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

Community Trigger

Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Pam Barton, has spoken about the new ‘Community Trigger’ which came into place as part of new legislation from 20th October and encouraged those who would be eligible to use it.

The Community Trigger is a way that members of the public can ask partners from the Community Safety Partnership to review their responses to complaints of anti-social behaviour.  

The Community Trigger won't replace organisations' own complaints procedures, and people still have the opportunity to complain to the Ombudsman or Independent Police Complaints Commission if they are unhappy about the service they’ve received from an individual officer or service.

Cllr Barton said; “The purpose of the Community Trigger is to enable members of the public to ask for a review of their antisocial behaviour case to be carried out. This will allow all involved agencies to assess the way in which the complaints have been dealt with so far, and if any further actions can be put in place to resolve the issues.

Victims of Anti-Social Behaviour will be able to use the Community Trigger to request a review of their case. Agencies, including Councils, Police, local health teams and registered providers of social housing will have a duty to undertake a review of how they have dealt with a case when the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome and the case meets our locally defined threshold.”

Chief Supt Bill McMahon said, "Lancashire Constabulary is committed to listening to the views of people within our communities. We recognise the importance of putting victims first. The introduction of the ‘Community Trigger’ will help reassure victims that we take their reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and will work in partnership to reduce vulnerability within our communities."

Cllr Barton added; “The Community Trigger can be used by any victim of anti-social behaviour or by any person acting on their behalf, for example a family member, friend, carer, Councillor, MP or other professional person. This is intended to ensure that all victims are able to use the Community Trigger. However, the victim’s consent should be sought by the person using the Community Trigger on their behalf.”

More details are on the Council's website at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk

Spring Hill: Flytipping at Spring Street

Rubbish has been dumped to the rear of 71 Spring Street in Spring Hill to the rear of the local Labour Councillor's house.

Cllr Pam Barton said, "We've only just had a community clean up in this area and so I'm very disappointed to see this almost straight away. Council crews will come to clear it but it is costing the borough money that we could be spending on better things."

If anyone has any information please come forward in confidence to HBC on 01254 388111.

HBC: Every Baby Matters

People from organisations across Hyndburn came together this week for an “Every Baby Matters” event.

The event was aimed at raising awareness on factors which can help prevent infant mortality and consider how different agencies – from midwives to children’s centre staff as well anyone working with children and families, could better work together to tackling the underlying issues.  The presentations included smoking in pregnancy, nutrition, breastfeeding, genetic counselling service and safety.  Organisations signed up to the “Every Baby Matters Pledge”.

Cllr Pam Barton, Hyndburn Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, who opened the event, said: “It was great to hear the ideas and commitment from everyone in the room.  We’ve seen a reduction in recent years of babies dying before their first birthday, but every case is a tragedy and it’s vitally important we do all we can to prevent such deaths where possible.  The infant mortality rate is actually a wider indicator of the health of a community, as it is heavily influenced by things like smoking and healthy lifestyles, as well as the choices parents make.  This event was really about giving all children in Hyndburn the best start in life and helping their chances of future success.”

Would your organisation like to sign up to the Every Baby Matters Pledge?  Contact Wayne Gibson on 01772 539904 or email wayne.gibson@lancashire.gov.uk.

HBC: Council pledges support for White Ribbon campaign

Hyndburn Council will shortly submit its application to achieve the White Ribbon Campaign Award, which aims to involve men in anti-violence against women and girls, by encouraging them to promote a change of attitude, using their voice to make a stand and raise awareness.

The Council has a long history of helping address abuse and violence towards women and girls within our local community, but the White Ribbon Campaign takes a unique approach.  It encourages men to promote a change of attitude, using their voice to make a stand and raise awareness and an action plan has been developed showing how this commitment will be achieved.

Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said; “It gives me great pleasure to announce that we will shortly submit our application to achieve the White Ribbon Award, especially today the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. We have a long history of increasing awareness on this issue and supporting services aimed at reducing and supporting victims of domestic violence.  White Ribbon Towns aims to rally entire communities to end violence against women”.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Council Leader, added; “By pledging to achieve the White Ribbon Award we are further demonstrating our resolve to do all we can to raise awareness about domestic violence, whilst supporting services to reduce its incidence and help victims.”

White Ribbon Day signals the start of the 16 days of action to stop violence against women and girls. Ambassadors were presented with their White Ribbon badges and this will form part of a social media campaign where photos of ambassadors will be tweeted for the following 16 days signalling our commitment and raising awareness of this campaign.

Spring Hill: Trevor and Val Stokes win Ruby Award

Two local stalwarts of the much loved Accrington Pipe Band have become recipients of the ‘Ruby Award’, which was launched to mark 40 years of Hyndburn Council and recognises people in the Borough who have made an exceptional contribution to their communities.

Husband and wife, Trevor and Val Stokes, were both chosen to receive the Accrington Ruby Award for their many years running Accrington Pipe Band. Pipe Major Trevor has been playing for the band for over 50 years after starting as a teenager.

Cllr Bernard Dawson made the nomination and said, "I'd just like to pay tribute to the many years' service you have given to the Accrington Pipe band and how much of an ambassador you have been for the borough. The band is a credit to the town and we applaud the efforts of Trevor and Val to keep it going."

Cllr Pam Barton, "I am delighted to second the nomination, particularly as both Trevor and Val are Spring Hill residents. The Accrington Pipe Band is loved by everyone, it brings both joy and tears to anyone who hears it. Congratulations to you both for your exceptional service to the Hyndburn community."

Accrington Pipe band is well known and is the oldest civilian Pipe Band in the UK and possibly across the world. Proudly displaying the Accrington Coat of Arms, they represent Hyndburn at many local events including Remembrance Day and Armed Forces Day events, recent WW1 commemorations events and many local galas and carnivals.  They also put Accrington on the international stage playing at events like Tartan Week in New York, the only band to represent the UK there.

Formed in 1885, the band has a long and proud history with connections to the Accrington Pals.   The nomination says; “Whilst many other local Pipe Bands have ceased to exist in recent times, Accrington Pipe Band march on... Trevor and Val’s unstinting service to the band and the local community deserves some form of recognition and would be a just reward for their many years of hard work carried out on behalf of the band and the Hyndburn community.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Council Leader said; “Trevor and Val have given many years of voluntary service to Accrington Pipe Band, which is a well known, much loved and highly respected part of the Hyndburn community.  The Band represents the Borough proudly at so many events throughout the year, most recently the WW1 Commemoration events.  Trevor and Val do a wonderful job running the band and actively encourage people to join the band, with many children and teenagers becoming proficient players. The band is recognised locally, nationally and even internationally and Trevor and Val have given much time and energy voluntarily to contribute to its success."

Trevor and Val Stokes were presented with the award at the Council meeting on Thursday 11th September 2014 in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, Accrington.

Spring Hill: PACT meeting on Richmond Road

Cllrs Pam Barton and Mohammed Ayub (pictured far left) held a Police and Communities Together (PACT) meeting on Richmond Road this week and have managed to address several issues with local residents.

Open air PACT meetings occur regularly in the Central and Spring Hill wards and for more information please contact your local Labour representatives.

Spring Hill: Election Candidates 2014

Candidates for the local elections were announced recently and Cllr Pam Barton will be standing again for the Labour party in Spring Hill.

Pam said, "I am proud to have lived in Spring Hill for over 40 years, twenty five years of them on the Fern Gore Estate. Both of my daughters attended St. Peter's School and living in the area has helped me understand the problems that people face.

She added, "It has been an honour to serve as your Councillor for the last 15 years and I promise if re-elected I will continue to fight passionately for all residents in Spring Hill. Your problems are my problems and I would very much appreciate your continued support."

Hyndburn Labour election campaign in full swing

The Hyndburn Labour election campaign is now in full flow as figures show Hyndburn residents are £1,600 a year worse off under the Tories and Lib Dems. The Tories and Liberal Democrats claim hardworking families are better off. The truth is they are £1,600 a year worse off under David Cameron.

Miles Parkinson, Labour Group Leader said, “This Tory-led Government is claiming that people are better off. But David Cameron, George Osborne and Nick Clegg simply don’t understand the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families in Great Britain.

“The truth is, hardworking people in are £1,600 a year worse off under David Cameron. Britain is facing a cost of living crisis in rising prices, stagnant wages, long hours, falling living standards and declining opportunities for their kids.

“From Oswaldtwistle to Great Harwood, people in communities across the borough will be better off with a Labour council, prioritising housing and front line services, not worse off with the Tories who will cut services and not plan for the future.”

Bernard Dawson, Labour’s Huncoat Candidate said, “Working people in Huncoat know the Tories are making the cost of living crisis worse not better. In local councils, in Westminster, in Europe, the Tories
repeatedly put a privileged few before hardworking families. Hardworking people, the next generation, our schools and hospitals – all are worse off under this Tory-led government.

“The Tories, supported by their Liberal Democrat allies in government, can’t solve the cost of living crisis because they put the privileged few before working people. UKIP are not capable of holding the Tories to account and getting fairness for working in Hyndburn.

“These elections are your chance to tell this Tory-led government to put hardworking people first and take real action to tackle the cost of living crisis. Only by voting Labour can you send a message to this Tory-led government.”

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.

Hyndburn is breastfeeding friendly

It’s now easier for Mums to breastfeed their babies whilst they’re out and about in Hyndburn, with a network of over thirty breastfeeding friendly establishments across the Borough signing the Breastfeeding Pledge recently.

Shops, cafes and other public premises across Hyndburn have committed to supporting mothers who wish to breastfeed on their premises by signing the Breastfeeding Pledge.

Cabinet Member for Health & Communities, Councillor Pam Barton said: “We want to encourage mums to breastfeed their babies. The importance of breastfeeding is acknowledged nationally and internationally as the best way to give your child a great start in life, but mums are often put off breastfeeding in public because of lack of suitable places or because of unsupportive comments or behaviour. With this network of progressive businesses signing the Breastfeeding Pledge, mums know that they are welcome to breastfeed their babies in these establishments and won’t be asked to leave or asked to feed their baby in the toilet.

The network was developed by Dean Pritchard, a local graduate, who joined Hyndburn Council on a voluntary basis under the Lancashire County Council WorkStart Programme. Dean said: “The WorkStart programme has helped broaden my work experience with this unusual but highly beneficial project. Local businesses were very keen to support this initiative as they recognised it makes good business sense to look after their existing and future customers’ needs.”

Businesses that have signed up to the Breastfeeding Pledge will display the breastfeeding friendly logo. For a full list of Hyndburn’s Breastfeeding Friendly Businesses visit Hyndburn Council’s website at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk.

HBC pledges support for White Ribbon campaign

Hyndburn Council is pledging its commitment to achieve the White Ribbon Campaign Award, which aims to involve men in anti-violence against women and girls, by encouraging them to promote a change of attitude, using their voice to make a stand and raise awareness.

The Council has a long history of helping address abuse and violence towards women and girls within our local community, but the White Ribbon Campaign takes a unique approach.  It encourages men to promote a change of attitude, using their voice to make a stand and raise awareness and campaign bosses will now work with the Council to develop an action plan showing how this commitment will be achieved.

Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said; “It gives me great pleasure to announce our intention to achieve the White Ribbon Award, especially today the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. We have a long history of increasing awareness on this issue and supporting services aimed at reducing and supporting victims of domestic violence.  White Ribbon Towns aims to rally entire communities to end violence against women”.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, Council Leader, added; “By pledging to achieve the White Ribbon Award we are further demonstrating our resolve to do all we can to raise awareness about domestic violence, whilst supporting services to reduce its incidence and help victims.”

Springhill: Community Clean Up

Springhill Councillors Pam Barton and Munsif Dad took part in a Community Clean Up on Friday 11th October. The event took place in Ferngpre with students of Mount Carmel School, HBC officers and Hyndburn Homes staff.  It was widely regarded as a success as it immediately improved the look of the area.

This is not the first time such an event has been organised and several are intended in the future in other wards in Hyndburn by the Labour Councillors.

Extraordinary Full Council Meeting - 14th November 2013

The HBC Labour Councillors have called an extraordinary meeting of the full Council on Thursday 14th November to address the serious issues now surrounding the proposed closure of the GP walk-in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital.

Deputy Leader Clare Pritchard will be joined by fellow Milnshaw ward representative Paul Cox, plus Springhill Councillor Pam Barton who is Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing in making speeches attacking the coalition government's cuts which have led to this situation and will affect thousands of people across Hyndburn.

The meeting starts at 7.00pm and is open to the public who can come and view proceedings from the gallery.

For further information, please contact your local Labour representative.

Milnshaw: Health Review could see cuts to Milnshaw based Community Hospital

A review of the current health care provision in Hyndburn by the East Lacanchire Clinical Commissioning   group could well see plans to scale down or even close the hugely successful walk in unit at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital. Accrington Victoria Health Access Centre, based at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital, is a GP practice and minor illness walk in centre.  Patients who are registered with the practice benefit from a full range of primary care services including routine appointments, well being checks etc as well as access to the walk in centre for minor illness. 

Patients not registered with the practice may also access the walk in service for urgent minor illness problems.

Milnshaw ward councillor Paul Cox said "This unit is a vital part of the community and provides an excellent   service often during out of hours. To even consider closeting it would be a terrible mistake. It is said that the unit went over budget last year by £1million, however I say that this is an example of a unit be drastically under supported by this Governments cuts to our health system" 

He added, "Yesterday we saw Mr Cameron pledging to open doctors surgeries till 8 and at weekends, yet here, in Hyndburn, we are looking at closing a key health provision. Again it seems Hyndburn suffers at the hands of this Coalition Governments indiscriminate cuts. Let's hope the review will support the need for this service" 

Cllr Pam Barton, portfolio holder for community's at Hyndburn Council has urged residents to take part in the survey. She added that an event is also being held at Accrington Market Hall on October 12, between 10am and 2pm, where the public will be able to talk to health professionals about services.

Surveys are available from GP surgeries, libraries, council buildings and the walk-in centre itself. Or you can call 0800 0322424 or visit www.eastlancsccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/accrington-health-access-centre 

Have your say on Primary Health Care

Cllr Pam Barton, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, today urged local people to have their say about access to primary health care in the Borough.

The move comes as East Lancs Health chiefs start a consultation process to find out how often local people visit their GP, how often they use their GP’s out of hours service and how often they use the walk in centre at Accrington Victoria Hospital.

Cllr Barton said; “These local health services cost a considerable amount of money and Health Chiefs are indicating that savings need to be made. Therefore some difficult decisions may also be necessary about where the savings will be and what services they will affect.  Evidence shows that services such as the walk in service at Accrington Victoria hospital are very popular, but this comes at a cost.  Health chiefs  are considering whether there are other ways of providing access to primary health care, such as improving the service received from your GP, or the out of hours call out service, and the Council is keen to ensure that local people have their say in this important debate.”

A questionnaire will be available for people to complete in public buildings around the Borough from libraries, GP practices and Council buildings and it can also be accessed electronically via Council website or from the following link http://www.eastlancsccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/accrington-health-access-centre

East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group are also holding  ‘open day’ event  in Accrington Market Hall on Saturday 12/10/13 between 10am-2pm where the public will be able to  talk to health professionals and local GP’s about the process which closes on 30th October 2013.

Councillor Barton concluded; “Hyndburn Council is totally committed to the provision of local health care services and we will strive to ensure the residents of Hyndburn do not see a reduced primary health care service. This process is about enabling the public to have their say and make informed choices about the type of service they want. We would encourage as many people as possible to complete the questionnaire before 30th October and/or attend the open day to make sure they have their say.”

Springhill: Councillors on walkabout addressing issues in the area

Springhill Councillors Munsif Dad and Pam Barton have recently conducted another of their walkabouts, logging problems and listening to residents who have issues in the area.

If anyone would like to talk to their local Labour representative then all contact details are under the Your Councillors tab on the homepage of this blog.

Mum's The Word takes off in Accrington thanks to Labour Group support

Mum’s the Word came to Accrington last Saturday. This successful initiative, set up by Rachel Rhodes and Caroline Fotios, has been such a huge hit in Blackburn they wanted to extend into Hyndburn. A chance meeting with Milnshaw Councillor Paul Cox at a BBC radio lancashire event led to them being invited to Hyndburn. Cllr Cox said "having meet these two ladies I couldn't help but be impressed at their passion for this scheme and how it could benefit the residents of Hyndburn I felt it was a natural step to move into our borough" He added "from this contact I spoke with our Portfolio holder for Community's & Wellbeing  Pam Barton, and who agreed that this was something we need in Hyndburn and saw a opportunity to help local residents with an option of cheaper school uniforms.

The project involves collecting old textiles, especially school uniforms and selling them at a fraction of the usual cost. The scheme helps hard pressed families and benefits the environment as it prevents old uniforms and clothes going to landfill.The project relies on members of the public donating their old school uniforms and textiles and a series of collection points will be available throughout the Borough in public buildings and schools for people to visit.

Caroline and Rachel were in Accrington Market Hall on Saturday 7th September promoting the scheme, so people could come and visit to see what it’s all about. There was a collection point available also where many people brought along their uniforms and textiles.

Caroline said: “We have been overwhelmed by the success of the project. There is a real interest from families and everyone has been extremely supportive. Mum’s The Word is a service for the local community and we’re constantly on the lookout for donations of school clothes, shoes and other equipment, to replenish the store. If you have any old blazers, shirts, ties, books, stationery or even tupperware, lying around the house, please drop them off at the Market Hall, so that they can go to a good home.”

Councillor Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader of the Council said; “Thanks to everyone who came along to the Market Hall on Saturday and donated clothes and textiles. The collection point will remain here in the Market Hall for more donations, so please help if you can. Mum’s The Word is a fantastic initiative, which will benefit the wider community. We are working in partnership to ensure this scheme is a success here in Hyndburn.”

To donate any unwanted school uniforms and activity items, please use the collection point in the Market Hall. Call Caroline or Rachel on 07968 802824 for more information.

Springhill: Pam Barton election campaign underway

Cllr Pam Barton's election campaign to be re-elected as member for Springhill has begun in earnest and leafleting to show what she has done in the ward started recently (ably assisted by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Munsif Dad, pictured here).

Pam is a well-respected member of the community and is also Cabinet member for Health and Communities, one of the six most senior Councillors at HBC.  Anyone wishing to get in touch with her can do so by ringing 01254 385824 or 07792298545.

Springhill: Pam Barton chosen as 2014 election candidate

Cllr Pam Barton has been chosen as the Labour candidate for Springhill ward in next year's local elections. Pam is the sitting Councillor in Springhill alongside Cllr Munsif Dad (Labour) and if you would like to speak to her on any issues please call 01254 385824 or 07792298545.