Latest news with #DamianTalbot
BBC News
15 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
People urged to give money to local charities rather than beggars
A campaign has been launched in East Lancashire to encourage people to donate to local charities rather than giving money to with Darwen Council said backing organisations offering "real, long-term support" would help vulnerable people, some of whom have addiction or mental health Crook, chief executive of the support charity Rummage Rescuers, said she knows of "professional beggars [whose] aim is get as much money as possible out of local people".She added: "By giving cash to beggars on the street, you don't know where [it] is going. It could be for alcohol, it could be for drugs and I think it's a better safeguarding strategy not to give them money." 'Change their lives' Councillor Damian Talbot, executive member for housing and health at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We know that many people give to those begging on the streets with the best of intentions. "But we want to ensure that support reaches the right people in the right way, helping vulnerable residents access services that can change their lives."Audrey Gaskell, from Clitheroe, told BBC Radio Lancashire: "You're better off giving to charities."If they're genuine I don't mind, but if they're on drugs or something, that's my problem."David Waddington, from Burnley, said: "I don't give them money. I always buy them a coffee or a sausage roll or something."The Change for Change - Make Your Kindness Count campaign brings together seven local charities and are Community CVS, THOMAS, Nightsafe, Blackburn Foodbank, Red Rose Recovery, Rummage Rescuers and the Salvation council already works with local housing charities to support homeless people including accommodation pods for people who have been previously rough sleeping in the Shadsworth area of Blackburn, and emergency beds at local hostels. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Museum's £445k revamp for 'major coup' exhibition
A museum has secured a "major coup" after winning a bid to host a national art exhibition, councillors have said, as they agreed a £445,000 upgrade. Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery secured the exhibition with the largest ever number of loans from the British Library to an institution outside London. Councillors said it proved the wisdom of supporting the 101-year-old museum during the years of local government austerity. Blackburn with Darwen Council said a refurbishment would ensure the museum could meet the conditions necessary for the British Library's loan of objects. These include best collection of manuscripts and coins in the country left to the museum by local rope maker Robert E Hart. The money to fund the revamp of the galleries has come from a government rebate. The council's public health boss Damian Talbot, who used to head the culture department, said: "It is fantastic and brilliant it is hosting this exhibition. "Blackburn Museum is a wonderful resource for the borough. "It was so important that we kept the Hart manuscripts and other collections together." Council leader Phil Riley said: "A few years ago there is no way the museum could have been in a position to have accepted an exhibition like this from London but we have got there now. "It is a tribute to everyone who worked to keep this fantastic asset." The £445,000 will be spent on the refurbishment of the Hart Gallery displays as well as security and improved visitor facilities, the authority said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Museum honours volunteer, 89, on 150th anniversary Roof revamp for Grade II museum and gallery Blackburn with Darwen Council Blackburn Museum
