Council to consider Covid recovery boss
HYNDBURN council is to consider appointing a dedicated economic development officer to help the borough and kits businesses recover from coronavirus.
Its Labour leader, Coun Miles Parkinson, has promised to look at the idea suggested in a letter to him from local Conservative MP Sara Britcliffe.
She wrote: “Coronavirus has particularly affected businesses, jobs and livelihoods in Hyndburn.
“New economic opportunities are now on offer and it is vital that we create and environment here in Hyndburn to support business prosperity, attract investment and develop the skills our businesses need.
“Therefore I believe it is necessary for Hyndburn Council to create a position for an economic development officer.
“This person would carry out several key functions including business engagement and support and be responsible for developing local projects for business growth, bidding for local and national funding, setting up training schemes and promoting the local economic area.
“Many other local councils already have an economic development officer in place.
“Whilst I understand that several officers across Hyndburn Council work towards this common goal, I do believe that having one person dedicated to this role would be a much better use of the council’s resources.
“Having spoken to local businesses I am acutely aware that there is a gap which this role fills.”
Coun Parkinson said: “The council is currently developing a comprehensive package of measures to help businesses and the borough economy recover from coronavirus. We shall look at whether to create a post of economic development officer as part of that process.”