A Lancashire council’s priorities include spin-off tourism successes from the 2027 Tour de France cycle race – but more local arts and culture events are needed too, a councillor believes.
Ribble Valley Council has updated its priorities for the next few years in a corporate plan, ahead of major shake-up of Lancashire councils in 2028.
Targets include cash grants for community projects, improving people’s health, upgrading council leisure centre and sport sites, help for businesses and farmers, and flood protections for people’s homes.
The Tour de France’s opening Grand Depart will travel around Lancashire including the Ribble Valley in July 2027. And town and village projects around it, which can provide a lasting legacy, could get cash support from the council.
The new plan was discussed by Ribble Valley’s Policy & Finance Committee. Labour Coun Karl Barnsley said: “Arts and culture is very important for me but I’m very disappointed that the word ‘culture’ appears only once in this document. And the word ‘arts’ only appears three times – including twice in the same sentence.
“I would like to see more about arts and culture. The Ribble Valley is an amazing source of inspiration for artists and there are quite a number of studios and artists, including in Ribchester. But I think we could do more regarding professional live arts. I’d like to see more about that in this report.”
Other councillors welcomed the plan and Conservative Simon Hore, the council leader, said it included developing an arts and culture strategy.
Conservative Mark Hindle said: “I think this is an excellent document. It reflects the importance of keeping the Ribble Valley ‘brand’ in the future when councils face big change. Also, I’m pleased with the health and well-being sections in it. The council’s Health & Housing Committee has done a lot of work about this.”
Coun Kevin Horkin said: “This makes me proud to be a member of this council. This is one of the healthiest places to live, which is no mean feat, has a low council tax and attracts 2.8million visitors a year. That’s all credit to years of Conservative governance at this council.”
The council’s Ribblesdale Pool in Clitheroe has just been closed for a temporary six-month period for a £4m upgrade, aiming to extend its life for 15 years. Elsewhere, it owns Clitheroe Castle, which is currently having essential repairs done. Other council-owned sites include Clitheroe’s Platform Gallery and visitor centre, and Clitheroe Market, which has seen investment too.
And other projects for sports pitches, playgrounds, community and leisure projects are being considered for council cash grants. It has a range of grants available for community organisations,. buildings and spaces, using the council’s own cash and Westminster funds.
Other priorities in the plan include:
Valuing the borough and its environment, including effective waste collection, tackling litter and fly-tipping.
Economic development, housing, business investment and support for transport
Being a well-managed council with good services and finances
The plan was backed by the committee but will go to the full council next.
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