Leader’s Viewpoint: Cllr Munsif Dad September 2025
As we head into autumn, I want to take a moment to update you on some important developments happening across Hyndburn and beyond.
Firstly, I’d like to thank all residents, businesses and community groups who have already taken part in the Local Government Reorganisation consultation that is currently live. As part of a countywide effort, all 15 councils in Lancashire, including Hyndburn, are working together to explore the future of local government in our area, and now is the time for residents to have their voices heard. Your views will be vital in helping to shape proposals for the future, so I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and fill in the short survey. This is your opportunity to influence how local government might evolve in the years to come.
Last week, we were pleased to welcome back the Local Government Association’s Corporate Peer Challenge team to Hyndburn, following up on the review carried out late last year. This visit gave us the opportunity to reflect on how we work as a Council and how we can continue to improve, working towards implementing many of the recommendations made by the team. The feedback received was extremely valuable and will support us as we plan for the future. We are grateful for the Peer Challenge team’s time, experience and constructive input, and we also want to thank our staff and elected members who took part in the visit. We will publish the report when we receive it in the coming weeks.
There is also plenty to celebrate on the ground this month. The Cath Thom Leisure Centre at Wilson Sports Village is now nearing completion, and we are just weeks away from the official opening on 10th October 2025. To be managed by Hyndburn Leisure, this centre will provide state-of-the-art facilities for people of all ages and abilities. Final works are already well underway behind the scenes to get the site ready, including recruitment, training and final touches taking place now. The new leisure centre promises to be a fantastic asset for the area and I look forward to seeing it in use by residents from across Hyndburn.
As one project nears the finish line, another begins. Work is due to start this month on essential drainage improvements at King George V Playing Fields. This £595,000 investment will bring major upgrades to the pitches and pavilion, helping bring the area back into full use for local sports teams. We know how important this space is to our communities and are committed to seeing it returned to full strength by the 2026/27 season.
I am also pleased to share that two more grants have been awarded from our Cabinet Action Fund to help groups deliver vital services and support for residents. The fund, launched earlier this year, allows us to respond quickly to community needs and champion those making a difference on the ground. The grants this time include £500 to The Billy Project to help provide a funded gym service for vulnerable women in Hyndburn and surrounding areas, as well as £1000 towards roof repairs on 1st Oswaldtwistle St Paul’s Scout Group’s scout hut.
In more good news, last week Lancashire County Council announced that funding has been confirmed for their Levelling Up East Lancashire programme, which will see a range of transport improvements delivered across East Lancashire including Hyndburn. Two Safer, Greener, Healthier Streets projects in Hyndburn will provide improvements to local streets which aim to make travel easier between homes, jobs, shops and services, and help make streets safer and more accessible for everyone.
Finally, a sincere thank you to those who applied to be Chair of the Neighbourhoods Board for Accrington. Applications are now closed, and we will soon begin the selection process. This Board plays a central role in the delivery of the 10-year Plan for Neighbourhoods, helping direct up to £20 million in funding to strengthen our communities and invest in local priorities. It is encouraging to see such strong interest in shaping the future of our borough.
As always, I remain proud of the progress we are making together and grateful to everyone working hard to improve life in Hyndburn.
ENDS