ST JOHN'S Church allocated £4,700 from general Church funds for this year. Several donations were made during the year amounting to £1,939, with £600 going to the Bishop's Harvest Appeal, £200 to St Luke's Hospital, USPG, CMS and the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, £400 to the Barnabas Fund for Christians in the Muslim World, Sightsavers International and the Christian Aid Christmas appeal for Africa, £250 to the Samaritans and the Diocesan Opportunities Fund, and £100 to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Project Sundays are to be arranged during 2003 for Pendleside Hospice, St Derian's Children Hospice, Hyndburn Stable and Childline.

PARISH councillors discussed whether to increase allotment rents in 2003. It was noted that some years ago it was agreed that Worsthorne Allotment rents should not fall below half the amount charged by Burnley Borough Council. It was agreed the clerk should ascertain the current rents charged by the Borough Council and increase the rents, if necessary. Allotment rents are due for payment at the next meeting of the Parish Council.

THE rural area of Burnley will benefit from extra police resources during 2003.

PC Glynn Grey now receives the support and assistance of community support officer Dave Johnson.

Dave will cover the whole of the rural area and started work on the December 16. PC Glynn Grey can be contacted on 423201.

THE Parish Council is supportive of the proposed extension to the village shop and the clerk is to write to the Countryside Agency accordingly.

COUNCILLOR Philip Walsh reported various safety hazards being experienced by pedestrians and vehicle traffic around the Spar Shop in Pike Hill.

THE Parish Council is to object to the proposed wind farm at Clowbridge Reservoir as it will affect viewvisual amenity from Brownside Road.

THE next meeting of the Parish Council takes place on Tuesday, January 14, at 7.30pm.

THE church roof has been repaired and interior redecoration of the inside will start this yearin the New Year.

THERE are still a few places remaining for Assisi & Plazzola on May 13-23. More information from Trevor Rushton 422988.

THE annual Christmas Fair raised £1,220 for church funds. Thanks to all who helped in any way to make it a successful day. All the raffle prizes have been claimed.