Free Grit for Residents

Councillor Munsif Dad, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Environmental Issues, has announced that more grit bags are available for Hyndburn residents to help clear paths and roads around their homes during the winter months. 

Cllr Dad said, “We’ve just had our first frosts of the winter and we want people to be prepared as the weather turns colder. Residents have been telling us they really appreciated the previous offer of free grit bags so we’re going to run it again this winter. We have around 4,000 bags available which will be delivered to residents on a first come, first served basis”

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Miles Parkinson, concluded, “By providing the grit bags, we are not only helping local people get in and out of their homes, we’re also helping them get to work and keep local businesses open and help keep Hyndburn moving in the snow.”

To reserve your free bag simply contact the Council either by telephone: 01254 388111; e-mail: enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk; complete the online grit bag request form at www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk or write to Customer Services, Town Hall, Broadway, Accrington BB5 1EZ.

Great Harwood Area Council - 8th November 2012

The next meeting of Great Harwood Area Council will take place on 8th November 2012 at 7.00pm at Bank Mill House. Labour Councillors Noordad Aziz (pictured), Ciaran Wells, Gareth Molineux and Kerry Molineux will be in attendance to answer residents' questions and provide updates.

My 7 hour shift with Hyndburn CANsafe - Graham Jones

I recently did a seven hour shift with CANsafe on a dark Friday night. My experiences showed to me how effective this initiative is. Originally set up in Peel ward it is now a scheme that is running across Hyndburn, being rolling out across Lancashire and I believe such is it's success, it won’t be long before it is standard police practice nationally. It is about to launch in Blackburn. Community activist Joyce Plummer and PC Martin Midgely deserve huge credit for setting up this initiate.

Nearly all the 40 professionals involved gave their time voluntarily or as part of their normal work hours. The extra cost of the operation was remarkably just £400. Not only did it target vulnerable young people and alcohol, but the five teams patrolled every neighbourhood in Hyndburn in unmarked cars for any suspicious activity. Our patrol had numerous police interventions, properties where child grooming is suspected, known haunts for youngsters drinking and where drink was confiscated if an under 18 was present, 16 and 17 years olds found drinking in town centres and pubs, patrolling off licences, stopping suspected burglar’s and individuals acting suspiciously late at night in residential areas.

Patrols were made up of police officer and special constables, child protection professionals and trading standards. The people stopped were surprised to see such an intense police presence. Children deemed vulnerable were taken to a safe place where care professionals spoke with them and their parents. Parents are forced to collect their children and made aware of the circumstances in which they were found.

CANsafe is one of the best recent police initiatives and the feedback they are getting is incredible. The fact it was initiated from the neighbourhood where I live and represented is welcome.

Oswaldtwistle Area Council - 7th November 2012

The next public meeting of Oswaldtwistle Area Council will take place at 7.00pm at the Civic Arts Centre on 7th November 2012. Labour Councillors Bill Pinder (pictured) and Colette McCormack will be in attendance to take any questions from residents.

Doing Business with HBC

Hyndburn Borough Council are running an event on 7th November aimed at making it easier for local businesses to work with the Council. It is primarily aimed at building and trade, but will cover some other areas. The event will cover the rules that we as a Council need to abide by, tips for bidding for work, and there will also be an open market place so businesses can talk directly to officers who are responsible for procuring works. Businesses should follow the instructions on the flyer to register. There are also some details on the website:

Doing Business With HBC

Positive News for Accrington Market Hall

Accrington’s refurbished Victorian Market is going from strength to strength. After a £2million makeover, it won a best markets award and then shone in the national spotlight earlier this year when the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh visited in May. 

Cllr Clare Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Markets said: “It’s certainly been a year to remember for the market traders and visitors alike. After the original £2m investment we’re keen to keep it vibrant and thriving and attract more quality traders, so it’s great to be able to announce that the Market Hall is now almost fully occupied with four well established traders moving in this year to enhance the fantastic range of products and services already on offer. 

Cllr Pritchard concluded; “There’s a lot of doom and gloom talked about Britain’s town centres so it is really pleasing in these tough economic times to have this success story right here on our market. We’re extremely proud of The Market Hall which offers a friendly welcoming atmosphere where you can spend time relaxing in the wonderful cafes, see the plaque unveiled by HRH the Queen, learn about local history, view artwork by local artists and browse the wide range of bespoke stalls selling high quality products. We also offer free parking, so come and visit us soon and see for yourself.”

Review of HBC Land Assets

Cllr Ken Moss (pictured here with Cllrs Ciaran Wells, Ian Robinson and Wendy Dwyer) is currently heading a review of all land owned by Hyndburn Borough Council to look at better uses for areas which are a drain on financial resources. The review is being carried out on a town-by-town basis to enable a thorough investigation and the Great Harwood investigation has now been completed during a pilot programme.

Councillors from each ward are being asked to look at their own areas ahead of investigations to come up with suggestions and will be heavily involved in the discussion process.Each township is expected to take around 2-3 months to review with 13 parcels of land having been considered during the Great Harwood exercise and recommendations have now been drawn up.

Some areas are unsuitable for sale or development as they form green spaces or car parks but others have been deemed as a waste of Council expenses and recommendations will be put to the Cabinet shortly. The next review is of Clayton-le-Moors and Atham, with Rishton to follow at the start of 2013.