December 2011 - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

The 

DECEMBER2011 

INSIDE 

THIS 

ISSUE: 

Shuttle 

For more information about all Council Services see www.blackburn.gov.uk 

XMAS LIGHTS 

SWITCH ON 

SPECIAL 

Christine’s 

an unsung 

hero 

- PAGES 8-9 - Page 17 

These residents are fighting for their borough 

NOW IT’S YOUR CALL 

For more information about all Council Services see www.blackburn.gov.uk

10 The Shuttle DECEMBER2011 

ROE LEE 

RESIDENTS 

ASSOCIATION 

4Irene with Christine Pudsey 

These residents are making 

NOW they are asking y 

4Michael 

Pemberton 

Irene Heaney, from Roe Lee, 

is the chair of the Roe Lee 

Residents Association. 

What volunteering do you do 

As well as being on the board 

at Twin Valley Homes, I’m chair of 

the Roe Lee Residents Association. 

We get involved in anything 

that affects our community 

whether it be planning issues, 

highways, the buses. 

We also run clubs like the over 

50s club. 

Everyone in the association 

works together and we all play a 

part pulling together as a team. 

Why do you volunteer 

If you like the area where you 

live you want to keep it as it is or 

improve it especially when you 

have elderly population you have 

to fi ght the corner for them. 

What would you say to other 

people thinking about fighting 

for their community 

If you want the best estates 

and the best parks then we all 

need to help out and think about 

the future. 

St Gabriel’s litter pickers 

Richard Morgan and Michael 

Pemberton are members of the 

litter picking group. 

They go out on the last Saturday 

of each month. Both are very passionate 

about making their areas 

better places. 

Richard, 40 from Pleckgate, 

said: "I got involved just before 

Christmas last year. I thought there 

was litter everywhere and the place 

was so messy. 

“It’s a real shame people don’t 

take more pride in the place they 

live. 

“It’s too easy to buy something 

and then throw away the bit, you 

don’t need. It’s a crying shame.” 

“Litter picking is a good way of 

getting out and doing your bit. It’s 

something everyone can do and we 

even get families coming when the 

weather is reasonable. 

He adds that volunteering is very 

rewarding. "You get to meet people 

and you get real satisfaction." 

Michael, from Sunnyblower, 

added: "Volunteering is about being 

part of your community. It’s give 

you a sense of satisfaction and litter 

4Richard Morgan 

picking especially is quite therapeutic.” 

The keen volunteer also urged 

others to come forward and look after 

their town. "It’s just about taking 

that fi rst step and making a contribution. 

“If everyone just got a litter picker 

and did the place where they are 

that would be the answer!” 

Saif Nemir (right), 47, from Whalley 

Range, came to Blackburn four years 

ago and wanted to thank Blackburn 

by doing things in the community. 


I volunteer for the British Red Cross, 

Amnesty and a number of local community 

groups. I have also joined a gardening 

group. 


I came to Blackburn four years ago 

and when I came here I decided that I 

needed to be part of the community so 

I wanted to do something for the community. 

What would you say to other people 

thinking about volunteering 

This is everybody’s home 

and we are obliged to keep it 

nice and clean and tidy for 

the future. 

Everybody has a role 

in that. 

Dorothy Osborne, 64, from the 

Ashworth Estate 


I’m part of the Green Pastures 

gardening group. 

We meet once a fortnight 

to tidy up the land behind 

Bank Top’s Neighbourhood 

Learning Centre. 

It was neglected and 

nobody was taking responsibility 

for it but a 

few of us could see its potential. 


I fi nd it diffi cult to look at it as volunteering 

as I get so much personal 

pleasure from it. 

What would you say to other people 

thinking about volunteering 

You’re meeting new people and 

you can make great friends as well. 

It can make a big difference to your 

quality of life. 

www.blackburn.gov.uk/your-call

For more information about all Council Services see www.blackburn.gov.uk The Shuttle 11 

a difference to their areas. 

you to make the call. 

SHEAR BROW RESIDENTS 

Despite the awful weather, residents 

got together to clean up Safe 

Havens Gardens in Shear Brow. 

Be part of the 

solution 

Everyone’s welcome at our ward 

solution meetings. It’s your 

chance to raise issues in your 

community and be part of solving 

the problems. 

Ward solution meetings are 

chaired by your local councillor who 

wants to work with you to make a 

difference in your neighbourhood. 

There are meetings being held in 

the fi rst few weeks of January 2012 

at the following locations: 

WEST BLACKBURN 

All meetings start at 6:30pm. Please 

call (01254) 581175 or 266370 with 

any queries 

MILL HILL WARD 

January 11, Mill Hill Community Centre, 

New Chapel Street, BB2 4DT, 

MEADOWHEAD WARD 

January 16, Greenfi eld Community 

Centre, Green Lane, BB2 4SR 

FERNHURST WARD 

January 17, The Golden Cup Inn, 

610 Blackburn Road, Darwen, BB3 

0AJ 

CORPORATION PARK 

January 18, Revidge Hub, New Bank 

Road, Blackburn, BB2 6JW 

EWOOD WARD 

January 19, Ivy Street Community 

Centre, Ivy Street, BB2 3RR 

WENSLEY FOLD WARD 

January 23, Bank Top Neighbourhood 

Learning Centre, Arthur Way, 

BB2 1QP 

BEARDWOOD WITH LAMMACK 

January 25, Lammack Methodist 

Church, Lammack Road, BB1 8LA 

EAST BLACKBURN 

Please call (01254) 507730 or 

291562 with any queries 

AUDLEY WARD 

All meetings start at 6pm 

January 4, venue to be confi rmed at 

the previous meeting 

BASTWELL WARD 

All meetings start at 5.30pm 

January 9, venue to be confi rmed 

HIGHER CROFT WARD 

All meetings start at 7pm. January 

9, Roman Road community centre, 

Newfi eld Drive, Blackburn BB2 3UA 

SHADSWORTH WITH WHITEBIRK 

WARD 

All meetings start at 7pm. January 

11, Shadsworth Wellbeing and Activity 

Centre, Rothesay Road, BB1 

2JA 

DARWEN AND RURAL 

Please call (01254) 222154 with any 

queries 

SUDELL WARD 

All meetings start at 6.30pm 

January 18, venue to be confi rmed 

Correct at time of going to press. 

www.facebook.com/BWDYourcall


Organised Chaos, 

Little Harwood 

By Kate Grieves 

A Blackburn mixed martial arts 

group helped residents find 

their beat on a big community 

clean-up. 

The group – Organised Chaos – 

were part of a crackdown in Little 

Harwood after over 150 residents 

took action against litter blighting 

the streets as part of the ward solutions 

scheme. 

Children aged between six and 

12 years old, led by Organised Chaos 

leaders Michelle and Rex Gath, 

donned high-vis jackets and set off 

with bin bags to help other community 

heroes brighten up the streets. 

Residents had reported problems 

with litter at the ward solutions 

meeting and local people, councillors 

and community offi cers banded 

together to organise an environmental 

awareness day, joining up 

with residents who were take part 

in the Living Streets environmental 

walk about in Little Harwood. 

Working from Little Harwood 

Community Centre, volunteers 

were given free equipment from the 

environmental team including skip, 

litter pickers, bags and gloves and 

left the area spotless, fi lling hundreds 

of bags with rubbish. 

Rex Gath said: “A big part of 

martial arts is the ideals behind it, 

such as teaching the children to be 

socially responsible and respectful, 

so we were really keen to get 

involved with the clean-up when we 

heard about it through Ward Solutions. 

Councillor Yusuf Jan-Virmani, 

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s 

executive member for neighbourhoods 

and customer services, said: 

“It is very encouraging to see children 

getting involved and to see 

such a great community effort and 

turnout for the benefi t of the neighbourhood. 

Councillor Faryad Hussain, executive 

member for environmental 

improvement and sustainability, 

said: “Littering is a nuisance and 

a real eyesore and it is great that 

communities are coming together 

to tackle this and take pride in their 

local environment.” 

For more information on Organised 

Chaos visit www.organisedchaos.org.uk. 

These residents are fighting for their borough 

BROWNHILL PLANTATION GROUP 

4The Brownhill 

plantation group 

Ivy Street Community Association 

Christine Connell, chair of the community association, and fellow volunteers 

work tirelessly in making the Infirmary area of Ewood a better 

place. 

They run the Ivy Street Community Centre, a hub of the neighbourhood. 

The centre gets a minimum of 500 people coming every week. 

They have recently set up a scheme to help older people in the community 

over winter. The volunteers make sure people who have signed up are safe, 

warm and well over winter by checking on them and even preparing meals for 

them. 

Why do what you do for your community 

We all like helping. We get a lot out of it because we are making the community 

a better place to live. It’s hard to put in words how it makes you feel. 

When I was growing up everyone in the neighbourhood was an uncle and 

auntie. There was a real community spirit. We want to get back to those times. 

There are people who have been coming to Ivy Street community centre since 

they were young now they bring their own children. 

Why should people get involved in their neighbourhoods 

There’s nothing stopping them. Everyone can play a part. 

A group of volunteers turned 

out to transform a popular recreational 

area. 

Residents put a hard shift in 

sprucing up Brownhill Plantation, 

a woodland just off Whalley New 

Road. 

The group used tools and 

equipment supplied by Blackburn 

with Darwen Council as part of its 

Your Call drive to clear away undergrowth 

that had covered steps 

and paving in the area. 

The plantation was a popular 

spot for decades but in recent 

years has suffered from neglect. 

Resident Maurice Ffelan, who 

coordinated the activities, said: 

"The Brownhill Plantation was a 

popular spot for promenading 

and relaxing in the early years of 

the last century but it has suffered 

from neglect in recent years. 

“It is our long-term aim to return 

it to its former glory. We are 

also interested in the history of the 

Plantation and would welcome any 

information and memories, especially 

photographs from any date.” 

Roe Lee ward councillor Phil 

Riley, who was at the clean-up, 

said: “It would be great to see the 

plantation get back to its former 

glory. We’ve made a good start.” 

Maurice, who also gave a hand 

to St Gabriel's litter pickers, urged 

others to help their neighbourhoods. 

He said: "If there are things 

people can see that need doing 

they should pitch in. It would make 

a huge difference if everybody just 

did a little bit themselves." 

Anyone interested in joining in 

any future events or with any past 

information, can contact Maurice 

on 01254 248568 or maurice@ 

ffelan33.icom43.net 

www.blackburn.gov.uk/your-call


Young people 

ASK 

DIANE! 

University Centre at Blackburn 

College’s friendly-face of all 

things Student Finance, Diane 

Greenwood, explains the answers 

to some of the questions 

she gets asked most frequently 

during her day. 

“There’s been so much negative 

publicity in the press about student 

finance that people are getting confused,” 

says Diane. “My job is to 

make sure that whatever age you 

are, or age your children are, if you 

want to go to University then options 

are available to pay for your 

course – and you certainly don’t 

have to have pots of money under 

your bed to be able to do a degree.” 

Some of the questions Diane gets 

asked every day are: 

How will I find the money for my 

course 

Students back £2012+ finance package 

By Shuttle Staff 

Students from all over Pennine 

Lancashire are choosing to stay 

local to gain their degrees because 

of financial worries, but 

an innovative support package 

from University Centre at Blackburn 

College could help keep 

them out of the debt. 

Dominic Anderson is just one of 

these students choosing a degree 

closer to home as well as welcoming 

any extra fi nancial help. 

The 18-year-old, of Rose Lea, is 

applying to study a Foundation degree 

in Hospitality Management at 

University Centre at Blackburn College 

(UCBC). The College is pledging 

a huge fi nancial support package 

to ALL its 2012 students, in response 

to national concerns over the rise in 

tuition fees and living costs. 

He says: “When choosing a university 

the fi nancial scheme on offer 

defi nitely tipped the balance in favour 

of Blackburn. 

“I am not aware of any other 

institution offering such a great fi - 

nance package. 

“It will really help with costs of 

going to university, especially my 

travel costs, as well as helping me 

buy all of the necessary resources 

and equipment for my studies. 

Hopefully it will help keep me out of 

debt.” 

SURVEY 

A recent survey of 1,009 A-Level students 

commissioned by BBC Inside 

Out found out at least half of those 

interviewed would consider selecting 

a university closer to home to cut 

living costs. 

The package will be made up of 

a yearly 1000 credit bonus system, 

which can be used to buy equipment, 

lunch, textbooks and subsidised 

trips. 

In addition, the College is offering 

scholarships and achievement 

bonuses plus free membership to 

the Chartered Management Institute 

worth over £1200. 

This will mean all students beginning 

university life at UCBC next 

year will not be disadvantaged by 

the rise in tuition fees and will have 

fair access to resources that will enable 

them to be as successful as 

possible. 

“I don’t believe it is fair that 

young people should be discouraged 

from learning because of increased 

costs caused by the recent 

and on-going government cuts. 

“This is why we are pledging as 

much fi nancial support as possible 

to help our students,” says Principal 

Ian Clinton. 

“Our fi nancial package will enable 

every student in UCBC to benefi 

t from resources that will have a 

positive impact on their learning.” 

SUPPORT 

The College is also offering 45 scholarships 

as part the National Scholarship 

Programme to gifted students, 

which means they will be eligible for 

an additional £6000 non-repayable 

sum over two years, an internal Progression 

Bonus of £500 for those 

students progressing from the Level 

3 courses at Blackburn College to 

UCBC, and STEM bonus of £1000 

for 20 students wanting to study 

Science, Technology, Engineering or 

Maths based courses. 

Yana Williams, Vice-Principal, 

added: “We are not aware of another 

College that has taken such fl exible 

supportive steps. We know that 

many offer bursaries but our system 

is designed to support students on 

their courses and not just hand out 

wedges of cash.” 

Credits can be redeemed 

against a list of resources appropriate 

to them, such as laptops, cameras, 

lunch, worldwide trips and free 

transport passes. 

The scheme follows on from 

the College’s fairer fees initiative in 

which they set their tuition fees at 

£7,000 a year for al full-time undergraduates 

starting degree courses 

next year. 

, 

 

 

If you come to University Centre at Blackburn College to study full-time 

in September 2012 you’ll be eligible for a £2012+ Support Package. 

We also have a range of bonus schemes that you can apply for too. 

 

 

 

 

 

apply now 

where 

are 

you 

going 

HNC/D 

Foundation Degrees 

Degrees 

Masters 

01254 29 25 94 | blackburn.ac.uk 

A tuition fee loan is available to 

cover the cost of your studies. If you 

come to study at University Centre 

at Blackburn College we charge 

£7000 a year for your full-time 

course and so this is the amount 

of tuition fee loan you’ll be eligible 

for. You can get a tuition fee loan to 

cover the full amount of your studies 

– or part of the tuition fees if you 

already have some money you wish 

to put towards your fees. The ability 

to get a tuition fee loan does not depend 

on your household income. 

What money will I have to live 

on while I study 

Maintenance Grants are available 

to help with your living costs 

while you are at University Centre 

at Blackburn College. The amount 

that you get is means tested. This 

means that the government will 

look at your household income and 

allocate an amount to you for your 

studies. This amount will not need 

to be paid back. The maximum 

amount that you are eligible for is 

£3250 for every year of your course. 

Similar to Maintenance Grants, 

Maintenance Loans are also available 

to help with your living costs 

while you are at University (things 

like accommodation and food). If 

you aren’t eligible for a Maintenance 

Grant you may still be eligible for a 

Maintenance Loan. The difference 

is you do have to pay back your 

Maintenance Loan. 

How much will it cost for me to 

pay back my loans 

At University Centre at Blackburn 

College our average graduate 

earns £25,000 a year six months 

after graduation. That means our 

average graduate pays back £30 a 

month towards their student loan. 

A small price to pay for a priceless 

education. You will only pay back 

your loan when you are earning 

over £21,000 – if by any reason your 

earnings fall below that amount then 

your repayments will stop. 

DECEMBER2011


HEALTH CHECK 

Martyn’s health 

wake-up call 

By Faye Adams 

Martyn Thornber has lost so 

much weight even friends don’t 

recognise him. 

The Witton resident who last year 

weighed 17 stone has lost fi ve stone 

in 6 months. 

Stress at work and a busy social 

life coupled with a lack of exercise 

led to his weight gain says the 

47-year-old: “I just didn’t feel good 

about myself and the extra weight 

was causing me back problems.” 

Then in May 2010 he saw an 

advertisement for the NHS health 

checks and decided to go along. 

The health checks are provided 

by Blackburn with Darwen Care 

Trust Plus and aim to check high 

cholesterol, blood pressure and 

blood sugar levels. 

They can help pick up on any 

risks associated with conditions 

such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, 

and kidney disease, which 

can sometimes be prevented by 

improvements or alterations to lifestyles. 

“I was shocked at the results, it 

was a real wake up call,” said Martyn 

who now works part time in the motor 

trade. 

And he says the news was compounded 

by a couple of other incidents 

such as struggling to buy 

clothes for his holiday. So he decided 

to make some changes. 

“When I set my mind to something 

I do it. I cut out alcohol completely 

and eating out and the weight 

started to drop off me. 

“Then I heard about re:fresh free 

leisure scheme and you can’t get 

better than free can you 

“I started going to the gym at 

Audley twice a week and that was 

it.” 

Since starting his fi tness regime 

Martyn has lost 75lbs in fi fteen 

months. 

Now his main problem is that 

when he goes out cycling with wife 

Andrea he has to cycle with the 

brakes on to slow him down! 

And that friends often don’t 

recognise him when he’s out and 

about. 

“I was in the supermarket and 

said hello to a good friend and he 

didn’t realise it was me!” 

Health Checks take place in 

community venues and workplaces 

around the borough. 

To book a check call 0800 917 

6072 

NEW NUMBER LETS 

YOU CALL NHS 

Brand new non-emergency number 

4Dr Stephen Gunn and Safa Vaid aged 2 

Sir Bill’s Patients’ Voice Session 

Have your say on health and social 

care in Blackburn with Darwen at 

the Patients’ Voice Session. 

Meet Sir Bill Taylor, Chair of NHS Blackburn 

with Darwen, to discuss any health related 

issues or local services. 

There will be a session on Wednesday, 

January 18 from 4-6 pm in the Quiet 

Room at Darwen Health Centre. 

If you wish to attend and speak 

with Sir Bill, please telephone 

(01254) 282118 to book your slot. 

Sessions are private one to ones although a member of the customer care 

team will be present. All discussions are in the strictest confidence. 

NHS 111 is a brand new non-emergency number for 

local health services, which has launched in Blackburn 

with Darwen as part of a Lancashire-wide pilot 

scheme. 

The free service, which is available seven days a week, 

24 hours a day, can be accessed by calling the easy to 

remember, three-digit number -111- and offers help and 

advice for minor injuries and illness when it’s urgent but 

not an emergency. 

NHS 111 is staffed by a team of highly trained advisors, 

supported by specialists such as nurses and paramedics, 

who will ask questions about your symptoms and 

then give advice or refer you to the local health service 

that will best meet your needs. If they decide it is an emergency, 

they will send an ambulance immediately. 

CALL 

You should call the number when: You don’t know 

where to go for medical help or don’t have a GP to call, 

it is outside of GP surgery hours or you think you might 

need to go to the hospital emergency department. 

Blackburn GP Dr Stephen Gunn said: “We know it can 

be confusing for people to know where to go for help. We 

hope 111 will make it easier for them to access NHS services 

whilst taking the pressure off the ambulance service 

and hospital emergency department. However, patients 

should be aware that they can continue to call their GP 

practice as normal and 999 for life-threatening emergencies.” 

The 111 number is available to anyone living in, or visiting 

Lancashire (excluding West Lancashire, which covers 

Ormskirk, Skelmersdale, Upholland, Burscough and 

Tarleton). It is already available in some other parts of the 

country. The Government wants the service to be available 

everywhere in the country by April 2013. Health services 

Christmas opening times - page 19. 

What happens if I call 111 

Your call will be answered by a trained advisor 

who will ask for your name, age and where you live. 

They will ask a number of questions to determine how 

you are feeling and what the problem is. 

They can see information about all the local health 

services that are available and work out which is the 

best one for you. 

If English isn’t your fi rst language an interpreter 

will be able to help you. 

Is it safe 


EVERYTHING 

YOU NEED 

TO KNOW 

ABOUT 

Experts like GPs and hospital consultants have 

helped to design the service and have had an important 

role to play in making sure the service is safe. 

The NHS 111 service has already been switched 

on in County Durham, Darlington, Nottingham, Luton 

and Lincolnshire and has received thousands of calls 

from local people in these areas. Calls to NHS 111 are 

checked to make sure that the service is safe. 

What about 999 and my GP 

111 

999 remains the single number to call if you or 

someone you care for has a serious or life-threatening 

health emergency, such as a serious accident, a 

heart-attack, a stroke or breathing problems. 

You GP will still be your main contact for your 

day-to-day health care needs. 



Health 

4Dr Tom Phillips, Sue Capstick and Cath 

McCoo at the new health centre and, 

below, Aeman Ali Afzal and Katie Fielding 

Health 

Matters 

By Dr Chris Clayton 

MEDICS HAIL NEW 

HEALTH CENTRE 

£21m facility opens its doors 


The new state-of-the-art Barbara 

Castle Way Health Centre has 

opened its doors. 

The fi ve-level health centre 

opened in October and includes GP 

practices, dentists, mental health 

clinics, speech therapy, sight and 

hearing clinics, physiotherapy, a 

pharmacy and family drop-in, diagnostics 

from the latest hi-tech X-ray 

and scanning equipment, and minor 

operations will be performed there. 

The Barbara Castle Way Health 

Centre also includes the ‘Everybody’ 

resource centre for young people 

supporting health and wellbeing including 

sexual health, drug and alcohol 

advice, emotional and mental 

health and general help and advice. 

A group of young people worked 

with staff, including architects and 

artists, on the ‘Everybody’ centre, to 

create a young people-friendly centre 

with a welcoming feel. 

One of the group, Katie Fielding, 

said: "It is really cosy and nice and 

I think we have designed a pretty 

By Kim Gregson 

Oral health promotion manager 

Mouth cancer kills more people 

than cervical cancer and testicular 

cancer combined and in 

2008, 1,822 people died from 

mouth cancer 

A visit to the dentist for screening 

for mouth cancer and increased 

knowledge can help transform 

good place. I hope young people will 

be really comfortable here." 

HOME 

Aeman Ali-Afzal added: "It is really 

comfortable, and not like a usual 

health centre and waiting room. You 

feel really at home here." 

“THIS IS A GREAT 

ENVIRONMENT.” 

- Dr. Tom Phillips 

Cath McCoo, speech 

and language therapist, 

said it was ‘wonderful’: "There 

are lovely, spacious treatment rooms 

which are light and airy so they are 

so much better. We have had a lot of 

positive feedback about the centre 

from families and children already." 

Sue Capstick, clinical business 

manager for sexual health, added: 

"It feels as though there is a real 

MOUTH CANCER: SPOT THE SIGNS 

survival rates, as mouth cancer is 

easier to treat if spotted quickly 

enough. 

Poor diet, drinking too much alcohol 

and smoking all increase your 

risk of developing mouth cancer. 

WARNING SIGNS 

There are several warning signs. 

These include ulcers or sores which 

do not heal within three weeks; red 

emphasis put on the quality of the 

space and valuing people in a purpose-built 

centre, and especially the 

importance of sexual health." 

MODERN 

GP and member of the Blackburn 

with Darwen Clinical Commissioning 

Group, Dr Tom Phillips, said: "This is 

a great environment. 

“It is a highly modern centre and 

a new start and it will allow us to deliver 

highly modern services in an innovative 

way." 

Sir Bill Taylor, Chairman of NHS 

Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust 

Plus Board, said: "I'm delighted to 

see patients visiting, and most of the 

services up and running in, the The 

Barbara Castle Way Health Centre. 

“I've been in and spoken to 

some patients myself and am confi 

dent this facility is going to be a a 

tremendous asset for the borough. 

“It demonstrates our ongoing 

commitment to investing in local 

health services and bringing care 

closer to home." 

and white patches in the mouth; unusual 

changes, lumps and swellings 

in the mouth; and an unexplained 

pain in your mouth or ear. It is important 

to check your mouth for any 

of these changes and see your dentist 

or doctor if they last longer than 

three weeks. 

Other signs include a croaky 

voice or diffi culty swallowing, a sore 

or painful throat and an unexplained 

lump in your neck. 

CHANGES 

It is important to check your 

mouth for any of these changes and 

see your dentist or doctor if they 

last longer than three weeks. 

For help fi nding an NHS dentist 

for urgent and routine care call the 

local dental helpline on 0845 53 33 

230. 

There has been much pace gathering 

around the implementation of 

the new health reforms. As such, 

I thought of the need to refl ect on 

what this actually means and will 

mean on a day to day basis for the 

citizens of Blackburn with Darwen 

(BwD). 

Essentially, the current system 

is built around the Department of 

Health, based in London, giving 

money and directives to Strategic 

Health Authorities (ours is NHS 

North) who in turn give money and 

directives to Primary Care Trusts 

(ours is BwD Care Trust Plus). The 

Care Trust Plus is responsible for 

“buying” the healthcare that as patients, 

we receive from our general 

practices, community services and 

hospitals. 

In the new system, doctors and 

nurses will be put at the heart of that 

“buying” of care in the formation 

of clinical commissioning groups 

(CCGs) which will replace the Primary 

Care Trusts. Over the last six 

months or so, there has been much 

work undertaken on the best size 

and structure of a CCG that would 

cover our area. We believe this 

absolutely to be a Blackburn with 

Darwen CCG which relates to the 

very clear boundaries that we have 

and our very strong link with the 

council. 

In BwD, all of our GPs are members 

of our CCG are already actively 

involved in the development 

and improvement of the service of 

care that you receive; it was the active 

engagement of our GPs locally 

that has led to the development of 

a new model for the delivery of urgent 

medical care in our area which 

we hope to roll out in April 2012. As 

health professionals, we are well 

placed to understand the health 

and social issues that you face. 

However, we cannot do this 

alone and as patients, it will be 

vital that you are involved in decisions 

taken. The CCG intends to 

work with the many neighbourhood 

forums that already exist via the 

council networks. 

With the very diffi cult fi nancial 

times that we face, it is extremely 

important that we do not allow the 

quality of care that we receive to 

drop despite this pressure . We all 

have our part to play in this; as patients, 

we need to ensure we use 

the services we have appropriately 

and as health professionals, that 

we provide the most cost effective 

care delivered in the most appropriate 

setting. 

I have no doubt that together, 

we can succeed in improving the 

health and well being of us all. 



Building Schools 

for the Future - 

PICTURE SPECIAL 

Community 

4The Mayor Councillor Karimeh Foster, Mayoress 

Mary Foster, head teacher Robin Campbell, Councillor 

Bateson and two pupils at Pleckgate community day. 

Clockwise - The Darwen Vale School time capsule 

ceremony 

Dancers perform at Darwen Vale 

A young chap enjoys the facilities at Pleckgate 

BIG FUN AT BSF BASHES 


Big celebrations were the order 

of the day at two of Blackburn’s 

BSF schools. 

Residents got the fi rst look at the 

community uses for Pleckgate High 

School at a special open day and 

students danced for joy at a ceremony 

to mark construction progress 

at Darwen Vale High School. 

All the BSF schools will be open 

for community use and as Pleckgate 

was the original school to open in 

September, this was the fi rst glimpse 

of the facilities for people in the borough. 

STATE-OF-THE-ART 

Visitors were greeted by head teacher 

Robin Campbell, chair of governors 

Ruth Pimley and the Mayor of Blackburn 

and Darwen, Councillor Karimeh 

Foster, and could look around 

all the state-of-the-art attractions, 

including a gym and fi tness studio, 

library and learning resource centre 

and IT rooms. 

At Darwen Vale, students, staff 

and councillors held a time capsule 

burial ceremony and dance celebration 

to mark the mid point in the new 

school’s construction. 

Students performed two dances 

and speeches were given by interim 

head teacher John Lawson, Councillor 

Maureen Bateson, the Council’s 

Executive Member for Children’s 

Services, project manager Andy Ferguson 

and chair of the Local Education 

Partnership Phil Watson. 

Darwen Vale High School is being 

rebuilt and remodelled, keeping the 

historic and well known 1930s frontage, 

and will be fi nished in summer 

2012 with staff and students walking 

through the doors that September. 

Councillor Bateson said in her 

speech: "This new building will make 

such a difference to the lives of the 

students and will be a school everyone 

can be proud of. 

“Darwen Vale has quite a history 

and this new school will be a testament 

to that history, and a testament 

to all of you." 



TV RECOGNITION FOR 

COMMUNITY CHAMPION 


When a film crew came to film 

at Ivy Street Community Centre, 

Christine Connell thought they 

were doing a film about a local 

ward councillor’s MBE. 

Christine was interviewed by an 

ITV crew about Councillor Maureen 

Bateson, who had just received a 

gong from Buckingham Palace. 

The tv people also interviewed 

a host of other volunteers and MP 

Jack Straw at the centre. 

Little did she know that the film 

crew were making a film about her 

and the whole thing was a giant 

ruse, which her friends, family, fellow 

volunteers, Councillor Bateson 

and Jack Straw were all in on it. 

Christine only found out that she 

was the star of the show when she 

was in a tv studio watching the filming 

of Jeremy Kyle’s Five days of 

Christmas. 

She said: “I was in the studio and 

they announced my name. I had no 

idea at all. It was a total surprise.” 

Christine was brought up to the 

stage while a short film of people 

who know her paying tribute to her 

was played. 

The volunteer, who has been involved 

in running Ivy Street Community 

Centre for nearly 30 years, was 

named Jeremy Kyle’s unsung hero of 

2011. 

“Jeremy was great. He is really 

nice. I was given a plaque and also 

some nice stuff such as a pamper 

set but the show also gave lots of 

things to the centre. 

“That for me was the best thing, 

the stuff we got for the centre. 

“That is the biggest thing for me. 

I don’t worry about recognition for 

me - it’s recognition for the centre 

and the people who volunteer here 

that is the most important.” 

As part of the award, Christine 

and her colleagues got a guided tour 

round the Coronation Street film set. 

Christine’s an “unsung hero” 

Plumbase score new football kit for local school 


When Lower Darwen Primary 

School appealed for a sponsor 

for their new football kit, a local 

plumbers merchant came forward. 

Plumbase in Green Street, Darwen, 

have sponsored the new kit for 

the Year 6 girls and boys team at the 

school in Milking Lane. 

Andy Hirst, Plumbase Regional 

Manager, and Darwen branch manager 

Denis Wale visited the school 

recently to meet the pupils and see 

the new kit for himself. 

Mr Hirst said: "It is nice to be 

They met up with Katherine Kelly, 

who plays Becky McDonald, Ben 

Price, who plays Nick Tilsley and 

Jack P Shepherd, who plays David 

Platt. 

Councillor Bateson said: “It was 

difficult to keep everything secret 

but we managed. 

“Even in the studio right before 

they said her name she had no idea. 

given the opportunity to give something 

back to the community and we 

were only too happy to support one 

of our local schools. It is great to see 

the children in their football kits and 

lets hope it bring them luck on the 

pitch.” 

Lower Darwen Headteacher 

Steve Cumbo added: “The kit looks 

fantastic and the children are thrilled 

with it. The strip incorporates the 

school's colours and is modelled on 

the classic Barcelona look.” 

Team manager, Laura Cook is 

hoping there are a few budding 

Lionel Messis in the Lower Darwen 

team who can now look and play in 

the Barcelona style. 

But modest as always she sees it as 

recognition for the centre, not herself. 

“But she deserves to be praised 

for all the work she has done for her 

community.” 

Christine and her fellow volunteers 

were also invited to the Mayor’s 

Parlour for tea and cakes with the 

Mayor Councillor Karimeh Foster. 

The volunteers were joined by 

Ewood ward members Councillors 

Bateson, Florence Oldfield and Joe 

Smith. 

More pictures on www.flickr. 

com/blackburn-with-darwen 

The show will be aired over 

Christmas. 

Lower Darwen Primary School football team with (from left) Darwen Branch Manager Denis 

Wale, Assistant Manager of Plumbase Nelson, John Higham, whose two children attend 

the school, Plumbase Regional Manager Andy Hirst and headteacher Steve Cumbo. 

MBE for 

Maureen 

Dedicated Blackburn councillor, 

Maureen Bateson has been honoured 

with an MBE. 

The borough’s executive member 

for children’s services was recognised 

for decades of service to 

Blackburn with Darwen Council. 

Councillor Bateson, an Ewood 

member, has been a councillor for 28 

years and was Mayor in 1995/1996. 

The prestigious award comes as 

part of The Queen’s birthday celebrations. 

Councillor Bateson travelled 

to London to be awarded the 

Member of the British Empire award 

on Friday from Prince Charles. 

She said: “I had a lovely day and 

it was made extra special by the fact 

I was there with my son and daughters. 

It was really good to be able to 

listen to all the other stories and to 

be made to feel so special. 

“Prince Charles congratulated 

me and we spoke about the times he 

has visited Blackburn previously and 

all the work taking place in Burnley 

which he was thrilled about. 

“The greatest reward for me is 

representing the constituents of 

Ewood but I’m honoured to have 

been recognised in this way. Doing 

this role I meet so many terrific and 

dedicated people working for the 

community in this borough.” 

Rt Hon Jack Straw MP congratulated 

Councillor Bateson. He said: 

“Maureen has lived and worked in 

the borough all of her life. She knows 

the place inside out and she knows 

its people. She works tirelessly to 

get the best for them. 

“This award is a great recognition 

of Maureen’s hard work over 

many years and is testament to 

her dedication and commitment to 

this borough and its people, especially 

young people, for whom she 

is a great advocate. I am delighted 

that she has been recognised in this 

way. 

Christine Connell, who volunteers 

at Ivy Street community centre, 

Blackburn, said of Maureen’s 

achievement “it’s been a long time 

coming”. 

Maureen has been heavily involved 

with the centre for many 

years and has regularly volunteered 

at events when the centre has been 

short staffed. 

Christine added: “She should 

have been honoured a lot sooner. 

She works so hard and is always 

there for the community. 

“Maureen always does her utmost 

to fight for what is important 

in the community and thoroughly deserves 

this recognition.” 

More pictures can be found at 

www.flickr.com/blackburn-with-darwen 



OLDER 

PEOPLE’S 

CHAMPION 

Edited by Ben Greenwood 

Winter is upon us and a big freeze 

is likely round the corner. 

It’s a time to keep an eye out for 

elderly or vulnerable neighbours. If 

you are worried about people in your 

community, there are Council and 

NHS services that can help. 

The Decent and Safe Homes 

(DASH) services provides advice 

on how to keep homes warm whilst 

keeping energy bills down. 

It also offers a free handyman 

service for residents aged over 60 or 

those getting disability living allowance 

(DLA). 

Those eligible can apply for small 

DIY type repairs to be carried out 

including easing doors, fitting door 

chains and spy holes or changing light 

bulbs and hanging curtains. 

Residents can also have a home 

safety assessment to look at risks 

within the home such as loose carpets, 

loose handrails and other trip/ 

fall hazards. 

And Enhanced Housing Options is 

a free service for vulnerable residents 

especially the elderly and disabled. It 

sees residents visited by a Liaison Officers 

when they feel their housing no 

longer meets their needs. DASH is a 

year round service but is exceptionally 

important during cold snaps. 

The Guidance for Living Over Winter 

(GLOW) scheme also refers people 

to DASH. Backed by the Council, 

NHS and voluntary organisations, it 

sees winter advice guidelines issued 

to anyone who knows, lives or works 

with older or vulnerable people and 

can get them extra help. 

It has prevented hundreds of unnecessary 

deaths and made life more 

pleasant for Blackburn with Darwen 

residents 

Social workers, community nurses, 

opticians, GPs and even ambulance 

staff have all referred people to 

the GLOW scheme. 

Once someone agrees to be referred 

DASH takes a comprehensive 

look at what they need. 

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Executive 

Member for Adult Social Care, 

said: “Bad housing can have a big 

impact on health and wellbeing especially 

over winter. 

“I would also urge people in the 

community to keep their eyes open 

and check if vulnerable neighbours 

are safe and well. It’s our community, 

it’s our call.” 

Councillor Tony Humphrys, Executive 

Member for Housing, said: “Our 

‘DASH’ (Decent And Safe Homes) 

service ensures that vulnerable residents 

live in warm, safe and secure 

properties, which do not expose them 

to hazards affecting their health and 

well being. The service is very much 

appreciated by residents.” 

Dr Malcolm Ridgway, medical director 

at NHS Blackburn with Darwen 

Care Trust Plus, said about the GLOW 

scheme: “Last winter was particularly 

harsh and 240 people were helped 

with 642 separate actions. These actions 

are likely to have stopped many 

people going into hospital and saved 

lives.” 

For more information on DASH 

or GLOW contact (01254) 588822 or 

email dash@blackburn.gov.uk 

4Councillor Mohammed Khan with Dorothy and Alan McTague 

CARERS NEED 

CARE TOO 

Dorothy urges others to get support they need 


Dorothy McTague from Darwen 

is reaching out and urging other 

carers to get the support they 

need. 

Her husband Alan (72) has vascular 

dementia, which means he has 

memory loss and a decreasing ability 

to perform tasks in everyday life. 

He also suffers small strokes, 

which further affect his memory. 

It is the second most common 

form of dementia after Alzheimer’s 

disease in older people. 

Alan was diagnosed three years 

ago and Dorothy is now his full-time 

carer and has been since his condition 

deteriorated. He now needs 24- 

hour care in all aspects of his life. 

She is now trying to help other 

carers to get the help they need, and 

are entitled to, to help them cope, 

through Blackburn with Darwen Borough 

Council’s adult social services 

and local charities who can offer 

support. 

RESPITE 

Both the Council’s adult social services 

and Blackburn with Darwen 

Carers Service offer help to carers, 

provide respite opportunities and organise 

breaks, events and days out. 

“The Council 

and The Carers 

Service have 

been absolutely 

wonderful.” 

- Dorothy McTague 

The couple recently 

moved back to 

Darwen following three 

years in the Ribble Valley and 

a year in Cumbria, to be closer to 

family who live in the area. 

Dorothy (69) who has been married 

to Alan, a retired builder, for 

20 years, said: “The biggest thing I 

miss, and I am sure other carers do 

as well, is that I have essentially lost 

my husband and my best friend. 


Lives 

“Sometimes you feel you have 

no one to talk to and you can feel 

very isolated. 

“Everyone who meets Alan says 

he is a lovely man, and he was always 

so kind and wonderful, which 

makes it incredibly hard. 

“The Council and The Carers 

Service have been absolutely wonderful, 

at a time when things were 

really hard and I really appreciate 

every bit of support they offer. 

TALK 

“You can call them just to talk if 

things are getting on top of you and 

you feel you can’t cope and they are 

so kind and understanding. 

“They organise trips out as well 

which are really nice. 

“They also make sure you know 

about your entitlements and how to 

apply for them.” 

“It has really helped enormously 

to be in touch with other carers, who 

are going through the same thing. 

“I have met some wonderful people 

through social services and the 

carers service and we go for lunch 

and meet up which is lovely.” 

Alan also currently spends three 

days a week at Spring Bank Court 

Daycare Centre in Mill Hill, Blackburn, 

which offers activities and care 

for mentally or physically frail older 

people who live in their own homes 

or with a carer. 

Councillor Mohammed Khan, 

the Council’s Executive Member for 

Adult Social Care, said: “The selfl ess 

job done by carers all over the borough 

needs to be recognised more 

and one way of doing this is for them 

to access more care through Council 

services which can be invaluable. 

“I hope all carers in Blackburn 

with Darwen will make contact with 

adult social services and the carers 

service who will be able to offer 

them the assistance and help they 

deserve.” 

“I would like to pay tribute to 

those individuals who devote their 

time and energy to look after a family 

member and friend or love one. 

“They have demonstrated out 

standing excellence within their fi eld 

of work.” 

You can also get information on 

adult social care services at www. 

yoursupportyourchoice.org.uk. Carers 

service can be contacted on 

(01254) 688440.




4Resident Richard Morgan 

with Councillor Hollern 

Fiction 

There is not enough 

information on benefit 

changes. 

Fact 

There are many changes to 

benefi ts happening now and 

in the future. 

Rightly, residents are concerned 

and want to know 

what is happening with welfare 

reform. 

That is why in this Shuttle, 

we have created a new column 

which will keep you up 

to date with everything that is 

happening. 

There have been lots of 

changes to housing benefi ts 

already. 

However, there will be 

some more changes coming 

into effect in January which 

some citizens need to be urgently 

informed about. 

These are outlined on page 

six in Money Matters. 

Briefl y though, from January 

1 the age threshold for 

Housing Benefi t shared accommodation 

rate (SAR) will 

increase from 25 to 35. 

The SAR restricts claimants 

to the rate for a single room in 

a shared house, rather than 

the rate for a self-contained 

one bedroom property. 

The rate in Blackburn is 

now £50.50. 

The change will affect up 

to 400 people. 

Also, the nine month protection 

from the changes in 

April 2011 comes to an end 

from January. 

We have written to people 

affected but if you are worried 

about any of the changes 

happening in January or coming 

up in the future, contact 

(01254) 583350 for general 

advice or 0845 070 1066 for 

specifi c enquiries about housing 

benefi t or email: advice@ 

blackburn.gov.uk or visit the 

Citizens Advice Bureau. 

IT’S YOUR CALL 

But it is not all doom and gloom. 

I urge everyone to stand up and 

take pride in this wonderful place. 

COUNCIL LEADER 

Together, we can make it better. 

Everyone can do their bit even in 

small ways. 

KATE HOLLERN 

Thinking twice about throwing 

litter on the fl oor which costs money 

to clean up or making a commitment 

to support our businesses in our 

In my last column, I urged people 

to start fighting for the borough. 

As you will see in these pages, 

many residents already have. 

On a windy day in November, I 

met with several volunteers. 

Each one is passionate about 

their area. They put themselves forward 

to make their neighbourhoods 

better places. 

support their community. 

Whether it is picking up litter to 

make the area greener or running a 

centre that provides much needed 

space for people to come together, 

these residents are playing their part 

in improving Blackburn with Darwen. 

The borough needs the energy and 

spirit shown by these residents. 

Blackburn with Darwen has been 

towns by shopping local all helps. 

The cuts mean that Council services 

have changed forever. But 

what matters to you matters to us. 

Residents have told us that they 

want to play their part. We have answered 

their call by providing opportunities 

to get involved. 

Now it is time for you to answer 

our call. Play your part and fi ght for 

I was amazed, despite the through a diffi cult year. It’s been Blackburn with Darwen. It's your 

weather, how many people came to tough and will continue to be tough. community, your call. 

CENTRE A NO GO 

I was interested in an article 

in the Lancashire Telegraph 

which said that Blackburn 

town centre was a no-go zone 

at night. 

This was based on the troubles 

of one bar, the Cheers bar. 

The reality is that here in 

Blackburn we have worked hard 

in partnership with the police and 

other key partners to rid the town 

of this single “bad apple” establishment, 

quickly and effectively. 

The licence was revoked at 

the fi rst hearing of the Council’s 

Licensing Committee due to the 

strong evidence obtained - this is 

virtually unheard of. 

However, we need everyone to 

come together to talk up this town 

and make it a place where people 

want to live, work and spend their 

leisure time. 

We are working hard to attract 

more business to the town 

centre. Discussions are currently 

taking place with building owners 

and potential investors to reinvigorate 

the night time economy 

whilst helping potential investors 

to understand that Blackburn is a 

safe place. According to the latest 

police statistics violent crime 

across Blackburn with Darwen is 

amongst the lowest of any large 

town in the North West. 

This town has a lot to offer. We 

should all try and get behind this 

town to make it a thriving one. 

MORE YOUR CALL - PAGES 3, 6, 10, 11, 12


Rovers in the Shuttle 

HIGH FOR LOWE! 

The latest local starlet off the 

Blackburn Rovers ‘production 

line’ already has on eye on England. 

And Jason Lowe has cited the 

you go the more pleasing it is. 

“I was captain of the under- 

20s in the World Cup and that was 

great. Then to come back and play 

for the England under-21s, you fi nd 

side. 

“Hopefully there will be much 

more to come from me. 

“I’m really looking 

forward to what 

rise-and-rise of his former Ewood yourself slowly creeping up the ladder. 

the future 

Park colleague Phil Jones as proof 

of just what can be achieved. 

The 20-year-old midfi elder, from 

Leigh, is already being tipped to 

follow Jones into the national team, 

but, in spite of winning a fi rst team 

place in the Rovers’ senior side 

in recent weeks, he refuses to get 

carried away. 

Jason remains just a ‘regular 

guy’ looking to hold down a regular 

place with Rovers before thinking 

about England. 

Having travelled to Colombia to 

represent England in the Under-20 

World Cup during the summer, Jason 

has progressed to the under- 

21 squad and has ambitions to go 

as far as he possibly can. 

“Of course I have seen what 

Phil (Jones) has done with England 

and think how I would love to do 

that one day,” he said. “I am close 

with him and always have been. 

“He has made a great impact 

with Manchester United and has 

shown what is out there for you if 

you work hard and give your all. 

“However, fi rst and foremost it 

is all about Blackburn Rovers and 

what I am doing here. 

“International recognition is just 

a bonus and obviously the higher 

“It is a good feeling, but I just 

want to keep it going and hopefully 

long may it continue. 

“All I say to myself and all my 

family say to me is that as long as 

you come off the fi eld after every 

game able to say that you have given 

everything, what will be will be. 

“My focus is Rovers and helping 

get us up the table.” 

Jason’s dramatic rise through 

the Ewood ranks – he has even 

kept former Real Madrid legend 

Michel Salgado on the sidelines 

after moving to play at right 

back, initially to cover injuries 

– has been rewarded with a 

new fi ve-year contract, which 

will keep him at Ewood Park 

until the summer of 2016. 

“I’ve been here a good 

while now and I’m delighted 

to have been asked to 

stay long term. 

“I am a local lad and I 

have a great affi nity and 

affection for Rovers. 

“I have been in and 

around the place since 

I was 11 years old and 

now I just want to work as 

hard as I can to stay in the 

holds.” 

Reece is a class act 

A local primary school found itself in safe ‘hands’ when a Rovers 

Academy player took charge of a morning lesson. 

Midfi elder Reece Hands was the special guest at St Michael with St John 

CE Primary School, where he took part in a Q&A with a Year 2 class, before 

showcasing his skills out on the playground. 

Reece was grilled about his life on and off the pitch – and was keen to 

deliver the message that ‘practice makes perfect’. 

Sarah Murphy, headteacher at the school, said: “Our Year 2 pupils and 

staff were really excited to meet Reece. He gave them lots of information to 

use in their topic work and some great advice. 

“Everybody at SMSJ would like to thank the organisers and Reece for visiting 

us. We wish him every success in achieving his dream.” 

The visit was organised by Blackburn Rovers Community Trust. 

Rovers’ coaches 

make a major 

impact in India 

The two men charged with producing 

the next batch of young 

stars for Rovers have just returned 

from a trip to India. 

Academy manager Phil Cannon 

and head of youth coaching David 

Lowe fl ew out to Pune, where the 

club’s owners are busy working on 

the launch of the inaugural Blackburn 

Rovers Junior Football League. 

Eventually, there will be a total 

of 20 leagues across the country, all 

linked to BRFC, the fi rst one being in 

Pune and the next in Delhi. 

“It is a great concept,” said Phil. 

“There will be 20 teams in 20 leagues, 

all wearing Rovers kits. We met with 

the 40 coaches and managers who 

are going to run the teams in Pune. 

David and I did a presentation on our 

Academy, explaining our philosophy 

and shared our knowledge. 

“We talked about talent identifi 

cation, technical coaching programmes, 

some educational welfare 

and the games programme. We then 

had a very good and enjoyable question 

and answer session. They were 

all very eager to learn. 

“We also visited St. Vincent’s 

School in central Pune – a school 

with 2,500 boys and a great reputation 

for athletics and sport. They were 

grateful for us sharing our knowledge, 

which can only bode well for the future 

of Indian football. 

“At that young age it isn’t about 

results. It is about player development, 

but they wanted to win and 

were all shouting and screaming. 

They train from 7am, before the start 

of school. It is amazing – 60 pupils 

training with one ball. 

“I hope our input will prove of 

benefi t. Football has really taken off 

there and it was also good to see 

again how committed the owners are 

across all areas of the club.” 



BOROUGHSHORTS 

SAFETY 

Alan giving friendly 

support to boost lives 

4Alan with Councillor Khan 


New PCSO 

joins beat 

By Shuttle staff 

Residents in a Blackburn neighbourhood 

are to benefit from a 

new Police Community Support 

Officer. 

PCSO Beth Perkins joins Blackburn’s 

North West Neighbourhood 

Policing Team to work alongside 

Community Beat Manager PC 

Karen Wallace covering the Bank 

Top and Wensley Fold area of the 

town. 

The 22-year-old offi cer joined 

Lancashire Constabulary in July 

2011 as a PCSO after working as 

a Special Constable for two years. 

She also has a Foundation Degree 

in Policing from the University of 

Central Lancashire. 

She said: “I am looking forward 

to meeting and working with members 

of the public to resolve community 

issues.” 

PCSO Perkins will holding 

regular PACT meetings, details 

of which can be found by visiting 

www.lancashire.police.uk 

Members of the public can 

contact PCSO Perkins on (01254) 

581175 or by email blackburnnw. 

npt@lacnashire.pnn.police.uk 

CHRISTMAS 

Park fun 

Corporation Park is welcoming 

Santa on Sunday, December 18. 

He will be visiting the park’s 

conservatory from 1pm-3pm. 

Local school children and the 

Salvation Army Band will be helping 

everyone get in the festive spirit 

with Christmas carols. 

There will also be mulled wine 

and mince pies. 

The event is free but donations 

to the Corporation Park Supporters 

Group are welcomed. 

More Christmas events on page 

nine. 

FOOTIE 

Training 

Football, organised by the Livesey 

Community Association, 

takes place on Wednesday at 

Fernhurst School, Heys Lane. 

£1 per session. Contact Louise 

for more details on 07581451374. 

Easy to use 

Your Support 

Your Choice 

A new website that gives 

you all the information, initial 

advice and guidance about 

adult social care in one place. 


Easy to read 

www.yoursupportyourchoice.org.uk 

A disabled Blackburn man is helping others 

take greater control of their lives. 

Alan Sumner said his life has been transformed 

by having a personal budget, which helps people 

who receive social care to gain more independence 

in their own day-to-day lives. 

Since getting one, Alan, 57, who has lost his left 

leg and both arms below the elbow, has seen his life 

improve. 

Now, he is helping others make the change to 

their lives. 

He volunteers for the Peer Support service, a free 

service run by volunteers who have real life experiences 

of this type of support from Blackburn and 

Darwen who can answer your questions and concerns 

and explain the scheme to you. 

Peer support helps anyone eligible for social care, 

including adults and children with physical disabilities, 

mental health issues, learning disabilities and 

older people. 

NEED 

Personal budgets give people control of their own 

fi nances to fi t in with an individual’s lifestyle and allows 

them to direct their funds to meet their unique 

needs. 

Blackburn Rovers fan Alan said: “My social worker 

told me a pilot scheme was starting and they needed 

volunteers so I offered. 

“Now here I am volunteering for it and giving other 

people advice! 

“It is quite easy really – you and your social worker 

go through what you need, like domestic assistance, 

shopping, needing help getting ready, getting the bus 

and things like that, and you work out a budget for 

them and how to spend it. 

FREEDOM 

“It is fantastic because it gives you the freedom and 

choice to control your money. 

“I feel so much more in control and I defi nitely 

prefer it to the previous system I was on. I think it 

gives me greater freedom. 

“For your personal 

“I think Alan 

is a great 

example of 

how people 

can help 

each other 

and make a 

difference.” 

- Councillor, Mohammed Khan 

assistant, because you 

hire them yourself, you 

can pick the hours they 

are there yourself which 

is so much better, and it 

is brilliant for me knowing 

I have someone there 

when I need them. 

“I enjoy helping people 

out there fi nd out 

more about personal 

budgets and the Peer 

Support Service and how 

it benefi ts their lives.” 

Councillor Mohammed 

Khan, the Council’s 

Executive Member for Adult 

Social Care, said: “Peer Support is a 

wonderful way to fi nd out about the 

personal budgets and Alan is a great example of how 

well it can work and how it can improve lives. 

“I think Alan is a great example of how people can 

help each other and make a real difference.” 

For more information on personal budgets and the 

Peer Support scheme call (01254) 587955 to speak to 

Alan or the other friendly volunteers. 

Carers need care too - page 18.


BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN 

REMEMBERS 

BOROUGH PAYS RESPECTS 

Services took place across 

Blackburn with Darwen to remember 

the sacrifices made 

by the armed forces. 

On Remembrance Sunday, 

civic leaders were 

present at a special 

service in Blackburn 

Cathedral 

followed by a 

parade on King 

William Street, 

moving to 

Corporation 

Park Gardens 

for a wreath 

laying service. 

St Paul’s 

Church in Hoddlesden 

held a 

service before a 

wreath laying service 

at Hoddlesden War Memorial. 

A service at St Peter’s Church, 

Darwen, started at 2.30pm. 

People then laid their wreaths 

at the War Memorial in Bold Venture 

Park. 


Councillor Kate Hollern, Leader 

of the Council, said: “We must 

never forget those who have given 

their lives or have been injured 

whilst fi ghting for our country. 

“These brave servicemen and 

women deserve our utmost respect 

and I hope the borough comes together, 

like in previous years, 

to help us mark this poignant 

time of year.” 

Councillor Karimeh 

Foster, Mayor 

of Blackburn 

with Darwen, 

said: “It is an 

honour to be 

part of the Remembrance 

Services. It is 

important that 

we never forget 

the sacrifi ces 

our armed 

forces have 

made and we 

continue to show 

our support for those 

who are still fi ghting.” 

To see pictures of Remembrance 

Sunday, visit 

www.flickr.com/blackburn-with-darwen 



New service to tackle domestic 

violence in Blackburn with Darwen 

Scheme will help both men and women 


4Viv Blackledge of 

the WISH centre 

Pictures courtesy of the Lancashire Telegraph. 

4Public show 

support at 

launch of new 

service 

A new domestic abuse service 

has been launched to help both 

men and women. 

The round the clock service will 

provide one to one help and has already 

helped almost four times support 

as many people as this time last 

year. 

Everyone who calls will be linked 

in to a range of services designed 

to meet their needs, from improved 

home security to emotional and 

practical support for victims and 

their families. The service also offers 

abusers help to stop and change 

their behaviour or face the full consequences 

of the law. 

“Many women and men are never 

physically harmed but are emotionally 

damaged every day. They live 

as though they’re walking on eggshells, 

constantly criticised, blamed 

for everything that goes wrong and 

always wondering what trivial thing 

will spark the next outburst,” said 

Councillor Pat McFall, who leads on 

domestic abuse. 

“Often their partners control 

every aspect of their lives, cutting 

them off from family and friends, 

controlling the purse strings and undermining 

their self confidence so 

much they think there is no way out. 

There is. 

“We can help with everything 

from relationship counselling to help 

abusers change to practical support 

to keep you and your children safe. 

Please call and get help.” 

The service is expected to save 

front line services, particularly the 

NHS, the police, the benefit system 

and the courts £7 for every £1 spent. 

You can call the helpline anytime in 

confidence on (01254) 260465 or 

text 077 423 96442 at weekends. 

MON£Y MATT£RS 

A new column dedicated to keeping you informed and 

up to date on benefits changes and welfare reform. 

There are many changes to benefits 

happening now and in the 

future. 

They are generally called welfare 

reform. People are concerned and 

want to know what they are. 

The main changes to benefits will 

come through the Welfare Reform 

Bill, which is going through Parliament 

now. 

Central to the proposed plan is 

the creation of a universal credit, a 

process that will begin in 2013 and 

continue into the next parliament. 

The universal credit will see 

existing out-of-work and in-work 

entitlements, such as Jobseeker’s 

Allowance, Income Support and 

Housing Benefit, paid as a single 

lump sum although it is unclear how 

many benefits will be included in the 

new payment. 

The Council will be talking to 

people affected before future changes 

are made to advise them about 

how they affect them. 

What further changes are happening 

to housing benefit in 

2012 

From January 1 the age threshold 

for the Housing Benefit shared 

accommodation rate (SAR) will increase 

from 25 to 35. 

The SAR restricts claimants to 

the rate for a single room in a shared 

house, rather than the rate for a selfcontained 

one bedroom property. 

The rate In Blackburn is now 

£50.50. The change could affect up 

to 400 people in the borough. 

In April 2012, the local housing 

allowance (LHA) will be set in line 

with the Consumer Prices Index 

(CPI) instead of the Retail Prices Index 

(RPI). 

CPI and RPI are both measures 

of inflation, but while RPI includes 

housing costs and mortgage interest 

payments, CPI does 

not. A switch to CPI is expected 

to lead to lower 

benefits. 

These changes 

follow several made 

in April 2011 including 

setting LHA at 

the 30th percentile of 

rents. 

This change means 

LHA rates are calculated 

on the 30th percentile of local rents 

rather than the mid point. 

The bottom line is that housing 

benefit now pays less out for the 

same accommodation - and the 

difference will have to be 

paid by tenants. 

Claimants were given 

nine month protection 

from the change which 

is due to finish from 

January. 

How many people 

have been assessed 

through the 

Work Capability Assessment 

Employment and Support Allowance 

(ESA) was introduced in October 

2010 to replace a range of incapacity 

benefits. 

Residents receiving the older 

style incapacity benefits are required 

to undertake a reassessment 

through a Work Capability Assessment 

(WCA) and then are moved to 

ESA, or other benefits deemed more 

appropriate to their circumstances. 

This exercise will run until 2014. 

People undergoing a WCA may 

be asked to take a medical assessment. 

There is a right to appeal. 

More than 1,000 residents have been 

moved to the new benefit. More than 

800 people are still to be assessed. 

Contact (01254) 583350 or email: 

advice@blackburn.gov.uk for further 

advice and guidance on this. 



By Faye Adams 

Plans are being put together 

to celebrate the Olympic torch 

coming to the town. 

The world will be watching as local 

sports clubs, community groups 

and schools line the streets on Saturday, 

June 23, when the torch is 

carried through the town. 

Residents are invited to join in 

the celebrations and cheer the torch 

on its historic journey. 

On the day Olympic themed activities 

are planned around the borough 

and in the lead up to and after 

the games a programme of community 

sports festivals and competitions 

are being held. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor 

Kate Hollern, said: “It is fantastic 

news that we have are going to 

be right at the centre of one of the 

most important sporting events in 

the world. 

“We are very lucky in this borough 

to have so many talented sporting 

people so it is fi tting that we should 

get the opportunity to celebrate the 

games in this way. 

On the day the news was announced, 

Councillor Hollern visited 

an Olympic themed event at Audley 

Sports centre organised by the 

Council where she met three would 

be Olympians. 

The members of the Great Britain 

squad were at the centre to hold a 

junior training session and inspire 

young people to be at the top of 

their game. 

Among the group was Blackburn 

born Nathan Burns who won the 

British Open Championships at the 

age of 22 for the very fi rst time. 

Nathan is a former Our Lady and 

St John pupil who trained at Shadsworth 

and Audley sports centres 

from the age of fi ve. 

Accompanying him was one of 

4Craig Fallon and Councillor Kate Hollern 

with Team GB Judo team members Karina 

Bryant and Nathan Burns 

only three Great Britain male World 

Champions, Craig Fallon and 5 times 

World silver medallist Karina Bryant. 

Visit www.london2012.com/ 

olympictorchrelaymap for more information. 

OLYMPIC TORCH FACTS 

= It will visit over 1,000 places 

around the UK and carried by 

everything from horse to hot air 

balloon. 

= It is claimed that around 95 

percent of the population will 

come within ten miles of the torch 

at some point on the route. 

= The torch will begin its journey 

on May 19 and complete it on 

July 27. 

= It will begin at Lands End and 

travel clockwise round Britain 

before arriving in London. 

NEW BUS SERVICES INCLUDE ROUTES PAST NEW HEALTH CENTRE 

Two new bus services are now 

in operation across Blackburn 

with Darwen - the 8/8A Shadsworth 

Circular and the D11 

covering Hollin Bank, Griffin 

and Wensley Road areas. 

The circular 8/8A is operated 

by M&M Coaches and will 

visit Blackburn Boulevard, Penny 

Street, Eanam, Higher Audley, 

Chester Street, Audley Range, 

North Road, Shadsworth Road, 

Dunoon Drive, Rothesay Road, 

Fecitt Brow, Shadsworth Road, 

Accrington Road, Copy Nook, 

and Eanam to Blackburn. 

The 8A will travel in the reverse 

direction. Both services run 

Monday to Friday. 

The D11 is operated by Darwen 

Coach Services and will visit 

Blackburn Boulevard, Darwen 

Street, Bolton Road, Chadwick 

Street, Hamilton Street, Hollin 

Bridge Street, Stancliffe Street, 

Griffi n Street, Portland Street, 

Lansdowne Road, St Philips 

Street, Redlam, Buncer Lane, 

Wensley Road, Oakenhurst Road, 

Feilden Street, the new Barbara 

Castle Way Health Centre and 

Blackburn Town Centre. 

This service operates Monday 

to Saturday. 

There has also been a slight 

route variation to the town’s D10 

service so it now serves the new 

Barbara Castle Way Health Centre 

in both directions. 

The service will omit Wensley 

Road as this is now served by the 

D11 bus. 

Elsewhere the 155 service 

from Blackburn to Wilpshire, operated 

by M & M Coaches, will 

now serve the Parsonage Road 

and Warrenside Close areas, offering 

a link to Blackburn or connecting 

services to Clitheroe. 

This area will operate Monday 

to Friday with four journeys 

per day at 10.22am, 11.22am, 

12.22pm, and 14.22pm. 

Councillor Dave Harling, Executive 

Member for Regeneration, 

said: “It’s good to see even 

more areas of the borough being 

covered by these new bus routes 

and that people visiting the Barbara 

Castle Way Health Centre 

along these routes will be able to 

get there more easily by bus.” 

Medics hail new health centre 

- page 15. 



BOROUGHSHORTS 

CHRISTMAS 

OPENING TIMES 

Blackburn 

Market 

Monday to Friday, December 19 to 

23, open as usual, 9am – 5.30pm 

Saturday, December 24 – 9am – 

4.30pm 

Sunday, December 25 (Christmas 

Day) – closed 

Monday, December 26 (Boxing Day) 

- closed 

Tuesday, December 27 (Bank 

Holiday) – closed 

Wednesday to Friday, December 

28 to 30 – open as usual, 9am – 

5.30pm 

Saturday, December 31 – 9am – 

4.30pm 

Sunday, January 1 – closed 

Monday, January 2 (Bank Holiday) 

- closed 

Darwen 

Market 

Market Hall 

Tuesday, December 20 open 9am 

- 5pm 

Wednesday, December 21 - Friday, 

December 23 open as normal 

Saturday, December 24 - open until 

4pm 

Monday, December 26 - 27 closed 

Wednesday December 28 - 

Saturday, December 31 - open as 

normal 

Monday, January 2 - closed 

Three day market 

Wednesday, December 21 to 

Thursday, December 22 - open 9am 

-5pm 

Friday, December 23 - open as 

normal 

Saturday, December 24 - open until 

4pm 

Sunday, December 25 (Christmas 

Day) – Thursday December 29 - 

closed 

Friday, December 30 - Saturday, 

December 31 - open as normal 

Monday, January 2 - closed 

BIN COLLECTION 

Your Burgundy Refuse Bin Collections 

will be as follows: 

Monday, December 26 - moves 

to Tuesday, December 27. 

Monday, January 2 - collected as 

normal. 

Your Grey Recycling Bin Collection 

will be as follows:Monday, 

December 26 - moves to Tuesday, 

December 27. 

Brown bin garden waste Collections 

will be suspended from 

Thursday, December 22 to Thursday, 

January 5. Please ensure that 

your bins are put out no later than 

7.00am on day of collection. Advice 

Line (01254) 585921 

Christmas lights 

4Stacey Bolton and son 

Daniel, two, with Peppa Pig 

Thousands gather as Christmas 

comes to Blackburn with Darwen 

Thousands of people packed 

into Blackburn and Darwen town 

centres as the Christmas lights 

were switched on. 

In Blackburn, a spectacular fi rework 

display followed children’s TV 

character Peppa Pig doing the honours 

in King William Street. 

The event also launched late 

night Christmas shopping in the 

town. 

Children were delighted with 

Peppa’s antics as she did a special 

dance for her Blackburn fans. 

Families waving Peppa Pig balloons 

and banners who had crowded 

outside Blackburn Town Hall to see 

the children’s television star, greeted 

her with deafening cheers. 

Waiting guests were then treated 

to a host of acts from other guest 

appearances including Preston fourpiece 

boy band Juice. 

Following performances from 

singers, Peppa then returned to 

the stage amid cheers to switch on 

Blackburn’s Christmas lights before 


a fantastic fi reworks display got under 

way. 

In Darwen, Ex-Rovers skipper 

Colin Hendry was on hand to save 

the day, signing autographs and 

fl icking the switch. 

He replaced singer 

Gina G who had to 

pull out because of 

a family emergency 

forced her to cancel. 

Councillor 

Dave Harling, 

Executive 

Member for 

Regeneration, 

said: 

"The tough 

times we have faced means this 

year's budget is a little less than previous 

years but Christmas is an important 

time and we wanted to make 

Blackburn with Darwen's festive period 

special. I believe we have a very 

good programme for both towns. 

“The light switch ons were attended 

by many people, 

which is pleasing to see. 

“Let's all support 

our towns over 

Christmas." 

More pictures 

at www.fl ickr. 

com/blackburnwith-darwen 



Picture special 

4Colin Hendry at the 

Darwen lights switch on 

BOROUGHSHORTS 

XMAS SHOPPING 

The Mall 

The Mall Blackburn will be open 

every Thursday until 8pm up until 

Christmas. 

From Monday December 19 to 

Friday December 23 the shopping 

centre will be open late every night 

till 8pm. For last minute shoppers 

The Mall will be open on Christmas 

Eve from 9am – 4.30pm. 

APPEAL 

Christmas 

Wishes 

Christmas Wishes Appeal encourages 

the collection of goods 

such as toys, food, toiletries and 

clothes. 

These will then be distributed by 

charities to needy people, who experts 

say are more in need of help 

than ever thanks to the recession. 

Now the people of East Lancashire 

are being urged to play their 

part by bringing a special gift to one 

of the special collections points: The 

Giving Tree next to the Ask me Point 

in Blackburn's Mall Shopping Centre 

and Blackburn Enterprise Centre, 

Furthergate Blackburn. 

The campaign is being spearheaded 

by SAMS, part of the notfor-profi 

t Community and Business 

Partners, in partnership with The 

Mall, BAE Systems, Europrint, Youth 

Action and Blackburn Enterprise 

Centre. 

SUPPORT 

Donna Talbot, project co-ordinator 

from SAMS, said: “At a time when 

charities are seeing their budgets 

cut, the number of people who need 

their help is growing, which means 

those organisations are going to be 

more reliant than ever on outside 

support this Christmas. 

“That’s why this year’s Christmas 

Wishes Appeal is more important 

than ever before. Small donations 

really can make a big difference. 

DONATION 

“It might be some shower gel, which 

means a homeless person can go to 

a drop-in centre, have a shower, and 

change into a clean set of clothes. 

It could be a pampering set for a 

woman in a refuge. Or it might be 

a selection box or some chocolate, 

which we could give to a child that 

would otherwise have nothing. 

"I know money is tight for everyone 

this Christmas, but even a small 

donation of a couple of pounds can 

make a huge difference.” 

For more information contact 

Donna Talbot on (01254) 291273 

or 07730 532472, or you can email 

donna@cbpartners.org The closing 

date for donations is Friday December 

16.

December 2011 - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

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