Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

First meeting of county's new combined authority

The newly formed Lancashire Combined County Authority is set to hold its first meeting.

Blackburn in Lancashire needs to work to do more to bring people together, community leaders say.

"By May 2026, the whole of the North will have mayors," Angela Rayner tells a conference.

Councillor Phil Riley says there is a "recognition" from the company that services had been unacceptable.

Chantana Parkinson said she came to Lancashire from Thailand "with nothing but my skills".

Councillors are set to approve the demolition of buildings behind Darwen's historic library and theatre.

The County Combined Authority will see some powers currently held by central government passed to it.

Blackburn with Darwen Council wants to encourage more families to continue fostering older people.

The plans would have seen the building on Emerald Street converted into a mosque and Muslim school.