Annual General Meeting
14th of May, 2026
At last nights Annual General Meeting of Ansdell & Fairhaven Parish Council, Councillor Paul Wilkinson was proudly re-elected as Chair, reflecting the council’s confidence in his leadership , ability & dedication during a highly successful first year.
Councillor Joanna Frith-Williams was also re-elected as Vice Chair, recognising her continued dedication, support, and commitment to serving both the council and the wider community.
Their re-election demonstrates the strength, stability, and shared vision of the council , as it continues to build on its achievements and work collaboratively for the benefit of Ansdell & Fairhaven residents, businesses, and community groups.
Chair Paul Wilkinson read out the statement below.
“As Chair of Ansdell & Fairhaven Parish Council, I am incredibly proud to reflect on what has been a highly successful first year for our new council.
With dedicated councillors from the outset, we have worked tirelessly to build strong foundations, placing community engagement and business support at the heart of everything we do. Our mission from day one has been to listen, connect, and deliver meaningful action for the people and businesses of Ansdell & Fairhaven.
One of our earliest initiatives was launching a comprehensive business survey, allowing us to better understand the needs of local businesses. This has been followed by regular visits and ongoing communication, ensuring businesses feel supported and heard. We are grateful for the positive relationships we have built and appreciate how strongly our business community has backed the council.
Supporting local community groups has also been a major priority. We have proudly provided grants to organisations such as Ansdell in Bloom and Love My Beach, recognising the invaluable volunteering they provide in enhancing our local environment and community spirit.
This year, we successfully delivered four major community events:
* Community Day
* Charity Ball, raising an impressive £2,400
* Christmas Lights Switch-On, a standout achievement after Ansdell had no Christmas lights the previous year
* Wellness Day, welcoming over 120 attendees, with workshops, stallholders, and overwhelmingly positive community engagement
These events have strengthened community ties, increased local pride, and demonstrated the power of collaboration.
We have also focused heavily on local safety and infrastructure. Working closely with Lancashire County Council, and with the outstanding dedication of Councillor John Singleton, we are now in the final stages of obtaining permits for three new SPIDs (Speed Indicator Devices), directly responding to residents’ concerns around speeding. These are expected to be installed in the coming weeks.
In addition, we have:
* Assisted residents with antisocial behaviour concerns
* Begun positive conversations on slowing traffic on Skew Bridge
* Progressed plans for new community notice boards throughout the parish
Our first year has been about far more than policy ,it has been about building trust, meeting residents, creating new friendships, and ensuring we remain visible, approachable, and responsive to the needs of our community.
I would like to sincerely thank all councillors for their hard work, dedication, and perseverance throughout this landmark first year, many of whom began as strangers. Together, we have made an incredible start, and I am excited for what the future holds.
Finally, I would like to warmly welcome our new councillor, Alan Roe to the team, along with our new Clerk, Dan Guise.
This first year has proven that Ansdell & Fairhaven Parish Council is committed to making a lasting difference for our residents, businesses, and wider community.”