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."

HBC: Cllr Clare Cleary promotes Amazing Accrington

Cabinet member for Housing & Regeneration, Cllr Clare Cleary, made a speech earlier this week to a meeting of Amazing Accrington, a drive to promote all that is positive in the town.

"With some of you being based on the edge of the urban areas of the Borough I am mindful that you may not have had the opportunity to visit Accrington town centre as often as you would like. The Council consider Accrington Town Centre to be very important for Hyndburn’s overall economic growth.

However, these are very challenging times for the high street as shopping patterns and habits change. The traditional high street is exploring other ways of increasing footfall and Accrington Town Centre is no different.

The need to diversify and modernise the economic base of Accrington town centre is a priority, whilst at the same time, creating a distinctive centre that differs from our near neighbours of Blackburn and Burnley.

Led by Accrington’s Town Team, we are currently developing a new vision for Accrington Town Centre. The Centre has some fantastic historic buildings, a great heritage, a vibrant market, some great independent shops and is developing a reputation for community events attracting people from across Pennine Lancashire. It is this unique character and strong sense of local pride that the vision aims to capture.

We are aiming to make Accrington Town Centre an interesting place to visit including a growing section of independent shops, a high quality market, good community and educational facilities, a quality residential offer and well connected public transport all supported by a programme of locally run events. All of this will contribute to a growing town centre economy. If we get these things right, Accrington will retain people in the town centre and attract new people in.

We have a programme of significant public sector investment which aims to stimulate the town centre’s economy including the refurbishment of Accrington’s historic market hall, a new and modern bus station and currently underway, a new town square in front of the Town Hall and Market Hall which will help to transform this key location in the town centre.

Over coming months you will see the installation of new street furniture and sculptures that have been designed to celebrate the Borough’s history and commemorate the Accrington Pals. We are also erecting an architectural lighting system to illuminate the Town Hall and Market Hall at night time, and provide a backdrop for events and special occasions in the square. The project is going well and remains on target for completion by July 2018 in time for events marking the centenary of the First World War.

In 2018/19 the Council will be making available £100,000 to support a regular programme of town centre events in partnership with some of the key town centre stakeholders. We are hoping that some of the town centre stakeholders will match this investment in the co-ordination of events that residents can enjoy and which will bring more visitors into the Town.

My door is always open to anyone who would like to discuss new ideas and opportunities for Accrington town centre."

Viewpoint - Cllr Miles Parkinson - January 2018

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you all the very best for 2018.

This is traditionally a time when we think about getting healthier and Hyndburn Leisure Centre is a great place to start. Memberships include gym, swimming, fitness classes and access to the brand new thermal suite. You can sign up to any membership for a year and get two months free.

We’re committed to helping people across Hyndburn get active and healthier, so we’re thrilled to be one of twelve areas awarded landmark National Lottery funding from Sport England recently to do just that. It means that over the coming years we can work together with our partners to help inspire people to become more active in new ways that suit them.

Highams Playing Fields in Accrington could be upgraded to offer an improved range of facilities for local people to take part in sport, after Accrington Stanley Community Trust approached the Council with a view to investing £2 million to upgrade community facilities there.

They are thinking of providing an enhanced range of facilities, 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.

The project received planning permission from the Council’s Planning Committee in December so the Trust can now talk to the funders about how the project will be implemented.

Rishton footballers are looking forward to playing on a refurbished facility at Norden Playing fields later this year, after Rishton United recently signed a 25 years lease there. They’ve secured external funding to carry out the first phase of their project, which will level and fence the site and improve drainage.

There are also lots of new exciting developments in the pipeline. Keepmoat Homes have completed the acquisition of the former Lyndon Playing Fields and work on the new prestigious Lyndon Park housing development will start immediately this year. This circa £45 million pound development will see 217 new houses and bungalows built in a fabulous setting. Even before work has started Keepmoat report that interest is very high.

As part of the planning gain from the new Lyndon Park housing development, Great Harwood Rovers Football Club have moved to new football pitches just off Harwood Lane. Over half a million pounds is being invested in new facilities with phase one of the project complete. Phase two, new changing facilities, will be constructed later this year.

At Whitebirk, Euro Garages has started work on the new Frontier Park development on 85 acres of land right next to Junction 6 of the M65. The development will be a mix of employment and leisure uses creating 2,000 new local jobs and a major boost for the local economy.

And finally, Accrington’s new Town Square, funded by the Townscape Heritage Initiative, is looking marvellous now and we’re really pleased with its progress. We’re looking forward to seeing it finished and Cllr Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member Accrington Town Centre, has been working hard with officers and all town centre stakeholders to bring events to the square to promote the town to shoppers and visitors when it’s open in the summer.

Rishton: Labour Councillors secure Walmsley Street link road

The Rishton Labour Councillors have succeeded in arranging for Walmsley Avenue and Walmsley Street to finally be connected as part of a new development which will see 43 houses built on the site of the old Albert Mill if a planning application is successful.

Cllr Ken Moss, who has been in discussions with Lancashire County Council and developers since 2010, said, "This is wonderful news and will come as a great relief to many people on the Southside estate who have wanted this for over 40 years. We sat down with LCC and the property developer and stated what we want so that it is not only right for them but also the Rishton residents."

A letter from Highways Development Control at LCC on 12th November 2017 states, "The land ownership issues appear to have been resolved to enable the link from Walmsley Avenue to Walmsley Street to be formally adopted by Highway Authority. The assessment shows that the redistribution of local traffic will not cause a severe impact upon the highway network or safety."

County Cllr Miles Parkinson said, "With a new development proposed, it's logical to link up the roads at the same time, bring the cobbled sections up to the proper standard and finally resolve a long-standing issue. I'm pleased that myself and the Rishton Labour Councillors will be able to draw a line under this and improve the traffic infrastructure."

The full case file containing all documents relating to the application can be found here.

Rishton: Construction begins at Parker Place

Construction on the 72 new homes at the old Gaskells Carpets site, currently going by the name of Parker Place, was officially started on Thursday 10th November with a ground cutting ceremony. Cllrs Clare Cleary and Miles Parkinson were in attendance along with the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn.

Cllr Cleary said, "This represents a real beginning of regenerating this site. The local Councillors are all enthusiastic about this and we have had many enquiries about how residents can buy new houses before the first one is even built. It's an exciting time for Rishton."

HBC: Shaping the buildings of the future

Accrington shop and building owners are invited to a series of free, ‘Buildings of the Future,’ events, where they can explore how the unique and rich heritage of the town centre buildings can be conserved, whilst making them attractive and welcoming to the modern consumer.

The events are part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative, funded by the Hyndburn Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is set to transform the historic retail and commercial gateway into the town centre, along Blackburn Road, culminating in a public realm scheme outside Accrington Town Hall and Market Hall to commemorate the Accrington Pals.

The events, which are run by Hyndburn Council in conjunction with Sympathetic Works Ltd, are taking place at Accrington Town Hall. The next event, ‘attracting customers with good design’, is scheduled for Wednesday 13th July, running from 6.30pm until 8.30pm and will include a tour of local shops.

The ‘Heritage and Signage, attracting customers with good design’, event will be an opportunity to look at a range of shop signage styles and discuss which are the most appropriate to attract the customers, whilst considering the heritage value and planning requirements.

Cllr Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Town centre’s said; “Accrington is a town with a strong and proud heritage and its fine legacy of mid to late 19th and 20th century buildings are an important part of its distinct identity. The aim of the ‘Buildings of the Future’ events is to promote a better understanding of the town centre buildings history, in order to halt the loss of unique architectural features in the future.

Everyone is welcome, just turn up on the night, or for further information, contact Annette Birch via email on Annette.birch@hyndburnbc.gov.uk, or by calling 07876 442462.

The next event coming up is: Wed 10th August, Repairing and Maintaining Historic Buildings

For details of all the events see www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

Rishton: Churches raise £70 for Rishton Charities

In the last of four services by Rishton Churches Together asking 'Who Is My Neighbour?' a collection raised £70 for Rishton Charities.

The service was held at Rishton Methodist Church on Albert Street and Cllrs Clare Cleary and Ken Moss were invited as guest speakers to talk about what it means to be a Councillor and how Rishton Charities works.

Cllr Cleary said, "It's a great honour to be a Councillor and it's very satisfying to be able to help people on a daily basis. We'd like to thank the churches for inviting us along and for the donation to the local charity."

The Rishton Charities were set up many years ago to help those in need, or sick or striving to better themselves. Each year a leaflet is pushed through every door for people to nominate someone who may be struggling and interest which has been earned on the investment accounts is paid out by the committee to those who are felt to qualify. Both Ken Moss and Clare Cleary are currently on the committee.

No money was paid out in 2015 as very low interest rates meant that there was a very low return during the financial year and it was decided to wait until Autumn 2016 to allow the funds to build up.

Rishton: Parker Street corner development

As was detailed last summer during a consultation by Gleeson Homes, Parker Street corner is intended to become part of the new development along the canalside which includes Wheatfield Mill and the site of Gaskells Carpets. Several residents are now understood to have started a petition to Hyndburn Borough Council against this move.

Cabinet member for Housing, Cllr Clare Cleary, said, "The development is still going through the planning process and an application has been lodged by a group of residents for Parker Street corner to become an Asset of Community Value. If they are successful in the process then they will have to buy the land and maintain it themselves from that point onwards. Communities such as Belthorn have undertaken similar exercises and held productive talks with developers."

Cabinet member for Parks and Open Spaces, Cllr Ken Moss, said, "By 2018 HBC will have lost 73% of their annual funding so unfortunately we are going to see more pieces of underused land sold off. No one is happy about this but unfortunately we don't have the money anymore to simply carry on maintaining every grassed area. Parker Street corner is lovely but regrettably it is little more than a dog toilet at present."

Cllr Moss added, "It is a shame that the objectors didn't come to meet with Gleeson Homes when they were invited. The Rishton Councillors are more than happy to chat about what can realistically be done if they're genuinely serious about taking on this land but proper discussion is much better than a petition. Up to now we haven't been asked to take part in any public meetings."

Gleeson Homes have already made an offer on the site as part of the development. The process for determining an Asset of Community Value can take up to six months and the land will not be developed while this is ongoing.

If the land is ultimately developed then facilities such as the clock, flagpole and wooden animals at the corner will all be relocated over the bridge.

Ron Hill 10K Accrington Run 2016

The popular Ron Hill Accrington 10K race is back for its third year on Sunday 6th March, and there will also be fun for all the family, with a 1m Fun Run featuring on the same day.

Named in honour of World famous Accrington runner Ron Hill, and organised by Cannonball Events, the Ron Hill Accrington 10k is a race for people of all speeds.

Cllr Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Accrington Town Centre, encouraged people to sign up, saying; “Ron Hill MBE, world record holder, Olympian, clothing entrepreneur and Freeman of the Borough is a true Hyndburn hero, he’s the perfect inspiration to get you out and run. It doesn't matter if you are running for a Personal Best, a prize, to raise money for charity or just for fun; everyone is welcome join in.”

Ron, who was born in Accrington, won the Commonwealth Games and European Championship marathons. He has run every day for over fifty years, even after breaking his sternum in a car crash! Ron also has an Accrington street named in his honour, Ron Hill Way, which runners will pass near on the course.

The Ron Hill Accrington 10k, open to anyone over sixteen, is largely traffic free with road closures at the start and at the finish with a new course which is much flatter and faster than the previous two years, but it is Lancashire after all so there are always going to be hills and downhills.

The charity benefiting this year is Cystic Fibrosis, with £1 from every entry going to the Charity. Also places have been allocated to people running to raise money for the Charity.

Cllr Clare Cleary, added; “It really is a family day out, as there will also be a 1 mile Fun Run open to anyone aged six and upwards, which is a safe opportunity to run a mile on closed roads, where parents can run with their children too. The new 1 mile Fun Run course on fully closed roads will also host Accrington's first ever wheelchair race.”

For more details of the events, or to enter, visit linkhttp://cannonballevents.co.uk/ron-hill-accrington-10k.

HBC: Warm Homes scheme helps over 200 homes in Hyndburn

The ‘Warm Homes Hyndburn’ scheme is a partnership between the Council, Homewise and Dyson Energy Services, which helps householders, make their homes more energy efficient and save money on their energy bills.

The scheme can help qualifying household’s access funding for replacement boilers and home insulation including loft and cavity wall insulation.

Warmer homes can have positive benefits on all sorts of things including fewer health problems including respiratory and arthritic conditions, better educational attainment for children at school and as less money is used to pay fuel bills more disposable income for improved lifestyle options.

Cllr Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Housing at Hyndburn Council, said; “We’re urging residents to check to see if they qualify for warm homes funding now, as over 200 households in the borough are already benefiting from warmer homes and reduced energy bills through the scheme.”

To find out if you qualify and for more information call Homewise on 01254 232 249 or call in at: Homewise, 2/4 Whalley Road, Accrington, BB5 1AA.

HBC: Three landlords prosecuted for renting without a licence

Three Hyndburn landlords have recently become the first to be prosecuted for failing to comply with the requirements of the Council’s Selective Licensing Scheme, collectively incurring fines and costs totaling almost £3000.

The Council introduced selective licensing in December 2012, to help tackle low housing demand and requires landlords to comply with a range of conditions to ensure good property management. The scheme requires all landlords in parts of Church, Kirk, Peel, Springhill, West Accrington and Woodnook to apply for a licence.

However, Mrs Suzanne Smith of Oswaldtwistle, failed to do so and became the first landlord to end up in court. Mrs Smith pleaded guilty at Hyndburn Magistrates’ Court to an offence under section 95 of the Housing Act 2004, for failing to correctly licence her rental property at Wilfred Street, Accrington.

Two more landlords recently faced Hyndburn Magistrates Court for failing to obtain a licence. On 3rd September 2015, Alastair Buchanan MacDonald of Clitheroe was convicted in his absence of failing to obtain a landlord licence for his rental property at Cobham Road, Accrington.

Mr Brian Capstick of Accrington also attended court on 10th September and pleaded guilty to failing to obtain a landlord licence for his rental property at Princess Street, Accrington.

Councillor Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Housing, said, “These prosecutions send a clear message to all landlords with homes in the designated area, that we are taking the selective licensing scheme very seriously. It’s about improving the lives of tenants and improving the area, and, where landlords don’t apply for a licence and fail to engage with us, it can mean facing a court summons. The Private Rented Team is in the process of bringing further cases of this kind to Court. So if you are a landlord without a licence in this area, apply urgently, as these cases show, the consequences of renting a property without a licence can be extremely serious.”

To find out if a property is within the selective licensing area, visit www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk, telephone the Council’s Private Rented Team on 01254 388111, or email strat@hyndburnbc.gov.uk