Mayoral Viewpoint: Councillor Noordad Aziz July 2026
One of the greatest pleasures of serving as the Mayor continues to be the opportunity to get out and about across Hyndburn, meeting residents, celebrating achievements, and supporting the many organisations, volunteers and community groups that make our borough such a special place.
This month saw the official launch of Hyndburn’s new junior parkrun at The Woodlands, The Cath Thom Leisure Centre in Clayton-le-Moors. It was wonderful to see so many children and families enjoying the very first event together. Initiatives like this not only encourage healthier, happier lives, but also bring communities together, and I look forward to seeing junior parkrun go from strength to strength in the years ahead. Junior parkrun is a fantastic free opportunity for young people to get active, build confidence, and have fun every Sunday morning.
Community has certainly been a recurring theme this month. I was delighted to officially open the new Next Steps Adult Day Centre in Oswaldtwistle, which will provide much-needed support for local families while creating new jobs for local people. It was equally encouraging to attend the third iteration of the Connecting Cultures event in Oak Hill Park, including the opening of the spectacular Luminarium installation, which attracted visitors of all ages for a day celebrating the diversity and spirit of our borough.
Our young people have also impressed me enormously over recent weeks. From the talented pupils at St Augustine’s RC High School, whose production of Into the Woods showcased incredible confidence and dedication, to almost 1,000 young people attending the East Lancashire Scouts celebrations at Bowley Scout Campsite to mark 5 years of Squirrels, 40 years of Beavers, and 110 years of Cubs. It was inspiring to see the opportunities being created for the next generation to learn new skills, build friendships and grow in confidence. A huge well done to all the volunteers, leaders, staff and organisers who made both possible. I also thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the achievements of players, coaches and volunteers at the Lancashire United Awards, recognising the invaluable role grassroots sport plays in bringing communities together.
Promoting Hyndburn remains one of my priorities as Mayor, so I was pleased to welcome fellow civic leaders to Accrington Stanley’s pre-season fixture against Blackburn Rovers. While the match ended goalless, it was another fantastic opportunity to showcase the warm welcome, community spirit and attractions our borough has to offer. Accrington Stanley is more than just a football club. It’s a real community asset, with a fantastic family atmosphere and a warm welcome for everyone who visits.
That was also reflected at the international Tent Pegging competition at Great Harwood Showground, where competitors travelled from across Europe to take part in an extraordinary display of horsemanship right here on our doorstep.
Alongside these celebrations, there have also been opportunities for reflection. I was honoured to attend both the North West Srebrenica Memorial Service at Manchester Cathedral and the National Commemoration in Westminster as we marked the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide. Listening once again to survivors’ testimonies was deeply moving and reinforced the importance of standing together against hatred, prejudice and division wherever they exist. That message was also echoed this month during Lancashire Against Hate, where organisations from across the county came together to strengthen partnerships and promote safer, more inclusive communities through practical actions that support cohesion.
Returning home from the Battle of the Somme commemorations, it was also a privilege to officially open the new Avenue Parade Pocket Garden and unveil the Deeply Regret sculpture, creating a lasting place of remembrance in the heart of Accrington.
I was also pleased to visit East Lancashire Hospice, whose staff and volunteers continue to provide outstanding care and compassion to patients and their families, and to attend the British Pakistani and Kashmiri Community Forum’s Eid Celebration Dinner, which highlighted the importance of friendship, understanding and bringing communities together.
Every engagement reminds me what an honour it is to serve as your Mayor. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me so warmly over the past month. I look forward to meeting many more of you as we continue celebrating everything that makes Hyndburn such a wonderful place to live.