Great Harwood Cllr Noordad Aziz and Rishton Cllr Bernard Dawson have secured the creation of a vital committee to look at how the council can drive additional investment across all of Hyndburn’s townships and areas. The proposal was accepted the Hyndburn Borough Council Special Scrutiny meeting with the creation of a Task and Finish Group with the specific focus on the townships across Hyndburn.

The aim of this committee is to  produce a detailed report to see how we can regenerate and drive investment into local communities across Hyndburn, which is crucial for their opportunities and development. Whether it’s Great Harwood, Rishton, Clayton le Moors, Altham, Huncoat, Baxenden, Church, or Oswaldtwistle, each area holds immense potential, and with investment, it can have a significant positive impact for its residents. To harness this potential effectively, the establishment of a Task and Finish group dedicated to driving investment in these townships is essential. This is a constructive approach to address and deliver on residents’ concerns.

First and foremost, the group will undertake a data-gathering exercise and conduct a thorough analysis of each area and township, evaluating potential investment opportunities. This will provide a strong foundation for the council to secure external funding opportunities.

Cllr Aziz said of the proposal:

“It’s great to work constructively in finding solutions on how we can improve townships across Hyndburn and set the agenda for future investment across Hyndburn, not solely focused on Accrington. I am glad my proposal was accepted by the special scrutiny with a focus to go beyond just talking and produce a document to drive vital investment into our areas. This is Leadership while in opposition in action”

Cllr Bernard Dawson added:

“It’s a bugbear of many residents in the townships about the unequal distribution of funds, such as Levelling up. The establishment of this Task and Finish Committee will hopefully address this and drive investment in places like Rishton and other townships and areas across Hyndburn.”