Miles Parkinson

I HOPE you had a wonderful Christmas and that you are looking forward to the year ahead. We certainly are, and we have bold aspirations for a prosperous borough for 2019 and beyond.

Financially, it’s been a tough few years for the council, with central government funding down 65 per cent (£4.6million) since 2010 and further reductions due until 2021. Despite this challenging backdrop, through our prudent financial management, we’ve been able to save £1.5m from our budget, whilst protecting front line services for our residents.

2018 was a big year for Hyndburn, with the launch of lots of new initiatives and other long term projects coming to fruition. Here are a few of the highlights.

It was certainly a year to make you feel proud, with Accrington Stanley’s dazzling promotion and the series of events for the dedication of the new Town Square in Accrington, as well as the commemorations to mark the of the end of WW1.

We also saw business leaders getting behind the drive to sustain and grow a supportive business environment with the launch of ‘Amazing Accrington’, creating more jobs locally.

Over the past few months tens of thousands of people have already enjoyed a range of events in the new Town Square, and lots more events are planned to bring visitors in during 2019, with thirty already finalised.

We’re working with business owners in the area around the Town Square to refurbish their shop fronts and in 2019 we will spend over £1 million on grants to fund new shop fronts and restore some of the great heritage features in Accrington town centre.

Last year we introduced tough new measures to tackle litter and dog fouling.

Litter louts and irresponsible dog owners who blight our streets, parks and open spaces should watch out as their actions are likely to land them with a big on the spot fine now.

Our message is clear - if you don’t drop litter and you always pick up after your dog, you won’t risk a fine.

Also last year we completely overhauled our approach to waste collection with the introduction of wheeled bins throughout the borough.

Residents tell us that the new bins are easier to use, people are able to recycle more and there is less litter being blown about the streets, all making for a cleaner borough.

This year you can play your part in shaping the future of Hyndburn up to 2036 by having your say on the Local Plan, which will consider the number of houses that are required, employment land for business development and the extent of the Green Belt.

It will also incorporate proposals for Huncoat Garden Village. Getting involved in the consultation will give you the chance to say where you think future housing and infrastructure should be in Hyndburn.

On the subject of land for employment, 2018 saw the official opening of the Borough’s latest 90-acre employment zone, as Frontier Park on Junction 6 of the M65 opened its doors for the first time.

Also this year we’ll be bringing forward brownfield sites for regeneration and supporting the campaign for an extended M65 and improved rail links, to allow for better access to Manchester and Leeds in our drive for increased prosperity in Hyndburn.

And finally, I’d like offer you my very Best Wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year.