MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN DARWEN HERITAGE CENTRE, ON TUESDAY,
MARCH 4TH, 2025
Present: Couns Hamer (Leader), McCaughran, Dugan, Gibson, Smith, O’Garr, Duncan, Skipper,
Westall, Dobson.
1.Welcome and introduction:…
2. Apologies
Couns Brookfield, Taylor and Shaw.
3.Declaration of interests :
None.
4 Minutes of the last meeting:
These were agreed.
5. Questions from residents
Residents from Gordon Street attended the meeting to express their concern over the lack of
investment in the area and the amount of fly tipping. Also the road into Gordon Street needs
attention. BWD ward councillors McCaughran and Gibson to take up the concerns.
Mr T Foster asked if the Darwen Heritage Centre could take part in any VE Day celebrations the
town council are holding and this was agreed. As part of the annual grant given by the town council,
the Mayor is invited to attend heritage centre meetings and it was agreed Coun Hamer would act as
first reserve.
As part of a scheme for experience for young people for their CV’s, a talk is to be given by a young
person on March 12th in the centre on leading women of Darwen and entrance is on the door, priced
at £5.
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 attended a meeting with BWD representatives to discuss better communication
for events. A new invoice is to come for the Christmas lights contribution and a calendar of events
to be put together. Coun Hamer had been in talks with BWD re the town hall renovation and the
removal and replacement of the town council safe. Also while the renovations are going on, there is
an opportunity to clear out the town council room and it was agreed this would be done. The town
council chamber should be ready to use for the May meeting. An invitation to join the CVS is to be
considered.
8 Correspondence
None.
9. 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.
The town crier also worked as town crier for Southport, but has since finished that role. He is aware
of all events to be held in Darwen.
The 2025/26 budget was circulated. No new parks applications.
Coun O’Garr gave details of events including the heritage buses on March 29th in the town centre
funded by BWD and Darwen Live. The artisan markets have finished.
The groups who benefit from the four year annual awards have submitted reports of how the
funding has benefited the town. Coun Duncan suggested that any cheques are handing out at a
public event to publicise the awards.
An award of £1,000 was agreed for Darwen Girls FC kits.
11. Finance
Payments:
£880 – R Hay for salary and expenses.
£147.50 – Clerk’s pension contribution
£450 – Annual website admin.
£499 – Website renewal.
£31.99 – Kaspersky
£16 – Darwen Heritage Centre rent for room.
The annual pre insurance renewal forms were completed by Coun Hamer and the clerk.
A request for £1,000 towards the training costs for Darwen Health Centre was agreed.
12. Any other business
None.
13 Part 2 – press and public excluded
None..
14 Date of next meeting
Tuesday, April 1st, 7 p.m, Darwen Heritage Centre. Agenda items to be with The Leader and clerk
by March 24th please.
The October meeting has been moved to September 30th .