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It has now been over three weeks since the sinkhole first appeared on Taylors Green in Darwen.
I am aware that many residents have felt there has been a lack of communication from the developers Tilia regarding the situation.
As such, I have decided to share my correspondence and the latest updates I have received. This includes the latest update from Tilia, the last update from the Mining Remediation Authority, and also my latest letter to Tilia taking forward the concerns of residents.
I am continuing to monitor the case and I am pushing for Tilia to engage with residents, as the lack of communication is understandably causing a lot of stress and worry. ... See MoreSee Less
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Last week I attended the Labour Party Conference.
This was a fantastic opportunity to meet with a range of charities, organisations, and truly inspirational individuals. I was also honoured to speak on a panel hosted by the Good Growth Foundation, where we discussed how infrastructure and investment can drive growth across the North.
I made the point that while growth in major cities like Manchester and Liverpool is important, it must also extend to smaller towns such as Darwen, Rawtenstall, and Bacup. The government must ensure that growth is spread fairly, with proper investment in transport and infrastructure, including projects like a Rawtenstall rail link. To attract investment from businesses, our towns also need strong skills pipelines and access to training.
Devolution represents an opportunity to get this right. We can ensure that spending decisions are made by local people who understand the needs of their communities, not by Westminster. ... See MoreSee Less
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I've been up in Crawshawbooth doing some speed checks around the site where there was a tragic fatality recently.
This is part of a range of work we're doing in partnership with the police to try and address speeding within Rossendale.
Speeding is a big issue for me, and it's something I want to get County Council to take a lot more seriously. It's great to be able to work with the police to address the issues that we see as we go along. ... See MoreSee Less
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Today is the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week. As you may know, this is an issue I have experience of in my own personal life.
Baby Loss Awareness Week is the result of a collaboration between multiple bereavement charities in order to provide time to share our experiences, remember our babies and support each other.
Beginning today, Thursday the 9th of October, charities will be sharing information and support resources for those who have experienced the heartbreak of Baby Loss. At 7pm on the final day of Baby Loss Awareness Week, Wednesday the 15th of October, candles will be lit as part of a Wave of Light, an act of remembrance which unites bereaved families.
This coming Monday, I'll be leading a debate in Parliament on Baby Loss which will be the main event in the House of Commons that day. With bereaved parents watching on from the galleries, it will be an opportunity to reflect on the stories and experiences of countless families. I'll be sharing my own story and putting a spotlight on the changes we need to prevent baby loss and to properly support those who go through it.
#BLAW #babyloss #babylossawareness ... See MoreSee Less
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Our Autumn / Christmas Coffee Morning is nearly here. Just 10 days to go and we are busy making sure that we have a shop bursting with Christmas cards, books and gifts for you all to browse whilst having your drink and cake. Don't forget all donations will go to Transform Trade to help support producers around the world. #Rawtenstall #christianbookshops #fairtrade #transformtrade ... See MoreSee Less
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Constituents have contacted me expressing concerns about antisocial behaviour at Rawtenstall bus station.
It was great to be part of the police operation addressing this issue, including the temporary deployment of portable "knife arches" around the station as part of a targeted initiative. These devices are designed to detect the presence of a knife which may be concealed under clothing.
Rossendale Police are taking this issue seriously and I will continue to work with them to ensure the safety of residents. ... See MoreSee Less
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*UPDATE: Goose House Lane, Darwen.
It has been confirmed that the temporary fix implemented by Cadent is safe and continues to provide residents with a reliable gas supply, allowing them to return and remain in their homes.
A permanent solution will be required to address the rupture to the gas main caused by third-party damage. This will involve a large-scale repair, including the removal and replacement of the damaged section of medium-pressure pipe by specialist teams. Cadent is in the planning stages for the permanent repair, but in the meantime gas will continue to be safely supplied to residents' homes through the temporary solution.
There are currently two-way temporary traffic lights allowing residents access to the roads.
We understand this has been a difficult time for the residents impacted. Safety continues to be the main priority and we'd like to thank you for your patience and understanding. We will keep you updated as the situation progresses.* ... See MoreSee Less
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Good morning.
While Cadent completed works to repair a gas main in Darwen overnight, Goose House Lane remains closed.
Please avoid this area, and plan alternative routes.
Thank you very much for your patience and understanding during this road closure.
We will provide another update as soon as we can. ... See MoreSee Less
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Update at 00:00
We are pleased to say that Cadent Gas have put a temporary fix in the place following a third-party caused a rupture of the gas mains on Goose House Lane, Darwen on Tuesday afternoon.
The fix means those residents who have been evacuated will now be able to return to their homes shortly.
Work will be taking place on Wednesday to provide a permanent fix and as such there will still be localised road closures in place on Wednesday.
We want to thank the local community for their patience whilst we have been dealing with this incident.
At 13:37 on 7th October, two fire engines from Darwen Fire Station were called to assist Cadent Gas due to reports of a significant gas leak on Goose House Lane, Darwen.
Goose House Lane is currently closed from the junction of Hollins Grove Street and Lower Eccleshill Road through to the junction of Chapels Brow. Gordon Street is also closed. Diversions are in place.
Please avoid this area if you can while Cadent Gas engineers complete this emergency work as quickly and safely as possible.
We advise anyone living within the local area to please keep windows and doors closed.
Several homes in the area have been evacuated as a precaution and families are being supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council. An emergency rest centre has been set up for those residents who have been evacuated.
Due to the nature of the incident, people living nearby may smell gas. It’s important to always report a smell of gas to the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999, as it may not be related and needs to be investigated by an engineer. ... See MoreSee Less
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