LIBERAL Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown will be getting his skates on for a packed programme of events during a visit to Pendle on Monday, as part of the local election campaign.

He will spend several hours in the borough and included in the busy itinerary will be a meeting with the young people behind an in-line skate park scheme at Sough Park, Earby.

Council leader Alan Davies said local Liberals were thrilled to hear that their party leader was paying a visit.

"Pendle is gaining a national reputation for being a go-ahead, open and very people-based council which combines efficiency with democracy," said Councillor Davies. "It is becoming a model for Liberal local government and a genuinely modern approach.

"It is a real tribute to the work being done here by local Liberal Democrats that Paddy will be spending the best part of a day with us."

The provisional programme includes a visit to Wheatley Lane Primary School, followed by a walk-about in the Whitefield area of Nelson, where local Liberals are challenging to win a Labour seat.

Mr Ashdown will then move on to Earby to see the in-line skaters, local councillors and residents and will receive a presentation on Pendle's recent successful Youth Focus bid for Single Regeneration Budget funds for schemes involving young people.

He will return to Colne to visit Oak Street, where an eyesore mill has been demolished to make room for nearby firms to expand.

Then, he takes part in a public meeting at the North Valley Community Centre, Colne.

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