Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB converts disused greenhouses into an active living hub

The council is working with Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) Myplace and Sport England to restore a cluster of greenhouses at Witton Park. A crowdfunding campaign is raising money to handle the initial renovation of the buildings. LWT Myplace is also sourcing used furniture and equipment to stock the long-abandoned greenhouses. The completed project will house vegetable gardens, outdoor activities, and a community space that make the park more inclusive.

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Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB responds to winter homelessness with People's Pods

Ten single-occupancy pods were installed at Shadsworth Leisure Centre to serve homeless residents. Each pod includes a keycode lock, shower facilities, desk, and bed. The pod cluster is served throughout the week by council staff and Inspire Drug and Alcohol Service. Temporary residents are also protected by around-the-clock security. Council leaders invested in People's Pods to protect more rough sleepers from the dangers of cold weather and COVID-19.

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Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB encourages local purchases with Shop Darwen program

Locally owned shops can apply to participate in the Shop Darwen campaign. Borough staff provides window stickers and posters to promote business participation. Each business also displays informational materials on how shopping local boosts the borough's economic prospects. Every purchase of £5 or more at Shop Darwen businesses is an entry into a monthly drawing for £50 in vouchers. This campaign is designed to rejuvenate the town center after the initial wave of COVID-19.

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Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB installs EV charging infrastructure at car parks

The council works with Swarco UK Limited to manage EV fast chargers at five public lots. Each lot features two 22 kilowatt-hour chargers and free parking during use. EV owners register for Swarco E.connect cards to access stations and pay for power. The fast-charging infrastructure supports growing private ownership of EVs along with a plug-in council van used for environmental law enforcement. Council members are working toward carbon neutrality by 2030.

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Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, GB

United Kingdom