Lytham Town Council · Annual Meeting Update
11th of May, 2026
A new Chair, a year of progress, and big decisions ahead for Lytham
More than forty residents packed into Lytham Institute on Wednesday evening as the Town Council gathered for its Annual Meeting — an occasion that traditionally combines the administrative business of a new municipal year with a chance to reflect on what's been achieved.
This year's meeting had extra significance, as the Town Council that only came into existence a year ago. This was the first time members could look back on a complete year of operation — and there was plenty to show for it.
New leadership
Suzanne Bramall elected as Chair for 2026/27
The first order of business was the election of a new Chair. Councillor Suzanne Bramall was unanimously elected, proposed by Councillor Blackshaw and seconded by Councillor Aitken. Councillor Mark Bamforth was elected Vice Chair, proposed by Councillor Farrington.
In her opening address, Councillor Bramall paid tribute to outgoing Chair Councillor Simon Newell, acknowledging that it had been a challenging start — the Council spent its first four months without a Clerk — and that his leadership during that period had been invaluable. She expressed hope that the Council would continue to build on the solid foundations now in place.
Looking back
One year in: what has the Council achieved?
Councillor Newell gave a wide-ranging review of the Council's first year, covering everything from governance to green spaces. Among the highlights:
Clifton Street trees — Following considerable community concern about the trees' impact on pavements, the Council engaged with Fylde Borough Council. The outcome was a constructive one: the trees have been retained but reduced in height, and will be managed on an ongoing basis. Pavement repairs and street furniture improvements are to follow.
Lytham Green — With local government reorganisation on the horizon, the Council has been actively exploring how to protect Lytham Green — gifted to the people of Lytham by the Clifton family — for future generations, potentially through a trust arrangement similar to Lowther Gardens.
Speed and traffic — Road traffic and parking emerged as a priority concern from the community early on. Work is underway to install speed indicator equipment at identified locations across the town, and a review of rights of way and street furniture has already seen redundant items removed.
Community connections — A community groups evening at the Lowther Pavilion brought together around 50 local voluntary organisations, described by attendees at Wednesday's meeting as a wonderful occasion. The Council also established its first Community Grants, Honours and Awards Scheme, with a £500 grant awarded to the Men's Shed at the YMCA to support community and environmental projects.
Lancashire Town of Culture — Led by Councillor Farrington, the Council has submitted an application for the national Town of Culture 2028 competition, focused on Lytham's culture, heritage, architecture and the arts. If successful, a funding pot of £60,000 would be available is the expression of interest passes to teh next stage of the competition.
Environment and planting — Planting has taken place at Sparrow Park and Green Drive, and a further community planting day is planned at Lytham Railway Station on Sunday 17 May. All are welcome to join.
Community voices
Club Day, bunting, and a chance to march
The public participation session brought some lively discussion, not least around the practicalities of Lytham Club Day. A representative of the Club Day committee thanked the Council for its help securing the licence to display bunting in the town — and raised questions about whether the new lampposts would be suitable for attaching it.
The Chair confirmed this is being looked into, noting that similar lampposts in St Annes had been successfully used for bunting, and that an update will be fed back to the Club Day committee after a meeting on the lampposts scheduled for the following week. The possibility of the local fire station assisting with erection — as part of ladder training — was also raised.
One resident asked whether Town Councillors would be able to join the Club Day procession — to which the Chair gave an enthusiastic yes. The Council had previously taken part in the Christmas procession and the Remembrance Day commemoration, and members are keen to be as visible as possible in the life of the town.
Urgent matter
£600,000 for Lytham — and a race against the clock
Perhaps the most pressing item on the agenda concerned a significant sum of money. Around £600,000 of development and regeneration funding earmarked for Lytham remains held by Fylde Borough Council — the balance following expenditure on the new lampposts and tree works.
With local government reorganisation approaching, members expressed concern that this money could be lost or absorbed if steps are not taken now to protect it. It was noted that once a shadow unitary authority period begins — potentially as early as September — it may become very difficult to access or direct these funds.
The Council resolved to write formally to Fylde Borough Council seeking written assurance that the funding will be ring-fenced for Lytham ahead of reorganisation. Town Councillors who also serve as Fylde Borough Councillors, together with the other two Borough Councillors for the Lytham West Ward have agreed to make representations directly to the Leader of the Council, Karen Buckley.
What's coming up
Have your say — Annual Town Meeting, 27 May
The Annual Town Meeting — a meeting of Lytham's residents, not of the Council itself — will be held on Wednesday 27 May at Lytham Institute. This is your opportunity to help shape the Council's priorities for the year ahead.
Councillors attend as residents, just as anyone else does. The meeting will be chaired by the Clerk and the new Chair, and all community groups and residents are warmly encouraged to attend.
It is especially hoped that people whose voices are not as regularly heard as others feel confident enough to ensure that they have their say.
Please email our Clerk on Clerk@lythamtowncouncil.gov.uk to find our more and if you are keen to raise an issue, to get that included within the agenda.
NB: The agenda for this meeting will be published by Saturday 16th May 2026 to comply with the required period of notice.
Annual Town Meeting — Wednesday 27 May 2026, Lytham Institute, 27 Clifton Street
The Council's next Full Council meeting will be on Wednesday 10 June 2026 at 6:30pm, also at Lytham Institute. The full calendar of meetings through to March 2027 is available on the Council's website.