Coun Tony Dobson
Hyndburn Conservative leader
IN a column earlier this year, I spoke about meeting with the Chief Executive of the Hospital Trust for Pennine Lancashire to find out what his vision was for Accrington Victoria Hospital and whether that matched the Conservative aspiration for our beloved Medical Centre.
I was pleased to report that on a lot of issues we were singing off the same hymn sheet and I pleaded with him to extend the services at Accrington Victoria Hospital. The first signs of that are now starting to come through but I am pleased that the minor injuries unit which was never under any threat of closure is open from 8am until 8.30pm seven days a week and can typically treat patients who may have broken bones, strains and sprains, cuts, wounds and grazes, minor head injuries, minor eye injuries, animal bites and stings, shoulder, chest and back injuries. X-ray facilities are available and therefore the services provided for us locally in Accrington are a great facility for when your loved one needs the NHS, you at least don’t need to go to A&E.
During the last year Hyndburn Council has received a substantial increase in its funding from Central Government for Disabled Adaptations. This money could be used for example for a stair lift, handlebars in bathrooms, disabled showers and other products to make it easier for the elderly and disabled to live in their own home. If you or a member of your family could benefit from the Central Government fund please contact Hyndburn Council and let’s see if you fit the criteria to hopefully make your life safer and easier.
Finally, if you are of a certain generation you probably remember when Accrington night life was amazing. When I speak to landlords and members of the general public they tell me that the night-time economy is faltering in Accrington. After much consultation I have proposed to my Labour group colleagues banning orders for the night-time economy which would mean that anyone caught causing any kind of trouble on a sustained basis could be banned from the Town Centre from 7pm until 7am. I have to say that my Labour group colleagues have been very open minded about this proposal and I’m hoping that we can conclude our negotiations and make a joint announcement some time soon.