Agenda item
Announcements
a) Mayor
b) Leader of the Council
c) Chief Executive
Minutes:
The Mayor made the following announcements:
1) Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day
Councillor Josh Allen, Mayor, remarked that the Borough had recently held numerous parades and services for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. He thanked the residents who had supported the events, as well as Council officers, volunteers, the Royal British Legion and others who had helped to make the arrangements which provided a focus for veterans and their families, as well as commemorating the lives of those lost in action since World War 1. The occasions were a poignant reminder of what people fought for and should be observed so that history did not repeat itself.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP, echoed these comments and noted that attendance at the service in Oak Hill Park, Accrington, had been the largest he could remember. Councillor Khan added that it had been pleasing to see large numbers of young people attending the services, including those from scouts, brownies and various cadet organisations.
Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP then made the following announcements:
2) Accrington Neighbourhoods Board
Councillor Dad reminded members that the Council had been awarded £20m over a 10 year period, starting in April 2026, under the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods Funding. During the past few months, the Board had been working hard to shape a regeneration plan based on Government guidance. Last week further engagement had taken place at Accrington Town Hall with schools and the college, so that young people could have their say. The plan was due to be considered by Cabinet on 19th November, following which it would be submitted to the Government by 28th November 2025. The next phase would be to finalise project selection and then to commence delivery. It was envisaged that there would be a mixture of short and medium term projects that would make a difference and it might be possible to secure match-funding where available.
The Board had recently been strengthened by the addition of four new members, including Paul Hunter (Anglican Minister); Madison Gore (Primary School Teacher); Dr Jane Eccles (GP Partner/Primary Care); and Damian Cunliffe (Night-Time Economy/Entrepreneur). All would bring new experience to the Board.
3) Bullough Park, Accrington
Work was on going to enhance Bullough Park, Accrington, with new woodlands, hedges, wildflowers and wetlands and a new entrance way. Phase 1 had been completed, which had used Police funding, s106 monies and other Council resources to deter anti-social behaviour, particularly motorbike nuisance. Phase 2 had now commenced, which would see new footpaths, benches, a pond and additional tree planting and was supported by funding from several partner bodies. A Forest Fun Day was due to be held on Sunday 7th December 2025, and all were encouraged to get involved. Phase 3 would start in 2026.
4) Police Engagement
Councillors Dad and Khan had met with Chief Inspector Holt and Inspector Moore of Lancashire Constabulary to discuss closer working between the Police and Council. Councillors had forwarded a number of suggestions with a view to additional Police resources being deployed to tackle these matters. The group would meet again in the near future. Councillor Khan endorsed the comments being made, noting that the meeting had been very productive.
David Welsby, Chief Executive, announced the following:
5) Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Members were about to discuss an item on Local Government Reorganisation, which dealt with the Council’s preferred model for the new local authority structure. The formal decision would be for the Cabinet to determine. However, Cabinet members were interested in hearing the views of the Council as a whole, before reaching their conclusions.
Councillor Zak Khan, Leader of the Opposition, was granted permission by the Mayor to make a brief announcement, as follows:
6) Councillor Marlene Haworth
Councillor Zak Khan thanked members on both sides of the Chamber for their support and kind words directed towards Councillor Marlene Haworth at this difficult time. Councillors had put aside their political differences to reach out to a respected colleague who was dealing with a health issue. This gesture of support was very much appreciated.