Planning matters have regularly been monitored by the council and in all but one case we have not found it necessary to comment. The exception is a plan which could see an increased number of horses using the lower reaches of Ightenhill Park Lane. We welcome such use of the lane but, as this road can be dangerous due to irresponsible drivers, we have recommended the installation of horse warning signs. As our roads get busier it is becoming more important to be aware of all other vulnerable users such as horse riders and pedestrians.
The Gawthorpe Estate is within the Parish of Ightenhill and this year the Parish Council has been supporting improvements to the gardens. With our help, a new “Welcome and Information” board is being produced and the walled garden will be made more accessible to the public.
Christine Greenwood, National Trust Ranger, reports that the information board has been designed and will shortly be in place. The walled garden has improved pathways and new watering and composting systems. This work will enable the staff to invite more school and community groups into the garden.
Councillors regularly pick litter in the area and bag it for the Borough Council to take away. We are aware that other members of the public also clean up as they walk through the parish. It is a measure of the quality of the area that litter is not tolerated and I am sure that we are all grateful to those who take a little time to clear it up.
On two occasions recently Council members have retrieved large items of fly-tipping from the bed of the River Calder. These have included a shopping trolley, a large road-works barrier and the remains of a bike. Wading waist-deep into the Calder is not to be recommended but should anything be seen in the river please contact one of the councillors and we will mount another expedition! Although not within the parish, the area around the M65 footbridge at the end of Tunnel Street is particularly bad for litter. We asked Lancashire County Council Highways Department to tidy up the motorway embankments and this was done but only partially. We hope that this area, which is one of the worst litter sites in the town, can be kept reasonably clear in the future.
The Medieval Manor House site at the top of Helvellyn Drive is owned by the Parish Council and many will remember that we made the site accessible for groups to visit. We invite any group of people, particularly school parties, to visit for a conducted tour of one of Burnley's most important historical sites. To arrange this contact any Parish Councillor. Please do not go onto the land without permission as it is private grazing land.
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