Rossendale Borough Council has taken legal action against a local farm, Hey Head Farm in Bacup, for improperly storing large quantities of waste materials. The Environment Agency alerted the council’s Public Protection Unit after discovering thousands of tonnes of controlled waste on the premises, leading to a Community Protection Warning being issued.

The warning demanded that Hey Head Farm Holdings Ltd remove the unlawful waste and cease depositing more of the said material on the site. Despite this directive, the farm did not comply, prompting the council to issue a Community Protection Notice (CPN) outlining the same demands.

Legal action on waste mismanagement

Initially given until the end of October 2022 to adhere to the CPN, the operator eventually faced prosecution in June 2024 for non-compliance.

Hey Head Farm Holdings Ltd pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court and was fined nearly £5,000, including a £3,000 fine, a £1,200 victim surcharge, and £700 in costs.

This successful prosecution sends a clear message that Rossendale will not tolerate any actions that compromise the safety of our community and environment

Councillor Adrian Lythgoe

Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Rossendale Council’s lead member for Environmental and Corporate Services, stated that the prosecution’s success clearly signals the district’s firm stance against any actions that endanger the safety of its community and environment.

He emphasised that the council’s primary goal is to provide a high-quality environment throughout the borough, with a strong commitment to enforcing environmental regulations so that residents can enjoy a clean and safe living space.

The council urges all Rossendale community members to actively participate in safeguarding the area’s environmental well-being by reporting any suspected environmental crimes through the borough’s dedicated reporting system.

The successful outcome of Rossendale Borough Council’s legal action against Hey Head Farm signifies their unwavering commitment to prioritising the welfare of both the environment and community members within their jurisdiction. By taking a strong position against improper waste storage, they continue to uphold environmental regulations and ensure a healthier, more sustainable borough for residents.

The much-loved community swimming pool at Whitworth Leisure Centre in Rossendale, which faced the threat of closure last year, will welcome visitors again in August.

Last year, Whitworth Leisure Centre’s ownership was transferred from Rossendale Council to a not-for-profit community interest company. The centre, which features a pool and gym facilities, serves the Whitworth community and local schools. It also caters to nearby communities across the borough boundary in Rochdale.

Prior to the pandemic, Whitworth Leisure Centre was managed by Rossendale Leisure Trust, a charity organisation that oversees council-owned leisure centres. In the years leading up to the transfer, repair and maintenance issues and their associated costs were frequently discussed at Rossendale Council meetings.

At the latest full council meeting, Councillor Alan Neal provided an update on Whitworth Leisure Centre CIC’s progress. He said that repairs are underway, the refilled swimming pool is not leaking, and the centre aims to reopen by the end of August.

Community action and future plans

Last summer, Rossendale Borough Council closed the leisure centre following financial recommendations from independent advisers Grant Thornton. Protests ensued as local residents and community members rallied against the closure plan of their beloved centre, citing concerns over the loss of swimming lessons for schoolchildren and overall health and social opportunities.

The Rossendale community also highlighted how higher proportions of council budgets are dedicated towards statutory services, potentially impacting sport and leisure offerings.

As a result, the Whitworth Leisure Centre Community Interest Company was established and took over the running of the facility. Whitworth Town Council has supported this initiative by providing funding and resources.

Since taking possession of the centre, volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring it back to life. A crowdfunding campaign was launched to generate financial support for the ongoing renovations.

The change in ownership came following Rossendale Council’s decision to close the Whitworth Centre due to a pressing budget deficit that could put both the council and the Rossendale Leisure Trust at significant financial risk.