Tedd Talks
Live Magazines’ Tedd Walmsley urges readers to support local businesses and wonders why Whalley’s nightlife culture has been likened to the ‘Wild West’
They say that timing is everything so to go to print the day before a ‘once-in-a-generation’ budget looks a little shoddy.
By the time you read this article it will be determined whether I, alongside tens of thousands of other small businesses, are deemed to be working people!
We will need to pick this up in January no doubt.
One thing that is certain – our wonderful hospitality sector here in the Ribble Valley could be the most affected by the proposed changes. Can I urge you over the next few months to support them? Their fears are well founded and could see many not able to take on extra costs. The results could be disastrous.
Last month we read an article from the leader of RVBC outlining his concerns and fears if Lancashire becomes a victim of devolution – the thoughts of many are that this would be catastrophic for rural economies such as the Ribble Valley. This is particularly concerning given the huge reserves built up by the council and not spent on capital projects.
If devolution goes ahead this pot of funding would be lost and used undoubtedly in other parts of the county. I urge the council to crack on whilst they still can and agree what can be put in place before decision-making is taken away. There is talk of a referendum but I doubt it will affect the outcome.
Look out for the English Devolution Bill which I’m told will be published before Christmas. This may well set out a timeframe – this is huge and should not be ignored.
I am sorry to harp on about the HARP project, but it is fast approaching. I was drawn to an article in the local press which suggested that RVBC hadn’t done enough in terms of an economic impact study. The five-year-plus project will trundle through the beautiful countryside and no doubt badly affect many rural businesses notably in Waddington, Grindleton, Sawley and Chatburn. I fear that officers and many councillors have no firsthand experience on the hard work and endeavour put in by the small businesses that bring money through tourism to the area. I will also be pushing for more understanding in 2025 as the project draws ever closer.
Whalley is in the news but not necessarily for all the right reasons. County councillors Hindle and Mirfin are pushing in every direction to resurrect meetings with the Environment Agency over continued fears around flooding. There seems to be some political shenanigans between the new Labour MP and Conservative County Councillors – party politics must be pushed to one side surely! I believe meetings are now set for the next few weeks and I sincerely hope a plan can be put in place to avoid any future problems.
Talking of problems I’m indebted to local residents who made me aware of a recent newspaper article suggesting Whalley is now like the ‘Wild West’ during the weekend. The article talked of drug-taking and dealing, open sexual activity and general depravity leaving residents in shock and having to stage clean-up operations after the revellers have left. I would love to hear more from those who have to deal with the consequences.
Whatever happened to the Whalley that ranked so highly in the Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Live’ and what can be done about it? I believe the Licensing Committees are meeting to review the situation.
I had hoped to bring you news on the Waddow Hall sale but I’m told that the sale hasn’t yet been completed and therefore the role of the trust at this stage, is unclear.
This does seem to be dragging on and needs a resolution. I am so cynical these days – my fear is that the new owners are sitting on a huge land bank and with big targets of new-build in the forthcoming years and with the potential of devolution, it’s only a matter of time before houses are built on the site. I only hope I’m wrong.
This is our last magazine before Christmas and it’s full of local businesses who need your support, just as they have supported me, as it’s vital that our local economy remains strong. You can play your part by shopping local.
Be kind to each other and have a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.
The views above are my own and I’d be delighted to get some replies to my questions and will report back on any progress and positive outcomes.
tedd.walmsley@live-magazines.co.uk
X@TeddWalmsley
