Leader’s Viewpoint: Councillor Munsif Dad
Leader’s Viewpoint: Cllr Munsif Dad: August 2024
I’d like to start this week’s column by expressing how very proud I am of the residents of Hyndburn, who showed to the whole country last Wednesday that we are a cohesive, tolerant and forward-thinking community. We have far more in common than what divides us, and that was clearly on display in Accrington for the nation to see last week.
I would like to thank the Police, Council Officers, Councillors from all groups, local businesses, community leaders, the Lancashire Council Mosques, local Imams and Masjid representatives, MP Sarah Smith and most importantly our residents across society, for the way they dealt with the situation and disinformation that has circulated widely online. I have never had a prouder moment as a Councillor.
Back to normal Council business, last month I announced the introduction of a new Cabinet Action Fund. This fund is dedicated to providing essential support to local residents and addressing various community needs across all wards within Hyndburn.
Over recent years, the Council has set aside budgets to empower the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet to react to emerging issues. The commitment to earmark £20,000 annually for this purpose will continue in future budgets, ensuring sustained support for our community. We’ll be providing more information on how community groups can apply for funding in the coming weeks.
The Council welcomed a £241k grant after a successful bid to Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund. The fund was exclusively available to support energy efficiency improvements in swimming pools. The Council will use the funding for a number of efficiency measures at Hyndburn Leisure Centre as part of our net zero ambitions.
Finaly, last week, the Mayor and I, alongside other members and officers were delighted to welcome a delegation of Ukranian representatives, including Professor Mykhaylo Oros and Mrs Liudmyla Varha who had made the journey from Ukraine to Accrington. The purpose of the meeting was to take forward the proposal agreed last year to set up a twinning arrangement with the town of Khust in the west of Ukraine. A number of Ukranian residents also attended and spoke warmly of the welcome and friendly support they have received from the people of Hyndburn.
This is yet another example of the cohesive and welcoming community we have in Hyndburn. Twinning arrangements are not only an expression of solidarity and friendship, but an opportunity to explore mutual benefits such as around economic development and trade, education, and cultural engagement. I am pleased to confirm the Council’s ongoing commitment to this initiative.