THE outlying districts of Hyndburn could get their own elected town councils if the idea proves popular.
In a bid to transfer power to the people, Hyndburn Council will consult residents about moving local government to “grassroots levels’’.
If the plan eventually goes ahead, a massive reshape will see the councils that existed before the local government reorganisation of 1974 being reintroduced, and perhaps even Baxenden and Huncoat managing their own budgets and making decisions directly affecting their towns.
A public consultation will be launched on Monday when the council will send letters to every home in the borough asking for comments.
Residents will be given two weeks to express their views.
Council leader Peter Britcliffe said at last week’s Cabinet meeting: “This consultation will be a very useful opportunity for all the people in Hyndburn to express their thoughts about bringing local government to grassroots levels. We will explain what the town councils will be about and what the change will mean to them.
“It will not be just the responses that are taken into consideration but also the number we receive. If only five per cent of an area responds, the comments will not be representative enough for us to make a decision.”
Deputy leader Councillor Peter Clarke said: “These are exciting times. Legislation has moved on in recent years and the council can now establish town and parish councils if the people in those areas wish us to do so.
“Town councils can raise money, control more services and set up local service agreements with agencies such as police and the Primary Care Trust to run local services in the way people want.
“This really would be a devolution revolution for the borough. Each area has different needs and we want local people to say if this is what they want or not.”
Milnshaw ward councillor Malcolm Pritchard said: “I think town councils are a great idea but I don’t think they will work in every district. I think we need to be very cautious before we implement anything new.”
Shadow deputy leader Councillor Pam Barton said: “It’s a fact that local people are fiercely proud of and loyal to their roots and therefore they may prefer to have their own town council.
“This is a chance for everyone in the borough to say if they would like a town council in their area, so we are appealing to people to fill in the forms or go online and let us know what they think.”
Town councils have a number of powers including the provision of allotments, cemeteries, bus shelters, community centres, litter bins, open spaces, public buildings, public conveniences and recreation grounds, the repair and maintenance of public footways and the provision of public lighting.
Anyone wanting to offer their thoughts should return the consultation form, which will be posted out and will also be available from libraries, the Town Hall, and neighbourhood management offices up to 28 April.
