Residents of Ribble Valley voice strong opinions against potential Lancashire council mergers and loss of local control.
This change is part of the government’s plan, called the English Devolution White Paper. The government is seeking feedback from councils, with initial thoughts due this spring and detailed ideas by autumn.
Some leaders and MPs have suggested potential areas for merger. Some councils might survey residents, such as Ribble Valley and Lancaster, which are considering votes or petitions.
Reporters asked people in Clitheroe about the proposed changes, speaking with shoppers and vendors at the market.
Margaret, who runs a deli with her husband, recently learned about the council changes. She wonders why they want to move Clitheroe’s local council, believing it would hurt the town.
Having nearby council staff is important for convenient, face-to-face assistance. Moving the council would make this harder, as online contact isn’t the same.
Keeping services local matters to her because council workers spend money in town. If the council leaves, the local economy suffers, adding to the loss already felt from banks.
She noted Clitheroe’s growth with new houses and a larger population, questioning why it should lose its council.
Mark, a fruit vendor who avoids politics, believes councils should serve locally with connection and investment. He prefers a Ribble Valley council and thinks a public vote would be good.
David, a hardware vendor, doesn’t want a merger, especially not Ribble Valley joining Blackburn. He feels merging with a big city is bad but would support changes saving taxes, preferring to stay as Ribble Valley.
He believes council staff were more visible before and are now harder to reach, adding that consultants lack local knowledge and Clitheroe needs care specific to its market town status.
Sarah, a shopper, understands the need for change but thinks the council needs more local staff. She prefers a smaller district like Ribble Valley, believing listening to people is key.
She remembers when Longridge had its own council and took pride in their area. Now, finances seem to dominate, community spirit seems lost, and she supports a referendum, believing local councils matter.