SPC Spring Newsletter
13th of April, 2026
SIMONSTONE PARISH COUNCIL
NEWSLETTER SPRING/SUMMER 2026
Councillors: David Peat (Chair); Stephen Finn (Vice Chair)
Alan Duckworth, Jacqueline Hampson, Rob McKelvey, Clifton Pollard, Maureen Vaughton
Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer: Dr Anna Haines
Simonstone Parish Council (SPC) meetings are held in St Peter’s Church, 1 School Lane, Simonstone BB12 7HR at 7pm.
Dates of forthcoming 2026 meetings are:-
Thursdays - 7th May (Annual Meeting/Annual Parish Meeting), 2nd July, 3rd September, 6th November
Residents are welcome to attend and speak on relevant matters
Agendas are posted on the Parish Council Notice Board on the gable end of The Stork Hotel, SPC Facebook page – www.facebook.com/simonstone.pc and SPC Website - www.simonstone.org.uk
CCTV IN OPERATION
Simonstone Parish Council have funded the installation of a CCTV camera at the apex of the Parish Green, facing along Whalley Road and onto the Simonstone Lane/Whalley Road/School Lane junction. Simonstone Parish Council consulted our local PCSO and the Ribble Valley Police Task Force, following a spate of burglaries and other criminal activity in the area, and were advised that this particular junction is a nexus for criminal access to our village. We therefore anticipate that the new CCTV installation will be a valuable asset to our Parish, acting as a deterrent to crime and supporting the police in enquiries.
We are grateful to RVBC for a financial contribution.
Local residents were consulted and were supportive and we have ensured that privacy concerns were met.
To view our CCTV Policy, please visit the Policies Section of the website:
https://www.simonstone-pc.gov.uk/other-documents/
PARISH PLAN
There was a high percentage of returns following distribution of the Parish Plan Questionnaire circulated to all Simonstone residents.
Two working group meetings have been held to discuss the content and way forward. An action plan has been drawn up focussing on each aspect of the questionnaire.
After formal consideration at the Parish Council it is anticipated to send the Parish Plan to RVBC and LCC drawing attention to items on the plan.
COUNCILLOR VACANCY AT SPC
A vacancy has occurred for a Parish Councillor. Notices have been displayed by Ribble Valley Borough Council, and also on our website, Facebook and SPC noticeboards. If you are interested, please contact the Borough Council initially. Please feel free to speak to the Chairman or Clerk to understand levels of commitment etc.
DEFIBRILLATOR – ST PETER’S CHURCH
SPC have funded a new defibrillator which will shortly be installed on the outside wall of S Peter’s Church. We are grateful to Rev Sue for permission and to the Headteacher of St Peter’s School to oversee the defibrillator. The Parish Council will pay for batteries and pads to keep the machine functioning.
FOOTPATH FROM HAREWOOD AVENUE TO SCHOOL LANE
This has been a lengthy exercise which is still incomplete. We have asked Lancashire County Council to consider, if suitable for the process, for a possible Public Right of Way. Forms for parishioners to provide current and historic evidence of use are available via the Parish Council website.
CHRISTMAS LIGHT IN PARISH GARDENS
Some additional lights were purchased to display within the Parish Gardens. The gardens looked lovely and festive. Thanks to Ribble Valley Borough Council for financial assistance.
View Attached File