High Sheriff of Lancashire visits Blackburn for community engagement tour

The High Sheriff of Lancashire paid a special visit to Blackburn, meeting with key community organisations and local leaders to learn more about the town’s ongoing projects and initiatives.

The day began with a visit to Blackburn Museum, where the High Sheriff, Helen Bingley OBE JP DL, explored the town’s rich history and cultural heritage. 

It was followed by a tour of The Making Rooms, a creative hub supporting innovation and enterprise through digital manufacturing and technology.

A key focus of the visit was engaging with young people, and the High Sheriff took the opportunity to meet with members of Blackburn Youth Zone. The discussion highlighted the positive impact of the organisation in providing support, activities and opportunities for local youth.

The visit also included a meeting with representatives from the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and One Voice, both of which play vital roles in strengthening community ties and supporting local initiatives.

The High Sheriff met with the Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Denise Park, the Director of Public Health Abdul Razaq, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Phil Riley and the Mayor, Cllr Brian Taylor who provided insight into the borough’s developments and future plans.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, welcomed the visit, saying:

It was a pleasure to host the High Sheriff and showcase the fantastic work happening in the borough. From supporting our young people to strengthening our communities, these organisations play a crucial role in making our town a great place to live and work. The visit was a wonderful opportunity to highlight their achievements and discuss how we can continue to build on this progress.

Councillor Riley also used the opportunity to discuss the future of local government and devolution in Lancashire, adding:

Devolution and local government reorganisation are key to unlocking new opportunities for towns like Blackburn and Darwen. We need a system that is more responsive to local needs and gives us greater control over investment and decision-making. The potential for a devolved Lancashire would bring real benefits, from improved infrastructure to better public services, and we are keen to ensure our residents get the best from any deal.

Speaking about the visit, the High Sheriff praised the dedication and commitment of those working to make the borough a better place for all.

It has been inspiring to see first-hand the incredible work being done across the town.

Thank you to the Chief Executive and the Leader for inviting me to Blackburn. It has been a delight to visit the Museum, Making Rooms, Youth Zone and One Voice. These are only a small sample of the amazing community work going on across the borough. I look forward to returning in the future to see more.

The visit reinforced the strong partnerships between civic leaders, community organisations, and young people. It also helped showcase the place’s powerful partnerships and collective effort to work together to create a borough where ‘nobody is left behind’.