As the new municipal year begins, the Leader of Hyndburn Council has expressed sincere gratitude for the confidence shown by colleagues in reappointing them to the role. It is a privilege to continue serving the borough's residents, and the Leader remains fully committed to working with members, officers, and communities to deliver for Hyndburn.
New Cabinet for 2026/27
A cabinet for 2026/27 has been announced, bringing together a wealth of experience, commitment, and fresh ideas. Each member has demonstrated a commitment to serving communities, and together they will work tirelessly to deliver real improvements across the borough. Councillors Melissa Fisher and Vanessa Alexander have been appointed as deputy leaders. The remaining cabinet positions are held by Councillors Clare Pritchard, Jodi Clements, Paul Cox, and Kate Walsh.
Recent Events and Summer Activities
Earlier this month, the council proudly supported another highly successful Food and Drink Festival in Accrington, which attracted thousands of people to the town centre. The weekend just gone saw Accrington town centre transformed into a vibrant international football celebration, with a packed programme of free family attractions, football challenges, special guests, and giveaways bringing football fever to the heart of the town.
Events like these continue to showcase the vibrancy of the borough, support local businesses, encourage people to spend time in town centres, and bring communities together. A packed programme of summer activities is still to come across towns and parks, including the return of Oswaldtwistle Carnival on Sunday, June 21, and another Pride in Place event in Accrington Town Centre on Saturday, June 20, featuring a special international flag trail around Accrington Market.
Local Government Reorganisation
On Local Government Reorganisation, work continues at pace across Lancashire. While awaiting a final decision from the government, expected in early July, preparatory work is already well underway across key service areas including finance, IT, workforce, communications, and buildings. Residents will be kept informed as soon as further updates are confirmed, alongside opportunities to ask questions and share their views.
New Local Plan and Article 4 Directions
At the next full council meeting, the new Local Plan for Hyndburn is expected to be adopted. This is a significant milestone that will help shape how the borough develops in the years ahead, ensuring growth is managed responsibly and in the best interests of communities.
Article 4 Directions have recently been implemented across the wards of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat, Immanuel, Milnshaw, Overton, and St Oswalds. This removes permitted development rights for the conversion of homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Combined with the existing Article 4 Direction covering Barnfield, Central, Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Peel, Netherton, Rishton, Spring Hill, and St Andrew’s, which came into force in March 2026, these rights have now been removed across the whole borough. This allows the council to take a more proactive approach to managing housing growth and protecting residential amenity, while a consultation process remains open for residents to engage with. Further information is available on the council's website.
Support for England in the World Cup
It has been great to see the St George’s Cross flying across civic buildings as the borough shows support for England during this summer’s World Cup. Football has a unique way of bringing communities together, and this is a way of showing that Hyndburn is right behind England as the World Cup journey begins.
Keeping Children Safe Online
Keeping children safe has always mattered to the Leader, both as a politician and a father. Today’s children are growing up in a very different world, and legislation must keep pace, especially with the growing influence of technology and social media. The harm social media can cause, from bullying to exposure to extreme content that is not properly controlled, has been seen. That is why the Leader supports the government’s decision to ban access to social media for under-16s. It will help children step away from attention-driven platforms and enjoy a more balanced childhood. Crucially, this measure will return power to parents, who often feel unable to protect their children online. As the world changes, so must we, if we are to keep children safe.
