Leader’s Viewpoint: Cllr Munsif Dad: October 2025
Leader’s Viewpoint: Cllr Munsif Dad, October 2025
As we move into October, there are a number of significant milestones and updates to share with you, reflecting the ongoing progress and development in our borough.
First and foremost, I am honoured to be officially opening The Cath Thom Leisure Centre at Wilson Sports Village today (Friday 10th October). This state-of-the-art facility, managed by Hyndburn Leisure, is designed to serve people of all ages and abilities. It will undoubtedly become a fantastic asset for our community, offering a wide range of opportunities for fitness and recreation. I would like to extend my warm thanks to those who are attending the opening, especially the loved ones of the late Cath Thom, for whom the centre has been named. It is a fitting tribute to her legacy.
Close to Wilson Sports Village, I and several other Councillors have recently been contacted by many concerned families and staff about Lancashire County Council’s proposed strategic review of care homes, which includes Woodlands care home in Clayton-Le-Moors. I am equally concerned and alongside others have started a petition to help save this home. The County Council have pledged to run a consultation if the review gets approved, I encourage anyone with any concerns to look out for this and in the meantime contact their local county councillor.
In Accrington, we are excited to announce that phase 2 of the Market Hall and Burton Chambers fit-out works has now commenced, following the appointment of Krol Corlett last month. This next phase will see the internal fit-out of the buildings come to life, and we are looking forward to sharing updates on the process as it moves forward.
I would like to express my gratitude to all those who participated in the Lancashire-wide public consultation on the ongoing reorganisation of local government. The survey has now closed and the responses from across Lancashire are being collated. Information on proposals and public responses will be presented to the Council’s Scrutiny Committee on 5th November and Council on 13th November, before a final decision on Hyndburn’s preferred option will be made by Cabinet on 19th November. As always, these meetings are open for the public to attend.
At the last Council meeting, Councillors and residents submitted 19 questions for responses by Cabinet Members and I. This is a record number of questions received, but rest assured we have now provided written responses to questions directly to Councillors and residents and we will publish these responses online for transparency. I’d also like to remind residents that they do not have to wait for a Council meeting to ask a question. Our Customer Contact Team can help with the majority of questions you may have, so feel free to email enquiries@hyndburnbc.gov.uk at any time.
I’m always delighted when the Council can support local organisations that provide vital services and activities for our residents. The Cabinet Action Fund continues to provide small grants to local organisations, including 5 grassroots sports clubs who became the latest recipients. We’ve now made it easier to apply for a small grant through this fund, all details can be found on our website https://www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/cabinet-action-fund-application-form/
Finally, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the victims of the attack at the Heaton Park synagogue this past weekend. On Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, what should have been a time of peace and reflection, was instead shattered by this abhorrent act of violence. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. As a council and a community, we stand united against violence and hatred in all its forms. Myself and my colleagues also thank our emergency services for their swift and courageous response.
As always, we remain committed to building a brighter, stronger future for Hyndburn, and I am grateful to everyone who continues to support our shared vision.