Mayoral Viewpoint: Councillor Mike Booth
As the fiftieth Mayor of Hyndburn and having spent so many years studying and teaching about British Economic and Social History, I often revert to applying the historical perspective when trying to make sense of what is going on around us in the present.
What a fascinating place Hyndburn is for observing changes in our society over the last two centuries. The towns and villages of Hyndburn have seen the rise and fall of the great Lancashire cotton industry, while associated engineering and its legacy is still all around us. The Peel Institute, our Town Hall and many magnificent tall buildings were a gift from those highly prosperous industrious days and define the character of our townships. The mosaic motto in the entrance of the town hall says ‘Industry and Prudence’ and those words chosen by the industrialists of the mid 19th century still speak to us today. So what is prudence? I believe it means knowing what to change and what to retain.
Accrington town centre is going through a massive redevelopment at a time when online shopping is changing our purchasing habits. This redevelopment has been designed to encourage people back into the town centre, supporting economic growth, and helping local businesses to prosper. Coupled with up to £20million in Plans for Neighbourhoods funding announced this past week, I for one watch on in anticipation of the improvements this investment will bring. I am proud to be the Mayor of this borough which is striving to invest in change.
In my fortunate position as the Mayor, I have had the pleasure of witnessing two constants that still endure in our community and that is our enterprise and our goodwill. The Mayoress and I have had a wonderful opportunity to look around this borough through our engagements this past year and recognise all the ways in which people are working together, supporting each other and adapting to changes in our society. We have had the privilege of attending events by a whole range of fantastic local organisations, community groups, and businesses, including but not limited to the likes of: East Lancashire Hospice, Accrington Community Events, Prospects Foundation, Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Community Solutions, Great Harwood Events Team, Aawaz, and local Royal British Legion branches. Thank you to all who have invited us to share your events – I believe that Hyndburn is still a dynamic and resilient community whose goodwill shines bright.
During our time as the Mayor and Mayoress, we have witnessed the continuing growth in popular entertainment, with spectacular town centre street events getting fully established on the annual calendar. Following the announcement of this year’s exciting programme of events last month, we are certainly looking forward to another brilliant year of the community coming together. From Accrington Food and Drink Festival to Eco Fest to Great Harwood Winter Special Event, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Residents will no doubt be especially excited for the 100th year of Accrington Carnival, which I looked forward to attending soon after my mayoral year ends.
The Mayoress and I were also pleased to watch a great football match at the Stadium on Sunday, seeing Accrington Stanley Women FC beat Radcliffe WFC 6-1. It is always fantastic to see the community come together to support our local teams and seeing the team in action make me proud to have chosen them as one of my Mayoral charities to support this year.
My theme for this month’s Mayor’s Viewpoint has very much focused on the balance between change and continuity. A visit to the headquarters of the East Lancashire Constabulary in early March gave me the opportunity to learn more about how our modern police force deploys their time and resources as effectively as possible. It was an eye-opening visit and I am grateful for the work the Police do to keep our towns safe.
Finally, as we enter this period of reflection and devotion, the Mayoress and I extend our heartfelt support to all those observing Lent and Ramadan. May this time bring you peace, strength, and a deeper sense of community.