Cllr John Clayton

05/11/2026

There are dozens of events taking place across the region

05/11/2026

📖 Town Hall Roll of Honour – an update

Thank you to the resident who brought the missing World War One Roll of Honour to my attention.

I visited the Town Hall today and, as the photos show, its cabinet is empty. I then visited the library, where I’d been told it was being kept, but it wasn’t there either.

I’m now being told it’s in the care of Blackburn Museum because it needs restoration work. Apparently, years of being displayed in the cabinet above a radiator have contributed to its deterioration. The book is over 100 years old and needs looking after properly.

Thank you to the Mayor’s Office for following this up. I’m waiting for them to confirm its whereabouts and when it can return to display. Hopefully, that will be soon.

This is an important part of Blackburn’s history, remembering those who gave their lives. As soon as I have a definite update, I’ll let everyone know.

05/11/2026

🎆It's Bonfire Night! Celebrating with fireworks? A little consideration can make a big difference.

Blackburn with Darwen is adopting a new Responsible Fireworks Charter - aimed at helping everyone enjoy celebrations while keeping people, pets, neighbourhoods and our environment safer.

It brings together practical steps for retailers, event organisers, venues, residents and the Council.

✅ If you’re buying fireworks: choose a licensed seller. Retailers signing up to the Charter are being asked to strengthen age checks, challenge suspicious purchases, train staff and promote safe handling.

✅ If you’re organising a display: register your event with the Council’s Event Safety Advisory Group, prepare an event management plan and buy from licensed, reputable suppliers. Large displays should give neighbours at least seven days’ notice.

✅ If you’re celebrating at home: let neighbours know beforehand, think about pets and people who may find fireworks distressing, hold displays earlier where possible and avoid repeated use.

✅ Where you can, choose an organised display. Never throw fireworks or set them off in streets or other public places, and please dispose of household waste responsibly rather than burning it.

The Council will promote licensed, organised displays and support registered community events. Through BrightSparx, we’re also working with Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, schools, youth teams and community partners on education, outreach and safety messages.

In Blackburn town centre, Operation Nox is bringing together targeted policing, youth outreach, safeguarding and Council services to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Police have reported more than 50 stop searches and eight arrests over around two weeks, alongside intelligence gathering, safeguarding and youth referrals, with subsequent reductions in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting.

🕚 Remember the permitted times: fireworks must not be used between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, when the cut-off is midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when it is 1am.

📣 Please report concerns. Accurate reports help police and partners understand what is happening and respond appropriately. Report anti-social behaviour or firework misuse to Lancashire Constabulary on 101 or through its online reporting service: see link in comments.

If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is happening, call 999.

We want to help make celebrations enjoyable and safer for everyone across Blackburn with Darwen.

Enjoy your celebrations 🎇

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (Official) Lancashire Police Blackburn and Darwen Police

05/11/2026

I have decided to stand down as an RAF Wing Commander and bring my experience to the role of Reform UK’s Shadow Armed Forces Minister.

Our armed forces have been decimated by successive governments. Rebuilding them is a national challenge that I am committed to delivering as part of Reform UK.

05/11/2026

🚨 NINE ARRESTS IN THREE WEEKS 🚨

Operation Nox has led to nine arrests and more than 50 stop searches in Blackburn town centre.

Residents brought their concerns to me, and I invited councillors from all parties to work together to highlight what was happening. Several of us did.

Labour councillors then put out a video which, in my view, played down those concerns and painted a very different picture from what residents were reporting.

People reporting intimidation and disorder deserve to be listened to. Dismissing their concerns shows just how out of touch some councillors are with what people are experiencing.

Thank you to the police and partner agencies taking action. Residents asked for this to be tackled, and it’s good to see action being taken. We need that effort to continue so everyone can feel safe in our town centre.

A police operation targeting antisocial behaviour in Blackburn town centre has led to nine arrests and more than 50 stop searches in just three weeks.

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

🚮 Dumped red bags on Parklands Way – collection due today

The council have informed me that the red bin bags dumped on Parklands Way will be removed today.

📸 If you spot any fly-tipping, please take a photo and send it to me with the exact location, and I’ll report it to the council.

Photos really do help the team identify the rubbish and find the right spot. Thanks for keeping me informed. 👍

05/11/2026

💡 A couple of street lighting issues reported this morning.

A resident flagged a light out at the top of Parkinson Street. This is in Councillor Stephen Hartley’s ward, but we work closely together, so I’ve reported it and copied Stephen into the email to keep him informed.

📍 Another resident reported a light out on Alpine Grove, which I’ve also emailed the council’s Highways Department about to request a repair.

There have been a fair amount of Street lights not working in the Livesey area that have been reported.

These might seem like small things, but they matter. Thanks to everyone who keeps reporting issues—please keep them coming so we can get them followed up. 👍

If you know of any more - Drop a comment below 👇

05/11/2026

🚮 Waterloo Close – Update

Following a report from a resident about bags of dog waste and contaminated wheelie bins at the top of Waterloo Close, the council have confirmed that the bags of dog waste have now been removed.

However, I've not had confirmation about the wheelie bins.

👀 If anyone is passing today, could you please let me know in the comments whether the bins are still there?

That way I can chase it up with the council if needed.

Thanks 👍