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Spring 2017 Win a fantastic The UK’s first meal for two making festival YOURTurtle Bay competition n4 COUNBlackbCIurn to become a hotbedL’Sof creativity n3 BUDGET — THE FACTS

DIFFICULT decisions continue “We must remain ambitious to be made about what the and make sure that long term Council can provide for the improvement projects, such as people it serves amidst the new Cathedral Quarter, massive budget cuts. can continue. This is because A great deal of money is this type of investment leads to needed to make sure that older better job opportunities and a people and people with disabili- better standard of living for ties get the care they need and people. That’s why we are deserve when they can no long- focusing on providing these er manage themselves. We also opportunities for investors to need to provide funds to pro- come to our towns either to tect vulnerable children living in build houses or start-up busi- Blackburn with Darwen. nesses. This in turn makes it Tough decisions have been taken at the town possible for the Council to gen- There will be an increase in hall and, right, Councillor Andy Kay Council Tax from April 1 2017 of charges for police and fire ser- Plan of Action erate more income and so we 1.99% with a further 3% vices. Councillor Andy Kay, Executive can provide services.” (£1,340,300) which is to be So why can’t we do as much member for Resources said: “We Thanks to Staff spent exclusively on the delivery as we did? are constantly looking at ways “Special recognition must of Adult Social Care. The n£140million cut from the to provide good quality and go to the staff striving to Government has reduced our Council’s budget by the effective services in a cheaper deliver the best possible ser- support and assumed we will Government since 2010 way and look to ways of gener- vices with much less money increase Council Tax by these nWe have had more ating more money. Council has even when their own job is amounts. responsibilities passed to us approved a plan to help navi- under threat. We recognise The amount of Council Tax from Government gate the financial difficulties that we have also seen a phe- people pay in Blackburn and nWe have more people which we know are going to nomenal rise in people volun- Darwen remains the second wanting and needing our help continue for some years. teering to give something lowest in Lancashire. nReserve funds are at a “The fact remains that the back to the community, for The increase for the ‘average’ minimum. What we do have Council will not be able to do this we are extremely grateful household in a Band A property are already allocated and we everything it used to do, includ- as it enables delivery of some is 84p per week. must keep a minimum safe ing the services which we know services we would otherwise The amount you pay includes level. people really value and rely on. not be able to provide.” Council Tax...what you will pay Council area Valuation Bands A B C D E F G H Eccleshill Parish £1,092.73 £1,274.84 £1,456.97 £1,639.09 £2,003.34 £2,367.57 £2,731.82 £3,278.18 Livesey Parish £1,081.32 £1,261.52 £1,441.75 £1,621.97 £1,982.42 £2,342.84 £2,703.29 £3,243.94 North Turton Parish £1,086.73 £1,267.84 £1,448.97 £1,630.09 £1,992.34 £2,354.57 £2,716.82 £3,260.18 Pleasington Parish £1,079.94 £1,259.92 £1,439.92 £1,619.91 £1,979.90 £2,339.87 £2,699.85 £3,239.82 Tockholes Parish £1,098.91 £1,282.05 £1,465.21 £1,648.36 £2,014.67 £2,380.96 £2,747.27 £3,296.72 Yate and Pickup Bank Parish £1,090.82 £1,272.62 £1,454.43 £1,636.23 £1,999.84 £2,363.44 £2,727.05 £3,272.46 Darwen Town Council £1,084.96 £1,265.78 £1,446.61 £1,627.44 £1,989.10 £2,350.74 £2,712.40 £3,254.88 All other parts of the Council’s area £1,076.07 £1,255.40 £1,434.76 £1,614.10 £1,972.80 £2,331.47 £2,690.17 £3,228.20 2 Celebrating Blackburn’s women of substance International Women’s Day was celebrated in style. MOHAMMED Volunteers and organisations came up with creative ways to get KHAN messages across and celebrate. Leader of Councillor Maureen Bateson was the Council behind the community call to get behind the day. E are often told at residents She said: “The community spirit meetings that people want shown was fantastic. People really Wto know more about what got behind International Women’s the Council does and what it spends Day and used it as an opportunity its budget on. to promote important services, We are responding to your feed- highlight issues and celebrate the back by providing this Shuttle Extra achievements of local women.” publication twice a year to compli- Five inspirational women also ment the wider information that we featured on a poster campaign to share on our website and using our encourage people to think about social media platforms. This publica- International Women’s Day. tion is aimed at giving you informa- Craft work created in ‘Dreams tion about the Council services that for our Daughters’ community matter to you, whilst helping to pro- workshop decorated a tree mote the borough and sharing useful outside Blackburn Cathedral and information and events. Decibelles, part of Blackburn In February, I was delighted to be People’s Choir, gave performances. invited to the One Voice Awards din- Pop up stalls gave out information ner to present the Council Leader’s Award to a very deserving winner. in The Mall, Blackburn, and The award acknowledges people Blackburn Market. that have promoted community Other highlights were a lunch cohesion through leadership. event featuring guest speakers Chris Seddon was this year’s recipi- head of crime at Lancashire Police ent. She was nominated for her work Susannah Clarke, Anjum Anwar supporting the refugee community MBE and Margo Grimshaw. There and the Blackburn YMCA. She has were also match day activities at also served as a governor of a local Ewood Park. school for 30 years as well as volun- teering for a wide range of communi- ty activities. Chris is a worthy winner of this Your Council’s budget facts....continued from P1 award. She has done much good work over the years to promote com- munity togetherness. She has led efforts to build bridges between dif- ferent communities. Chris is one of many people in We’re building a better Blackburn with Darwen who show this borough is a friendly and neigh- bourly place to live. Of course we have challenges, most Councils do. But volunteers like Chris are doing Blackburn As a council we are committed to keeping everyone fully informed Developments designed to make town a better place to live and to do business their bit and bringing people togeth- er. The Half Fish Foundation has been appointed to manage Promoting neighbourliness is a key Daisyfield Pools priority for this Council and my pledge to people like Chris, to the Investing in our good neighbours and community groups who make Your Call happen and make this borough a better place is this – this Council will support best assets...you! you. One symptom of divided communi- IN order to make taxpayers money go further the Council has been ties is hate crime. And together we making the most of one of the borough’s best assets: its residents. must tackle it. In January, an event to Local people have stepped up and are now running two of the commemorate Holocaust Memorial borough’s leisure centres after residents told the Council keeping Day was held in the Council Chamber. them open was very important to them. I was delighted to see, once again, A community group, the Jamia Ghosia Association has taken over so many people attend and especial- the management of Audley Sports and Community Centre. ly to see the number of young peo- While the Half Fish Foundation, which delivers swimming and ple. coaching courses to the leisure industry has been appointed to man- It was a great event, one of many age Daisyfield Pools. held in Blackburn with Darwen. However we do acknowledge there Gerardine and Wayne Hemingway are bringing their vision of contemporary living is also more that we as a Council and to Blackburn indeed everyone else can do. Everyone has a role to play to THE Council is committed to boosting For example, the £40million Pennine ensure Blackburn with Darwen is free economic growth and prosperity across Reach transport scheme is designed not from hatred. the borough. only to make the town a better place to live We want the borough to remain a To do this we need to help businesses but also to do business. great place for people of all faiths grow, attract new ones to the borough and The infrastructure is intended to make it and backgrounds to continue to help get residents into work as well as mak- easier for people to travel to work by bus, to want to live, work and visit. ing the borough an attractive place for peo- reduce traffic congestion and to make I want to say thanks to the ple to come and live employment sites more accessible. Interfaith Forum and for what others The Council therefore has identified stra- Attractive new housing schemes are also have done to mark this day. tegic sites for both business and housing planned including the Greenhills develop- Finally, I would like to thank all the development across the borough and is ment which see design gurus Wayne and The Jamia Ghosia Association has taken over the community, faith and voluntary sec- working to encourage businesses and hous- Gerardine Hemingway bring their vision for management of Audley Sports and Community Centre. tor organisations and indeed all the ing developers to invest. contemporary living to Blackburn. Members are pictured here with MP Kate Hollern individuals who play their part and do an outstanding job taking respon- sibility for their neighbourhoods. To advertise in the Shuttle Extra contact the advertising team on 01254 585551 3 Make it happen at UK’s first festival of its kind May weekend means town centre turns into a The UK’s first hotbed of creativity Festival of Making is IN May Blackburn is playing host coming to to the UK’s first Festival of Blackburn Making, a free family festival celebrating makers and making. this Taking its cue from Blackburn’s summer long history of manufacturing, the and offers two-day event will showcase the something work of local craftspeople and for all of highlight the world class firms that the family base themselves here such as deco- rating giants Graham & Brown. The festival, directed by design guru Wayne Hemingway MBE, will see the town centre transformed over the weekend of May 6 and 7 into a hotbed of activity with exhi- bitions, workshops, demonstra- tions and performances all based

on Making of one kind of another. Activities on offer include print making, pottery or jewellery mak- ing as well as technology based craft sessions such as designing a young makers will have the oppor- based makers in Blackburn with pixel game using LED lights and cir- tunity to sell their wares at a special Darwen while Maker Sheds will cuit boards and creating your own teenage Market. show the results of a competition animated robot. In addition, festival-goers will be run for architecture students to Visitors can also help compose a able to see for themselves the design an innovative small struc- soundtrack for Blackburn with results of nine specially commis- ture for crafts people. music collective The Reboot sioned art works from nine artist The festival is funded by Arts Project, taking inspiration from residences at East Lancashire manu- Council England, Heritage Lottery Northern Soul and the hey days of facturers including Silentnight and Fund, Super Slow Way and Blackburn the Rave scene. Darwen Terracotta. with Darwen Borough Council. Or visit a Makers Market that will Also specially commissioned is For more information visit www. feature the best of the region’s art- Front Room Factories, a documen- festivalofmaking.co.uk and sign up ists, makers and designers while tary that looks at the army of home for the e-newsletter Making rooms is the place to go

FOR people bursting with creativity or seeking to use and gain new skills, Blackburn’s Making Rooms is the place to go. Complete with 21st Century digital ‘Fab Lab’, it offers them the chance to turn their ideas and dreams into reality - and even commercial prod- ucts. Opened in November in the for- mer Bentley’s Café Bar in Exchange Street, it offers courses in electronics and computer coding, as well work- shops in making basic products to ucts, artwork and bespoke designs. familiarise visitors with the equip- Blackburn with Darwen Council ment. recruited Dr Eddie Kirkby, previously And businesses are be invited to at the Manchester-based “It is a revolution that has really use the vast range of hi-tech Manufacturing Institute and the brought making to the forefront.” machines to develop and test proto- expert who first brought the ‘Fab There is a coffee bar and exhibi- types. Lab’ concept to Britain to be devel- tion space along with two floors of The Making Rooms offers state-of- opment leader. workspaces that will be used as incu- the-art equipment for small scale He said: “This is an outstanding bators for start-ups, training or manufacturing to entrepreneurs, facility with state of the art machin- meeting rooms, and artist studios. students, artists, schools and busi- ery that any top university would be The Making Rooms and Fab Lab is nesses. glad to have. open to the public on Fridays and The three-storey building is home “We are aiming it at everyone Saturdays, 9am -5pm and occasional to a wide range of small scale digital from students and product design- evenings. manufacturing machinery including ers, to families and people just want- It is available for business use, state-of-the-art laser and vinyl cut- ing to have a go at making some- training workshops and community ters, CNC routers and millers, CAD thing groups from Monday to Thursday modelling and design equipment, “It’s not just a hammer and nails 9am to 5pm. software design and development but the ability to do professional For a full list of workshops and facilities, and the latest high-tech 2D design and product development details on how to become a member and 3D printers to develop prod- for little or no charge. visit wwwmakingrooms.org. Follow us on Twitter @shuttlebwd or on Facebook at: facebook.com/theshuttle 4 Your views on the new look Blackburn

Blackburn born Mavis Martin Currie (35) from Ian Reynolds (58) from Ibrahim Kenar (58) from Caroline Smith (28) from Michelle Brooks (51) from Hargreaves (76) from Darwen said: “Blackburn is Huncoat said: “It’s the first Audley said: “I really like Manchester said: “It is the Audley said: “The town Oswaldtwistle said: “I think a lot better and more open. time I’ve been in the centre the town centre now after first time I’ve been here for centre is certainly a lot the developments have “I have real hopes for since the developments all of the work and enjoy a while. The bus station is better and smarter. I really really made a difference Darwen Town centre which were completed. coming. so much better than the old like the new bus station but for the better. The new bus has a really good nightlife “I find it really spacious and “There are lot of new shops Boulevard shelters and the I wish it was closer to the station is really good.” experience.” welcoming.” to go to and things to do.” whole centre feels vibrant.” railway station.” The ever changing face of borough’s boom towns

AT its height at the end of the nThe ‘Italianate’ Blackburn 19th Century, Blackburn and Town Hall was completed in Darwen’s Victorian town centres 1856. were a wonder to behold, built nBlackburn’s Parish Church of on the wealth ‘King Cotton’ had St Mary granted Cathedral brought. Status in 1926. nTh In the following century the e Cathedral’s new £6million ‘Clergy Court’ of decline of the textile industry was clerical accommodation and reflected in these areas. offices is the first built at an Now 20 years of hard work is English Cathedral for 550 years. close to completing new heart- nThe 1905 Queen Victoria beats for the borough which will Statue has been refurbished see a 21st Century future emerge and the much-photographed with the area’s heritage and his- grandmother and child statue moved a few tory an integral part of the revi- hundred yards towards the railway station. talised town centres. nOne Cathedral Square office Already the £34million block at centre of £34 million Cathedral Quarter has replaced Cathedral Quarter the old bus station in The development now has three Boulevard. of its five floors occupied and The cathedral now has a ‘clergy the two others set for summer occu court’ of offices and accommoda- pation. nFive new restaurants/cafes – tion worthy of its medieval coun- Thyme, Turtle Bay, Café terparts around Britain. Northcote, Subway and Café Northcote faces the Nando’s – now operating Premier Inn, already beating either side of Blackburn occupancy predictions, with the railway station. Thyme and recently-opened nHeritage Lottery Grant of Turtle Bay restaurants. £1.5million made for £3million Townscape With the sixth floor of the One Heritage Project for Northgate/Blakey Moor Cathedral Square office block area. soon to be occupied, the public nBusinesses locating in the transport infrastructure has also project area entitled to joined the modern world. The Cathedral Quarter is a jewel in the crown on Blackburn, while, clockwise from top, Darwen Market is booming, TV star Patrick business rate discounts and A £5million bus station near The Grant is a keystone of the scheme, Blackburn’s bus station is stunning and the Drummers’ Arms is popular. Inset, Phil Riley grant incentives under a Mall has opened and the railway special ‘Tackling Empty Pr station is under refurbishment to The decision to close the Three The Townscape Heritage Project Exchange are advancing and national competion when it was operties’ strategy. Day Market and move traders to named ‘Town Centre of the Year nNew scheme for accompany the upgraded services aims to restore and refurbish up Nando’s has opened in the Vue replacement of the the Annex and main Six Day 2016’ and ‘Winner of Winners’ in now and trackwork between to 25 historic properties, create a Cinema complex. vacant Three Day Market Hall Manchester and Clitheroe. Market Hall in October went new civic space and bring empty Cllr Phil Riley, executive member the Great British High Street in Darwen being prepared by Darwen has not been forgotten smoothly and resulted in a ‘best properties back into commercial for regeneration, said: “I think vis- Awards and also proudly scooped council and partners as part with its splendid Victorian build- ever’ Christmas period for stall- use. itors and residents can’t fail to be a NW Britain in Bloom Gold of town centre plan. ings, thriving night life and new holders. TV Sewing Bee judge Patrick impressed by the changes that award. n£40million Pennine Reach heritage centre. In Blackburn, a £3million partly Grant’s Community Clothing is are taking place in the towns Working in partnership with public transport scheme now Heritage Lottery-funded traders, investors and residents, speeding up buses between A survey of traders showed a already in place in Lord Street which are key to making them Blackburn Townscape Heritage Project cen- hopes are high that two great Town Centre and high level of confidence in its West as a keystone of the scheme. places that are attractive to live, Accrington and Darwen, retail present and future with tred on the Northgate New independent businesses work and invest in.” town centres of the past can be nNew multi-million new additions including the Cin Conservation Area includes major moving into Blackburn town cen- When the two centres were the model of how to create new development under way Cin cocktail bar, Sunbird Records, refurbishment of Blakey Moor tre include The Drummers’ Arms built in the 1800s there were no urban hubs of the future building around Wainwright Way on Eddies, the Taps Bar and Freedom and improvements to King and Tiki Monkey cocktail bar. prizes on offer but in December on and enhancing their history edge of Blackburn town Organics. George’s Hall frontage. Plans for the former Cotton Blackburn won double gold in a and heritage. centre. Win a meal for two at Blackburn’s new Caribbean restaurant Turtle Bay Blackburn’s Cathedral Quarter has Caribbean has to offer. To win one of five meals for you Email your answer to shuttle@ brought a vibrant and delicious It’s beach hut style restaurant with and a guest including starter and a blackburn.gov.uk with your name Caribbean dining and drinking a contemporary twist has main course plus a cocktail please and a telephone number we can experience to the town. transported diners to altogether answer the question below. use to contact you. The five Turtle Bay opened in February, 2017 more tropical climes and has helped Question winning entrants will be selected at and is all about celebrating the to enhance an area which is What month did Turtle Bay in random. lively, colourful, soulful and, above becoming the jewel in Blackburn’s Blackburn open its doors to See www.Blackburn.gov.uk for full all, delicious experiences that the crown. the public? terms and conditions. 55 Your chance to honour a hero in your neighbourhood

Good neighbours make The winners of last year’s Blackburn with Darwen Good Neighbours awards and, a better place to live right, Nathan Pugh receives his award from David Duncan and ONCE again this year ‘Good Mohammed Khan Neighbours’ and unsung heroes that make Blackburn with Darwen a better place to live will be celebrated. The fifth annual search to find and hail the people who make a difference promises to be bigger than ever. Since the Good Neighbours Awards, which sprung out of the council’s ‘Your Call Campaign’ to involve residents more in its work, were launched in 2013 they have become part of the fabric of the borough. The awards ceremony has cele- brated a range of super-citizens ranging from seven-year-old Nathan Pugh who litter picks regu-

together the people and communi- year’s leisure membership at larly, through to community volun- ties of the two towns. re:fresh gyms or tickets to the King teers to Your Call and Just Good As the years have passed, grow- George’s Hall panto. Friends’ own songbird Joyce ing numbers of sponsors have seen Successive political party leaders, Kearton. the awards further enhanced. including former Prime Minister Every year sees dozens of nomi- They have included the David Cameron, have endorsed the nations flood in from residents to Lancashire Telegraph, Community initiative, as epitomising the spirit highlight the work of neighbours, Integrated Care, Blackburn with of Britain. friends and community workers Darwen Clinical Commissioning Other winners have included Joe who quietly work to make people’s Group, Capita, McDonald’s and Lightbown, 17, who has spent hun- lives and areas better. Blackburn Rovers. dreds of hours helping his neigh- If Your Call started as a way of Spectacular prizes have included bour who has Alzheimer’s Disease the council involving borough resi- a meal for two at Ewood Park, a as well as community event arrang- dents more in its activities as budg- £150 voucher for Stanley House er Janice O’Malley and Zara ets tightened, the Good Hotel and Spa in Mellor, £50 Mall Hussain, 20, rewarded for her dedi- Neighbours Awards have shown shopping vouchers, a Wimbledon cation in setting up the One Voice how the campaign has cemented tennis championships break, and a Blackburn Scouting group. School stars honoured

ONCE again this year the cream of East Lancashire’s teachers, pupils, schools and support staff will be The celebrated at the Lancashire winners Telegraph’s Schools Awards. at last Last year’s ceremony at Stanley year’s House Hotel and Spa, Mellor, was Schools one of the best yet and this year’s Awards promises to be even better and, Everyone involved in education, inset, from pupils through inspiring teach- ers and heads to unsung heroes who Cllr Dave make an impact will be celebrated. Harling Once again we expect hundreds of of teachers, pupils and support staff “The awards are also a chance to nominations from schools and col- working so hard to make the state of give thanks to those who have leges in Blackburn, Darwen, education in East Lancashire the best helped and supported pupils to Hyndburn, Ribble Valley, Burnley, it can be. achieve the fantastic results we have Pendle, Rossendale and Chorley. “Since we launched these awards seen throughout the year.” The awards are supported by we have never ceased to be sur- Award categories include: Blackburn with Darwen Council and prised and touched by the nomina- Inspirational Teacher; Primary School a host of other key players including tions.” of the Year; Primary Head Teacher of UCLan. Cllr Dave Harling, Blackburn with the Year; Primary School Pupil of the The judges in each category sift Darwen Council executive member Year; Secondary School of the Year; through to find the eventual win- for education, said: “These awards Secondary Head Teacher of the ners who were all going the extra are a brilliant opportunity to cele- Year; Secondary School Pupil of the mile in very different ways. brate all the hard work put in by Year; Special School of the Year; Fran Winrow, Head of Content at school staff and pupils who have Special School Pupil of the Year; the Lancashire Telegraph, said: excelled in many different ways over Unsung Hero; and Lifetime “There are so many fantastic stories the course of the year. Achievement. Follow us on Twitter @shuttlebwd or on Facebook at: facebook.com/theshuttle 6 Win panto tickets Leading KING George’s Hall, Blackburn, is simple question. offering you a chance to win four Beauty and the Beast is a tra- the way tickets to the fairy tale Beauty and ditional fairy tale but which the Beast. country did it originate from? STAGEWORKS Worldwide A: ENGLAND, B: AMERICA, C: Productions will return to King FRANCE forward George’s Hall in December, 2017 for To enter please email with the its take on the classic tale – Beauty subject title Beauty and the Beast and the Beast. competition to: shuttle@blackburn. in care True to panto form, there will be gov.uk goodies and baddies, singing, danc- The performance will take place ing, acrobatics, and plenty of at King Georges Hall on Sunday, DID you know that Blackburn with magic. December 10 at 1pm. Darwen is leading the way when it All you need to do to be in with a To see full terms and conditions comes to providing high quality chance of winning is answer this visit the King George’s Hall website. adult care facilities for people from the borough and beyond? Opened in May 2016 on the site of Blackburn’s former Royal Infirmary, EachStep Blackburn is a pioneering £5million specialist dementia care service that has been recognised as Plea to find more foster Britain’s best. The home has been developed in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council by Community Integrated Care with the aim of delivering the highest standards of families across borough specialist dementia care and creating a hub for the local community. Elsewhere in the borough, a new MORE foster carers are urgently £12million housing development needed to help care for children in Blackburn with Darwen. Foster families are being sought, specifically for older children, sib- ling groups and children with disa- bilities and complex needs. Foster carers make a real differ- ence to children’s lives, providing a stable loving home with the sup- port and encouragement they need to flourish and do well. Cllr Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said: “For some people, fostering is a way of giving something back to the community. For others, it’s a rewarding career that fits well with family life. “Because we’re a local authority fostering service, you’ll know you’re helping local children and you can be sure of regular place- ments, especially if you’re consid- ering fostering as an alternative to EachStep manager Phil Benson traditional employment. “Fostering is really rewarding for older people in Darwen has role and I would urge anybody recently been given a new name. who has thought about it before The 85-home Housing with Care to get in touch and talk to us scheme will be named Riverside about the opportunities.” Heights and will include 34 There are currently 370 children adjoining two-bedroom bungalows Fostering campaigners show their support with a giant selfie on the newly-named Shorey Bank living in care in the borough, many while Joan Connelly, right, is a dedicated foster carer of whom need a loving foster way. home. been awarded the Investing in being held on May 25, 2017 at The development is a partnership Grandma Joan Connelly, 70, Children Award for its “imagina- 5.30pm. between Together Housing, from Darwen, is a dedicated foster tive” work with children. Our information evening will Blackburn with Darwen Borough carer who is helping to change the Fostering is a professional role offer you a chance to find out Council and Keepmoat. lives of children across the bor- with extensive training and ongo- more about the different types of And another specialist ough. ing support. Carers are provided a fostering. development for older people is Joan, who has four children and generous weekly allowance plus The session will provide more planned to open next year seven grandchildren of her own, expenses. information about the practicali- The project will provide 92 self- said: “I’ve fostered a real variety of If you have young children at ties, and you can meet others contained apartments on the site of children and absolutely love all of school and want to work from involved in the process. It’s being the former Albion Mill in Ewood, them, they are so much fun and in home, you’ve got an ‘empty nest’ held Livesey Children’s and All Age Blackburn. some ways they are what keeps or spare room, or you are current- Centre, Andrew Street, Blackburn. Facilities will be included to me young. ly not working and looking for a BB2 4NU. There’s no need to pre- provide short-term intermediate “It can be hard work at times new job, fostering could be the book. care for people to prevent but it’s your job to support them ideal solution. For more information visit: unplanned hospital or long-term and show them the right way.” To find out more about foster- www.letsfoster.co.uk or ring 0800 care admissions. The Council has also recently ing, an information evening is 328 6919. 7 A Voice for all at awards ceremony A weighty issue VOLUNTEERS and supported by Blackburn awards presented on the community workers were College, HPA Solicitors, evening. honoured at the 1V Humraaz Women’s Refuge, The Annual Dinner also WORK is being done to help people become healthier and Community Champion NHS England and Blackburn included a speech from Awards. The awards were with Darwen Borough Sayyed Osman, Director more active in Blackburn and Darwen as part of a held in association with Council. of Bwd Council who spoke commitment to promote healthy weight. the One Voice Annual The 1V Community about the importance of Initiatives such as encouraging schools to incorporate a daily Dinner. Awards saw some of the female empowerment one-mile run into their timetables and becoming a sugar-smart The One Voice Annual best work in the commu- and women’s involvement borough, which looks at what can be done at home, schools, Dinner was sponsored and nity celebrated with six in leadership roles. shops, restaurants and cafes to tackle the issue of having too much sugar in diets, are just some of the ideas to be devel- oped. The Council is signing The commitments the Council is up to a national Local making as part of its declaration Can you help to spring Authority Declaration on on healthy weight... Healthy Weight which contains twelve commit- nWorking towards becoming a ‘sugar ments that all Local smart’ and ‘breastfeeding-friendly’ Authorities who sign-up borough. agree to pursue. The move is part of a nWorking with primary schools to clean your community? introduce the ‘Mile a Day’ initiative three-year ‘Eat Well, and Couch to 5k in secondary schools. Move More, Shape Up’ plan which is designed to nSupporting childcare establishments on plans around healthy food and Your Call groups braced encourage residents to physical activity. for action in a bid to move more, eat well and maintain a healthy nDeveloping ante and postnatal keep the streets clean weight. exercise programmes. The plan aims to nCreating a network to look at the PEOPLE across Blackburn and encourage positive life- issue of food poverty Darwen are being encouraged to style changes that enable help tidy up their areas and make local people to improve the borough gleam. their health and wellbe- The Council is calling on as many ing by supporting an environment where physical activity and people as possible - community healthy eating is the easy choice for everyone throughout groups, schools and groups of their lives. friends and neighbours – to help It encourages partnership working amongst health, commu- make a real difference and band nity and voluntary organisations from across the borough and together for litter picks, tidy ups links to national campaigns such as Sport England’s ‘This Girl and clean ups as part of the Can’ and Public Health England’s ‘One You’ and a full public Council’s Your Call campaign. launch will take place in the near future. Among the first to get cleaning The plan comes on the back of news that Blackburn with were a group tidying up the area Darwen residents are making the borough the most active it around Bank Top Learning Centre, has ever been, according to a new national survey. along with helpful pupils from St The Council’s re:fresh programme alongside work from Barnabas Primary School. many community groups in the borough, including the Couch The group is led by Blackburn to 5k, Witton Parkrun and Darwen Running Group, have all played a significant part in promoting good physical health in recent years. Volunteers at a clean-up in Bank Top 6 helped fill bags of rubbish at the friends, action on road safety and litter pick, and were joined by much more. Councillor Mohammed Khan, lead- Anyone interested in a clean-up er of Blackburn with Darwen in their area can receive a free pack Council. of clean up supplies including high- Could you organise a clean-up? vis jackets, litter pickers, and even Councillor Khan said: “Your Call is tea bags for a relaxing rest and a still going strong and it is great to cuppa after all the hard work. see community groups and young For more information please con- people getting out and helping to tact: man Wayne Dixon, who started his make their communities a better nEast Blackburn - Michelle campaign with a clean up along place for everybody. Rutherford 01254 507720 michell. the canal from Cherrytree to Mill “Organising a clean-up is a won- [email protected] Hill in February 2016, and was derful thing to do and it is made a nDarwen and Rural - Rosemary helped along with free supplies of lot easier with the Your Call packs Molyneux Rosemary.Molyneux@ Your Call equipment. which have all the equipment you blackburn.gov.uk Since then Wayne has become an need. I hope more people choose nWest Blackburn - Emma Coster ambassador for Keep Britain Tidy to give it a go.” 01254 581175 or 266370 or email and has given talks to lots of Your Call brings people together [email protected] schools along the way, including St across Blackburn and Darwen to Or go to the Your Community Barnabas’s, talking to children make their communities better, Your Call pages at the Council’s about the impact of littering. brighter and cleaner. It is not just website which can be found at As well as Wayne’s group, 20 St about street clean-ups, but also www.blackburn.gov.uk Barnabas students from year 5 and looking out for neighbours and Fines and cameras tackle fly-tipping

HUNDREDS of pounds CCTV also captured dumping rubbish, furniture ing out these irresponsible worth of fines have been waste being removed from and white goods. acts are being caught and handed out to people the yard of a property on People caught on camera fined. It is disgusting caught fly-tipping in Olive Lane, Darwen and will have to pay a £300 behaviour and people Blackburn and Darwen. dumped in the back street. fine, rising to £400 if not caught doing it deserve to CCTV cameras have been The offender was also paid within 10 days. If this face punishment. installed at locations across fined £300. is not paid, offenders will “It is a massive drain on the borough to crack down The cameras were be taken to court, where the Council as the clean- on people dumping rub- brought in last November fines of up to £50,000 can ups cost a lot of money, bish in back streets and to catch people fly-tipping be imposed. Vehicles will which could be used for areas of land. and blighting the borough be seized, too, if they are vital services elsewhere. Culprits have been with dumped rubbish. shown to be used for “The CCTV cameras are caught leaving household Offenders are being dumping. doing their job and I hope waste on Vale Street, warned that they could Repeat offenders could the news of these fines Blackburn. even face a prison sentence also face a prison sentence makes people think twice A Council officer investi- if payment is not made. of up to five years. about dumping rubbish on gated and reviewed the The cameras are being Cllr Jim Smith, Executive our streets, or they could CCTV system to obtain evi- piloted near Olive Lane in Member for Environment end up paying a big price.” dence. The offender was Darwen and near Rockliffe at Blackburn with Darwen interviewed where the Street in Blackburn with Council, said: nIf you have seen any fly- footage was shown and more due to be installed. “Fly-tipping is a real tipping or want to report Fixed Penalty Notice was They have been set up in blight in our borough and I it, please call the Council issued for £300. the area to catch people am glad that people carry- on 01254 585921. Follow us on Twitter @shuttlebwd or on Facebook at: facebook.com/theshuttle 8 Spreading a New free vital smoke recycling free message collection across the borough for clothes BLACKBURN with Darwen Council and electrics has installed new smokefree signs on play areas in public parks, A NEW free recycling collection service has schools and children’s centres been launched for all residents in Blackburn across the borough. and Darwen to help people recycle unwanted Local school children aged 4-6 clothing, textiles and small electrical items. were invited to take part in a com- The scheme has been launched to prevent petition to design a no-smoking people putting electrical items and textiles into poster to go on the signs them- their grey bin. selves. This type of waste has a long and environ- Three designs from Shadsworth mentally toxic life-span. Infants School were chosen, with Disposing of this waste properly, is not only the winning drawings created by important for the environment, but also ena- Darina Salimova, Jessica Durnan bles the components and materials used within and Emilila Paukstayte, all aged the appliances to be recycled, and maybe even seven. reused. The project follows work by the Since the scheme was launched in January in Council’s Public Health team partnership with Biffa, thousands of items have around smokefree outdoor spac- Shadsworth Infants School pupils Darina Salimova, Jessica Durnan and Emilila Paukstayte with Jacqui Evans, already been recycled and diverted from going es. Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Public Health Development Manager to landfill. Cllr Arshid Mahmood, Executive Member for Neighbourhood and Prevention Services, said: “Recycling is becoming more and more popular and by making this door-step scheme available to residents, it will help save money for essen- Your views on ward tial council services such as elderly care and help to prevent fly tipping. “I encourage everyone to make use of this free service.” Here is some useful information to help you recycle your textiles and electrical items correct- boundary consultation ly.

THE Local Government Boundary Commission is running a public consultation on ward boundaries in Blackburn and Darwen. It will see the number of Council wards reduce from 23 to 17. This will also see the number of Councillors go from 64 to 51. The consultation: nIs run by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, the aim of the review is to recommend ward boundaries that mean each councillor represents approximately the same number of What textiles can you recycle? voters. nClothing nAims to make sure that the areas nCurtains reflect the interests and identities of nSheets, pillow cases, duvets covers and throws local communities as well as nHats & Gloves promoting effective local nOld or worn textiles government and councillors. nShoes and boots (paired) The Council cannot take its own nTowels decisions on size or warding arrange- Pease make sure all items can fit into a plastic ments and must submit its proposals carrier bag and all items are clean and dry. to the Commission at every stage. The Commission will then consider What small electrical items can you and determine the proposals based recycle? on its own assessment of relevant nBatteries – household, mobile phone and factors. laptop batteries in a sealable/tied up small bag Members of Blackburn with nIrons, kettles, toasters and other kitchen Darwen Council agreed at a meeting appliances of Council Forum in October 2016 the nMobiles phones, remote controls, cameras wards would be reduced from 23 to and chargers 17 by 2018. nPower tools, hairdryers, clippers, straighteners and smoke detectors The 17 new ward proposals are: nRadios, CD/MP3 players, clocks, calculators nAudley and Queens Park and torches nBastwell and Daisyfield nSmall electrical toys nBillinge and Beardwood Please make sure all items fit into a clear plas- tic carrier bag. nBlackburn South East A public consultation on the new an order will be laid before change to the Blackburn nBlackburn South and Lower draft warding recommendations will Parliament in October 2017 for imple- Parliamentary Constituency. run from April 11th to June 19th 2017 The following electrical items cannot Darwen mentation in the all-out elections of If the plans are approved, the be recycled nCentral this will include suggestions to the May 2018. Blackburn constituency, which is rep- nDarwen East Commission for new ward names nCar batteries For more information on the ward resented by MP Kate Hollern, would nComputer monitors and TVs nDarwen Rural that reflect the community they rep- changes and the consultation go to: include the Fernhurst ward, which is nDarwen South resent nFluorescent tubes and light bulbs https://www.lgbce.org.uk/current- currently a part of the Rossendale nLaptops and printers nLittle Harwood and Whitebirk A final decision by the Local reviews/north-west/lancashire/ and Darwen constituency. nLivesey with Pleasington Government Boundary Commission nLarge appliances blackburn-and-darwen For more information about the nMicrowaves nMill Hill and Moorgate for England and recommendation to A consultation from the proposed changes visit the Boundary nRoe Lee the Government will be made on Independent Boundary Commission Commission’s website at www. nShear Brow and Corporation Park September 5th 2017, following which When recycling your items simply put a carrier for England is also taking place on a bce2018.org.uk bag (no black bags or charity sacks) by the side of your grey recycling bin only on the day of your collection. The recycling crew will remove To advertise in the Shuttle Extra contact the advertising team on 01254 585551 your items including your bag. 9 Your Get into gear as a volunteer driver VOLUNTEER car drivers are being Hours are flexible and volunteers will Blackburn Cemetery at Pleasington. In recruited to help people living in receive full training, support and light of recent reductions to public libraries Blackburn and Darwen get to expenses. transport subsidies, the scheme pro- appointments and other activities. Currently operating in parts of vides a useful and flexible door-to-door Blackburn with Darwen Borough Lancashire, RVS are expanding into alternative. Council is in a working partnership with Blackburn with Darwen and the Ribble Volunteers can give as little or as Home Delivery Service the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) to Valley, assisting trips to Royal Blackburn much time as they wish, whatever fits bring their Voluntary Community Hospital, Local GP Surgeries and around other commitments. A dedicated team of nine volunteers Transport Service into the borough. Shopping destinations. If you can spare some time to be a deliver and collect books and talking The scheme works by recruiting vol- The service will cater for those with new volunteer driver, register your books to those who are not able to unteer drivers who can give somebody mobility issues and areas with limited interest by contacting the Royal visit the library through disability or a lift, providing an opportunity for vol- users. The service is looking for confi- public transport. Voluntary Service via email at age. unteers to offer additional assistance, dent, calm drivers with a clean drivers The new service will initially focus on LancashireHub@royalvoluntaryservice. The service they provide is often support and encouragement to service licence and have use of their own car. providing transport for visitors to org.uk described as a lifeline by users, particularly for those customers who don’t have many visitors, as the volunteers will spend some time with each customer, chatting, listening and passing the time of day. In a society where loneliness is a real threat to health and well-being the Home Library Service volunteers make a real difference.

IT and learning

A small team of volunteers who support learners to use IT and develop skills to support the use of email, internet use, job seeking, online buying and Microsoft Office packages. For some this support has been life changing in that it has helped people to keep in touch with friends and families via social media or given them the confidence and ability to apply for work online. Cllr Damian Talbot Community History with some of the volunteers outside A dedicated and knowledgeable the centre group of volunteers are helping to organise, research and make accessible the borough’s local history resources. Their work includes, writing articles, research, organisation and indexing of maps, IN BRIEF image scanning, audio digitisation, supporting library users with their Volunteers come local and family history enquiries – New courses some of which come in via email or letter from as far away as Australia on offer for and New Zealand. Stephen Smith, alias Mr Cotton residents Town, regularly spends over 15 hours per week in the library to the fore with working on the borough’s digital A variety of courses are being archive of local history, this in run at venues across the bor- addition to countless hours of ough with the aim of helping research he completes at home. adults improve their work prospects whilst learning new Community Libraries plans for centre skills. All of the courses listed are Livesey Library open to anyone aged 19 or A committed group who in addition Group steps forward to take on management of Greenfield Community Centre over. to running the library on a daily Log on to www.bwdlearning. basis have also set up regular story org or call 01254 507720 to and rhymetime sessions, a monthly tise the range of projects they can deliv- GREENFIELDS Community Centre is request a copy of the brochure book club and have organised two now being run by a new group of er. coffee mornings raising £700 for volunteers with big plans. East Lancs Umbrella Society volunteer of courses due to start in April Macmillan Cancer. They are now A group of volunteers have stepped Wendy Howarth said: “This is a great 2017. looking into developing a regular forward to manage Greenfields local community centre and we can’t Dementia Café for those living with Community Centre on Green Lane, wait to get started. the condition and their carers. Blackburn, after the Council put out a “We really want to add to the activities Town gallery call for new groups. and get everyone in the community Mill Hill Library The new management is a group of vol- involved. explores The small group of very dedicated unteers called East Lancs Umbrella “Anyone who wants to volunteer is volunteers is growing in size and in Society. very welcome, the more the merrier! India link ambition. Forthcoming events The group runs weekly activities for “There is something for everyone at include the set-up of a regular people from all ages and needs, and the Greenfields and we want to make it the Blackburn Museum and Art weekly storytime on Thursdays at name ‘umbrella’ is to bring everyone centre of the community here. Just pop Gallery is hosting a new exhibi- 11am and the piloting of a course to under a ‘shelter’ and support all people. in and ask us about what’s on or volun- tion exploring the many ties help customers who are interested All their sessions will be moving to teering.” binding Britain and India. in researching their family history. Greenfields Community Centre. Councillor Damian Talbot, Blackburn Called India’s Gateway, it The group are also interested in East Lancs Umbrella Society is a large with Darwen Council’s Executive depicts life in both Gujarat and running Dementia Café and are group of volunteers led by Wendy and Member for Culture, Leisure and Young Mumbai, areas that through working alongside the Livesey Bob Howarth, who are passionate and People, said: “This group has a real pas- trade and migration have devel- sion for Greenfields Community centre Library volunteer to explore committed to develop the centre for the oped strong links with the UK opportunities. Councillor Damian Talbot and I am sure they are going to throw benefit of the local community. especially East Lancashire The group will take over from April 1, themselves into the running of the cen- Roman Road Library 2017, but will start handover in March. of local people. tre. through the textile industries of The partnership arrangement with Meetings are being held with all groups Greenfields was formerly run by H F “It is a fantastic place for so many peo- the past. Blackburn with Darwen Healthy and organisations that use the centre Trust, but the group gave its notice due ple and I am sure that will continue.” The photographic and multi- Living Community Integrated Care and the volunteers have lots of ideas and to funding challenges in adult social care For more information call the centre on media exhibition runs until July and their volunteers has enabled an hope to run new activities for the benefit which has meant they have to re-priori- 01254 201027. 25. increase in library opening hours and a packed programme of community events. For more information about Council news visit www.theshuttle.org.uk 10

THE contest for the third annual Hive Blackburn and In Brief Darwen Business Awards is under way. Nominations are being Children are sought to celebrate the very best of business in the bor- hungry for fun ough. Led by the Hive Business Much loved children’s book The Leader’s Network, the awards Very Hungry Caterpillar has been will take place on Wednesday, made into a stage production and May 10, at King George’s Hall. is coming King George’s Hall on Khalid Saifullah, chairman of Tuesday, April 11. Hive and director of manufac- The book by illustrator Eric Carle turing firm Star Tissue UK, said: was published in 1969 selling more “The awards are back for 2017 than 41 million copies worldwide and are a great chance for busi- and has delighted generations of nesses, organisations and indi- readers. viduals to shout about what Now the timeless classic makes its they do and celebrate the way off the page and onto the extraordinary people working stage and features a menagerie of for them. 75 lovable puppets. “The Hive Business Leaders Tickets are £13 for adults and £11 Network are looking forward for children. More information to receiving entries and cele- www.kinggeorgeshall.com brating with everyone on the night.” Finalists face a rigorous judg- Made In ing process to pick the great Launching the awards are, from left, Ian Richardson, Mohammed Khan, Nicola Clayton and Khalid Saifullah from the host of entries by Blackburn firms, big and small, across a range of categories. Blackburn-born Tez Ilyas is one of On offer are a range of the UK’s most exciting rising stars awards, including titles for and is heading out on his first those that showed the most Hive awards give nationwide tour with his show creativity, manufacturing excel- Made In Britain. lence and high growth, as well The comedian achieved phenom- as young entrepreneur and enal success with his debut stand young employee for individu- up show Tez Talks that was adapt- als. ed into a series for BBC Radio 4 Last year saw two special enjoyed a sell out run at the recipients; the Hive Chairman’s a buzz to business Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Award, won by Darwen-based He is appearing at King Georges soft furnishing firm Hebert Hall on April 23. Tickets £12, con- Parkinson, and the Arte et cessions £10. More information at Labore award, won by Canon external engagement at them to get deserved recogni- leader, said: “Entrepren-eurship Other categories include The www.kinggeorgeshall.com Andrew Hindley of Blackburn Blackburn College, said: “We tion for their achievements and and innovation is something to Newcomer Award, The Family Cathedral. are delighted to be a headline what they do for Blackburn and be championed and celebrated. Business Award, The Buzz Presented in association with sponsor of these awards for the Darwen.” “The council is delighted to be Award, The Investing in Skills A chance to Blackburn College, Capita and third year. Ian Richardson, regional supporting the awards which Award, The Innovation Award, Blackburn with Darwen “Many of the borough’s busi- director at Capita, said: “We act as a showcase for the best The Made in Blackburn and get crafty nesses work closely with us, as are proud to be sponsoring for of our high performing local Darwen Manufacturing Award, Borough Council, the contest is Free art and craft sessions are held open to businesses, organisa- indispensable partners who the third year running. businesses.” The Creative and Digital help us provide a vibrant and “They are a fantastic oppor- There are 14 awards in total; Award, The International every Saturday at Blackburn tions and individuals across 14 Museum and Art Gallery. categories. purposeful curriculum. They tunity to develop closer rela- including the Hive Chairman’s Achievement Award and The provide vital recruitment tionships with local businesses Award and the Arte et Labore Commitment to Blackburn and The craft sessions are drop-in and Entries are now open, with a are aimed at children from toddler deadline of Friday, March 31, at opportunities and contribute and shout from the rooftops Award as well as the The Darwen Award. to the growth and prosperity of about the great things they are Business Person of the Year Full entry details are available at age to 12 years. All children must www.hivebusinessawards.co.uk be supervised by an adult. Nicola Clayton, director of our economy.” bringing to our local economy.” Award and The Young the awards website at www.hive- “This is a great chance for Cllr Mohammed Khan, council Employee Award. businessawards.co.uk. The crafts will take about 20-30 business development and minutes and the children can take home whatever craft they make. DashCams to target anti-social drivers www.blackburnmuseum.org.uk

BLACKBURN with Darwen Councillor Arshid “I am impressed by the focus Right outside Borough Council supported by the Mahmood shows that the Council is placing on road Pennine Lancashire Road Safety off a DashCam safety in Blackburn with Darwen of the box Partnership is looking for residents and we too will play our part with An award winning and unusual of the borough to volunteer to enforcement campaigns, educa- adaptation of Jane Austen’s help target anti-social drivers. tion and community engagement. Northanger Abbey is coming to The pilot project has been We are evaluating red traffic light Darwen Library Theatre on Friday, launched in response to increasing technology in the area as well, April 7. concerns from residents and busi- with the support of the Council nesses who have witnessed poor, and Road Safety Partnership.” Theatre company, Box Tale inconsiderate or anti-social driving. Executive Member of Prevention Soup’s version of the classic fea- Volunteers who drive a car regu- & Localities Cllr Arshid Mahmood, tures a cast of just two human per- larly in Blackburn and Darwen and said: “Blackburn with Darwen formers and seven hand made who live in the borough are wel- Borough Council and its partners puppets. come to support us by volunteer- recognise that the vast majority of Previous acting credits of the cast ing. Full training and support will residents and visitors want to use include The Hour, Game of Thrones be available. the road network to get from A to and Dr Who. If you would like to have a Dash- B safely. Tickets are £9, concs £7. More Cam installed, please contact the “Unfortunately there are a information at www.darwenlibrar- Council’s Community Safety Team minority that are putting road ytheatre.com at: communitysafety@blackburn. users and pedestrians at unneces- gov.uk or ring 01254 585512. sary risk. It has the support of the Pennine “Technology is moving on and Road Safety Partnership and Council can recover the footage, the public and our partners, so need to develop our systems and becoming ever more affordable, Don’t miss Lancashire Constabulary and is together with a statement from any scheme that could help make processes for the wider use of vehi- giving us the opportunity to help intended to make the roads of the volunteer, which will then be Lancashire’s roads safer is interest- cle based camera footage. residents capture footage of anti- Chantel show Blackburn with Darwen safer by reviewed by a police or council ing to us. “Whilst this scheme is very much social, inconsiderate or careless Singer-songwriter Chantel targeting the minority taking officer. They will take a decision “The Lancashire Road Safety focussed on the use of civil powers driving. We can then respond McGregor is fresh from her 2016 unnecessary risks. on any action that is appropriate Partnership is committed to work- available to the Council in relation using the full powers available to UK and European tour and is For those offering to take part in to take. The equipment is loaned ing closely with the Council in eval- to anti-social driving, I am keen to both the police and council and embarking on an exclusive solo to any volunteer for a period of up the initiative, Blackburn with uating the potential for further develop ways of using the footage either educate or enforce against acoustic tour. Darwen Council will install a to three months and is then those who are careless or reck- police involvement and support as to support police prosecutions and Chantel will be appearing at DashCam in the front of your vehi- returned for use in another area the pilot progresses. less.” diversionary activity in future. Darwen Library Theatre on Friday, cle in an unobtrusive area. The with another volunteer. “The council scheme takes “I fully support the firm The pilot is part of a renewed device which is less than a third of A number of these devices are advantage of an increasingly avail- approach from the Council, who focus on road safety which is set to April 21 where she will be debuting the size of an average rear view available for loan. able type of technology and could will be able to seize vehicles which begin in April combining an array new songs, reworking tracks from mirror will then record in real time Chief Inspector Damian Kitchen, allow the public to participate are persistently used in an anti- of prevention, intervention and her previous two albums and per- everything you can see looking from Lancashire Constabulary directly in improving road safety. social manner. Video footage is enforcement initiatives in response forming some rare cover versions. forward from the driver’s seat. said: “Good policing has always “As a pilot it will also help us often the best evidence available to calls from the community to Doors at 7pm, tickets £12 in If an incident is witnessed, the been reliant upon the support of evaluate how we as the Police to help secure a conviction at court.” take more firm action. advance, £14 on the door. More information www.darwenlibrary- To advertise in the Shuttle Extra contact the advertising team on 01254 585551 theatre.com 11 Making a big splash in borough’s stylish pools

THE health and fitness of university’. Blackburn with Darwen residents In 2015 Blackburn Centurions has seen a remarkable turnround Swimming Club took over the pool in the last 10 years because of a at Shadsworth Leisure Centre while dramatic increase in their take up the Zoe Taylor Dance Academy of borough-run gym, swimming now runs the ‘dry side’ activity. and sports opportunities. In 2015/2016 37.9 per cent of Despite major changes, the people in Blackburn with Darwen Council’s commitment to provide took part in sport or active recrea- them to people of all ages and tion once a week for at least 30 backgrounds remains as great as minutes – the highest ever recorded. ever. Cllr Damian Talbot, Executive From multi-million pound leisure Member for Culture, Leisure and and swimming centres in each Young People, said: “The Council’s town to supporting voluntary activ- commitment to leisure, health and ities like park runs and the Witton fitness has shown remarkable results. Weavers cycling club, the authority “In 2008 we had some of the wants its residents to live longer worst physical activity results in the and more healthily. country now we are above the A key sign was the opening of the national average. This really is an new £13.5 million Blackburn Sports exceptional improvement. and Leisure Centre in Feilden Street “The Council has had to change in March 2015 by double Olympic its way of delivering our facilities, Gold medallist Rebecca Adlington but has shown continued commit- which she described as ‘world class’. ment to providing the best possible. The joint venture between the “We have delivered a new indoor Council and Blackburn College athletics facility at Witton and replaced the 29-year-old Waves working with Blackburn College water fun centre with its modern created a fantastic facility replacing sports facilities together with the Waves. new swimming pools, children’s “I’m keen to send the message water fun zone and two water that no leisure facilities in slides. Blackburn with Darwen have It was designed partly on the suc- closed and it is important local peo- cessful Darwen Leisure Centre ple continue to make use of them.” which opened in 2010 at cost of £12.7million. Rebecca Adlington opened the In 2015, the borough spent new Blackburn pool, which £70,000 on 39 new pieces of has created a splash. Below, equipment. Darwen Leisure Centre In the heart of Darwen the leisure centre has a 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool, a main gym and a multi-use sports hall. In April 2014, the new £2.3 mil- lion Witton Arena opened. The Council also saved other key leisure, health and fitness facilities faced with closure because of spending reductions resulting from Whitehall. In November The Half Fish Foundation took over the Daisyfield Pools promising a ‘swim 12