Burnley mayoral role and town hall 'must be saved'

Burnley Town Hall is a focal point for people - not least when Burnley FC have something to celebrate

A retiring mayor has urged councillors to do everything they can to retain their borough's civic identity following the reorganisation of local authorities.

Councillor Shah Hussain told Burnley Council's annual meeting it was "vital" that the role of mayor and the town hall were retained following any Lancashire devolution deal.

In his farewell address, he said the last 12 months had been full of "joy", topped off by the Burnley FC's promotion to the Premier League.

But he warned that "amongst the celebrations and community spirit, reorganisation looms".

'Devolution whispers'

In March, Burnley Council officially opposed any devolution plan which would see the creation of a new, Blackburn-based, all-purpose council for east Lancashire.

Ministers had ordered Lancashire's authorities to draw up an "interim plan" which will see a radical reduction in the number of councils in the area.

All 15 Lancashire council leaders put their names to a letter setting out their initial thoughts but they noted that no proposal had majority support.

Shah told councillors: "There are whispers about devolution, combined authorities, and unitary councils.

"And with these discussions come questions about our identity, about the future of roles like this one, and about this very chamber we gather in today.

"Let me say this clearly: The role of Mayor matters. It is not a relic.

"It is a symbol of service, of unity, of civic pride."

'Brimming with potential'

He said the mayor was the "living, breathing thread that connects institutions to individuals", a role that "sees, celebrates, and supports".

Shah added: "It must not be allowed to fade away in the name of bureaucratic efficiency."

Burnley Town Hall must also be preserved, he said, "not as a museum, but as a living institution".

He said public money had been spent on safeguarding it "for future generations" because of its value was "not just in bricks and mortar, but in heritage and heart".

Shah added: "Our town is not perfect - no place is. But it is proud, principled, resilient, and brimming with potential."