Europe: Election candidate Wajid Khan

Wajid Khan is standing for Labour in the European elections in the Northwest on May 22nd. He is currently a Councillor and works as a lecturer for the University of Central Lancashire.

Wajid was out showing support for Milnshaw candidate Cllr Clare Pritchard on 9th May and promoting the work of MEPs on the doorsteps. His Twitter account can be found here:

https://twitter.com/wajid4europe

Local and European elections take place on Thursday 22nd May this year.

Europe: MEP Julie Ward visits Hyndburn

Julie Ward, Member of the European Parliament for Northwest England, is standing for re-election on May 22nd. There are currently eight MEPs for the whole of the Northwest which stretches from Crewe to Carlisle and two are currently Labour.

Julie has produced an election leaflet to show what MEPs do and is a keen advocate of cutting wasteful spending within the European Union. She has also spoken of her support for abolishing the parliament in Strasbourg as she feels it is unnecessary in addition to the one in Brussels.

Julie was out campaigning in Milnshaw with Cllr Clare Pritchard and several members of the local Labour group on 9th May and received a positive response on the doorstep.

Julie's Twitter account can be viewed here:

https://twitter.com/julie4nw

Central: Travellers evicted from Steiner Street

The Deputy Leader of the Council, Clare Pritchard,  received multiple calls on Wednesday evening that a large number of travellers had arrived at a site off Steiner Street in Accrington. Councillors were on the site until 11.30pm to liaise with police.

The travellers were served with an order by Hyndburn Borough Council and Lancashire County Council to vacate the land within 24 hours and these have now been moved on.

Cllr Pritchard said, "The site at Steiner Street has been left in a mess after just a day and this will be cleaned up by HBC next week. Six vehicles moved from there on to the Oswaldtwistle Mills car park and these are now also being dealt with.  Residents in all wards are urged to keep an eye on any spare land and contact their local Labour representatives if any travellers arrive."

Ron Hill Way unveiled in Accrington

Freeman of the Borough Ron Hill unveiled the new street off Blackburn Road named in his honour on 1st May.

Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, Cllr Clare Pritchard, said, "Ron Hill is a tremendous ambassador for Hyndburn and we feel it very fitting that someone who has achieved so much is rewarded by this road being named in his honour in his hometown."

Milnshaw Park footpaths complete and ready for use

Hyndburn’s oldest community space, Milnshaw Park, has received a £100,000 facelift to its footpaths. Over several years the parks paths had been deteriorating and becoming a real issue for the residents of Accrington. Its rejuvenation has been a priority for both Milnshaw Ward Labour Councillors, Paul Cox & Clare Pritchard, and something they have pledged to improve.

The work has focused on restoring the pavements in the park, Cllr Cox said -

“The park is something I’m really proud of and over the last ten years I have seen it slowly become a shadow of its former self. Investment was desperately needed to repair the footpaths. The investment is a firm commitment that this Labour Council values this public open space and believes as I do that Milnshaw Park is a valued community asset”.

Along with the footpath repair work a new gate has been installed which forms part of a new wider entrance area. A spokesperson for The Friends of Milnshaw Park was overjoyed with the work and hopes that this will help drive forward other projects planned for the park. One such project is a new multiuse games area that would hopefully replace the former tennis courts.

Councillor Cox continued this point “more work needs to be done, but this is an excellent start. The redevelopment of this park is something that has been needed for years and is something I’m going to carry on working to achieve”.

Milnshaw: Highams Picnic Area gets new all weather footpaths

Highams playing fields are undergoing some major redevelopment works at the moment. The sports pitches are in the middle of a £500,000 re shaping scheme to resolve the historic drainage problems. However due to the recent heavy rain the project has been delayed forcing the contractor to wait until the ground can again take the large machinery later this month.

But thanks to Laneside Residents Association and Church & Milnshaw Community Group work carries on in upgrading the area. The chair of Laneside Residents Association, Malclom Sommerville, said “with the pitches having this drainage work done we thought the picnic benches should also be assessable for all whatever the weather”. The Residents Association obtained funding from the local area council, Church & Milnshaw Community Group, to help provide this multipurpose flooring.

Milnshaw labour Councillor, Paul Cox, added “All weather mating has now been placed on and around the picnic area that borders the play area and leads to the planter beds, really providing a great place for all residents no matter what the weather.” He also stated “this type of flooring, part funded by the council, will allow buggies and pushchairs or any individual with mobility issues to enjoy the picnic benches and parks all year round, showing again how we encourage cooperation between groups and delivering best value to Laneside residents”

Highams playing fields, along with the park, are valued community assets in Hyndburn. The work done here again shows the commitment to improve the area by the local Labour team. From the local ward Councillors all the way to the County Councillor working for Milnshaw all year round.

Accrington Victoria Walk-in Centre contract renewed

Councillors have welcomed the news that East Lancashire CCG’s Governing Body yesterday (March 24) formally approved an extension to the contract for the GP walk-in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital while the longer-term picture around primary care is developed.

The Governing Body agreed to keep the GP walk- in service open until the end of September 2015, while a major review is carried out about ways to improve access to GP appointments and primary health care across East Lancashire.

Councillor Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader of the Council said: “We applaud the decision by the East Lancashire CCG and NHS England to extend the contract for the GP walk-in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital and the contract for the registered GP practice based at the Hospital to September 2015. This is great news for local people whose voices have been heard and we are pleased that the CCG are adopting this co-ordinated approach to what happens at Accrington Victoria Hospital. Local people have shown that they are very passionate about this facility and the services it provides and I’m sure they will be as vocal in the consultation promised over the summer.”

Councillor Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities added; “We are delighted that both the Council’s and local people’s views have been considered and that hasty decisions have been avoided. We would urge people once gain to take part in the consultation over the summer.”

A comprehensive public engagement exercise will be carried out by the CCG this summer, across East Lancashire, to inform the future shape of access to urgent GP appointments and Out of Hours services.

Milnshaw: Ward Councillors secure footpath work

A section of poor footpaths located along Rugby Ave in Milnshaw Ward, Accrington are being improved by Lancashire County Council Highways Department. The paths have been an issue that both Labour Ward Councillors, Paul Cox & Clare Pritchard, have pushed to have placed on this year’s works programme. These works are part of the County Councils taking action on areas of the ward that have been highlight by the local Borough Councillors.

Cllr Cox said

“It’s great that the County Council have taken resident’s concerns and acted on them. So many people have commented on how these foot ways were in a dangerous condition and have been something I have really pushed to get done.”

Cllr Cox recently held an onsite visit with the chief of County’s Highways to go over the state of just some of Milnshaw’s roads and paths. Councillor Cox added, “this area has a very active Labour team who have listened to our community, this and the resurfacing of Ribblesdale Avenue are our top priorties”

Local Accrington North County Councillor Clare Pritchard also commented on this work

“Now I’m at County Hall I can work harder for my Milnshaw residents and hopefully can really make a big improvement to this area.”

Community Switch

 Hyndburn households could save up to £370 a year on their energy bills thanks to a pioneering partnership between energy switching business Community Switch and Hyndburn Borough Council. Council data shows that about 5,120 or 15 per cent of the 34,000 households in Hyndburn are in fuel poverty.

The private-public sector partnership forms a key part of the local authority’s plans to reduce the fuel costs of residents and thereby tackle fuel poverty by offering all of its households the chance to switch energy supplier. The scheme will address the issue of households  without internet access by using an innovative telephone-based approach.

All householders across the borough - owner occupiers, private rented tenants and social rented housing tenants  – will be able to receive help to switch energy supplier, with a particular focus on excluded and vulnerable households suffering from fuel poverty - defined as spending more than 10 per cent of household income on fuel.

The campaign will start on 30 January and is intended to provide support over the longer-term as well as deliver an immediate switching campaign. The initiative will be promoted through press and radio, leaflets, advertising in Council public offices, advertising on refuse vehicles and by Community Switch staff attending public events.

Community Switch has an established track record in Hyndburn after helping 26 per cent of the borough’s social housing residents with pre-payment meters to switch to a better deal.

Patrick Berry, managing director of Community Switch, said the initiative is tied in with the Government’s drive to make it easier for people to switch energy supplier for a less expensive deal and complements the Council’s Warm Homes Hyndburn initiative to provide funding for insulation improvements in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the Borough.

He said: “We were particularly keen to engage residents in energy switching especially those most vulnerable to fuel poverty. While the Council has participated in collective switching campaigns it has found that these, while raising interest, do not penetrate the most vulnerable communities.

“There is considerable inertia to engagement with energy markets and suppliers where processes are seen as complex and access to switching services largely online. The Council is keen to explore new ways in which it can promote and support energy switching as a regular event across the borough.

“We have therefore teamed up with the Council to proactively target the most deprived residents in local communities while providing switching services to the whole community.”

Councillor Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Council said a central plank of its plan to reduce fuel poverty was to support residents in reducing fuel costs via energy switching. She said: “Doing nothing is not an option. The energy switching market is confusing and predominantly web-based. Our approach will help to sign post more vulnerable households in fuel poverty to an alternative telephone-based service.

“Households will still have the option to use web-based energy switching sites. In other words, by promoting Community Switch the Council is providing households with an alternative option for energy switching targeted towards more vulnerable households.”

Residents should text ‘switch’ to 60777 for a call back or call 0333 240 6024 (a local call rate number and usually included in inclusive minutes). If you have internet access visit Hyndburn Councils website or that of Community Switch.

On Thursday evening the Milnshaw Councillors were out and about listening to residents concerns

Both Milnshaw Ward Councillors, Paul Cox & Clare Pritchard took to the streets of of their ward, on a cool March evening to listen to residents’ concerns. This tour took place around the Talbot Road & Poulton Avenue area. Labour Councillor Clare Pritchard stated ” these informal walkabouts give myself and fellow Labour Ward Councillor Paul Cox a great opportunity to meet residents and really get a feel for their issues” she added “hopefully we can address their concerns and help our Ward in these tough times”

Several issues were raised on the doorstep, which included the current cost of living, Parks development in Milnshaw, Parking issues around the estate and future job prospects in the town. Both Councillors were on hand to respond to these concerns and where they were unable to respond, promised to return with the relevant answer.

Cllr Cox said “being out like this helps us be more visible to our community, Me and Clare are here to help and have worked as an effective team over the last three years in Milnshaw” he also added  ” We have committed funding to both our Parks, we have secured much needed repairs to many footpaths and highways we have also worked with all our community groups in the ward to improve the areas play areas and introduce community gardens and orchards”

The Milnshaw Ward Councillors are available for contact anytime for any issue residents may have.

 

Please use the contact details on this site to reach your local Labour team

Central: Work gets underway to Milnshaw Park footpaths

Local volunteers came together in Milnshaw Park last week to dismantle the raised beds original planted two years ago. The beds, a community food growing project, installed by cooperative working between Milnshaw Residents Association and Hyndburn Prospects are being temporally dismantled and moved to allow construction vehicles to access more areas of the park. The work will see the footpaths in the park receive a much needed upgrade.

Working alongside the volunteers from the Hyndburn Prospects foundation was Milnshaw Councillor Paul Cox, an original member of the group who helped install the beds, who spoke with mixed feelings. He said “Of course I’m disappointed that this community edible garden is being moved, but I’m excited to see the development of the park taking place. This has been something both myself and my fellow ward Councillor Clare Pritchard have worked to see.” 

He added “I do know we will continue this project in another location in this park. However the parks improvement comes first.”

A spokesperson for the council commented that the dismantled raised beds will be stored at Gatty Park until they are able to return them to Milnshaw Park when the footpath and drainage improvement work is completed.

HBC and Community Switch unite to reduce fuel costs

Hyndburn households could save up to £370 a year on their energy bills thanks to a pioneering partnership between energy switching business Community Switch and Hyndburn Borough Council. Council data shows that about 7,417 or 21.9 per cent of the 34,000 households in Hyndburn are in fuel poverty.

The private-public sector partnership forms a key part of the local authority’s plans to reduce the fuel costs of residents and thereby tackle fuel poverty by offering all of its households the chance to switch energy supplier.

The scheme will address the issue of households  without internet access by using an innovative telephone-based approach. All householders across the borough - owner occupiers, private rented tenants and social rented housing tenants  – will be able to receive help to switch energy supplier, with a particular focus on excluded and vulnerable households suffering from fuel poverty - defined as spending more than 10 per cent of household income on fuel.

The campaign will start on 30 January and is intended to provide support over the longer-term as well as deliver an immediate switching campaign. The initiative will be promoted through press and radio, leaflets, advertising in Council public offices, advertising on refuse vehicles and by Community Switch staff attending public events.

Community Switch has an established track record in Hyndburn after helping 26 per cent of the borough’s social housing residents with pre-payment meters to switch to a better deal.

Patrick Berry, managing director of Community Switch, said the initiative is tied in with the Government’s drive to make it easier for people to switch energy supplier for a less expensive deal and complements the Council’s Warm Homes Hyndburn initiative to provide funding for insulation improvements in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the Borough.

He said: “We were particularly keen to engage residents in energy switching especially those most vulnerable to fuel poverty. While the Council has participated in collective switching campaigns it has found that these, while raising interest, do not penetrate the most vulnerable communities.

“There is considerable inertia to engagement with energy markets and suppliers where processes are seen as complex and access to switching services largely online. The Council is keen to explore new ways in which it can promote and support energy switching as a regular event across the borough.

“We have therefore teamed up with the Council to proactively target the most deprived residents in local communities while providing switching services to the whole community.”

Councillor Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Hyndburn Council said a central plank of its plan to reduce fuel poverty was to support residents in reducing fuel costs via energy switching. She said: “Doing nothing is not an option. The energy switching market is confusing and predominantly web-based. Our approach will help to sign post more vulnerable households in fuel poverty to an alternative telephone-based service.
“Households will still have the option to use web-based energy switching sites. In other words, by promoting Community Switch the Council is providing households with an alternative option for energy switching targeted towards more vulnerable households.”

Residents should text ‘switch’ to 60777 for a call back or call 0333 240 6024 (a local call rate number and usually included in inclusive minutes). If you have internet access visit Hyndburn Councils website or that of Community Switch.
Ends.

For further information please contact Justin Strong or Richard Bond at SKV Communications on 0161 838 7770 or e-mail: justin.strong.@skvcommunications.co.uk

Hyndburn hero Ron Hill to lead 10k runners

World famous Accrington runner Ron Hill will lead hundreds onto Hyndburn’s roads as he puts his name to a brand new 10K event in the borough. This event also marks the 40th anniversary of Hyndburn Borough Council.

Ron Hill MBE – world record holder, Olympian, clothing entrepreneur and Freeman of the Borough – is encouraging Hyndburn residents to shape up for 2014 by signing up to the Ron Hill Accrington 10K run set to take place on Sunday, 30 March.

Setting off from Accrington Town Hall at 10.30am, the event will see runners venture up Manchester Road to Baxenden before looping back down the tree-lined, former railway track ‘greenway’, finishing back in the town centre.

The Ron Hill Accrington 10K is open to anyone over the age of 18 with prizes available for the first three runners home in the categories of male, female and veterans. It costs £8 for affiliated running club members to register, £10 for unaffiliated members or £12 on the day.

Charities and good causes locally set to benefit from the event include Finley’s Disney Dream, East Lancashire Hospice and Derian House Children’s Hospice.

Cllr Clare Pritchard said: “Ron Hill MBE is a true Hyndburn hero and the perfect person to lead this exciting new high profile event. It’s set to attract visitors to the town, offer a fantastic day out for families and raise money for great local causes close to all of our hearts.

“Signing up now gives you the ideal excuse to dust off your trainers and stick to those New Year Resolutions to start 2014 in style!”

Great Harwood: Farmers Market raises £4,000 for charity

A conversation between Gaskell Motor Bodies, Graham Jones MP and Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council a year  ago suggesting that a farmers market be be started on Towngate in the centre of Great Harwood, has led to a Sunday market which has gone from strength to strength and is now firmly established in the calendar.

The first market took place in March and with the help and support of the local community it has grown in popularity from a few stalls to now around 30 local traders attending each market on the first Sunday of each month.
Success can be measured in many ways, for example there is the massive amount raised for local charities, it has helped to bring life back into the local economy, it is attracting visitors from outside the Borough the market was shortlisted for the Association of Town and City Management awards in the category ‘Improving the Business Mix’, new businesses have been established and existing traders have taken on new employees.

Feedback from all involved has been very positive. The charities involved have welcomed the support and opportunity to be involved, traders have commented it has made a significant difference to their business by increasing their income and establishing useful business opportunities elsewhere.

Councillor Clare Pritchard says “It’s been a real pleasure to support the development of the farmers market. The wooden chalets we have provided have enhanced the look and feel of the market and have been very popular. The market has galvanised the whole community and helped to regenerate the local economy, provided much needed support for local good causes and reinforced the sense of pride local people have.”
Louise Gaskell said; “We’re really pleased to see the how the Farmers Market has developed and grown in popularity.  It’s not only a great day out but raises money for local good causes, so if you haven’t been yet, please come along on Sun 2nd March to see for yourself.”

Everyone is looking forward to an even better 2014 with the first market due on Sunday 2nd March 2014 (the application form will be live on the Hyndburn BC website from the start of February).

Milnshaw: 100th new dog bin installed

Hyndburn’s one hundredth extra dog bin has now been installed at Dyke Nook Gardens in Milnshaw, bringing the total number of dog bins across the Borough to three hundred and fifty.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader of the Council and Jean Sommerville, Vice Chair of Laneside Residents Association were joined by  Harry the Hyndburn Hound last week to welcome the installation of the last in a series of new dog bins across the Borough.

Cllr Cox said; “Street cleansing is one of our top priorities and we know that dog fouling is a big concern for local people. We’ve invested £15,000 into the service and these extra hundred dog bins have been installed in all wards right around the Borough, bringing the total to three hundred, plus another fifty four within our parks, which our Waste Services and Parks Teams empty each week, in fact they collect four tonnes of dog waste from the bins every week.”

Cllr Clare Pritchard added; “It’s wonderful to see the last new dog bin being installed now. All Councillors have had a say in where the bins should be installed on their patch, based on residents feedback and the new bins have been going in over the last few months.  Our dog warden service is also working with local PCSO’s to tackle dog fouling and two notices have been issued in Clayton just recently to dog owners who failed to pick up after their dogs by PCSO’s there.”

Jean Sommerville, Vice Chair of Laneside Residents Association said; “It’s fantastic to see this new bin going in, the more the merrier! Anything which helps to keep dog dirt off these gardens and our streets is really welcome.”

Cllr Cox concluded; “All the dog waste bins are emptied at least once each week and we will be attaching stickers to let residents know what day the bin will be emptied and a reference number to make it easier for us to identify the bin if a problem is reported. We’re also providing 200,000 free poop bags for residents to use, so please call in at Scaitcliffe House or Willows Lane reception to pick yours up.”

Please help in the fight against dog fouling, if you see anyone failing to pick up after their dog please report it to the Council on 01254 388111.

Three people charged for unsightly rubbish at properties

Three local people faced court recently after failing to remove refuse from their properties.

John Lomax of Maudsley Street Accrington was convicted in his absence by Blackburn Magistrates of failing to comply with an Abatement notice contrary to s 80 (4) Environmental Protection Act 1990, which required him to remove refuse from the property at Maudsley St. Mr Lomax was ordered to pay £270 in fines and clean-up costs.

In a similar case Roy Silva, of Whalley Road Accrington, was also convicted in his absence by Blackburn Magistrates of failing to comply with an abatement notice that required him to remove an accumulation of waste from his residential premises contrary to s 80 (4) Environmental Protection Act 1990. Mr Silva was ordered to pay £520 in fines and clean-up costs.

Magistrates also convicted Danielle Nolan of Manor Street Accrington in her absence of failing to comply with a similar abatement notice requiring her to clear refuse from her property. Ms Nolan was fined £555 in fines and clean-up costs.

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader said; “These three cases again demonstrate our proactive approach to dealing with people who refuse to clean up their rubbish. We won’t tolerate it; we’ll investigate and where appropriate take people to court where they fail to clean up their rubbish.

Peppa Pig lights up Accrington

Accrington drew its biggest crowd in years when more than 5,000 people flocked to see the Christmas lights - and the buzz is set to continue as real reindeer hit town this Saturday.

Hyndburn Council said around 5,200 people gathered on Broadway and surrounding streets to watch kids’ favourite Peppa Pig switch on the lights with a host of other performers and entertainers.

This year’s light switch on event was moved back to its traditional Thursday evening slot after Hyndburn Council listened to retailers’ feedback from last year’s Saturday event.

Cllr Clare Pritchard said: “The event attracted a huge number of families and a big thank you goes out to everyone who helped to make it such a success - from sponsors, performers, organisers, street cleansers, marshals and police cadets. It was a great day for Accrington and there’s plenty more to come – here’s to a popular, safe and prosperous month for the town.”

Zain Kiyani, manager of Accrington Arndale Centre, said: “It was a huge crowd and footfall in the Arndale was well up on last year. By 6pm people were queuing in the street for the new StrEAT food court and there was absolutely no trouble which was fantastic.”

This Saturday will see a parade of real reindeer lead Santa through Broadway before arriving at his winter wonderland grotto in Accrington Market Hall.

Other festive events include township light switch ons on selected dates, a food and craft fair this Saturday and Accrington’s first ever Christmas markets, which are now open every Thursday and Saturday throughout December in front of the Market Hall.

The reindeer will be appearing on Broadway from 10am until 1pm this Saturday, 7 December. Santa’s Grotto will then open every Saturday through December plus Monday 23 December and on Christmas Eve.

For regular information about Accrington’s Christmas events and entertainment schedule, follow @AccringtonShops on Twitter.

A YouTube clip filmed by 4 year old Zak can be seen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nSkBD6Q560

Accrington: Landlord found guilty

A landlord has been found guilty of failing to comply with a notice served on him by Hyndburn Council.

Kevin Knowles of Stockton Heath, Warrington was convicted by Blackburn Magistrates for an offence under the Building Act 1984.

This notice had required Mr Knowles to improve the dilapidated condition of a property at Exchange Street in Accrington. Despite reminders, Mr Knowles failed to carry out the works. In a letter to the court Mr Knowles said that he had a portfolio of 25 rental properties which he entrusted to an asset management company. Mr Knowles has since taken steps to comply with the Notice.

Mr Knowles was fined £500 plus £50 victim surcharge and was ordered to pay £278 to the Council in costs.

Portfolio holder Clare Pritchard said “The Council takes a tough line on this. We will always work with the owner to allow them time to bring their properties into a state of repair, but where this doesn’t happen, we will take matters further to get the repairs done”.

Get festive in Accrington!

Accrington’s Christmas markets are now in full swing and open every Thursday and Saturday throughout December in front of the Market Hall. Come along and support your local traders who are offering a whole host of festive fayre and gift ideas including special Accrington Pals commemorative ale. The Christmas market will also be running on Monday 23rd December for any last-minute shoppers.

Santa’s also in his winter wonderland grotto in Accrington Market Hall every Saturday through December plus Monday 23rd December and on Christmas Eve, so bring the kids to see him and his elves for this traditional Christmas treat.

There’s also late night shopping on Thursdays and Sunday to help you fit your shopping schedule around the hectic run-up to Christmas.

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Cabinet Member for Town Centres said; “The lights are on now across the borough and the markets, Santa’s grotto and late night shopping are in full swing, so please come along to Accrington town centre to support your local traders and bag a festive bargain.”

For regular information about Accrington’s Christmas events and entertainment schedule, follow @AccringtonShops on Twitter and visit www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

Pennine Lancashire Question Time - 29th November 2013

Hyndburn Borough Council and Accrington & Rossendale College have teamed up yet again to host the annual Pennine Lancashire Question Time event.

The programme will be filmed and produced by media students from the college and has been arranged by the Council’s Democratic Services Department assisted by business and administration students.

Local residents are invited to attend the hour long production on Friday 29th November and arrive by 1.00pm in the Coppice Theatre at the college on Sandy Lane. A limited number of tickets are available on the day and these will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

The host of the programme will be 2BR radio presenter Helen Wakefield, and the panel will consist of the following people:

•         Councillor Clare Pritchard- Deputy Labour Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council
•         Councillor Alyson Barnes- Labour Leader of Rossendale Borough Council
•         Councillor Nick Collingridge- Leader of Independents in Hyndburn
•         Councillor Miles Parkinson- Labour Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council
•         Councillor Peter Britcliffe- Leader of Conservatives in Hyndburn
•         Councillor Marlene Haworth- Deputy Leader of Conservatives in Hyndburn

The audience will be made up of pupils from the college and every high school and 6th form centre across Hyndburn and the Rossendale Valley have been invited to send representatives to ask questions.

Local district and county Councillors will be supporting the event by attending and listening to the views of young people from across the East Lancashire area.

The partnership project has been arranged to promote Hyndburn Borough Council’s local democracy campaign and students are benefitting by using the event as part of their practical studies:
• Media students have built a Question Time set and will be filming the programme as a live television show.
• Beauty therapists are providing hair styling and make up to members of the panel.
• Those studying business and admin are assisting in the planning for the event and event managing the production in the theatre venue on the day of the event.

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson said; “The event is all about engaging young people in local democracy and we look forward to a lively and interesting debate.”