MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN DARWEN HERITAGE CENTRE, ON TUESDAY,
APRIL 1ST, 2025
Present: Couns Hamer (Leader), Taylor, Dugan, Shaw, Gibson, Smith, O’Garr.
1.Welcome and introduction:..
.
2. Apologies
Couns Brookfield, McCaughran, Gibson, Duncan, Skipper and O’Garr.
3.Declaration of interests :
Coun Taylor on RBL.
4 Minutes of the last meeting:
These were agreed.
4.1 Heritage Buses
Coun Smith had attended the heritage buses event in the town centre and said it had been a good
event, although the third bus had broken down. Funding was discussed and Coun Hamer
confirmed that BWD funds the event.
5. Questions from residents
Mr T Foster asked asked when the town council will be returning to its town hall base. The clerk to
check with BWD.
6. Mayor’s update
The Mayor had undergone a knee operation and best wishes for a speedy recovery were passed
on.
7. Leader’s report
Coun Hamer had dealt with administrative issues, including the insurance renewal and long term
agreement until 2028 and had moved everything out of the large old safe. He is to speak to Coun
Brookfield re the other safe.
8 Market hall renovations
Coun Taylor had spoken to officials re the lighting up of the façade of the town hall, a legacy the
town council has discussed on many occasions. It is hoped the lighting up would allow occasions
such as Remembrance Day to be marked with poppies. Hoped this would take place during the
market hall renovations. The official estimate for costs is out of the town council’s budget, but the
town council hopes to make a donation towards costs. BWD has been in contact with market
traders re the renovations.
9 Awards media
Coun Smith said a good way of promoting the awards and grants given out would be via the local
Press. It was agreed the Leader, Coun Shaw and the clerk to choose case studies and organise
coverage. It was agreed it would be good to have big cheques to present.
10 Darwen Heritage Centre VE Day bid
Coun Smith had circulated a bid for funding from the heritage centre for £425 to hold a street party
including an interactive exhibition with photos from local events, photos and stories from Armed
Forces, artefact handling, replica documents, colouring and crafting, plus refreshments. It was
agreed to fund the event, but Coun Taylor asked for the final decision to be held off while he
discusses another idea to boost funding. It was agreed that Coun Hamer arrange for the flags to be
put up for VE and VJ Day.
11 Correspondence
From BWD, a Notification of Proposed Works to Trees in Conservation Areas (CA)under Section
211 the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act relates to works to trees located in a conservation
area which are not protected. There is no statutory duty on this provision to publicise or consult on
the application at Darwen Market.
Age Concern’s temporary accommodation due to the town hall renovations to be placed in the
council noticeboard.
12. Updates
Couns Skipper, Dugan and Hamer are working with the website administrator to upgrade to a more
clearer site and to link in with events held in the town. This is near completion.
No events currently for the town crier.
Coun Smith to source a new contractor for the steps up and graves at Belgrave Square, also to
chase up the painting of the railings at Belgrave Square, which the town council has agreed to part
fund.
No new parks bids.
On events, BWD is keeping the town council in the loop with events and there is an events page on
the BWD site.
13. Finance
In:
£150 – Barclays compensation for poor service during mandate change.
£3,460.07 – VAT refund.
Payments:
£1,350 – Travel Assist for scooter rally transport.
£880 – R Hay for salary and expenses.
£147.50 – Clerk’s pension contribution.
£50 – J Barritt – PAYE.
£145.97 – Microsoft and Xcel updates for computer, plus printer cartridge.
£3.016 – Darwen Heritage Centre, annual grant and April room hire.
£2,500 – Darwen Cricket Club annual grant.
£2,500 – AFC Darwen annual grant.
£3,000 – Darwen Library Theatre annual grant for afternoon variety shows.
£4,000 – Life Education annual grant.
£8,000 – BWD, Christmas lights contribution.
£3,562.54 – James Hallan Insurance renewal.
£1,000 – Darwen FC Girls, grant.
14. Any other business
Coun Smith had found DTC ties, badges and neckerchiefs, which were distributed, with the
remaining badges donated to Darwen Heritage Centre.
15 Date of next meeting
Tuesday, May 20th, 7-15 p.m., preceded by the AGM at 7 p.m. Items for the main agenda to be with
the clerk by May 12th please.