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DOG fouling is a big issue at the moment, as is litter and fly tipping.
A number of councils are now taking a much harder line on this type of anti social behaviour, and quite rightly.
We have had a number of successful prosecutions here in Rossendale but sadly we do not have the resources to be on every street corner at the right moment we are therefore calling on residents to let us know if they see people committing these types of offences.
Clearly the more detail we get about these offences the more likely we will be in securing successful prosecutions. I have come to the conclusion that we will only be able to change some peo- ple’s behavior by hitting them as hard as we can in their wallet. If you have anything to report please speak to our operations staff on 217777.
The Leisure Trust are working on a programme of activities to be held at the AB&D Centre in Bacup, and that this is scheduled to be launched around Easter.
For the last few years we have been working with the Leisure Trust to reduce their reliance on council funding. his is because in the longer term councils will not be able to fund services that do not carry a statutory requirement. Leisure, believe it or not is non statutory – in other words the council are not required to provide these services.
As from next year the Leisure Trust will no longer need council funding but the organisation will still provide great leisure services in the borough.
This is good news because it means that they are no longer reliant on the council funding. All that said some groups are better placed to stand on their own two feet than others.
I had the pleasure of meeting representatives from CLAW – the people who run the swimming pool in Whitworth – a couple of weeks ago.
I am always impressed by the commitment of volunteers in Rossendale, and most of the people involved in this organisation do what they do for the love of Whitworth.
We are indebted to them for their strong community spirit, and their willingness to go the extra mile for their area.
Demolition work will start in Rawtenstall in March and will be carried out over a 10-12 week period.
Once completed building work will follow on immediately – please bear with us whilst this is being done.
The old town hall should be completed by February 2018, and the bus station will be complete by May 2018.
This work will help to rejuvenate the Bacup Road side of Rawtenstall – the council is expecting a planning application come in for the old cinema anytime now.
Whilst this element of the work goes ahead council officers will be talking to residents about phase two of the town centre redevelopment – your views are important to us so please make sure you tell us what you would like to see I this next stage of the process.
We will be increasing the borough council’s share of council tax this year, for the first time in seven years. I note that the Scribbler was criticizing us for not increasing the council tax during that time.
I don’t apologise for this – many people locally are still struggling financially and to increase the council tax when it simply isn’t necessary cannot be justified.
If you have an issue you would like to raise with me directly please email me on alysonbarnes@rossendalebc.gov.uk or ring me on 217819 – I will be happy to hear from you.