Who ever heard of 'PROSPECTS'?!

4:03pm Sunday 24th February 2008

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'PROSPECTS' was Hyndburn's response to the challenge issued by the largest meeting of world leaders at the time at an Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 when 179 governments agreed an action plan called Agenda 21 to deal with the earth's environmental problems. This recognised the great power of individual and collective group action and the importance of local communities. This is the principle behind the phrase, 'Think globally - act locally.' It led to the setting up of seven PROSPECTS Panels in different districts of Hyndburn , of which the Rishton Panel is one. While the Panels are autonomous, they are now supported by the PROSPECTS Foundation which is a community owned local charity that works for lasting environmental change in Hyndburn. For more information, click on the heading above.

The Rishton PROSPECTS Panel was formed in 1996 and its environmental projects have included the creation of a community garden on the corner of Hermitage St and Parker St featuring a mosaic and ceramic wall tiles created by local schools; the creation of five flower/shrubbery beds on the canal towpath at High St bridge; the planting of a shrubbery with Norden YC on Harwood Rd Recreation Ground; the clearance of encroaching grass and overhanging trees on the 'white path'; similar work to clear the towpath from High St bridge to Tottleworth bridge; the creation of a picnic area at Tottleworth bridge and the installation of a viewing point and information board nearby; the installation of ornamental gates to the towpath at High St and Norden bridges, the latter in conjunction with Norden HS and Sports College.

The latest project is the official adoption by the Panel of Rishton railway station under Northern Rail's station adoption scheme. Planters of flowers installed by the Panel have complemented upgrading of shelters and other improvement work funded by LCC. All this aimed at encouraging more people to travel by rail and so help the environment. In line with this aim, LCC are in process of refurbishing the station car park and establishing a park 'n ride facility.

The Panel also supports other community groups working to improve the quality of life for all sections of the local population. These include Friends of Rishton Youth, Rishton Action Network, Gardeners Residents' Association, PACT and Rishton in Bloom. We also try to raise awareness of environmental issues like global warming.

The Panel will always welcome new members and volunteers. Apart from various project working parties, it meets monthly at Primetime (attached to Norden HS in Stourton St)normally on the first Tuesday at 7.00pm. If you feel this is the sort of voluntary activity you would like to be involved in, do come and join us. Just turn up to one of the meetings or contact the Secretary, Colin Cooper, on 01254-885007.