllr Ciaran Wells

Cllr Ciaran Wells, member for Netherton and Cabinet member Education, Leisure and Arts, is stepping down from Hyndburn Borough Council this May and attended his final full Council meeting on Thursday March 20th 2014. He was only in his mid-twenties when he was elected in 2010 and was the youngest member of the Council at the time but was quickly promoted to a Cabinet position due to his experience and knowledge in both politics and recreation.

Ciaran was given a warm send off by members on both sides of the Council chamber and is pictured above with his Labour colleagues after his final meeting.

He said, "I've enjoyed every minute that I've been on the Council and I would like to thank everybody for their support over the years. We should be proud of our heritage in Hyndburn and proud of the great volunteers and community groups who do so much across our towns."

A new Councillor for Netherton will take Ciaran's place following the elections on May 22nd.

HBC receives Sport England grant for new equipment

Disability sport in Hyndburn is set to receive a welcome boost after Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure received a £7,831 award from Sport England to purchase new equipment.

The money will be used to purchase a mobile hoist, steps and other equipment which will open up opportunities for disabled people in Hyndburn to try trampolining for the first time.

Councillor Ciaran Wells said, “This is fantastic news. Over the last few years the Council have invested in improvements to disabled equipment at Hyndburn Leisure Centre including pool hoists and improved accessible changing facilities. We are delighted that Sport England has provided funding for us to take this further, and provide accessible equipment which will allow people with disabilities to take part in more sport.”

Lisa O’Keefe, Sport England’s Director of Insight, says: ‘We know that many organisations and clubs delivering sport struggle to provide sporting opportunities for disabled people because of a lack of access to specialist equipment. We are delighted to award these vital funds to Hyndburn Borough Council which will play a transformative role in opening up sport to many people who previously found it inaccessible.’

The award is part of Sport England’s ‘Get Equipped’ fund which was designed to build on the success of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. £1 million of National Lottery funding is being distributed to organisations across England to allow them to provide specialist equipment which will help make sport a practical choice for many more disabled people inspired by the Games.

The number of disabled people playing sport regularly is on the rise. In December, Sport England’s Active People Survey - an annual, in-depth measure of the nation’s sporting habits – revealed that a record number of disabled people in England now play sport each week. The number of disabled people aged 16 and over playing sport once a week has increased by 62,000 over the last year, bringing the total number to its highest recorded figure of 1.67 million, 351,000 more than in 2005 when London won the bid to host the Games.

However, non-disabled people are still twice as likely to play sport as disabled people (39.2 per cent compared to 18.5 per cent) which is why Sport England continues to focus attention and investment to address this imbalance.

Drop in and specialist taster sessions will begin in April. For more information or to register and interest email contactus@hyndburnleisure.co.uk

Great Harwood: Area Council - 13th March 2014

The next meeting of Great Harwood Area Council will take place on Thursday 13th March at 7.00pm at Bank Mill House. Cllr Ciaran Wells will be chairing the meeting and advance papers can be found here:

Great Harwood Area Council - 13th March 2014

Great Harwood: Memorial changing rooms refurbishment

The changing rooms at Memorial Park in Great Harwood have been improved recently with many refurbishments including new doors and windows along with new showers and toilets.  A new roof has also been installed and the building repainted.

Cllr Ciaran Wells, Cabinet Member for Leisure said: “The new look changing rooms are a great enhancement to the facilities for local football teams. The changing rooms have been completely refurbished with improved shower facilities and repainted to look smarter as well. We’ve already had great feedback from local football teams about the improvements there.”

Andy Counsell from Great Harwood Rovers Football Club, who use the changing rooms said: “It’s great to see investment in this facility, it’s long overdue and we’re grateful that the Council has been able to support local football clubs in this way."

Baxenden: Haworth Park lawns to be transformed

Haworth Park and Art Gallery are the Jewel in Hyndburn's Crown and the news that the lawns at Accrington Haworth Park are to be transformed, so they can be used for cultural events and outdoor weddings is very exciting.

Our thanks go to Baxenden Community Forum who have been successful in being awarded a grant of £28,700 for the project.

 The group has previously worked alongside Hyndburn Borough Council to gain funding to restore the original rose garden in the grounds in 2012.

Now its has teamed up again to secure the money from Lancashire Environmental Fund and a grant Baxenden Area Council, to pay for drainage work to be carried out on the lawns adjacent to the new rose garden.

The Secretary of the Baxenden Community Forum, Sheila McVan, ,said: “We put the bid together at the end of last year and we are delighted to have the money for the drainage work. The lawns are very wet and the old drains are blocked and so it really needs doing. Once it’s done, the ground will be dry enough for us to plan outdoor events like plays and musical events and will also allow the Haworth Art Gallery to host weddings and other functions outside in marquees. The money will also be spent on a raised area, sort of like a stage, for these events to take place.”

The work is set to begin in the first week of March and is expected to take between four and six weeks. The lawns and rose garden will have to be closed off during the work.

Coun Ciaran Wells, the executive member for education, leisure and arts, said: “I’d really like to thank the Baxenden Community Group for all their hard work in securing the funding and everything they’ve done so far on the rose garden. I would  also like to thank them for always working alongside the council to make Howarth Park such a special outdoor space.”

Hyndburn Warm Homes

Last week Councillor Kerry Molineux and Councillor Ciaran Wells went out with the surveying team from the Warm Homes initiative. The scheme is to help create warmer homes within Great Harwood. Warm homes is offering free boiler replacements and free home insulation to those who qualify.

If you would like more information please feel free to get in touch either directly to the Warm Home Team 0800 6127838 or via Hyndburn Homewise on 01254 232249

Central: Park footpaths to be resurfaced

Footpaths in Milnshaw Park (which actually falls within the boundary of Central ward) will be upgraded soon part of the Council’s commitment to improving local parks.

Routine inspections have shown that the footpaths were in need of some work as the surface had deteriorated, over time, since they were first installed. Approximately 2000 square metres of footpath will be reconstructed and another 1000 square metres resurfaced to ensure good access all around the park at a cost of approximately £100,000.  In addition the footpaths around the old paddling pool area will be rationalised to ensure access to the west side of the park can be maintained.

There will be some disruption for pedestrians during the works, however different parts of the parks will be undertaken in sequence to ensure diversionary routes can be set up allowing people to still use the park to access Hyndburn Road and Lancaster drive. The work is due to start w/c 3rd February and be completed before the end of March.

Cabinet Member for Parks, Cllr Ciaran Wells said; “The resurfacing work to this popular local park will make access easier for visitors to enjoy the amenities there.”

Have your say about allotment guidelines and rules

Have your say about new proposed new Allotment Guidelines & Rules.

The Guidelines and Rules, which are to ensure consistency throughout the boroughs allotments, are on the Council’s web site at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk and hard copies of the documents are also available at Scaitcliffe House and Accrington Town Hall.

Cllr Ciaran Wells, Cabinet Member for Allotments, said; “We want everyone to have their say about the proposed new allotment guidelines and rules, so please pick up a hard copy or visit the website at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk.”

The documents have already been discussed with the Hyndburn Federation of Allotments for consultation and comment.

The website link is at http://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/site/scripts/download_info.php?downloadID=1398

Hollins College pupils in Question Time event

Year 8 pupils from Hollins Technology College took part in a ‘Question Time’ style event with a panel of Hyndburn Councillors on Friday 8th November at Accrington Town Hall.

The pupils, aged 12-13, asked questions they had prepared in their Citizenship lessons to local Councillors on issues within their area with topics including entertainment, education, facilities and job opportunities.  
Miss Hayley Nunley, Teacher of Religious Education, Citizenship and Psychology commented; “The event was a great success and pupils came away feeling empowered and excited about making a difference”.
Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, who chaired the event, was joined on the panel by Cllrs Clare Pritchard, Paul Cox, Ciaran Wells, Kath Pratt, Brian Roberts and Nick Collingridge.

Cllr Parkinson said; “It was a great event, with the whole of year 8 pupils at Hollins taking part.  It was all about engaging them in local democracy and we had a lively debate with plenty of interaction with the audience.  Thank you to them and the panel for an interesting and enlightening afternoon.”

Labour Councillors in Movember

Several members of the Hyndburn Labour group are growing moustaches for Movember, including Council Leader Miles Parkinson and Great Harwood Councillor Ciaran Wells.

Movember (a portmanteau word from moustache and "November") is an annual, month-long event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male cancers; and associated charities. The Movember Foundation runs the Movember charity event, housed at Movember.com.[1] The goal of Movember is to "change the face of men's health."

Great Harwood: Mercer Hall Open Day - 26th October 2013

Come and try out Mercer Hall Leisure Centre and Spa - for FREE!


Hyndburn Leisure is throwing open the doors of Great Harwood’s hidden gem from 9am on Saturday 26th October, when, for one day only, all activities there will be FREE. The move comes after the recent successful Hyndburn Community Sports Awards highlighted a great year of sport both nationally and locally. Now Hyndburn Leisure want to keep the momentum going and encourage as many people as possible to take part in sport and physical activity.


Everyone is welcome to come along, with lots of fun for all the family on offer, including the gym, swimming, fitness classes and the Spa, children’s activities like Wii games, along with the chance to win a host of prizes. There’ll also be exclusive discounts on offer for future activities available for one day only, and we will be launching the Oblivion, the new children’s pool inflatable part funded by Great Harwood Area Council.

Councillor Ciaran Wells, Cabinet Member for Leisure said; “Mercer Hall Leisure Centre is one of Great Harwood’s best assets and the dramatic improvements in the sauna and Steam facilities make it a really attractive leisure offer. We want as many people as possible to come through the doors and try out things for free, with a view to them taking up a new hobby and being more active, be it at our leisure facilities or elsewhere”.


Doors open at 9am with free activities available until 1pm. We are expecting a busy day, so please book your activity in advance to avoid disappointment, by calling 01254 885 607 or email gareth.hughes@hyndburnleisure.co.uk.

Great Harwood: Labour newsletters being delivered

After attending the Town Crying of the Market Charter on Wednesday 21st August, local Councillors Ciaran Wells, Miles Parkinson and Kerry Molineux went out delivering information leaflets around Great Harwood regarding Labour activities in the area.

The Labour group are trying to keep residents more aware of their activities through leafleting and blogging and a dedicated Great Harwood blog can be found here:

Harwood First

Allotments Week 2013

Hundreds of people were fascinated and inspired to ‘grow their own’ last week.

Fifteen events were held at Accrington allotments and in the town centre as Hyndburn celebrated National Allotment Week.

A whole range of activities celebrated the fun and enjoyment of allotment life, ranging from artistic, photographic, wildlife friendly and practical events, along with social gatherings and inspirational visits.  On Broadway, an artist painted a fruit and veg design to inspire people to ‘Grow your own’.

The programme of activities was organised by Ian Hodgson, Community Food Growing Officer with the Prospects Foundation, supported by Hyndburn Council.  It’s part of a comprehensive effort to involve as many people as possible in the benefits of food growing and allotment life.   Activities benefited from funding from the Big Lottery Local Food grant.

Cllr Ciaran Wells, Cabinet Member for Allotments said; “Allotments Week was a great success and many thanks to Prospects for all their hard work in organising all the events. Activities were held on Meadoway allotments, off Queen’s Road West and Woodnook Allotments, off Rothwell Avenue, both sites are attractive and friendly hidden gems that people can enjoy.  There is still a small number of allotment plots available, with viewings held every week during August.  Come along and see for yourself how good it is.”

Get in touch with the Allotments Service on 01254 388111 if you, or someone you know would like to take a look at the spaces available now.

Magnificent Seven Green Flags for Hyndburn

A magnificent seven green spaces in Hyndburn are among the best in the country and have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag recently, with, for the first time, Accrington’s Cemetery and Crematorium grounds being added to the ever growing list.

Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium is the latest site to be recognised with this award and joins Wilson Playing Fields and Woodlands, along with Lowerfold, Cutwood, Oakhill, Mercer and Gatty Parks in scooping the Green Flag - a sign to visitors that they are well-maintained and well-managed, with excellent facilities.

Cllr Ciaran Wells, Cabinet Member for Parks said, “A lot of hard work, by a lot of people has gone into getting these Green Flags and their award is a testament to the sterling job done by the many community groups and staff involved. The fact that we now have seven sites, including for the first time Accrington Cemetery and Crematorium, now holding the prestigious Green Flag is great news for everyone, as this shows that they are well managed and maintained, welcoming, safe for users and have good links with the local community.”

Cllr Wells added; “A big thanks should go to the Friends and support groups associated with the parks; Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum; PROSPECTS, Hyndburn Athletics Club, Residents Associations, the Local History Society and our dedicated parks, cemetery and crematorium staff who all worked so hard to make these magnificent seven sites  reach the high standards to get Green Flag status.”

Amazing Edibles at Tatton Park

An ‘Amazing Edibles’ display, the fruit of many local people’s labours, has been proudly on show at RHS Flower Show in Tatton Park, which ran to 28th July.

The Amazing Edibles’ display is an allotment and vegetable exhibition showcasing the hard work of many local volunteers and groups, working under the banner of Hyndburn Federation of Allotments.

For many months volunteers from organisations including Baxenden Allotments & Garden Society, Church Prospects Panel, Clayton le Moors Prospects Panel, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, Incredible Edibles Accrington, Prospects Foundation, One Planet Planters, National Veg society Lancashire District association, Sandy Lane Gardening Group, Milnshaw Allotments and the Council have been working together in Gatty Park greenhouses  and allotments across the Borough, growing vegetables and edible flowers for their show garden at RHS Tatton, with their progress closely followed by the BBC.

Cath Holmes, Chair of Hyndburn Federation of Allotments,  said; “It’s been a fabulous experience  and a big thank you to everyone, who has given their time, support  and expertise to the project, working together has enabled everything to run smoothly to produce something  everyone involved can be proud of. “

The garden was sponsored by Barnfield Construction, Hyndburn former County Councillor Ciaran Wells with a local member grant , Hyndburn former County Councillors Ciaran Wells and Graham Jones with  local member grants, Hyndburn County Councillor Miles Parkinson with a Local member Grant,  and Sign It, Link A Board, also Funding From Green Partnership Awards, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum, and help in kind from Hyndburn Council’s Parks Team.

Profile: Councillor Ciaran Wells

Cllr Ciaran Wells is one of the two representatives for Netherton in Great Harwood and has been on HBC for just over three years. Formerly a County Councillor until stepping down in 2013, Ciaran currently serves on the following committees at Hyndburn Council:

• Cabinet  -  Portfolio Holder for Education, Leisure and Arts 
• Great Harwood Area Council 

He also sits on several outside bodies which are unaffiliated with HBC:

• Barnfield and Hyndburn Limited Board 
• Globe Enterprises Limited Board 
• Great Harwood (Bank Mill House) Management Committee 
• Hyndburn Children's Trust Board 
• Hyndburn Youth Council 
• Lancashire Playing Fields Association 
• Leisure in Hyndburn Board (Voting Representative) 
• North West Sports Board 

Cllr Wells said, "I have been a Borough Councillor since 2010 and I'm portfolio holder for Education, Leisure and Arts this includes allotments and cemeteries. We face a number of challenges as a Council and I see my role as ensuring we provide a high quality service that is sustainable and that we can be proud of our Borough."

Anyone wishing to contact Ciaran can phone 07917011188 or email ciaran.wells@hyndburnbc.gov.uk

Mercer Memorial Clock Tower gets Lottery funding

Hyndburn Borough Council has received £27,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project to rejuvenate the Mercer Memorial Clock Tower; a key grade II listed building at the historic heart of Great Harwood.

Led by Hyndburn Borough Council, the Great Harwood Civic Society and the Great Harwood Community Action Group, the project not only focuses on the renovation of the clock tower itself, but also aims to promote awareness of John Mercer, the inventor of cotton Mercerisation, through a series of promotional events.

The project will work with local schools and local artists to develop a series of educational resource materials, which will continue to be used long after the project has finished.  The scheme aims to promote an understanding of the historic environment of Great Harwood and create pride amongst young people about the place where they live.

Work to the clock tower will be completed during the summer of 2013, culminating in an unveiling event aimed at capturing some of the emotion around the original opening of the memorial, which was attended by some 4,000 people in 1903.  A week long exhibition will be held later in 2013 showcasing the project and the work created by the children.

Great Harwood Councillor Ciaran Wells said; “The building is associated with a strong sense of civic pride for Harroders and has in recent years deteriorated, so the award of the funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund is a massive boost for the town and we are thrilled to have received their support.

Cllr Wells added; “This is fantastic news for Great Harwood and I’m delighted that not only will improvements be made to the clock tower, but also that the local community and schools will be involved”.

Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “Mercer Memorial Clock Tower is an important local landmark in the heart of Great Harwood and represents a key part of the town’s rich industrial history. Through HLF’s grant, this impressive structure will undergo much-needed restoration work and local people will be able to learn about and enjoy the story of the tower, and John Mercer, for many years to come.”

The clock tower, which is at the heart of the much loved historic town square, was unveiled in 1903 with much local pride, and dedicated to John Mercer, the inventor of a cotton treatment process known as Mercerisation.  Mercerisation was a milestone for the cotton industry making the material softer, stronger and easier to dye.  In recent years the façade of the clock tower has deteriorated and now the building will be cleaned, re-pointed and some of the worn stone replaced.  The building will be stabilised, although not every piece of worn material will be replaced as the everyday wear and tear forms part of the buildings history.

St Huberts Road to be resurfaced

The road surface along St Huberts Road in Great Harwood is being resurfaced after a lengthy campaign by residents and Councillors. Work should be completed by the end of March and will improve a section of highway which has been problematic for some time.

Cllr Ciaran Wells said, "This is excellent news for Great Harwood residents who have been campaigning to get the road resurfaced. It has taken four years to secure but I'm glad we're finally seeing these improvements."

Great Harwood Community Clean Up

Great Harwood Area Council have teamed up with Lancashire Constabulary to hold a Community Clean Up on Saturday 16th March from 10.00am until 12.00pm. HBC and the local police are calling on all members of the local community to come along and help to improve the area.

Skips and equipment will be provided at Hameldon View, Princess Street and Park Street. The local Councillors will be in attendance to lend a hand and all help is welcomed.

County Council Election 2013 - Great Harwood

Cllr Gareth Molineux (left) is standing for election in May to win the seat currently held by County Cllr Ciaran Wells (right), who is stepping down this year. Both Councillors currently represent Great Harwood in the district Council chamber and have been delivering newsletters to homes in Overton and Netherton to canvass for support.

If you would like to get in touch with any of the Hyndburn Labour Councillors regarding the forthcoming elections please see the 'Your Councillors' tab on the home page of this blog.