MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD IN DARWEN TOWN HALL, ON TUESDAY, MAY
23RD, 2023
Present: Couns K. Connor, S. Brookfield, J. Hamer, J. East, D. Smith, N. Slater, P
Browne, M Davies, B. Taylor.
1.Welcome and introduction:..
2. Apologies
Couns Salton and Entwistle.
3.Declaration of interests :
None.
4 Minutes of the last meeting:
These were agreed.
4.2 Floral planters
Coun East said new planters are on order.
4.3 Scooter Rally
Coun Taylor has offered his support to the organisers over logisitics.
4.4 Heritage/Industrial Past Project
WEC is producing a new plaque to replace the one stolen from the spitfire.
Coun East said the Whitehall Tramway, Ashton Park and Globe projects are to be started
first. It was agreed that the current tower moulds on the railings are to be repainted. New
ones are to be made for railings opposite the post office and BWD highways has agreed to

help with the project. It was suggested extra towers are made to sell to raise funds. Coun
East to work out costings.
5. Public Forum
None.
6 Mayor’s update
The Mayor had attended the St George’s Day parade and was impressed by the conduct
of the Scouts and Guides. She was also impressed by the thank you pin given to her.
Coun Brookfield had also attended the Coronation event, which had been well organised
and attended, thanks to Laura Johnson for organising.
Coun East was concerned over the future of the Darwen Vintage Bus, now Mr Peter
Dawson a trustee, was no longer an option. Coun Brookfield said she had a friend who
was a keen bus enthusiast and would probably be able to help. Coun Browne advised the
council to find out the financial implications before agreeing any changes.
7. Deputy leader’s report
Coun Connor said the flags had been erected and taken down. The new poles were
slightly longer than the original ones, which had led to logistical problems. He had
organised the ticketing with BWD over the Mayoral charity event in December.
8. Correspondence
None.
9. Updates
A request for £1,000 from Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band towards expanding
rehearsal space had been referred back to the band for more information. This had been
provided and it was agreed to award £500.
An application for funding from Whitehall Park Supporters Group has been referred back
to the group with the advice to re submit as a parks bid.
Coun Davies said the cricket club has advised that due to building work on the pavilion and
nets, they will not be able to hold the annual bonfire. It was agreed that if the work
continues into 2024, the club be asked if they could provide a fireworks display. It was also
agreed to donate the normal costings for this year’s bonfire to the Mayor’s charity, up to a
maximum of £5,000.
Coun Davies has given the town crier a list of events and he had attended the
proclamation for the new King.
10. Finance
In:
£61,000 – first instalment of the precept.

Payments:
£795 for R Hay for salary and expenses.
£112.71 – R Hay pension
£459 – James Hallan for brush poles for flags.
£1,000 –Flag installation and removal for the King’s Coronation.
£540 – J. Barritt, internal audit.
£4,686 – L Johnson for extra toilets for the Coronation event and for July 1st event planning
and attractions.
£40 – Information Commissioner fee.
£500 – Blackburn with Darwen Band donation towards a new band room.
£500 – Darwen Brass – replacement cheque for one lost in the post.
The internal audit had been completed with no issues, the annual Governance statement
and return had been completed and signed.
11. Any other business
Coun Slater asked that costings for next year’s elections are sought from BWD, the clerk
to write and ask.
Coun Hamer asked for ideas for legacy projects to be agreed soon inorder for them to be
agreed or started before next year’s elections. Agreed that Coun Taylor ask BWD for
costings to light up the town hall.
12 Part 2 – press and public excluded
None.
13 Date of next meeting
Tuesday, June 6th Darwen Town Hall, 7 p.m.. Agenda items to be with the clerk by May
30th please