Agenda item
Reports of Cabinet Members
To receive verbal reports from each of the Portfolio Holders, as appropriate.
Minutes:
Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities
Councillor Melissa Fisher reported on the following:
Taxi Licensing
The Council was required to review taxi licensing fees on an annual basis. It was not allowed to make a profit from the fees, but could recover its costs. The new administration was proposing not to increase the individual fees for renewal of private hire and hackney carriage licences for next year. This was in recognition of the current financial pressures on drivers.
Deputy Leader of Council and Portfolio Holder for Transformation, Education and Skills
Councillor Noordad Aziz reported on the following:
Leisure Transformation
Members were reminded that the new administration had given a commitment to review all major projects underway. As part of this process the Council was approaching the end of the Leisure Transformation Review. This was a key component of the Council’s strategy to ensure that residents were healthier and more active. The report was now in the process of being finalised and should be available in time for the next Cabinet meeting.
Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services
Councillor Stewart Eaves reported on the following:
Refuse Collection Vehicles
The Council had recently taken possession of 5 new refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) for Waste Services. Unfortunately, one vehicle had been damaged by a tipper truck at Whinney Hill on its second day of operation.
Food Waste Pod
A demonstration vehicle with a new food pod collection option will be trialled later this year.
Waste Transfer Station
Work was ongoing to find a solution to the issue of a new waste transfer station.
Fixed Penalty Notices
S.46 advice notices (Environmental Protection Act 1990) had been issued to 518 persons for the period May to September 2024. Second warning letters had then been issued to some 97 residents and, ultimately, 13 Fixed Penalty Notices had been issued.
National Pest Awards
The Portfolio Holder had been pleased to attend the National Pest Awards 2024, at which Hyndburn Borough Council’s Pest Control Team had won the category of Local Authority of the Year against competition from Liverpool City Council and Westminster City Council. Members noted the excellent service provided by Lee Taylor, Pest Control Manager, and his Team.
Portfolio Holder forCulture, Heritage and Arts
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead reported on the following:
Green Flag Award for Memorial Park
Memorial Park had gained the latest Green Flag award, with the Council still holding the record for the highest number of Green Flag awards held by any local authority in Lancashire with 11. This highlighted the Council’s on-going investment in green spaces and a commitment to improving community well-being and health.
Thanks were due to various community organisations behind the scenes and dedicated Parks staff. The award was celebrated with a well-attended Picnic in the Park event organised by the Friends of Memorial Park.
In addition, a rededication ceremony for the First World War memorial was due to be held in the park on Saturday 28th September 2024.
Pitch Fees
The fees for sports pitches across the Borough would be frozen for the upcoming year. The Council understood the financial pressures people were under and wanted to remove barriers to accessing sport, which played a key role in uniting communities and improving health. There remained spare capacity for pitch hire and it was hoped that by freezing the fees this would encourage further take up.
Accrington Pals Memorial Garden Project
The Accrington Pals Memorial Garden project had now been completed. This memorial was a vital part of the town’s heritage, honouring the sacrifices made by thousands of our residents. The newly transformed garden was a beautiful public space and the sculpture was incredibly moving. Thanks were due to everyone involved, especially the Town Centre Greening Group, whose contributions had been instrumental in the project’s success.
The Portfolio Holder had visited several times since the installation of the sculpture last week, and had witnessed first-hand members of the public gathering around and taking a quiet moment for reflection.
The new sculpture had been designed by renowned garden designer and landscaper John Everiss and added a profound touch to the garden. Some of the artist’s other work could be seen in Normandy, France, at the D-Day 75 garden in Arromanches.
The memorial garden now stood as an essential open area in the town centre, offering a peaceful haven for relaxation and reflection while honouring the rich heritage of Accrington.
A rededication ceremony for the Pals memorial was due to take place at 10.30am on Saturday 21st September 2024.
Culture and Heritage Strategy
The Council’s Culture and Heritage Strategy was close to being finalised and would be presented to a Cabinet meeting in the near future. A new engagement space would be available in Market Chambers and would be accessible to groups, including local schools. A site visit with the local Member of Parliament, Sarah Smith MP, was due to take place tomorrow.
Enlighten Event
An Enlighten Event was due to take place between Friday 25th October and Saturday 26th October between 5pm and 9pm. Five of the heritage buildings in Accrington Town Centre were set to be transformed by displays of light-art and performance, located both in and around them. The event locations comprised St James’ Church, Accrington Town Hall, Accrington Library, Market Chambers and the Victorian Arcade.
Thanks were due to the pupils at St Andrew’s Primary School for helping with the promotion of the event.
Ukrainian Delegation
In August, the Council had welcomed a further delegation from Khust. A progress report on town twinning would be provided to the Council at its meeting on 26th September 2024. An invitation had also been extended to Councillor Marlene Haworth to serve on the proposed Working Group.
Town Centre and Market
The Portfolio Holder was in regular contact with the market traders and was working with Steve Riley, Executive Director (Environmental Services) and the Market Manager, to ensure that the Council dealt proactively with any issues and addressed any concerns. However, no negative feedback had been received to date. A briefing was planned next month for the traders and local businesses on current progress of the project.
Events
The summer had been a busy period for events. Some very successful events had taken place, included the Amazing Accrington Soap Box Challenge, Big Transport Weekend and, last weekend, the Heritage Fun Day at the Haworth Art Gallery. The latter event had included local music teacher and musician Joe Bamford on the ukulele, who deserved special thanks.
Accrington Stanley Fireworks Event
The Council were once again pleased to be sponsoring the Accrington Stanley Fireworks Event, due to be held on the 3rd November 2024. The display was now in its 7th year. The Council was keen to show its support for the football club and the great community space and events that they provided.
National Hate Crime Awareness Week
The Council and elected members were currently working with a local community organisation on the Council’s communications around National Hate Crime Awareness Week – 12th to 19th October 2024. This was a cross-party initiative and Councillor Cassidy had been involved from the Opposition Group. The aim was to encourage Hate Crime reporting to the Police, councils and third-party organisations.
Equality and Diversity
The Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy was due for renewal at the end of 2025, so work on the next strategy would begin at the end of the year.
Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth
Councillor Scott Brerton reported on the following:
Business and Growth
Last week a successful event had taken place arranged by Amazing Accrington, involving Sarah Smith MP and local business leaders. The Portfolio Holder continued to meet regularly with the MP to discuss their shared vision for Hyndburn.
Studio
Unfortunately, the Council had been made aware of more potential redundancies at Studio. This was concerning, given that this firm was a major employer in the Borough. The Portfolio Holder had been in touch with the owners, Frasers Group, for an update, but to date no reply had been received.
East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
Meetings had recently taken place between East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and various businesses. It was purported that Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley were more welcoming for business. However, this was believed to be a perception rather than the reality. The Council’s Economic Development Manager, Salma Chaudhry, had already greatly improved Hyndburn’s offer and thanks were accorded to her. The improvements made so far were the first steps on a longer journey of supporting economic development.
Engagement with Accrington Stanley FC
The Portfolio Holder and Councillor Whitehead were already working closely with Accrington Stanley FC and were building a good relationship with the club’s new Commercial Director, Warren Eastham.
Business Workshops/Business Drop-In Sessions
Numerous business workshops and drop-in session had been publicised on the Council’s social media over the last few months. The events let local business know about funding and other support. Further drop-in sessions were due to be held on the following dates:
- 17th October 2024 – St Johns, Baxenden;
- 14th November 2024 – Great Harwood Library.
Northlight Estates, Brierfield
The Portfolio Holder had visited Northlight Estates, Brierfield, to gain an understanding of the type of development possible in heritage premises. This former mill had been converted into residential apartments and state of the art business facilities. Hyndburn had previously undertaken a similar project at the Globe focused on business accommodation.
Accrington and Rossendale College
The Portfolio Holder was due to meet shortly with Accrington and Rossendale College. It was important for the Council to have a constructive relationship with the further education sector. In particular, the Portfolio Holder noted the provision of a successful rail operatives course at the College, which offered a route into a well-paid career. It was hoped to discuss with the College how to build upon the experience of this type of course to develop further opportunities into employment.
Portfolio Holder for Sustainability and Families
Councillor Kate Walsh reported on the following:
Net Zero Working Group
A meeting of the Net Zero Working Group had taken place earlier today. The group had discussed:
- Communications and the website content, including information on warmth and the Cosy Homes in Lancashire scheme; retrofitting advice and concerns about scams;
- The decarbonisation programme. It was hoped to submit a report to the Cabinet in the near future about proposals for works to decarbonise further public buildings; and
- A WARM Matters event, due to be held at Hyndburn Leisure Centre on 15th October 2024 from 10am to 2pm. The event was a drop-in session looking at wellness, advice, resource and money matters, to help tackle the energy and cost of living crisis.
Brookside Restoration Project
The Portfolio Holder and Councillor Whitehead had recently attended the launch of the Brookside Restoration project. The plan was to transform the former industrial site at Stanhill into a haven of biodiversity, habitat recovery, carbon capture and climate action. A programme of events had already been developed for the Autumn, which would include children’s activities and some adults only events.
Labour Party Conference
The Portfolio Holder was due to attend the Labour Party Conference next week in Liverpool and would lead sessions around Sustainability in Hyndburn, as well as participating in networking.
Anti-Social Behaviour
At the last meeting the Portfolio Holder had reported on anti-social behaviour by youths in Great Harwood, Clayton-le-Moors, Rishton and Altham and had been working closely with the Police on this matter. Unfortunately, an incident last week had led to the closure of Rishton Library. Given the importance of the library as a community hub, the Portfolio Holder was due to meet with the MP and Lancashire County Council to discuss her concerns.
Councillor Zak Khan, Leader of the Opposition, asked a number of questions and made comments in relation to the verbal reports as outlined below:
- Taxi Licensing – assurance about covering the costs;
- Refuse Collection Vehicles – the extent of the damage to the RCV;
- Fixed Penalty Notices – a communications opportunity;
- National Pest Awards/Green Flag Award/War Memorials – congratulations;
- Culture and Heritage Strategy – Implications of the possible loss of UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant following the change of Government;
- Pitch Fees – support for the freeze in fees, marketing opportunities and a query about maintenance costs;
- Studio – ownership of the building and its availability for rent;
- Business and Growth – progress with the Economic Development Forum meetings and commencement of the Economic Investment Strategy;
- Northlight Estates – the likelihood of a similar project in Hyndburn;
- Net Zero Working Group – updates on plans to decarbonise Haworth Art Gallery, progress on Prospects’ Coach Road Solar Meadow Project; and changing to bio-diesel fuel;
Responses were provided by the relevant Portfolio Holders and officers, as appropriate.