About Us
Working for the people of Darwen
Darwen Town Council is a small, volunteer-led parish council with one job: making sure your share of council tax — the Darwen Precept — is invested in the things that matter most to people who live, work and visit here.
Set up by public referendum in October 2008, we’ve been the most local layer of government in Darwen for over fifteen years. Our thirteen elected Councillors give their time for free — no salaries, no expenses — and meet regularly to decide how best to support the town’s events, parks and community groups.
We’re a small council with a clear focus: spend every pound where it makes a visible difference to Darwen.
At a glance
Established: October 2008
Councillors: 13, elected every 4 years
Annual precept: ~£122,000
Residents served: ~28,000
Meets: Monthly at Darwen Town Hall
Image placeholder: photo of Darwen Town Hall or the council in session
What we do
We can’t fix the roads or empty the bins — that’s the job of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. But we can, and do, back the people, places and events that make Darwen, Darwen.
Town events
From Darwen Live and the Christmas Lights Switch-On to the Scooter Rally and the annual Brass Band Competition — we fund and support the events that bring the town centre to life and put money back into local businesses.
Image placeholder: photo from a recent town event
Parks & green spaces
We work to enhance much-loved spots like Sunnyhurst Woods and Bold Venture Park — adding benches, sculptures and commemorative plaques so residents and visitors can enjoy them for generations.
Image placeholder: photo of Sunnyhurst Woods or Bold Venture Park
Community Awards
Our annual Community Awards scheme provides funding to local groups — Walking Football clubs, knitting circles, youth sports equipment and many more grassroots initiatives that strengthen the town.
Image placeholder: photo of an Awards recipient or community group
How we work
Parish councils are the first tier of local government in England and Wales. Unlike larger authorities, we don’t run statutory services — instead we use a small portion of your council tax (called the precept) to fund things that improve life in the local area at our discretion.
Each year, we agree how that money should be spent — across events, parks, equipment grants and community projects. Every penny is publicly accounted for and stays in Darwen.
Our role is to:
- Represent Darwen — voicing what our 28,000 residents need and want
- Fund local life — events, green spaces and community groups
- Improve quality of life — making Darwen a better place to live, work and visit
Working with the Borough Council
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is the larger authority that handles the statutory services we don’t:
- Road maintenance & street lighting
- Bin collections & recycling
- Planning applications
- Schools, social care & housing
Not sure who handles what? Get in touch and we’ll point you to the right place.
The Darwen Precept
A small slice of your council tax — invested entirely back into Darwen.
raised each year through the local precept
spent on Darwen — events, parks & community grants
parish councils in England investing £1bn into local life every year
Get involved
Council meetings are open to the public. Come along, raise an issue, or speak to your local councillor — we’re always happy to hear from residents.
Attend a meeting
We meet monthly at Darwen Town Hall. Agendas and minutes are published ahead of every meeting.
Speak to a councillor
Each Darwen ward has elected representatives who can take your concerns to council on your behalf.
Contact the Clerk
For general enquiries, grant applications, or to add an item to a meeting agenda — get in touch with our Clerk.