Amazing Accrington: The first UK playground deidcated to disabled children

In 2015, the Hyndburn Parents & Carers Forum approached Hyndburn Borough Council and requested a meeting with the Parks Team to discuss the problems their families had with the current play provision. A review by HBC of its current play facilities then followed and the Hyndburn “Play Plan 2016-2020” was produced.






As a result, designs were drawn up for a play area at Hyndburn Leisure Centre dedicated to disabled children.

Cabinet member for Parks, Cllr Ken Moss, said, “Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum has helped several Hyndburn communities raise funds for badly needed children’s playgrounds since it formed in 2005 but never one quite like this one, which will not only be the first of its kind in Accrington but the first of its kind in Lancashire, the Northwest and beyond. This is a playground for disabled children who, through no fault of their own, are unable to use the fantastic playgrounds scattered around the borough that most parents take for granted.”

The Parks Team also enlisted the assistance of HGSF, Inclusive Play and Hyndburn Leisure Trust and consultation began on the type of play equipment and ancillary facilities that were required.

Cath Holmes, Secretary with HGSF remembers Shirley Parkinson, HBC Parks Department Liaison Officer, initially bringing the proposal to HGSF. “I’ve never seen Shirley so passionate about a project. That rubbed off with Forum Members, many of whom have children or grandchildren themselves, so straight away there was an understanding, a common theme. The Forum gave it their full backing and is as determined as the Hyndburn Parents and Carers Group to make it a reality.”

Shirley went away to research what equipment was available and found a company – Jupiter Play and Inclusive Play - to help with the design what is a very special Sensory Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) playground specifically designed to meet the needs of disabled children, whilst allowing their more able bodied siblings to play with them.

Shirley told us: "As a mum myself I was often close to tears when talking to some of the Hyndburn Parents & Carers and learning of the problems they were experiencing in a trip to the park or playground. I have worked for over 10 years with Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum securing funding for worthy community projects, but for this project we desperately need the public’s help.”

Play is an important part of any child’s childhood, so when HGSF learned there was currently a group of young people that were denied the opportunity to go to their local park and have fun with their family and friends, they just had to get involved.

Sarah Lewis, Parent Carer and Chair of Hyndburn Parent and Carers Forum, said “The park will allow our son to play safely, independently and most importantly we would be able to have fun as a family which we can't currently do in mainstream parks. He has no sense of danger, low muscle tone and other medical problems that restrict his play and he continually gets frustrated because he can't use the majority of the play equipment. I have to follow him around everywhere to make sure he doesn't hurt himself. Having a safe environment where he can use all the equipment would be amazing, not only for Oliver but for all families. We've been working so hard with fundraising and raising awareness. We've done numerous fundraising events in the last 12 months want to make sure everyone has heard about what we are trying to achieve."

The special schools across Lancashire told the project that although they have the means to take the children out on school trips, it’s almost impossible to find the facilities that could cater for the different range of disabilities so the opportunities are very limited. The Parks Team and HGSF looked at how it could help this very special group of young people.

HGSF are endeavouring to raise the necessary funds to turn this dream into a reality and this is where it really needs help - even a small amount puts us one step nearer – as does talking about the project, gaining support and momentum.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said, "We already have several award-winning parks in the borough but are difficult to use for those children who have disabilities. This new play area will be for those children to enjoy in safety in addition to the other playgrounds that most of us parents take for granted."

Hyndburn MP, Graham Jones said, “This particular project would be a first for the UK and as parents of disabled children tell me, a great asset for the local sub region. The levels of safety required for children with such challenges is quite different and a normal playground just presents a huge risk to worried parents, so much so they often are reluctant to take disabled children there. This playground is much needed.”

Baxenden: HBC issues legal notices to travellers

A traveller encampment on Baxenden recreation ground has generated many complaints from residents and Hyndburn Borough Council have issued enforcement notices.

Hyndburn MP and Baxenden resident Graham Jones said, "I've been to Baxenden Rec and the travellers have arrived. It's an illegal encampment and I've reported it to the Chief Executive of the Council by phone and asked for swift action. Last time they were removed within a week."
 
Notice of Direction to Leave land was served on Monday 15th May requiring the travellers (3 caravans) to leave as soon as practicable. The travellers have not complied with the notice so they will be summonsed to attend court at which time HBC intend to apply for an Order requiring them to leave the land.

The earliest available court date is next Wednesday, 31 May 2017.

Baxenden: Car park NOT for sale

A notice has been erroneously printed in the Accrington Observer advertising a car park for sale on Manchester Road in Baxenden. Although the advert is scheduled to appear in the newspaper for two weeks, it has been issued in error as part of a wider sceheme to dispose of pieces of land which are of little value to the Council and are not well-used by the public.

The Hyndburn Labour Group wish to apologise for the error and thanks are due to Graham Jones MP for helping to inform residents of the situation.

Boundary Commission: Hyndburn parliamentary seat proposed to be renamed Accrington

Proposals for the redrawing of the Hyndburn parliamentary boundary have been released by the Boundary Commission for England and a map of the new 'Accrington' constituency can be seen above.

Graham Jones is the current Labour MP for Hyndburn and, if the boundary review is successful, will be a eligible to stand again as the sitting member for the new constituency in 2020.

The current boundary can be seen above edged in blue and the proposals will not affect Hyndburn Borough Council or the wards which fall within the district boundary.

Rishton Councillor Ken Moss said, "I support the proposals to redraw the Hyndburn parliamentary boundary and rename it 'Accrington'. This to me makes the area more easily identifiable when discussing it with people from outside the area. It is also reassuring to know that our borough will not be carved up between other areas which was the intial fear locally. Our current MP, Graham Jones, is born and bred in Accrington and it is good to know that we have the potential to keep a local man as our representative in Westminster in future years."

To give your feedback on the proposed new parliamentary boundary please visit the official website here:

Boundary Commission for England - Accrington

EU Referendum: Hyndburn votes Leave

The borough of Hyndburn voted decisively to leave the European Union on 23rd June 2016 and the results can be broken down as follows:

Total number of voters:  40,168
Leave:  26,598
Remain:  13,569

The count took place at Accrington Town Hall and was attended by Labour Councillors Ken Moss, Bernard Dawson and Munsif Dad, Leader of the Council Miles Parkinson and Graham Jones MP.

31 ballot papers were rejected for the following reasons:

Voted for both:  13
Voter could be identified:  3
Unmarked or uncertain: 15

A full breakdown of the voting in each ward will be available shortly.

Barnfield: Councillors and MP get involved in Woodnook clean up

Milnshaw Ward labour Councillor, Paul Cox, took part in a community clean up in the Woodnook area of Barnfield, organised by both Placefirst and local the local Social enterprise The Switch.
 
Cllr Cox, who is portfolio Holder for Enviromental Services at Hyndburn Borough Council joined local ward Cllr June Harrison, County Councillor Bernard Dawson and Hyndburn's Member of Parliament Graham Jones in collecting rubbish from around the area.

Cllr Paul Cox said, "I’m happy to come along and help any group who take such an active role in tidying up there area. At Waste Services we will collect all rubbish collected from these events plus supply bags and grabbers. Just get in touch and ask for community clean up forms."

Local volunteer Jodie Travis added, "It was fantastic to see our local Labour team getting out and really helping us clean the place up. Sometimes all that is needed is a bit of cooperation and we can make a real difference."

Northwest hardest hit again - 7 MPs to go in Bonfire of the Boundaries

The Boundaries Commission are to redraw the Parliamentary boundaries to reduce the number of MPs in Westminster from 650 to 600. The number of MPs from each region to be reduced has been revealed and the Northwest of England is once again hardest hit.

Clr Ken Moss said, "The biggest cuts are in Labour heartlands, with predictions suggesting that up to 24 Labour MPs will be for the chop. Populations change all the time so this arbitrary redrawing of constituencies away from established borough boundaries is going to confuse people. It's simply a way of strengthening Conservative seats."

A statement from the Labour Whips' Office said, "The PM plans for 40 more peers (to the House of Lords) while at same time axing 50 MPs 'to reduce cost of politics' which would mean he'd made nearly 300 unelected peers since 2010."

The boundary review will take place in 2018 and Graham Jones's Hyndburn constituency is one of those under threat to be abolished which would most likely mean a merger with Blackburn or Burnley.

Graham Jones MP: No 10 blocks a review of FOBTs

 News emerged this month that David Cameron had blocked a review of addictive fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs).

The story broke in the Times – and made reference to fellow Tory Boris Johnson and his public concerns around the £100 a spin machines.

It revealed that the The Department for Culture, Media and Sport had proposed a review of the machines, which made £1.6bn for thebookies in the year to September 2014, a £45m rise on the previous 12 months.

However, the proposal was blocked by the Cabinet Office, in a move that Tory MPs say was sanctioned by Number 10.

Charles Walker, vice-chairman of the 1922 committee of backbench MPs, said the decision flew in the face of mounting concerns among fellow Conservatives.

"There are a growing number of colleagues on our benches who are concerned about FOBTs," Walker said. "I would have very much welcomed a review. I don't like the idea of them, I don't like the way they operate and I don't like the way that the betting industry tries to defend them.

"We all know what they are — they are a way of extracting vast sums of money from people who can mostly ill- afford to lose it."

The story also made headlines in Totally Gaming, BBC Kent and the Christian Institute.

Former County Councillor Doreen Pollitt passes away

Long-serving Labour party member and former County Councillor, Doreen Pollitt, has died.

Doreen was born and brought up in Coppull and became involved in politics at the age of twenty when she was elected Shop Steward with the Transport and General Workers Union at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Chorley.  She was the youngest Shop Steward at the Factory.

Her first political campaigning was alongside Barbara Castle, then MP for Blackburn, on the issue of equal pay for women workers.

In the 1970s Doreen moved to Accrington and became active in the local Party. She was a very successful campaigner, motivator and fundraiser.

She was elected to Lancashire County Council in 1989 and was Chair of Social Services for four years before becoming Deputy Leader of the County Council in 2001. She served for eight years in that position and was an integral member of the team that took the Council to excellent status.

Doreen served in many roles in the Hyndburn Labour Party most notably as Agent for the former MP, Greg Pope, working with him in three successful elections. In 2009 she was Agent for Greg’s successor, Graham Jones, who held the seat for Labour.  Doreen was secretary of the constituency Labour Party for many years until she retired in February 2012.

In September 2010, Doreen was recognized for her services to the Labour Party and was presented with a national award at the conference in Manchester by Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman.

In July 2011 Doreen was recognized for her contribution to life in Lancashire and eminent services rendered to Lancashire County Council over a long period and was awarded the title of Honorary Alderman.

Hyndburn MP, Graham Jones, said, "Doreen was a fantastic party secretary for many years. From tackling militants in the 1980s, she helped build the local party up as well as go on to become Deputy Leader of Lancashire County Council, serving the county for over 20 years. Her great passion was children and she was head of Children's Services at County for many years. She also ensured that there was huge investment in her division of Accrington West to build up broken communities following the Thatcher years. She stood up for ordinary people. She was a big supporter of mine in my Parliamentary selection in 2009 and I cannot thank her enough for that. She is sadly missed."

Doreen's funeral service is on Thursday 5th November at 2.00pm at:

Southport Crematorium
Southport Road
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 5JQ

followed by light refreshments at:

St Stephens Club
12 Hoole Lane
Banks
Southport
PR9 8BD

Family flowers only
Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society

Graham Jones MP opens Accrington Pals Cafe

Hyndburn's MP Graham Jones, along with Hyndburn Council Leader Miles Parkinson and other senior Councillors, attended the official opening of an exciting new eatery within Accrington Market Hall on Saturday 17th September. 'The Accrington Pals Cafe' opened its doors to customers this week after an extensive refurbishment of the former 'Peggy's Café'.

Owner Karen Moxham said, "The opening day was a fantastic success. We wanted to bring an exciting new eatery to the heart of our home town with a nostalgic theme for the people of the Borough and there can be no greater theme for this café which is dedicated to the Accrington Pals. We love the people of Accrington and will be serving to them a selection of traditional Lancashire fayre, breakfasts and delicious homemade favourites that were previously popular with the former Peggy's Cafe. Thursday will be a special day for senior citizens with 30% off menu prices, our food is sourced locally and served heartily at very competitive prices in an ambience which takes you back to the era of The Great War."

Huncoat Councillor Eamonn Higgins, Ms Moxham's partner, said, "Karen and myself would like to thank everyone who came down today to officially open 'The Accrington Pals Cafe' and special thanks are due to Miles Parkinson and Clare Cleary. We have had a fantastic response from the public who all seem impressed with the Pals theme, the public are rightly proud of the Pals heritage in this town . Hope you enjoyed your brekkies so do feel free pop in for a brew and a bite!"

Graham Jones MP: Statement on resigning from the Whip's Office

 

It is with sadness that I will be stepping down from the whips office following a short period staying on to help the new leader through the transitional period. It has taken a lot of thought over the summer and I believe it is the right and fair thing to do given Jeremy's victory.

I congratulate him on that victory, on bringing hope to many, of the increases in new members and the chance to look at issues afresh. The chance to shake Westminster up and rebuild the Labour Party. I am particularly pleased that Jeremy is going to radically change our housing policy and our attitude to the EU referendum.
Jeremy is a principled, kind and throughly decent person who wishes only the best for others and his demeanour is to be applauded.

Having had the opportunity to speak to Jeremy at length whilst we were away together in Latin America it was clear we both had much in common but there is no getting away from the fact that there are issues where we strongly differ. That breadth of view is healthy for the Labour Party as Jeremy has acknowledged.

However those differences will be tested.

Being a whip and not voting for the leader is unfair - it is a resigning matter. I believe it is quite right to be up front and clear about those differences now, not later.

We broadly or wholly agree on Europe, agree on building more council houses and tackling the private rented sector, on renationalising the railways, on the need to fix broken markets and deal with private rented housing, more protection for workers' rights, scrapping tuition fees, creating a National Education Service (like the NHS for healthcare), ending child poverty, ensuring the NHS is completely publicly run, some degree of rent controls, more investment in the arts and many other issues.

At the last election I like many of the volunteers who campaigned for the Labour Party in Hyndburn knocked on doors and stood behind our manifesto pledges which included fiscal responsibility, controls on immigration as well as policies on strong defence, membership of NATO, Trident nuclear submarines and a degree of welfare reform. These are issues where Jeremy and I have differing views.

MPs now must face up to this dilemma; their principles, current Labour policies which they stood on in May, Jeremy's victory and his manifesto for radical change, in Hyndburn the 18,000 votes Labour received in May or, the greater number of people who thought about voting Labour in May and then there are the Labour Party members in Hyndburn whom I know will hold strong views on some of these issues.

Each MP will deal with this dilemma in their own way and Jeremy has been very clear about his respect for people with differing views. He acknowledges he himself has held differing and principled views for over 30 years and voted against the Party over 500 times. We all agree that the Labour Party must remain a broad church appealing to a wide range of voters to be electorally successful.

In the end I want to stand by what I have always stood for; traditional blue collar Labour values and I believe it is both honourable and decent as well as the best for Jeremy (and myself) that I speak on these issues from the backbenches.

The Funeral of Councillor Pamela Barton

The funeral of Spring Hill Councillor, Pam Barton, took place on Thursday 14th May 2015 at St James' Church in Accrington. The church was full to capacity with friends, family and colleagues who attended the service to celebrate the life rather than mourn the death, as Pam had wished.

There were tributes from County Councillor Clare Pritchard, a poem reading by Luke Reilly and a very emotional send off from Graham Jones MP, a close friend to Pam and her husband Richard for many years. The cortege then set off to Accrington Crematorium for a final blessing.

A news story and picture gallery by the Accrington Observer can be found here:

Accrington Observer - Mourners gather to pay respect

Donations are requested to go to the Ferngore Residents' Association. Please contact:

John Drinkwater
5 Lindadale Avenue
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 0NG
01254 392738

Great-grandfather of Graham Jones MP to feature on new Accrington Pals beer bottle

The Irwell Works Brewery are releasing a beer at the request of the Accrington Pals to mark their centenery and the bottle will feature Edwin Taylor, the great-grandfather of Hyndburn MP Graham Jones.

Graham said, "He served for 4 years in the RAMC. His ship, Prince Edward, was sunk by a German submarine in 1915. The vessel went down in just four minutes according to extensive research and he was one of 400 survivors out of 1,200."

He added, "Great-grandfather served on the western front after that. He lived on Grange Street in Accrington, now pulled down, and was a delivery driver for Accrington Railway Station. I'm looking forward to the beer, I'm just awaiting the bottles!"

An Accrington Pals page listing the details of Mr Taylor can be found here:

http://www.pals.org.uk/avl/sw_wa.htm

'Gallantry at Gallipoli' will be released soon and is expected to feature at the Accrington Food Festival on 6th June 2015.

Another Accrington Pals beer will also be on sale at Strangers Bar at Westminster later this year. Graham said, "'Lest We Forget' Accrington Pals beer will available on draught in Parliament between 30th June and 5th July. Big thanks are due to the Accrington Pals committee for that one."

Graham Jones MP: A Tribute to former Labour Councillor Dave Forshaw

Dave Forshaw RIP

It it was really sad to hear that a great comrade of Hyndburn Labour, Dave Forshaw has recently passed away. We lost Jack Grime recently and last year Colin Feeley and Sardar Ali.

I can hear Dave even today in his gruff working class accent talking about taking the fight to the Tories and how we must stop them. Anyone who knew Dave would recognise his voice. They would also recognise his passion for the Labour party which was ever present in anything he said or did.

I went to see Dave about 12 months ago and it was sad to see him struggling but he was happy enough in his own way. Battling on as Dave always did. It was great to have a conversation with him about old times but Dave was just as interested in the future as well. He said he was frustrated he just couldn't get out of bed to come out and campaign apologising for his ill health and the fact that his comrades were out knocking on doors and he wasn't there to help. That was Dave. Always thinking about taking the fight to the Tories and standing alongside his comrades.

We went knocking on doors many many times together. Dave was always great company, always ready to go to that extra door, always wanting to campaign, make the argument, always passionate. Forever Labour.

He would ring me up to ask how things were or just to make sure that we were doing everything we could to defeat the Tories. I remember the 2004 Rishton ward election where Dave was Labour's candidate. I remember going over many times to Rishton to campaign with him and discuss the election. Just to be out and about and around him was fun. Everyone loved campaigning with Dave. He gave those around him a lift with his energy, enthusiasm and passion. He was funny too with a great sense of humour. We lost that election but it didn't dampen Dave's commitment, enthusiasm or his passion to 'beat them next time'.

When he wasn't fighting Tories he was generally laughing, drinking or talking or all three at once! I recall those days and that particular election very fondly and now with a great degree of sadness knowing that Dave has passed away. If Dave was campaigning in Rishton I was over there straight away. He was such great company and we got along so well.

He had loads of energy and every day was a campaigning day in which he loved to meet people and make the case for Labour.

I used to see him at the Rishton events too where we would always have a good natter. He rang me up one day saying he had loads of videotapes of Rishton events from the past and that I was on one or two of them. He asked me if I would look after them and transfer them to DVD. I said I would. He had a passion for the future but a fondness for the past too.

He was a great and well known Rishtoner. How can anyone forget Dave's gruff voice, his strong working class East Lancashire accent and mannerisms. He was a man of the people, a typical working-class Labour man. No nonsense. The Tories were for the rich and Labour the workers Dave would repeat. Great days.

Dave, you'll be missed mate but you'll never be forgotten.

Graham Jones MP

New Accrington Pals display at Town Hall

The area to the left in the foyer of Accrington Town Hall has undergone an overhaul, with the walls now dedicated to the Pals Regiment. Graham Jones went to take a look at the room which is coming together in memory of the Accrington Pals and was impressed by the scene.

He said, "It really is a beautiful display already and will be amazing when it's finished. We are proud of our heritage and it is a testament to both the Council and the Pals working group that this is being displayed right here in the Town Centre."

The artwork is being installed with the help provided by the volunteers who make up the Accrington Pals Working Group in order to commentate 1914-18 First World War.

Fundraising after homeless man targeted in arson attack

Sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning on 22nd February 2015, an area used by homeless man Johnno was set fire to in a suspected arson attack which is now being investigated. What little he had was destroyed and a group of residents are looking to raise money to replace his belongings with new clothing and blankets and this will be coordinated through Hyndburn Helpers.

A target of £500 was set on a fundraising page at Gofundme.com but this was raised to £1,000 following a very swift public response and any money which is left over will go towards helping other homeless people. Graham Jones MP donated £50 to the cause and the page can be found here:

http://www.gofundme.com/mys0mw

Election 2015: Graham Jones MP

Graham Jones MP is standing again in the May 2015 elections to remain as our MP for a second term. He has been out canvassing since last August and is trying to speak to every householder in person. So far, the responses have been overwhelmingly positive about his time as our elected MP.

Graham said, "The number one priority in Haslingden and Hyndburn for me will always be better jobs. I have worked tirelessly to help increase our industrial capacity and increase opportunity. To improve transport links. To provide hope and to work towards a better future for families in Haslingden and Hyndburn."

Voting in the local and general elections will take place on Thursday May 7th 2015 from 7.00am until 10.00pm.

Barnfield: Labour team canvassing for June Harrison

The Labour team in Barnfield have been out canvassing for several weeks now ahead of the local and General Elections on 7th May 2015. Cllr June Harrison (pictured centre right) is seeking a second term as local representative for the area.

Cards with contact details have been pushed through every door in the area and also contain contact information for Graham Jones Mp who is also looking for re-election following his victory in May 2010.

Knuzden: Election canvassing with Graham Jones MP

Members of the Labour group have been out campaigning with MP Graham Jones in Knuzden ahead of the General Election on May 7th 2015. Graham is standing for a second term as Labour MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden and has been out with local supporters every week since the start of Summer.

He said, "We've been out in Knuzden this evening, hard on the campaign trail with only 229 days to go until the General Election next year. We have had really good feedback on the door, with several residents commenting on how good it was to see us out and about long before the election."

Peel: Go Peel 2014 is another success

Last weekend saw the yearly Go Peel event for children in Accrington. The event was arranged for youngsters between the age of 7-16 from 11.00am until 4.00pm, with professional coaches for rugby, football, archery, netball and athletics. This year there was also a bucking bronco machine and an arts and crafts teaching session.

Peel Councillor Joyce Plummer (centre) said, "Michael Clarkson and myself, in conjunction with the police, formed GO PEEL and every year we raise funds to hold the event. We could not have done this over the last few years without the valued assistance from Wendy Dwyer, June Harrison and Bernard Dawson.We also appreciate the support of our local MP, Graham Jones."

All the children received a free T-shirt, healthy eating food and drink at no cost and each year a number of the youngsters sign up with difference clubs.