Leader’s Viewpoint: Cllr Munsif Dad December 2025
Leader’s Viewpoint: Cllr Munsif Dad December 2025
I would like begin this month’s column with an update to residents on Local Government Reorganisation. I am pleased to share that the Council has now submitted proposals for our preferred option of three new unitary authorities to the Government and are waiting for their response. The plan would see Hyndburn join Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale to form a new East Lancashire unitary council – one of three proposed for the county.
We expect to hear the outcome from Government in the New Year and so I ask that residents keep an eye on Council channels for any further updates.
Work continues at Accrington Market Hall, with the fit-out now underway following completion of substantial building fabric repairs. As announced last month, the Council will be managing the market hall directly when it opens. We’ll be looking to reflect what we’ve learned about successful modern markets, with a mix of traditional stalls and a vibrant venue for food and drink and hosting events.
We’ll be working with existing traders and recruiting new traders and food and drink operators to ensure the market offers the variety and quality that Accrington deserves. Managing it ourselves means we can be flexible and responsive, supporting local businesses, creating employment opportunities, and making sure the market fits with everything else we’re doing to revitalise the town centre.
The building work has given the hall a secure future. Now we’re focused on bringing it to life next year as a vibrant destination in the heart of Hyndburn.
This past week also saw the launch of White Ribbon UK’s annual campaign to end men’s violence against women and girls, with this year’s message being “We Speak Up”. Hyndburn Council is proud to be an accredited organisation supporting this important cause and I encourage all men in our community to challenge harmful actions and be allies in speaking out to end violence against women and girls. Together, we can make sure that everyone feels safe, respected and valued in our Hyndburn community. You can find out more about the White Ribbon campaign at www.whiteribbon.org.uk.
This week also revealed the fantastic news that Hyndburn Council’s Parks Team has been named ‘Team of the Year’ in the annual Green Flag ‘Best of the Best Awards’. This is a brilliant achievement by the team and truly well-deserved. Everyone involved in caring for our borough’s parks and open spaces puts so much hard work and passion into everything that they do, from the frontline staff to managers and volunteers. We are extremely proud of everyone who contributes to making our parks the welcoming places we all know them to be. Congratulations!
As December begins, our borough is filled with the excitement of Christmas light switch-on events. We’ve already enjoyed fantastic celebrations in townships across the borough and at the annual #AmazingAccrington switch-on, which once again brought together thousands of our residents in support. Thank you to everyone who has joined us so far, it’s wonderful to see so many people come out and share these special moments. We still have a few more weeks of switch-on events to enjoy, and I am certainly looking forward to the event in my own ward. The Fern Gore light switch-on will take place at 6pm on Monday 8th December, followed by further events next week in Church, Huncoat and Altham.
Another event I’m especially looking forward to this weekend is the Forest Fun Day at Bullough Park, in my own ward. Organised by the Prospects Foundation, Hyndburn Council and Proffitts, this free family-friendly day will include tree planting, winter woodland crafts, hot chocolate, music, and even the burying of a time capsule for future residents. I hope many of you will join us.
The events don’t end there, with more festive events taking place in coming weeks that Hyndburn Council is proud to sponsor. This Saturday (6th December, 5pm-9pm), the grounds of Rhyddings Park in Oswaldtwistle will be transformed into a magical and immersive walk as the ‘Twilight’ event promises a fairy garden, silent disco, and winter wonderland, all brought to you by KSEvents. Great Harwood’s Winter Extravaganza is also returning for a second year on 13th December, jam-packed with funfair rides, live entertainment, facepainting, Santa’s grotto, market stalls and much more. More details about upcoming events around the borough can be found under the ‘Events section’ of the Hyndburn Council website.
Events like these bring joy to our borough and help support our local high streets. After another fantastic year of events in Hyndburn, I am very pleased to share that we are now seeking expressions of interest for funded events in Hyndburn next year. If you’re interested in organising an event, full details and submission information can be found at https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/request-for-proposals-event-provider/
Finally, this Saturday 6th December is Small Business Saturday. Hyndburn is blessed with many small independent businesses across the borough and shopping with these businesses on Small Business Saturday, and indeed throughout the year, is a great way to support them.
As we embrace the festive season, I wish all our residents a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.