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East Lancs News

Councillors are set to discuss a report on the potential financial impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on Burnley Council’s budgets.

The council is looking at a projected deficit of £3.4 million, around a quarter of its total annual budget, over the current financial year due to increased spending and loss of income as a result of the virus.

The report by the head of finance, Asad Mushtaq, says that the council’s reserves are not enough to meet the current funding shortfall and that further significant Government support is needed.

The longer the current crisis last, the greater the impact will be. The reports also warns that the impact of cornavirus on budgets will probably be felt for several years.

Councillor Margaret Lishman, the council’s executive member for resources and performance management, said: “We’re grateful for the Government funding we’ve received so far but it’s clear we need significantly more support if we are to balance our books.

“We are faced with the double whammy of extra spending and falling income. Council budgets have been under pressure for many years but we now face a financial challenge, the scale of which we’ve never seen before.

“We are keeping the Government informed of our financial position so that it has a clear picture of the support we need to maintain essential services and to successfully manage our way out of this crisis as our borough’s recovery takes shape.

“These are unprecedented times. It isn’t just the council that has been hit hard. We recognise that the coronavirus pandemic has also badly affected the finances of our residents and businesses who have also, in many cases, needed financial assistance.

“The council leader has met with our MP and we will continue to press for Government support for our borough and its residents.”

The issue is a national one, with councils across the country warning of the severe financial challenges they face. The Local Government Association, which represents councils nationally, is lobbying the Government for more support. The LGA said councils could need as much as £6 billion more in the current financial year to cover the costs of coping with the pandemic.

Burnley Council has played a leading role during the crisis including distributing business support grants to local firms, supporting the Burnley Together community hub to help local individuals and families in need, increasing provision for the homeless to get them off the streets and into accommodation, and providing advice and support to shops to allow them to open safely and follow social distancing guidelines.

The council’s executive is set to recommend to a meeting of the full council that:

· The financial impact is modelled and updated regularly so that action plans can be drawn up

· Managers continue to draw up options to reduce the potential financial impact

· The council, and other local authorities and partners, continue to lobby Government for extra funding

Chorley & Leyland News

Local councillors, volunteers, historians and partners met to celebrate the 80th anniversary of King George VIs visit to ROF Chorley and to unveil some historic artefacts and information board in Buckshaw Village.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott (Euxton, Buckshaw & Astley) explained a little more about this Euxton Parish Council project and the work that has been undertaken, saying “When I became aware of the existence of an old street light from the ROF site in an area being developed for housing, I quickly secured agreement for Euxton Parish Council to take ownership of the street light from the landowners Persimmon Homes. I approached the Parish Council with an idea to restore this light and to locate it somewhere appropriate in Buckshaw Village.”

The scheme initially made slow progress whilst locations were considered and permissions and likely contractors were assessed. Following a conversation between County Councillor Aidy Riggott, RMG (the main managing agents in Buckshaw Village) and local historian Stuart Clewlow, the idea quickly evolved to include an interpretation board and to locate the restored streetlight outside the Community Centre. Local contractor J. Sharples came on board and oversaw the restoration of the streetlight while Stuart Clewlow pulled together pictures and information for the interpretation board from his vast archive of historical items and knowledge, which Debra Platt designed and arranged to create the interpretation board now on display for residents.

Stuart was then able to procure a fire hydrant from Runshaw College, who were keen to support the project, and the team were then able to install this alongside the streetlight, just as it would have been back when the ROF factory was in operation.

Stuart added “It has been a privilege to work with Euxton Parish Council and local Contractors to deliver this heritage project. It is important we remember the existence of ROF Chorley and it is rewarding to have played a part in restoring a little piece of history to the front of Buckshaw Village Community Centre. People of all ages will be able to see two artefacts from the 1938 construction of ROF Chorley and the interpretation board will provide more historical information and ensure that the story of the site is remembered and shared for the next generation.”

Cllr Katrina Reed, Chairman of Euxton Parish Council commented “Euxton Council is proud of this project which, from small beginnings has became a much larger scheme. Thanks must go to all who worked on the project from Cllr Riggott’s initial proposal in 2015 to the immense amount of assistance from Stuart Clewlow in gathering the information and items together for the project. This was truly a joint project between all the organisations involved and was delivered in time for the 80th anniversary of the visit to the new site by King George VI. A further project is being considered for Euxton Buckshaw which you may see soon.”

County Councillor Aidy Riggott and Euxton Parish Council were keen to thank Persimmon Homes, RMG, Stuart Clewlow, J. Sharples, Runshaw College and Barratts Homes for their support and assistance in delivering this project.

Chorley & Leyland News

Euxton Parish Council’s full council meeting was held on Thursday, 16th May and it was consulted on the planning application for the proposed 24 houses on the former football pitch at Greenside.

Councillors discussed this matter at great length and has information to hand which Cllr Oddy had spent time researching. The Council unanimously voted to Object to this planning application (with a recorded vote) and the objections listed to Chorley Council against this application are as follows:

19/00361/FULMAJ Greenside application for 24 houses

Euxton Parish Council’s objections are as follows:

1. That detailed application is for 24 dwellings but the allocation in the local plan is only for 17. This is a 41% increase, an increase which will have significant detriment to existing residents of the Greenside estate in terms of traffic and parking – noting that there are very few garages or other off road parking provision on Greenside

2. Planning Policy not adhered to:
(a) Policy BNE9 (Biodiversity and Nature Conservation) seeks to ensure that Biodiversity and Ecological Network resources are protected, conserved, restored and enhanced. The policy sets out requirements all new developments must adhere to in relation to biodiversity, protection of habitats. The application falls short of this requirement.

(b) Policy BNE10 (Trees) states that proposals that would result in the loss of trees, woodland areas or hedgerows which make a valuable contribution to the landscape or setting, will not be permitted. If the benefit of the development outweighs the loss of some trees or hedgerows, replacement planting will be required; contrary to the applicants assertion that the trees are of “relatively low quality” the proposed development will see the removal of several mature oak, beech and ash specimens which contribute hugely to the local landscape, namely Ransnap Wood. Those trees nearest to Ransnap Brook also play a significant role in the biodiversity of the area and in the drainage of the area in so far as they drink a lot of rain water ensuring the stability of the bank.

(c) Policy BNE11 (Species Protection) states that any development which would have an adverse effect on a priority species will not be permitted, unless the benefits outweigh the need to maintain the population of the priority species; the trees are, bar one, all prime specimen oak trees and their removal is not justified.

85 trees (a mix of classic native specimens of oak, ash and beech) are proposed to be removed to accommodate this application! 18 categorised trees (7 Category Bs and 11 Cs) are proposed to be removed and the developer does not propose to replace these due to the small size of the site. Their proposal of planting at the front of each house does not mitigate the loss of 18 magnificent mature trees and as such contravenes Policy BNE10.

3. CS Policy 7 states that for applications proposing 15 or more dwellings that 30% of the dwellings should be affordable. That should be 8 dwellings on the site (at 24 units). The application only proposes 6 affordable units which is only a 25% share.

4. Bats – local residents advise that the area is home to a thriving colony of bats. The Arboricultural Report highlights two oak trees (scheduled for removal) as likely homes for bats.

5. The Arboricultural Report has clearly been written from a perspective of “find something detrimental to say about each tree”. These trees are mature specimens and have never been subjected to any formal management. With the exception of one fire damaged oak, they are as nature intended – beautiful, majestic trees that contribute significantly to local well being and character of the neighbourhood. To leave only one small oak and one silver birch is not in accordance with planning policy on trees, is hugely detrimental to the environment and the parish council should defend this amenity to the best of its ability.

Permission should be refused on the grounds of the inability to comply with policy BNE 9, 10 & 11 and CS Policy 7

Euxton Parish Council request that a TPO is placed on any eligible trees as per:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tree-preservation-orders-and-trees-in-conservation-areas#tree-preservation-orders–general
“Authorities can either initiate this process themselves or in response to a request made by any other party. When deciding whether an Order is appropriate, authorities are advised to take into consideration what ‘amenity’ means in practice, what to take into account when assessing amenity value, what ‘expedient’ means in practice, what trees can be protected and how they can be identified.”

The Parish Council is aware that the level of ‘affordable’ housing on the site is less than the percentage required by Chorley’s policies and this should be rectified and the Council object to this blatant disregard of Chorley’s policies by the developer.

It is noted that the environmental surveys were carried out ‘out of season’ and the surveys should be re-done ‘in season’ to establish the bat community.

Chorley & Leyland News

We recently updated everyone on the excellent recycling rates we’ve seen during lockdown but we wanted to remind the small minority of people who have been fly tipping waste that it is not acceptable – it’s disgusting, makes the place look a mess and disregards the community spirit that is seeing us through this crisis. ​​​​ ​In June alone we have dealt with 185 fly tipping cases, which is a 189% increase on the same month last year. This crime is not only harmful to the environment but costs time, money and diverts our team away from other vital services, including supporting the most vulnerable people during the pandemic.

We realise that recent times have been challenging but it’s really no excuse to fly tip especially now that the Household Waste Recycling Centre, operated by Lancashire County Council, is open. https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/waste/

We have carried out eleven successful prosecutions relating to illegal waste already and have further investigations underway and will not hesitate to act against perpetrators. If you have dumped waste illegally it won’t be long before we come knocking at your door.

Councillor Alistair Morwood, Executive Member (Public Protection) of Chorley Council  said “The current circumstances are not an excuse for people to dump waste wherever they like.

“Despite the increasing volumes of waste that our crews have had to manage during these difficult times, we have managed to maintain our essential waste collection service, but fly tipping has just added further pressure to our resources. We will look for evidence of who is responsible and will prosecute.”

If you come across a fly tip, please report this on our website: https://chorley.gov.uk/Pages/AtoZ/Clean-neighbourhoods.aspx

If you need to dispose of waste….

  • We have a comprehensive Waste & Recycling collection service. You can find out more on the following link, as well as order a waste container or sign up to our garden waste collection service and more: https://chorley.gov.uk/Pages/AtoZ/Waste-and-recycling.aspx
  • Household Recycling Centres, operated by Lancashire County Council, reopened a while ago and are now operating without appointment for cars and with an appointment system for vans or vehicles with trailers (from 10 July). You can find out further details here: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates/waste/
  • We have a large item collection service. You can book a slot via our website: https://myaccount.chorley.gov.uk/Forms/BulkywasteCollection.aspx
  • If you’re considering using an independent waste carrier, check the people taking away your rubbish are a registered to do so. Ideally, they should have a copy of their registration documents on them, ask to see these. You can check their registration number at environment.data.gov.uk/public-register, or call 03708 506506 and the Environment Agency can check for you. Any householder or business who doesn’t carry out proper checks could be prosecuted alongside the actual illegal operators.
Lancashire News

Oldham Council has submitted plans to transform a historic town hall space into an independent-style food market.

Situated in the Egyptian Rooms of the landmark Old Town Hall, the casual dining market would deliver a brand-new offer to Oldham town centre.

Featuring six food and drink concessions, it would cater for around 200 people with both inside and outside seating including a large covered al-fresco dining area on Parliament Square.

The venue proposes a similar concept and layout to existing independent food markets across Greater Manchester – with food and drink traders located on the perimeter and a central dining and socialising space. Potential stalls could include coffee, pizza and a bar.

Oldham Council has now applied for permission to redevelop the room – which was once home to the Borough Treasurer’s Rates Hall – and is in discussions with potential operators.

Cllr Sean Fielding, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “This would be an exciting new food and drink experience for Oldham and a great addition to the Old Town Hall and the fantastic businesses already based there and across the town centre.

“We’re committed to ensuring Oldham has a vibrant leisure and night-time economy and we are confident a market like this will be welcomed by residents and visitors.”

Following a £37 million redevelopment, the Grade II-listed Old Town Hall was transformed from a derelict building. It is now home to a seven-screen Odeon cinema, Nandos and Molino Lounge.

The council has submitted a bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund to support the delivery of the food market.

If successful, the funding will also support other regeneration projects across the town centre including public realm improvements and the creation of a digital start-up hub.

Cllr Fielding added: “Coronavirus has had a huge impact on Oldham – which is why it’s more important than ever to do everything we can to create investment, jobs and opportunities for people.

“We look forward to hearing the outcome of the Future High Street Fund which will enable us to deliver key regeneration projects to help our town build back better.”

Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, said: “Many residents and operators in Oldham have spoken to me about how thriving the night time economy used to be.

“I have now had many visits and very positive conversations with Cllr Sean Fielding, the Leader of Oldham Council. Sean completely understands and supports the idea of re-invigorating the sector and last year assembled a Night Time Economy Taskforce.

“Last year, during one of my visits, I was shown a very ambitious project, the Egyptian Rooms and was told about the plans to bring it to life and expand footfall into the Old Town Hall.

“Now, even during these challenging times, I’m delighted the Egyptian Rooms are progressing.

“Not only will it create many jobs but could also become a nucleus to make other independents flourish, as we have seen with food halls in other areas of Greater Manchester.”

If approved, work will begin on the Egyptian Rooms later this year with a planned opening of summer 2021.

Lancashire News

During the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a perceived increase in the use of the ‘party drug’ nitrous oxide (N20) in St Helens Borough and across the UK – evident due to the increase in related drug paraphernalia like canisters and balloons being littered in parks, open spaces and alleyways.

Now St Helens Borough Council is launching its ‘N2Othing to Laugh About’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of using the drug and rebuke those who leave drug related litter in public spaces.

Nitrous oxide is commonly known as ‘NOS’ or ‘laughing gas’. It’s a colourless gas which when used as a drug is dispensed from a small silver metal canister into a container, such as a balloon or plastic bag and inhaled from the container for a short-lived high.

Supply of nitrous oxide for recreational drug use is illegal. This means anyone found to be selling, possessing to sell, or giving away nitrous oxide to be inhaled as a drug could face up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine. It is legal to possess for personal use – but usage does come with risks.

It can cause dizziness, nausea, hallucinations and acts as a depressant. Mixing nitrous oxide with other substances increases the risks, as do underlying health conditions, and improper use. For instance, inhaling directly from the canister can cause suffocation, frostbite and even death.

Commonly used around festival scenes, its use has increased locally, in part due to the restrictions and closure of bars and clubs and its immediate accessibility.

The campaign will shed light on these risks and urge users to dispose of their litter properly.

Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:

“While legal to possess for personal use, use of nitrous oxide as a drug is by no means harmless and can carry serious risks when used improperly or mixed with other substances. Associated drug litter and anti-social behaviour blight our parks and open spaces, causing great harm to the environment and our community pride. Please consider the dangers, and consider others.”

Report drug related litter to the council’s Contact Centre online at www.sthelens.gov.uk, call 01744 676789 or through the council’s app – search ‘St Helens’ in your app store.

To discuss concerns about a young person’s nitrous oxide use or any other drug or alcohol use – call the Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Team on 01744 677990 or visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/ypdaat for support.

Lancashire News

St Helens Council is calling on residents, businesses and community groups to help identify ways of introducing enhanced spaces for people to walk and ride their bikes.

This will ensure social distancing is maintained during essential journeys and exercise during and after the coronavirus pandemic.    Since launching the ‘St Helens Liveable Streets’ consultation last week, the council has already received a good range of views on where cycling and walking facilities are needed the most – but is urging even more residents, businesses and groups to have their say online.   

It’s easy to raise an issue – just put a pin on the map to raise issues and leave a suggestion on how active travel and social distancing can be achieved.  Comments will help the council to secure emergency funding to deliver walking and cycling facilities, and support project delivery in the future. St Helens is continuing to develop it’s cycling and walking networks.

A new Toucan crossing on Boardman’s Lane is being completed this week and improvements to greenway routes at College Street is ongoing. St Helens Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, Councillor Richard McCauley, said:

“The council is committed to introducing more sustainable, healthier ways of travel in our communities – which is evident through a number of recent and ongoing road improvement schemes across the borough.  

“Whether you travel by car, bike, foot – or you live or have a business in the area – we want to hear your thoughts to help shape this ambitious project and improve transport infrastructure in our communities.” The consultation will run until Monday 31 August. To take part, visit sthelensliveablestreets.commonplace.is

Lancashire News, Lancs Sport

Entries for IRONMAN UK 2021 will open to all athletes this Thursday (July 16) at 1pm. The gruelling triathlon – made up of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, followed by a marathon – will take place in and around Bolton on July 4, 2021.

The borough has proudly hosted the IRONMAN event since 2009. Unfortunately, this year’s event could not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Leader of Bolton Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh, said: “Ironman is a huge test of endurance and one of the ultimate challenges anyone can take on.

“Our borough has been hosting this brilliant event for many years now, and we are looking forward to welcoming all our athletes and spectators.

“We hope to see everyone who was going to take part this year, and we will be working with IRONMAN to make next year’s events the best yet.”

IRONMAN UK Race Director, Sam Brawn, added: “We have been working hard to make sure that next year’s race is even bigger and better.

“We cannot wait to once again experience the thrill of racing and to welcome all the athletes and supporters to the 2021 race!”

Entries will be limited. For more information and to register visit https://www.ironman.com/im-uk-register.

Bolton will also be hosting the 5k Night Run on July 2 and IRONKIDS on July 3. 

More details about registration for these races will be released at a later date.

Lancashire News

Farnworth residents welcomed some new arrivals this week, the first of dozens of trees to be planted across the borough under Bolton Council’s Cleaner and Greener commitment.

Cabinet member Cllr Adele Warren was on hand as 20 new trees were planted in Farnworth Park on Tuesday (July 14).

The project received a grant from the Forestry Commission’s Urban Tree Challenge, which will also see trees planted in Little Lever Memorial Gardens, Queens Park and Old Station Park in Horwich.

The grant was met with £25,000 of match-funding from Bolton Council.

Bolton Council’s Cleaner and Greener commitment has seen £1.5m set aside for various projects to improve public areas and green spaces across the borough.

This includes an overall total of £150,000 for new trees across the borough, with a much bigger planting programme planned for next planting season.

Cllr Warren, the Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Delivery, said:

“Trees play an invaluable role by supporting wildlife, capturing carbon and releasing oxygen into the environment.

“These new trees will greatly improve the natural environment which has such a positive impact on the physical and mental health of our residents.

“That is why we have committed £1.5m to improving the local environment, £150,000 of which is being used to plant even more trees in our parks and public spaces.

“On top of this, we will continue to bid for extra funding from projects like the Urban Tree Challenge so we can plant as many trees as possible across Bolton.

“I am thrilled that Farnworth Park is the first to receive new trees. I hope it is just the beginning of good news for the town as we wait for the result of the Future High Streets Fund bid.”

The council’s Cleaner and Greener fund has also paid for new mowers and future initiatives include the creation of wildflower meadows and new benches and bins in parks.

Nottingham News

New council homes could take a step closer next week when plans go before Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board for approval (Tuesday 21 July).

If approved, new council homes will be developed on a former school playing field off Beckhampton Road in Bestwood and a large amount of open space will be retained for the local community to enjoy.

A total of 131 homes are proposed for the site and include 72 two-bed and 14 three-bed houses, five one-bed bungalows, five three-bed disabled access bungalows and 35 one-bed flats. All of these types of homes are in high demand in Bestwood and will go to people on the council’s waiting list.

A variety of bungalows have been included as part of the scheme. Some will provide new, fit for purpose properties which will be suitable for families with special needs, and should help reduce demand for adaptations to existing properties. It is also hoped that some of the bungalows will be suitable for tenants wishing to downsize, which will help free up larger homes for families.

All the homes will be carbon and energy efficient, and car charging points and solar panels will be provided on homes where appropriate.

Right To Buy replacement funding – the money councils receive when tenants can buy their council home at a discounted rate – will meet up to 30% of the costs for developing the new housing.

The development is subject to planning approval and so the scheme design and detail is subject to change. Nottingham City Homes which is the council’s development agent and also manage the council’s housing stock, submitted a planning application for the scheme in May.


Nick Murphy, Chief Executive at Nottingham City Homes, said: “We’ve worked with the Council to build nearly 600 new council houses in the city so far and we are committed to building even more for Nottingham people.
“There is a real need for social housing across the city. With over 9,000 local households on our waiting list, Beckhampton would provide a range of much needed genuinely affordable homes for Nottingham families if approved.”

Councillor Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing and Heritage at Nottingham City Council, said, “Helping people on the housing waiting list remains a priority for the City Council.

“Not only will this provide much-needed homes for those who need them, but building homes also encourages investment, creates jobs and helps to support local supply chain businesses, which will help aid the city’s recovery from the Coronavirus as lockdown measures are eased.

“The site in Bestwood provides an opportunity to regenerate the area and create new affordable accommodation, which meets the needs of Nottingham people waiting for a home.

“We hope to build even more homes in the future, but are looking to the Government to show greater flexibility with the rules surrounding funding in order to allow us to do this”.