Category: 2025 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BILLINGTON AND LANGHO PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON

 Monday, 28^th July 2025 at 7.15pm

 AT THE COMMUNITY HALL

 

PRESENT

 

Parish Councillors. Brian Haworth (chair), Martin Hincks, Eva McPrice,  Dennis Johnson, Michael Collins, Cllr Tony Austin.

 

In attendance –R Greenwood clerk

 

ITEM 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

There were  apologies for absence from Katie Swingewood and John Aspden

 

ITEM 2        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 

 

• Register of Interests – Councillors were reminded of the need to update their register of interests.

 

• No members disclosed a personal interest in any matter to be discussed at the meeting.

 

ITEM 3 ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING

 

3.1  Minutes of the meeting held June 30^th  2025 were accepted and signed as a true record.

 

ITEM 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

4.1 There was no public participation.

 

 ITEM  5 PLAYGROUNDS

 

5.1 No report was received from the Lengthsman.

 

5.2 The request for bollards at Bushburn Road Playground has been passed to RVBC to action.

 

 

ITEM 6 ACCOUNTS

 

6.1 The following cheques were presented for payment.

 

Cheque 202659	C Walton Lengthsman	£276.92
Cheque 202660	HMRC	£7.00
Cheque 202661	Travel	£25.46
Cheque 202662	Clerk Salary	£532.50
Cheque 202663	N Haworth Groundsman, Old Langho	£500.00

 

6.2 The National Joint Council for Local Government Services has forwarded  the Clerk / RFO pay scales. These are scales 1 to 62. The Clerk is on pay scale 2 which has had an hourly increase of 40p per hour. This will be back dated to the 1^st April 2025

 

 

6.3 The bank reconciliation and cash flow was presented.

 

6.4 It was resolved that as no meeting would take place in August that the Clerk would raise the cheques for payment and send them out rather than having contractors or employees having to wait for two months for payment.

 

ITEM 7 PLANNING

 

7.1 The following applications were received and considered.

 

3/2025/0482	18 Highwoods Park, no objections
3/2025/0516	Oak Tree, Whitehalgh Lane, no objections.
3/2025/0454	Land off Snodworth, objections sent to RVBC
3/2025/0540	Brooklands, Longworth Road, no objections.

 

7.2 Cllr Austin had circulated the report for the failed Appeal for Elker Meadows.

 

7.2 Padel Courts at Mytton Fold  –  this application was passed.

 

7.3 Cllr Austin gave a brief precis of planning issues in the villages.

 

 

ITEM 8 HIGHWAY

 

8.1  Nothing reported.

 

ITEM 9 RIBBLE VALLEY SETTLEMENT REVIEW.

 

9.1 RVBC produced a list of services and facilities for Billington, Langho and Brockhall (Old Langho). The parish council worked through these added missed facilities and removing those that were no longer in place. Concern was raised as the maps that were supplied did not cover the whole area missing Cronshaw Chair and the area opposite Northcote. The clerk to submit the completed forms and forward the  missing area concerns.

 

ITEM 10 OFFICERS REPORT 

 

10.1 The parish council is seeking a volunteer to scan and write up the parish records, these go back to the 1800’s and are in a frail condition. The parish council will work with the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley CVS to source volunteers.

 

10.2 The Groundsman for Old Langho Church was thanked for his work. He had reported that the bushes, hedges and tree’s between the two graveyards are top heavy and need maintenance works. The Clerk to write to Old Langho Church suggesting this work.

 

10.3 Cllr Austin attended a LALC meeting, he raised questions about LCC’s devolution.

 

.

 

ITEM 11 FLOOD CONCERNS AND UPDATE

 

No items were discussed.

 

 ITEM 12 CORRESPONDENCE.

 

12.1 All correspondence has been forwarded by email.

.

 

ITEM 13 DATES OF NEXT MEETING. All at 7.15pm.

 

29^th September 2025

27^th October 2025

24^th November 2025

 

The meeting closed at 20.28 hrs

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BILLINGTON AND LANGHO PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON

 Monday, 30^th June   2025 at 7.15pm

 AT THE COMMUNITY HALL

 

PRESENT

 

Parish Councillors. Brian Haworth (chair), Martin Hincks, Eva McPrice, John Aspden, Dennis Johnson, Michael Collins  Cllr Steve Farmer, Cllr Tony Austin. Katie Swingewood.

 

In attendance – Two members of the public. R Greenwood clerk

 

ITEM 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

There were no  apologies for absence .

 

ITEM 2        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST 

 

• Register of Interests – Councillors were reminded of the need to update their register of interests.

 

• No members disclosed a personal interest in any matter to be discussed at the meeting.

 

ITEM 3 ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING

 

3.1  Minutes of the meeting held May 26^th 2025 were accepted and signed as a true record.

 

ITEM 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

4.1 Mr Baron, speed campaigner for Whinney Lane and Snodworth Road, attended the meeting to request that is there was unallocated money in the Community Infrastructure Levie Fund (CIL) that it was a project to reduce speed on Snodworth Road / Whinney Lane be considered. Cllr Tony Austin will look into this, and if it is available will be put on a future agenda.

 

4.2 Mr Renwick of Luna Developments, Whalley, attended the meeting to discuss a planning application proposal. This will be for the land opposite Northcote Hotel. The development proposed is for a petrol station, EV station, and employment units (as they have previously done in Barrow and Altham). With this will be an obligation for employing local people and for the units to be occupied by local residents.

.

 

 ITEM  5 PLAYGROUNDS

 

5.1 No report was received from the Lengthsman.

 

5.2 There were more reports of dogs in Langho Playground.

 

5.3 The grass cutting contract with RVBC was signed for the next financial year. This will be £2520.17

 

5.4 An incident was reported to the Police and the Parish Council where a car was driven onto the playground at Langho. From this the Parish Council is looking to install bollards on the ginnel at Bushburn Drive to prevent vehicles entering the playground.

 

5.5 A further incident of vehicles was reported, this was that parents are driving onto Langho Playground to the children’s area to pick up their children, this is not allowed and will be reported to the Police if seen.

 

 

ITEM 6 ACCOUNTS

 

6.1 The following cheques were presented for payment.

 

Cheque 202651	Void
Cheque 202652	C Walton Lengthsman	£318.00
Cheque 202653	N Haworth Old Langho Church	£500.00
Cheque 202654	Nurture for Cronshaw Common Knotweed	£120.00
Cheque 202655	Travel and office	£25.46
Cheque 202656	HMRC	£7.00
Cheque 202657	Clerk salary	£532.50
Cheque 202658	Community First Insurance	£788.17

 

6.2 The Concurrent Form was signed and will be processed to RVBC

 

6.3 The bank reconciliation and cash flow was presented.

 

ITEM 7 PLANNING

 

7.1 The following applications were received and considered.

 

3/2025/0432	Birtwistle Terrace
3/2025/0195	14 The Drive
3/2025/0838	St Augustines School
3/2025/0304	2 Chapel Close
3/2025/0487	19 Pendle View
3/2025/0422	Highwoods park

 

7.1  The application for 300 homes was refused. Cllr Steve Farmer was thanked for his work.

 

7.2 Padel Courts at Mytton Fold  – whilst the parish council recognises the need for economic development it  was asked to represent the views of local residents who objected to this application. The application is to go back to the planning committee with a recommendation to grant the application.

 

 

ITEM 8 HIGHWAY

 

8.1  The sign at Pashmire Brow is buried in the hedge and will be reported to repair.

 

8.2 A59  towards Langho Roundabout – more reports about the state of the road, these have been unsuccessfully reported via the Love Clean Streets App but have been closed off. However the volume of potholes plus the large channel along the road make driving dangerous with cars swerving to avoid.

 

8.3 The blocked drains on Northcote Road have been cleared.

 

ITEM 9 SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE.

 

9.1 Stuart Howarth at RVBC was thanked for helping the clerk with the website and email issues now fully resolved.

 

9.2 It was resolved that the minutes of the meetings would not be put on social media – these will be placed on the notice boards and also on the website.

 

ITEM 10 OFFICERS REPORT 

 

10.1 It was resolved  that Cllr Austin represent the Parish Council at Parish Council Liaison Committee meetings.

 

10.1 There has been a report of cold callers knocking on doors on St Marys Drive asking to buy gold jewellery. This is a no cold calling area.

 

10.2 Fraud – Five local residents have been issued with solicitor’s letters demanding £10,000 for ground rents. Cllr Tony Austin is leading on this as this is a fraudulent request. Residents experiencing this are asked to contact either the clerk or Cllr Austin.

 

10.3 Digital Switchover Landline phones are switching to digital, which could stop telecare alarms working. Landline providers are here to help. If you or someone you know uses a telecare alarm, you must call the landline provider. They will help make sure alarms keep working through the switchover, for more information please see www.digitalphoneswitchover.com

 

10.4  It has been announced that former Cllr. Kathleen Robinson passed away earlier this month. She had represented the village on Ribble Valley Borough Council.

 

ITEM 11 FLOOD CONCERNS AND UPDATE

 

No items were discussed.

 

 ITEM 12 CORRESPONDENCE.

 

12.1 All correspondence has been forwarded by email.

.

 

 

ITEM 13 DATES OF NEXT MEETING. All at 7.15pm.

 

28^th July 2025

25^th August 2025 (additional date and bank holiday)

29^th September 2025

27^th October 2025

24^th November 2025

 

The meeting closed at 20.18 hrs

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BILLINGTON AND LANGHO PARISH COUNCIL 

HELD ON Monday, 26th May  2025 at 7.15pm

 AT THE COMMUNITY HALL

 

PRESENT

 

Parish Councillors. Martin Hincks, Dennis Johnson  Cllr Steve Farmer, Cllr Tony Austin.

 

In attendance – County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, R Greenwood clerk

 

ITEM 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

There were  apologies for absence from Michael Collins, Eva McPrice, Brian Haworth, John Aspden, Katie Swingewood. 

 

ITEM 2        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST  

 

1.    Register of Interests – Councillors were reminded of the need to update their register of interests.  

 

1.  No  members disclosed a personal interest in any matter to be discussed at the meeting. 

 

ITEM 3 ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING 

 

3.1  Minutes of the meeting held 27th April  2025 were accepted and signed as a true record. 

 

ITEM 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

4.1  An email was received regarding an overgrown hedge that require pedestrians to walk on the road to pass. The hedge encroaches across the footpath. The clerk is to write to the home owner to request that the hedge is taken back. 

 

 ITEM  5 PLAYGROUNDS

 

5.1 No report was received from the Lengthsman. 

5.2 There was a report of significant broken glass across Billington Playground. The Lengthsman attended and cleaned this up. 

 

ITEM 6 ACCOUNTS

 

6.1 The following cheques were presented for payment.

Cheque 202642	Stamps and travel	£39.38
Cheque 202643	C Walton – Lengthsman	£276.29
Cheque 202644	C Walton – Lengthsman	£276.29
Cheque 202645	HMRC	£7.00
Cheque 202646	Clerk – salary	£532.50
Cheque 202647	RVBC – website	£19.32
Cheque 202648	N Haworth – Old Langho Church	£500
Cheque 202649	Langho in Bloom	£300.00
Cheque 202650	Outside Office – audit	£60.00

 

6.2 The bank reconciliation was presented. 

 

6.3 The Vice Chair signed the Annual Governance Statement and Accounting Statements

6.4 The date for the Exercise of Public Right was set at 27.5.25

6.5 The AGAR bank reconciliation and the explanation of variances was signed. 

 

ITEM 7 PLANNING

 

7.1 The following applications were received and considered. 

 

3/2025/0171 Lower Fold Stables – no objections were raised. 

APP/T12530/W/25/3364766 – appeal from Dewhurst Farm, objections sent to the Planning Inspectorate. 

3/2025/0305 Painter Wood, no objections were received. 

3/2025/0094 Mytton Fold – objections were received from members of the public. 

3/2025/0359 Cunliffe House Farm – no objections were received. 

 

A notice was received regarding the removal of the telephone kiosk at the Old Post Office / Looking Glass the parish council has registered it’s objection to this being removed. 

 

 ITEM 8 HIGHWAY

 

8.1 The clerk to send an introductory  email to County Councillor Atkinson and the residents campaigning for Whinney Lane / Snodworth Road 20mph limit. 

 

8.2 Neddy Lane has now reopened. There is a tarmacked path down to Dale View. 

 

8.3 Borough Cllr Farmer has reported the blocked drains on Northcote Road, one opposite Lower Fold and two running parallel to the football field.  

 

ITEM 9 OFFICERS REPORT  

 

9.1 The Chair and Parish Council would like to express their sincere gratitude to Former County Councillor Allan Schofield for his work with the Parish Council over many years. 

 

ITEM 10 FLOOD CONCERNS AND UPDATE

 

No items were discussed. 

 

 ITEM 11 CORRESPONDENCE.

 

 11.1 All correspondence has been forwarded by email. 

 

ITEM 12 DATES OF NEXT MEETING. All at 7.15pm. 

 

28th July 2025

29th September 2025

27th October 2025

24th November 2025

 

The meeting closed at 20.18 hrs

MINUTES OF THE AGM OF BILLINGTON AND LANGHO PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY,26th  MAY  2025 AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, LANGHO.

 

PRESENT

 

Parish councillors –  , Cllr Steve Farmer, Cllr Tony Austin, , Martin Hincks, Dennis Johnson 

In attendance –  County Cllr Stephen Atkinson, R Greenwood Clerk. 

 

ITEM 1         APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

There were apologies for absence from Brian Haworth, John Aspden, Katie Swingewood Michael Collins, Eva McPrice 

 

ITEM 2        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST  

 

1. Register of Interests – Councillors were reminded of the need to update their register of interests.

 

1.  No members disclosed any personal or prejudicial interests in any matter to be discussed at the meeting. 

                

ITEM 3 ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING 

 

Minutes of the meeting held on May 2024 were accepted and signed as a true record. 

 

ITEM 4   ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE. 

 

4.1 Brian Haworth was elected as Chair – All in favour. 

4.2 Martin Hincks was elected as Vice Chair – all in favour. 

4.3 Planning Committee Brian Haworth, Martin Hincks, John Aspden, Katie Swingewood, Michael Collins, Eva McPrice and Steve Farmer. 

4.4 Billington Poors Charity – Tony Austin. 

4.5 Grant Committee – all members 

4.6 Parish Council Liaison – Steve Farmer. 

 

ITEM 5  OPEN FORUM. 

 

5.1  No members of the public attended. 

 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BILLINGTON AND LANGHO PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON

 Monday, 28th April  2025 at 7.15pm

 AT THE COMMUNITY HALL

 

PRESENT

 

Parish Councillors. Brian Haworth (chair), Martin Hincks, Eva McPrice, John Aspden, Dennis Johnson  Cllr Steve Farmer, Cllr Tony Austin.

 

In attendance – Four members of the public. R Greenwood clerk

 

ITEM 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

There were  apologies for absence from Michael Collins.  

 

ITEM 2        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST  

 

1.    Register of Interests – Councillors were reminded of the need to update their register of interests.  

 

1.  No  members disclosed a personal interest in any matter to be discussed at the meeting. 

 

ITEM 3 ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING 

 

3.1  Minutes of the meeting held 31st March 2025 were accepted and signed as a true record. 

 

ITEM 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

4.1 Three members of the public attended to voice their objections to 3/2025/0196 300 houses on the land south of Longsight Road. The focus of their objection is the sewer system that is already failing to cope with the current volume of sewage and rainwater run offs. These members of the public are asking for the infra structure to be put in place before the planning is granted. At present if there is a high rainfall then raw sewage is discharged into their field, into Bushburn Brook (which is now dead and polluted) and eventually into the river. United Utilities are aware of the problem,  but have previously reported themselves and the issues to the Environmental Agency. 

 

4.2 One members of public attended to request that the Parish Council write to the new LCC Director of Highways regarding the results of the Speed and Volume Survey conducted on Whinney Lane. 

 

 ITEM  5 PLAYGROUNDS

 

5.1 No report was received from the Lengthsman. 

5.2 There were more reports of dogs in Langho Playground. This has been reported to the dog warden. 

 

ITEM 6 ACCOUNTS

 

6.1 The following cheques were presented for payment.

Cheque 202637	Chris Walton Lengthsman	£276.29
Cheque 202638	LALC Subscription	£749.64
Cheque 202639	HMRC	£7.00
Cheque 202640	Expenses	£28.46
Cheque 202641	Clerk	£532.50

 

6.2 The parish council agreed a spend on Land Registry documentation needed prior to the demise of LCC in two years time. 

 

ITEM 7 PLANNING

 

7.1 The following applications were received and considered. 

 

• 3/2025/0171 Lower Fold Stables. 
• APP/T2350/W/25/3363889 Land off Elker Lane  Planning Appeal
• 3/2025/0288 2 Northcote Park 
• 3/2024/0196 Land south of Longsight Road – discussed under 4.1 Objections to be sent to RVBC

 

 ITEM 8 HIGHWAY

 

8.1 Discussion under 4.2 regarding Speed and Volume Survey on Whinney Lane. 

 

ITEM 9 OFFICERS REPORT  

 

9.1 Cllrs Austin and Farmer attended the Parish Councils Liaison Committee meeting. 

 

ITEM 10 FLOOD CONCERNS AND UPDATE

 

No items were discussed. 

 

 ITEM 11 CORRESPONDENCE.

 

 11.1 All correspondence has been forwarded by email. 

11.2 The Clerk is liaising with RVBC regarding the parish website. 

 

ITEM 12 DATES OF NEXT MEETING. All at 7.15pm. 

 

26th May 2025

30th June 2025

28th July 2025

29th September 2025

27th October 2025

24th November 2025

 

The meeting closed at 20.18 hrs

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BILLINGTON AND LANGHO PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON

 Monday, 31st March 2025 at 7.15pm

 AT THE COMMUNITY HALL

 

PRESENT

 

Parish Councillors. Brian Haworth (chair), Martin Hincks, Eva McPrice, Michael Collins, John Aspden, Dennis Johnson  Cllr Steve Farmer, Cllr Tony Austin, C Cllr Alan Schofield. Katie Swingewood. 

 

In attendance – Five members of the public. R Greenwood clerk

 

ITEM 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

There were  apologies for absence from PCSO Pemberton. 

 

ITEM 2        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST  

 

1.    Register of Interests – Councillors were reminded of the need to update their register of interests.  

 

1.  One   member disclosed a personal interest in any matter to be discussed at the meeting. This was Cllr John Aspden for  application 3/2025/0206 

 

ITEM 3 ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING 

 

3.1  Minutes of the meeting held February   2025 were accepted and signed as a true record. 

 

ITEM 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

4.1 Three members of the public attended to voice their objections to 3/2025/0094 Mytton Fold Hotel

Objections to this are:-

1. The opening hours, which are 6am to 10pm, 7 days per week. 
2. The light pollution. 
3. The bat survey report – a request for a more robust survey will be requested. 
4. The increased traffic on the roads each hour that the courts are open. 

A formal objection will be submitted to RVBC

 

4.2 Two members of public attended to share their objection to 3/2025/0114 Kirkdale Road. The objections to this are:-

1. Loss of light – the build will block views of the sky
2. Lack of privacy with being overlooked. 
3. Unsympathetic to the area. 

A formal objection will be submitted to RVBC

 

 ITEM  5 PLAYGROUNDS

 

5.1 No report was received from the Lengthsman. 

 

ITEM 6 ACCOUNTS

 

6.1 The following cheques were presented for payment.

Cheque 202630	Nalc Training for the clerk	£16.00
Cheque 202631	C Walton, Lengthsman	£526.29
Cheque 202632	Richard Davis, tree work at Billington Playground.	£540.00
Cheque 202633	Void
Cheque 202634	HMRC	£7.00
Cheque 202635	Clerk Salary	£532.50
Cheque 202636	Travel	£25.46

 

6.2 PKF Littlejohn has sent the notice of audit for the Parish Council. 

 

ITEM 7 PLANNING

 

7.1 The following applications were received and considered. 

3/2025/0094	Mytton Fold Hotel Whalley Road
3/2025/0113	Woodcote York Lane
3/2024/0864	Conkers Day Nursery
3/2025/0114	24 Kirkdale Road
3/2025/0196	300 Houses
3/2025/0158	Gleneagles
3/2025/0170	Brocklands, Longworth Road.
3/2024/1021	Land Adj to Snodworth Road.
3/2025/0206	St Marys Drive
3/2025/0171	Lower Fold Stable

 

 ITEM 8 HIGHWAY

 

8.1 A letter was received regarding Whalley Old Road, stating that LCC have dug a trench on the grass verge between York Village and Three Bays Barn. There is no pavement and concern was raised that the verge is not inaccessible. 

 

8.2 A letter was received regarding footpath 29 requesting a stile between Horrocks Farm and Hodgefield. The clerk to write to PROW, (Public Rights of Way)

 

8.3 A complaint was received regarding the continued close of the footpath on Neddy Lane. Cllr Schofield and the clerk have been in contact with PROW who have contacted Redrow – the building firm responsible for the closure. 

 

8.4 Pashmire Brow, Cllr Schofield has contacted two recent collisions or traffic accidents, attention needed to obscured Road Narrows sign and for consideration to installation of Priority Gateway arrangement.  Assessment from highways officers is that Pashmire Brow does not meet the criteria for traffic priority gateway build-outs at this time.  The ‘narrow road’ signs are to be cleaned and any vegetation obscuring the signs is to be removed’.

 

8.5 A59 – Longsight Road – this road is eligible for the Surface Dressing Improvement Scheme. This was approved by LCC Cabinet meeting of the 06.03.25, westward beyond Langho Roundabout, to B6245 crossroads / traffic lights Clayton-le-Dale  – subsequent to the prior work from Monday 31st March up to 9th April of repairs by Patching’. This will take place in the new financial year.  The A59 approaching Langho from Clitheroe is in a dangerous condition. CCllr Schofield is pushing for early allocation to it from LCC Highways’ ‘Localised Deterioration Fund’ (LDF) available money

 Cllr Schofield was thanked for his work. 

 

ITEM 9 Sec 106 FOR BILLINGTON LEISURE

 

9.1 Cllr Austin has asked the Parish Council to consider what leisure facilities are needed for Billington, there is some Sec 106 money available – no time scale has been given for this money. Consideration is to update the equipment in Billington Playground. 

 

ITEM 10 OFFICERS REPORT  

 

10.1 Cllr Austin has been investigating an issue with water run off from the car wash at Village  prestige hand car wash The car wash is working from 9am to 7pm daily and the dirty / detergent filled water is running off down the road towards the coach park and not being taken down the drain. Cllr Schofield will visit the site and speak to the owner. 

In addition there is an issue with the hoses, when no car is being washed these are being held in a vertical position, the spray from these is blowing across into nearby gardens causing an issue for the home owners. 

 

10.2 Cllr Hincks was made aware of 3 tree’s in Old Langho Churchyard that were either dead or required significant tree works. He contacted David Holt and passed the information to them. The Parish Council will not be contributing financially to this work. 

 

10.3 Cllr Johnson has reported dog fouling at Billington and an increase in litter around St Augustin’s school. The clerk to forward Cllr Johnson’s letter. 

 

10.4 Cllr Farmer has requested a new litter bin for the road between Old Langho Road and Chapel Lane. The clerk to write to RVBC 

 

ITEM 11 CENOTAPH AND MEMORIAL OAK TREE

 

11.1 The second quote has been received to repair the Cenotaph. The application for funding will now be processed. 

 

11.2 The Memorial Oak tree at the rear of the Oak Tree has  been inspected by Arborist Richard Davis and sympathetic pruning is needed.  The Clerk has been in contact with RVBC’s Tree Officer David Hewitt who has a ten year old report stating that the tree is severely compromised and recommends felling. The Parish Council has maintained the tree over the years and will continue to do so but an full assessment is now needed to ensure that the tree will “cope” with the works needed to repair the Cenotaph. It was resolved that the tree will have a full xray assessment to determine the way forward, ie a specific management plan or the felling of the tree. 

 

 ITEM 12 CORRESPONDENCE.

 

12.1 An email was received from Ebenezer Chapel – this was forwarded to all members, it was felt that the work at Ebenezer makes a very positive contribution to the area. 

 

12.2 All correspondence has been forwarded by email. 

 

ITEM 13 DATES OF NEXT MEETING. All at 7.15pm. 

 

28th April 2025

26th May 2025

30th June 2025

28th July 2025

29th September 2025

27th October 2025

24th November 2025

 

The meeting closed at 21.05 hrs

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BILLINGTON AND LANGHO PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON

 Monday, 24th February  2025 at 7.15pm

 AT THE COMMUNITY HALL

 

PRESENT

 

Parish Councillors. Brian Haworth (chair), Martin Hincks, Eva McPrice, Michael Collins, John Aspden, Dennis Johnson  Cllr Steve Farmer, Cllr Tony Austin, C Cllr Alan Schofield. 

 

In attendance –R Greenwood clerk

 

ITEM 1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

 

There were apologies for absence were received and accepted from Katie Swingewood

 

ITEM 2        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST  

 

1.    Register of Interests – Councillors were reminded of the need to update their register of interests.  

 

1.  Two   members disclosed a personal or prejudicial interests in any matter to be discussed at the meeting Both Eva McPrice and Michael Collins declared an interest in the flood lighting at Blackburn Rovers as it impacts on their homes. 

 

ITEM 3 ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING 

 

3.1  Minutes of the meeting held January 27th  2024 were accepted and signed as a true record. 

 

ITEM 4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

 

4.1  No members of the public attended. 

 

 ITEM  5 PLAYGROUNDS

 

5.1 No report was received from the Lengthsman. 

 

ITEM 6 ACCOUNTS

 

6.1 The following cheques were presented for payment.

 

Cheque 202625	RVBC	£2400.16
Cheque 202626	C Walton	£262.29
Cheque 202627	Travel	£25.46
Cheque 202628	HMRC	£7.00
Cheque 202629	Clerk Salary	£532.50

 

ITEM 7 PLANNING

 

7.1 3/2025/0027 Colliers Farm, objections were raised and will be submitted to RVBC. 

 

7.2 Planning Complaint 584133966 – Blackburn Rovers are not going to do anything to reduce the lighting splay from the floodlights, the increase in the lighting has been caused by the use of LED light bulbs. Cllr Austin has been in touch with the Chief Executive of RVBC and Andrew Dent regarding making a complaint under Statutory Nuisance. If any members of the public wish to evidence to the  Statutory Nuisance then in the first instance can they contact the Clerk to the Parish Council or Cllr Tony Austin 

 

 7.3 Concerns were raised regarding the acoustic boards round Keepers Cottage, this has now gone to planning who have requested more appropriate acoustic boards be used.

 

7.4 3/2024/0635 appeal against the refusal of planning permission for Brockhall Village Hall, this is for a Certificate of Lawfulness for proposed 1m high fencing and new entrance gates at vehicular access

 

 ITEM 8 HIGHWAY

 

8.1  Longsight Road Bus Stop, C. Cllr Alan Schofield has requested to relocate the bus stops on Longsight Road (A59) nearer to The Rydings junction. LCC have responded that they have investigated and concluded that “without significant junction improvements at the Rydings estate turn off, the bus stops are to remain in their current positions as they are in the safest location. The double white centre line is the major issue in relation to placing these bus stops closer, in either the westerly or easterly direction of the Rydings junction”.

 

8.2 Board Signs at Old Langho. an advertising board placed on the grass verge near to the Black Bull public house, Old Langho Road. LCC Highways have replied with “the grass verge does not form part of the public highway. It is privately owned and maintained. This means that we cannot prevent any structures from being placed on the verge”. However it was noted that as this is an advert sign placed in the vicinity of a grade one listed building it should have been subject to planning permission. 

 

8.3. SpiDs there have been two SpiDs in the area, the first near St Augustine School and the second near Billington Playground. The Parish Council have asked that the result are sent to PCSO Pemberton and that she attends the sites at specific times (indicated by the SpiDs results) with the speed gun. 

 

8.4 Questions were asked why the Petre Arms bus stop is called Longsight Road stop – Cllr Alan Schofield is to look into this. 

 

8.5 The Cenotaph at Billington – the parish council is to ask Richard Davis to undertake a tree study for the Oak tree’s impact on the Cenotaph and for guidance for what can be done. 

 

8.6 A request for better road signage at Pashmire Brow. There have been two accidents in the last 8 weeks resulting in road closures. Cllr Alan Schofield is to look into this. Suggestions included have a Priority Gateway Sign. 

 

8.7 There has been a complaint regarding the amount of dog fouling on main road through Billington  in particular Pasturelands Estate Billington, the clerk to ask RVBC for more signage and for the dog warden to attend. 

 

8.8 The dog poo bin on Langho station needs a new lid, the clerk to write to request. 

 

ITEM 9 OFFICERS REPORT  

 

9.1 There were no officers report. 

 

ITEM 10  CORRESPONDENCE.

 

10.1 The first quote has been received for repair of the Cenotaph. Two more are required. The clerk is to meet the second contractor onsite this week. 

 

10.2 All correspondence has been forwarded by email. 

 

ITEM 11 DATES OF NEXT MEETING. All at 7.15pm. 

 

31st March 2025

28th April 2025

26th May 2025

30th June 2025

28th July 2025

29th September 2025

27th October 2025

24th November 2025

 

The meeting closed at 20.15 hrs