Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Borough Councillors K Horkin, S O’Rourke, and N Stubbs.

Apologies for absence were also received from West Bradford Parish Council.

The minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interest in respect of matters contained in the agenda.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests.

There was no public participation.

Introduction of Matt Townsend to Parish Councils

The Chairman introduced the Director of Highways and Transport for Lancashire County Council, Matt Townsend.

Mr Townsend answered questions put to him by Parish/Borough Councillors which included the following topics:

·         The Love Clean Streets App

·         Highway’s role in Planning Applications

·         Strategic plans for road congestion and infrastructure

·         Highways asset management plan and the focus on prevention and prolonging the life of assets/roads

·         Public transport and active travel

·         Road disruption as a result of work by Utility Companies

·         Cleaning of road signs and tourism signs

·         Road markings

·         Quality of works

·         HARP

Members thanked Mr Townsend for his attendance.

Report of the Chief Executive enclosed

The Chief Executive submitted a report informing Committee of how the Council planned to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of VE Day.

The Government was encouraging communities to get together and hold street parties on Monday 5 May 2025. To commemorate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Council offered grants to Parish and Town Councils of £500 to contribute to celebrations. On 1 April 2025, the Policy and Finance Committee approved that a grant of £500 be offered to each Parish/Town Council. Communications had been sent to all Parish and Town Councils of how to apply for the grant.

The Mayor would also host a Beacon Lighting Ceremony at Clitheroe Castle on Thursday 8 May 2025.

Report of the Director of Economic Development and Planning enclosed.

The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report for information updating Committee on the development of the community directory.

The Council’s directory could be found on the website and consisted of a substantial list of opportunities for people of all ages. Parish Councils were asked to consider adding the community groups in their area, and were advised how to submit new entries to the directory.

Verbal update from the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive provided a verbal update on the latest position in regard to Devolution for Lancashire. In summary, the Government had written to all Two-Tier areas inviting interim proposals on Local Government Reorganisation by 21 March 2025 and final proposals by 28 November 2025. The Lancashire Authorities had submitted a joint letter detailing all the options being considered and Government feedback was awaited. It was expected that, should proposals be acceptable, that any new shadow authority would be in place by May 2027, with reorganisation taking place in April 2028. It was understood that Parish Councils would be consulted as part of the process.

Ribble Valley Borough Council was opposed to Local Government Reorganisation but if it was forced upon the Council the preferred option would be to split Lancashire into four Unitary Councils with Ribble Valley Borough Council being combined with Preston and Lancaster.

Members discussed the safeguarding of assets of community value.

The Chairman informed the committee that the date of the next meeting would be approved at the Annual meeting on 13 May 2025.