Leader’s Viewpoint: Cllr Munsif Dad November 2025
Leader’s Viewpoint: Cllr Munsif Dad November 2025
November is always a busy month for Hyndburn, beginning with a full calendar of services and parades throughout the townships of Hyndburn to mark both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day. The Council and Royal British Legion invite all residents to join us in honouring those who have served and sacrificed for our country – these events allow us to come together as one borough in a moment of reflection on the bravery and dedication of all those who serve in the armed forces, past and present, and their loved ones. Full details of the parades and services taking place across Hyndburn can be found at: https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/remembrance-sunday-2025/.
In Accrington, phase 2 of the Accrington Town Centre projects is now underway, and shoppers will see roof access scaffolding going up. The next steps include the installation of circa 300 solar roof panels at the Market Hall, internal works in Burtons Chambers, and much more. All the latest construction update on the Town Centre projects are available via the Town Square website, head to: https://accringtontownsquare.com/construction-updates/
In my own ward, enhancement work at Bullough Park is progressing well. Following the improvements to the boundary and entrances, we’re now moving into Phase 2 of the project. New pathways, steps, and even a new pond created by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust have already been completed. I’m particularly excited that tree planting will begin on November 24th, in line with ‘National Tree Week,’ and culminate in a community tree planting event and family fun day on December 7th, organised by the PROSPECTS Foundation. I encourage residents to come along and join in this community celebration of nature.
In further parks news, work at Rhyddings Park play area is progressing well, with everything aimed to be completed by the end of the week (weather permitting). Please be aware that the woodland play area is currently closed while construction takes place however, the main play area which was upgraded earlier this year and other areas of the park remain open as usual, so families can still enjoy the green space. We are proud of Hyndburn’s green flag parks and we continue to invest in improvements across the borough.
I’d like to welcome a positive development in local policing. Lancashire Police have recently recruited 62 new officers through a two-year training programme, which will enhance neighbourhood safety across the county and offers recruits a non-degree pathway into policing. This is a significant step towards improving community safety, ensuring that residents feel secure in their homes and streets, and so welcome to all who have joined Lancashire Police as part of the recruitment drive so far.
As we draw closer to the next key milestone, I would just like to remind residents about the expected Local Government Reorganisation timeline. Following the completion of the public survey, information on proposals and public responses is due to be presented to the Council’s Scrutiny Committee on 11th November and to full Council on 13th November. A final decision on Hyndburn’s preferred option will be made by Cabinet on 19th November and, as always, these meetings are open for the public to attend. Residents can expect the outcomes of this process to be shared publicly later this month so do keep an eye on Council channels for any updates.
Finally, we’re getting closer to Christmas, which means the end of this month is the beginning of Christmas light switch on season in Hyndburn, with a flurry of events across the entire borough. These are highly anticipated throughout the year and always bring a wonderful sense of community spirit. Our main event in Accrington this year on 27th November will be headlined by none other than East 17! There’s also a fantastic Extravaganza taking place in Great Harwood on the 13th December. Sandwiched in between are events in townships across Hyndburn. I look forward to seeing many of you attend and remember, full event details can all be found here https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/events/christmas-lights-switch-on-events-2025/