THE new Conservative leader of Pendle Council has said his priorities for the coming year are all about making the area a great place to live, work and visit.

Following the local council elections in May, Pendle Council, which includes Barnoldswick and Earby, is now led by the Conservatives and no longer shares the administration with the Liberal Democrat group.

Cllr Nadeem Ahmed, who represents Barrowford and Pendleside, has taken over as council leader from Cllr Mohammed Iqbal MBE, who was in the role for five years.

His long list of priorities include supporting businesses post Covid, and tackling flytipping.

Deputy leader is now Cllr Mike Goulthorp who represents Earby and Coates ward, and who replaces Cllr David Whipp, a Liberal Democrat, who also serves Earby and Coates.

Cllr Ahmed, a Pendle councillor for 17 years, said he was delighted to take up the role of leader.“It remains an extremely challenging time for us all and there’s a lot to do to ensure that our communities and businesses can rebuild their lives following the impact of the pandemic.

“It’s important that everyone understands that we’re not out of the woods yet – particularly as we’re seeing infection rates in neighbouring areas increasing and the rise in the new variant from India in parts of Lancashire.

“As well as putting on extra testing capacity, we’re encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and keep following the Government advice about hands, face, space and fresh air.”

Cllr Ahmed said that his priorities were all about making Pendle a great place to live and somewhere people are proud to live, work and want to visit.

He says he wants to work and support businesses as they reopen after lockdown and to get the best out of the ‘levelling up fund’ aimed at boosting regeneration and giving residents better access to skills and jobs.

He also wants to protect greenfield sites by regenerating brownfield sites, improve people’s’ health and lower anti-social behaviour by working with, and supporting, youth clubs and sports clubs.

Cllr Ahmed also wants to prioritise the tackling of climate change by tree planting and by increasing the number of electric car charging points in the borough. He will also promote tourism, protect the area’s heritage, and take action against fly tippers, people who litter and dog walkers who don’t clean up after their pets.