TheAPRIL2014 ShuttleFor more information about all Council Services see www.blackburn.gov.uk DRIVE TO NEW INDOOR COULD YOU INSIDE SKATE ADOPT? - PAGE 14 THIS TACKLE DOG PARK FOR FOULING - PAGE 9 BOROUGH ISSUE: - PAGES 2 & 8 QUEEN SET TO a special event for Blackburn Cathedral, the VISITBy Shuttle Staff town and the Bwhole of Lancashire.LACKBURN The fo- Excitement is growing as the the town cus is on rewarding people who have given is busy preparing for The Queen’s visit something back to their community which is to Blackburn. something very close to my heart. I’m really The Queen is to visit Blackburn Cathe- pleased they are getting the national recog- dral for the first time for the Royal Maundy nition they deserve.” Service. Meanwhile, Chief Executive of Black- She will be accom- burn with Darwen panied by the Duke of Council Harry Cath- “THE FOCUS IS ON REWARDING erall said: “We are Edinburgh at the Ca- PEOPLE WHO HAVE GIVEN thedral for the special very much looking SOMETHING BACK TO THEIR service on Thursday, forward to welcom- April 17. COMMUNITY WHICH IS VERY ing The Queen. Host- Invited guests will CLOSE TO MY HEART.” ing Royal Maundy is see the annual tradi- - Councillor Kate Hollern a real honour for the tion of The Queen area. handing out special “Visits like these coins to 88 men and 88 women (in line with are also a great way for communities to the Queen’s age this year) from Lancashire come together and an opportunity to shine all aged over 70. the spotlight on the very best aspects of our Every year the monarch visits a UK Ca- borough to the rest of the country. thedral or abbey to give out special coins on “We are delighted for the Cathedral Maundy Thursday in recognition of people’s community and all the people receiving hon- service to their community and church. ours. The Cathedral is without doubt one of Welcoming the visit of Her Majesty to Blackburn’s biggest assets and at the heart the town for the Maundy Service, Council- of the exciting changes taking place in the lor Kate Hollern, Leader of Blackburn with town centre.” Darwen Council, said: “This promises to be See page three for more DO YOU HAVE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR? The hunt for the borough’s best good neighbours is on once again. Blackburn with Darwen Council has teamed up with the Lancashire Telegraph to search for residents who make a real difference to the lives of people on their streets. See pages 4 and 5 for more information. The Queen’s last visit to Blackburn in May 2006 - picture courtesy of the Lancashire Telegraph For more information about all Council Services see www.blackburn.gov.uk 2 The Shuttle APRIL2014 YOUR CALL IN ACTION COUNCIL LEADER KATE HOLLERN I am pleased that dozens of resi- nothing was out of bounds and the dents gathered to air their views agenda was set by residents. and issues at the 100 voices I chaired and my fellow council- forum which we organised last lors, Councillor Damian Talbot, Ex- month. ecutive Member for Culture, Leisure The event at King George’s Hall and Young People, and Councillor was an opportunity for residents to Mohammed Khan, Executive Mem- give their views or voice their con- ber for Health and Adult Social Care, cerns on issues which matter to them, were also on hand. their families and their communities. It was a good meeting. The au- The audience was made up of dience challenged us on issues but I residents from different walks of life also challenged them back. I said to and a number of issues and topics them the only way we can improve were discussed. the borough is working together. Facilities for young people, how This is the very essence of our the Council is getting investment in Your Call campaign - if you take the the borough and the good work resi- initiative, we will work with you. Sim- dents are doing under the Your Call ilarly, if people come forward to raise campaign were among the topics issues of concern to them we will do discussed. our best to address them. Community togetherness, grit This isn’t the only chance people bins, children’s play areas and trans- will get but the first of many oppor- 100 Voices in action port were also brought up where tunities. MULTI-MILLION POUND INVESTMENT FOR THE BOROUGH ATHLETIC FACILITY Councillor Damian Talbot, Execu- tial) and new public realm space. The Bus Station BUS STATION The new £2.3m community athlet- tive Member for Leisure, Culture and Construction of Blackburn’s New toilet block has been demolished and ics facility at Witton Park, Blackburn, is Young People said: “There is lots of Bus Station is due to start on the site work was due to start on the demoli- due to open soon. Home to Blackburn investment ongoing in leisure facilities of the former six day market off Ain- tion of Jubilee House in March. Work Harriers and Athletics Club; the new in the borough. It is important to the sworth Street. It is a key part of the is also expected to have started on the facility will include: improved chang- health and wellbeing of our residents Pennine Reach £40m major transport Clergy Court, the Cathedral’s new resi- ing facilities; spectator terracing; warm and young people.” project and will include 14 stands, will dential building, which includes offices up/education room/social space and be fully covered and feature the latest and a refectory open to the public, in club room, indoor 60m warm up/train- Regeneration projects con- technology. It is due to be completed the New Year. ers. It is due to open later this year. See ing track (6 lane) and 45 station fitness tinue around the town centre: in early 2015. suite with free weight area. Construc- page 9 for more details. FORMER MARKET SITE tion company, Eric Wright, are deliver- Cathedral Quarter An outline planning application BLACKBURN CENTRAL LIBRARY ing the project. The existing running BRAND NEW LEISURE CENTRE has been submitted by the Council for The transformation of Blackburn track will remain open to the Harriers, Building work is also progress- the former market site of the three day Central Library is well underway. Clad- schools and members of the commu- ing on the new £13.5million sports market. It will be redeveloped into a ding has been taken off Town Hall nity throughout construction. and swimming complex in Blackburn retail store, which also offers food. Street, unveiling the original 1920’s fa- town centre. The joint project between Councillor Maureen Bateson, Ex- çade of the historic building. NEW SKATEPARK Blackburn with Darwen Council and ecutive Member for Regeneration, Work has now began on the Town Plans for the borough’s first ever Blackburn College will replace the said: “2014 is an important year for the Hall Street elevation and the restoration skatepark have been announced. The ageing Waves Water fun centre. The regeneration of the borough. There are of the Northgate side of the building is facility will be based in the former new leisure centre is being built next CATHEDRAL QUARTER lots of major projects ongoing which almost complete. The work, which was Blackburn Rovers Sports Academy to Feilden Street multi-storey car park. Work is progressing well on the will continue to transform the town necessary for health and safety rea- building (BRSA) near to Darwen Vale The sports halls and fitness areas will £30m Cathedral Quarter development centre and improve the offer – leisure, sons, will restore both elevations back School. It will be used by BMX bikes, be ready for September 2014 and the which includes a hotel, office, leisure shopping, visiting – for residents, busi- to their original 1920’s appearance. skateboards, roller blades and scoot- swimming pools will open a year later. and retail space, Clergy Court (residen- nesses and visitors.” Opening in Blackburn with Darwen in 2014/15 NEW LEISURE CENTRE NEW ATHLETICS FACILITY NEW SKATE PARK Painful choices - page six, seven and eight For more information about all Council Services see www.blackburn.gov.uk The Shuttle 3 ROYAL SEAL OF Mohammed Varachia, 22, from Blackburn said: “I think the Queen coming to Blackburn is re- APPROVAL FOR ally exciting and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s good for the town because it will bring people into Blackburn and the Queen is highly respected. His friend Hussain Jasseat, 23, TOWN CENTRE from Blackburn said: “The town may also become more recognised if it’s in the news because people will see it and want to come. We feel appreciated that the Queen is coming to Blackburn and we will REGENERATION definitely be attending.” Continued from front ticketed and invitation-only. The tradition dates back to the 13th Cen- • Her Majesty’s last visit to Blackburn tury. came on May 25 2006 as part of her The occasion is seen as a Royal Seal of 80th Birthday tour of the United King- approval for the new additions as part of the dom. Cathedral Quarter development which is key to the regeneration of the town centre. GET INVOLVED While the event is principally to mark an important day in the Christian calendar, The Although the visit is primarily Queen’s visit is also an important day for the for the private Royal Maun- Cathedral and the town of Blackburn, currently dy service which is ticketed/ undergoing a resurgence thanks to a series of invitation only, the wider com- are also being urged to think Alex Martindale, 33, from redevelopments in the town centre.