Council Leader and Mayor share their Christmas messages

As Christmas Day approaches, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Leader, Cllr Mohammed Khan, CBE and Mayor, Cllr Derek Hardman are sending special Christmas wishes to all residents in the borough and beyond.

It’s set to be Cllr Khan’s last Christmas as Leader of the Council, as he retires in May. He said:

The pandemic meant that in 2020 we didn’t get to celebrate Christmas in the way that we had hoped.

Although 2021 has been another challenging year, it is my hope that even in times of uncertainty and change; we can express our gratitude and enjoy the festivities while socialising safely.

We don’t yet know what Covid restrictions the government may choose to introduce in the coming days, or what 2022 will bring, but I know this – that Blackburn with Darwen residents will continue to make sensible decisions to protect themselves and others, and to do the right thing to control the spread of Covid in our communities.

Despite being a tough year for the council, we’ve continued to work incredibly hard delivering services for our residents, despite the challenges. Council staff will continue to deliver essential services over the Christmas period including in social care (protecting our most vulnerable) and also by collecting our waste.

Christmas is also a great time for reflection and I know I will look back at all the Christmases I have spent  as a councillor in Blackburn with huge affection.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our hardworking staff and dedicated band of volunteers who have worked tirelessly all year.

I hope that all of our residents, staff and volunteers have a safe Christmas and a very happy and healthy new year.

Councillor Derek Hardman, who represents Livesey with Pleasington, became Mayor of the borough in May 2021, he said:

As Mayor, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents a safe Christmas and a healthy New Year.

I have been proud to attend some wonderful events across the borough and see such a fantastic community spirit in the run up to Christmas.

I would also like to say a special thank-you to all of those who won’t get to spend Christmas Day at home with their families including our Armed Forces personnel and those working for the emergency services.

We are more appreciative than ever of our wonderful, NHS. Thank you to all the staff, you all do an incredible job – Merry Christmas to you all.