Concerns over future of Lancaster town halls and local traditions in big Lancashire shake-up
Safeguarding Lancaster’s city status and its mayor’s role have also been highlighted
Questions about the future of town halls in Lancaster and Morecambe – and preserving local traditions – have been raised as the district faces a merger with Preston and the Ribble Valley.
Safeguarding Lancaster’s city status and its mayor’s role have also been highlighted and a council boss says he understands the need to preserve ‘local things that people hold dear’.
The whole Lancaster district, including Morecambe, will be merged with Preston and the Ribble Valley in 2028, in Lancashire-wide council changes.
But questions about the potential impact on civic life came at Lancaster City Council’s latest full meeting in an update from Green Coun Caroline Jackson, the council leader, and chief executive Mark Davies.
Labour’s Catherine Potter said: “Regarding town halls, I worry that there might be a bit of acrimony between Preston and the Ribble Valley. We have two town halls in this district – Lancaster and Morecambe – and the other councils have one town hall each. So is there any idea about where the new HQ might be for this big new authority?”
In reply, Coun Jackson said: ” The need for an administrative centre is undeniable. And the new council for north Lancashire will have 72 elected councillors, so a venue will be needed that has enough space. There is also the County Hall building at Preston. However, the new Westmorland & Furness Council has created three separate centres.”
Labour’s Margaret Pattison, a Morecambe councillor and former city council mayor, said: “What will happen in the future regarding the Lancaster mayor role?”
Replying, Mark Davies said: “Preserving the mayor and some of the unique traditions of this area are being looked at. Preston and the Ribble Valley will have their own traditions too. We are very conscious of the need to preserve the local things that people hold dear. The work involved with these changes is huge but we are confident there is a desire to make it work for everyone.”
Green Coun Hamish Mills said: “I want Lancaster to retain its city status because some cities have lost their status in the past. “
Coun Jackson replied : “My understanding is that the city status will not be threatened by local government reorganisation. It doesn’t appear to be.”
She added that Lancaster and Preston are both members of the Key Cities network which campaigns on policies, economic growth and devolution.
Speaking about the new unitary council’s name, she said: “It is currently described as North Lancashire but is yet to be officially named. The debate is bubbling around because we have to tell the government by August 17 if we want the North Lancashire name. I would rather have all of our identities reflected in a name.”
Commenting about the changes generally, Labour Coun Jason Woods said: “I welcome the decision by the government to go with the submission we supported with Preston and the Ribble Valley. Our Labour group feels this is the best option that could have been achieved and we’re excited about future opportunities.
“This area has three universities and will be an education powerhouse. With Preston, we share similar views on local economic policies. And I share Andy Burnham’s view that we have not seen wealth trickling-down in different areas over the decades. We want an economy that works for every postcode and wealth to be circulated – not extracted for private profit.”
But Labour’s Martin Gawith had some concerns about future social care and children’s services. He felt these could take-up large chunks of the new council’s budget.