Town Councillors
Your Councillors
We invite you to get to know the dedicated Town Councillors serving the Burscough community.
Burscough Town Council can have up to fourteen Councillors. Town Councillors receive no remuneration, and give their time for free, to improve and maintain our community.
Mayor – Derick Moss
Stanley Ward (BWB) 07860735025
A southern softie by birth, but granite hardened over time after living in the north for over 60 years. I moved from Southport to beautiful scenic Burscough in 2001 to be with my now wife, Jan, of 22 years, and it was my keen interest in the local community that influenced my decision to join Burscough Town Council through the co-option scheme in September 2018. Now fully retired from corporate business, I am able to devote time and energy to a number of the Town Council’s working group projects, and I am currently Chairman of the council Street Scene Working Group. My hobbies and interests include long country walks and long sunshine holidays, and I have been a keen Manchester United fan and season ticket holder for over 50 years. I greatly enjoy the freedom of village life, and consider it an honour to serve my local community.
Deputy Mayor – Brian Kennedy
St John’s Ward (BEA) 01704 895374
I have been a Councillor on the Parish Council and subsequently Town Council for St.John’s Ward for 15 years and Chairman for 8 years and then Mayor for 1 year after the change of status in 2024.
My wife Maureen and I are both originally from Liverpool and moved to Burscough over 52 years ago after getting married in 1972. Both our children attended Burscough Priory High School and still live locally.
I worked at West Lancs. Borough Council for 34 years and retired in 2009. I therefore had a great deal of knowledge of the local area and how local councils worked and decided that I wanted to use this experience to try and improve the life and facilities of residents and businesses within Burscough by volunteering as a Parish Councillor and I have greatly enjoyed my time on the Council.
Councillor – Cynthia Dereli
Burscough Town Ward (BWD1/BWD2) 01704 895247
I grew up in a mining village in South Yorkshire. After University and some time spent abroad, I came to live in Burscough in 1974, attracted by its public transport connections, especially to Liverpool! Continuing the learning process I joined the Parish Council in the 1990s and have served on and off since then. I’ve also served on the District Council (first elected in 1991) and as the County Councillor for the area from 2012 to 2022.
I hope I have learned from others in Burscough and beyond, both about the history of the area and the needs of the present population, and as Burscough continues to expand those needs are changing.
For me, the underlying priority that we need now to be always considering in our policy thinking is the impacts of our actions on the global climate.
Councillor – John Crawford
Burscough Town Ward (BWD1/BWD2) 01704 895297
In 1971 I moved from Scotland to England to work as an Electrician on Large Industrial Construction sites. I met Linda who was from Ormskirk and was a teacher in Maghull, we got married in 1975 and we set up a home in Burscough where we had two children. In 1979 I changed job roles and started a new career in Training working with individuals and Business owners.
As a firm believer that education is a lifelong function I commenced in 1998 a four-year Part Time Course at Edge Hill University and obtained a BSc (Hons) in Business and Organisation Studies, this was an extremely enjoyable experience working with a great group of fellow students and tutors.
In my last 10 yr at work, I was an elected staff representative for the PCS Trade Union, this involved three large reorganisations, salary negotiations, members issues etc.
When I retired I became a Councillor in 2014 as I wanted to help with my experience. Burscough has grown and this looks to continue into the future, it’s therefore important that residents help in the many different ways to ensure it has a safe, supportive and progressive future.
Councillor – Swin Purple
Ellerbrook Ward (BEB/BEC) – 07882237770
I grew up in rural West Lancashire and I have lived in Burscough since 2021. I joined the Council in July 2024. I am the chair of the Climate Change Working Group and I volunteer as a conservation worker with Lancashire Wildlife Trust. I help to look after my elderly mother who has Alzheimer’s and I also support an adult with ASC. I have a master’s degree in German translation and I run a conversation group for German speakers that meets monthly in Burscough. I also help to run Burscough’s weekly ukulele group. As well as ukuleles, I play guitar, and bass and I sing. I am also an animal lover and I have three pet ferrets. I feel very fortunate to live here. It is such a lovely place to live and I am passionate about our community and environment.
Councillor – Neil Pollington
Ellerbrook Ward (BEB/BEC) 07545776408
I am (recently) married, and between my wife and I, we have 6 children and 3 grandchildren. When I am not visiting family, I try and stay active and can be found either out on my bike, at Volt gym or running down the canal and local roads training for a half marathon I have foolishly agreed to enter!
Councillor – Mike Price
New Lane Ward (SBE) 07748621533
My name is Mike Price and I’ve lived in Burscough since 2020. I’ve been a councillor for the past few years and find it useful to know what is happening in the local area and be able to contribute to making our area nicer and safer.
I’m married with two grown-up daughters and work for Openreach as a Service Delivery Engineer. I have two dogs which I take walking often around Burscough and I also run a Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.
Councillor – John Horsley
Red Cat Lane Ward (BWA) 07518967517
I’m a retired Consultant Physician, my first job on graduation being at Ormskirk DGH, then returning for my permanent post in 1987 after training in Merseyside, Alberta and Southampton.
Married to Vera, we have 9 children between us, and 13 grandchildren (at the last count!)
In addition to Town Council activities I am Chair of the local Branch of the Royal British Legion and involved with the Lathom & Burscough Veteran Support Hub, meeting regularly at the Burscough Football Club. I’m a Martin Mere volunteer and also a member of the Southport Wellbeing Choir.
Councillor – Bob Wilson
Stanley Ward (BWB) 07966 430427
I have lived in Burscough since 2022 and love it! I have been visiting family in the area for many years, so it was a natural move. I joined Burscough Town Council to help put something back into our wonderful community. I am a volunteer with the Burscough Litter Pickers to help keep our village looking its’ best. I am married to Jackie and our children are now grown up. I have been a Scout Leader for over 30 years, which has helped to keep me young at heart. I served 30 years in Lancashire Constabulary in Uniformed Response, Coroner’s Office and as a Detective in the Public Protection Unit. I now work part time in the NHS as the NW Regional Medical Examiner Officer
Councillor – Stephen Bradley
St Johns Ward (BEA) 07801433584
Councillor – Brian Bailey
Stanley Ward (BWB) 07518757059
Town Clerk – Jackie Maguire
Contact Details – Email – Jackie.maguire@burscoughtc.org.uk – Phone – 01704 894914
This is my ninth year working as the Parish Clerk / Town Clerk for Burscough, I came from an administration background working within the Civil Service and Local Authority. When I joined the Parish / Town Council I always wanted the Town Council’s own community space and meeting rooms, available for hire at low rates and was delighted when this was achieved in 2023. To fully understand my role within the community, I knew I had to study and complete the CiLCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) training which I did early into my role in 2019.
Some days are more challenging than others, but overall, I enjoy each and every day supporting the community of Burscough.
Outside of work, I have been married to Peter for 35 years, we have a daughter and two dogs which I often walk along the towpath.
Deputy Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer- Sheila Gill
Contact Details – Email – sheila.gill@burscoughtc.org.uk – Phone – 01704 894914
I have worked for Burscough Town Council since September 2020. I previously worked in West Lancs. I served on the Borough Council for 26 years, starting in the Admin section, then working my way up to the Financial Management section.
When I took early retirement in March 2020, I was seeking a part-time position when the vacancy at Burscough Town Council arose. Living in close proximity to and having family and friends living in Burscough, I saw it as the ideal opportunity to be able to work in an area that I have an ongoing interest in and desire to serve the best possible interests of such a lovely area.
If anyone would like to contact me, I would be more than happy to assist in any way I possibly can, or at least try to point them in the right direction.
Vacancy’s
1 – Vacancy – Ellerbrook Ward (BEB/BEC
1 – Vacancy – St John’s Ward (BEA)
Town and Parish Councils are a part of local government, dealing with the most local issues. Burscough Town Council provides a range of local amenities and improvements that help to make the village look attractive to support Burscough to be a lovely place to live and work. This includes provision and maintenance of bus shelters, benches, litter bins, summer bedding, summer floral displays play equipment, Christmas decorations and room hire facilities within the Town Council office and community space at the Interchange building. The Town Council provides grants to local voluntary sector organisations and works in partnership with West Lancashire Borough and Lancashire County Council. The Town Council is funded by West Lancashire Borough Council, primarily through the Parish Precept and Community Infrastructure Levy.
Burscough Town Council hold a public Planning and Footpath’s Committee meeting on the 1st Wednesday of the month, to discuss planning applications and make comment to West Lancashire Borough council. Objections are made through the Planning portal on their website. We also hold a public Town Council meetings on the 3rdWednesday of each month to discuss and make resolutions with the Councillors, who are the decision-making body. Both meetings at held at the Interchange Building and start at 7pm, there is always an agenda item for members of the public to raise any item they wish with the Town Council.
Town Council Vacancies
Would you consider being a Town Councillor and putting yourself forward for co-option to Burscough Town Council?
To apply, you must be over 18 and a resident of, or live within three miles of, Burscough (or work at a business in the area). Suitable candidates will have a strong interest in the community and be prepared to give their time and take responsibility for helping to look after the concerns of local residents. We provide training and support for new Councillors. Meetings normally take place once per month on Wednesday evenings and there may be other meetings to attend.
Your interest would be most welcome if you would like to know more about this opportunity, contact:- Jackie Maguire, Clerk to the Town Council,
01704 894914.
Email:- jackie.maguire@burscoughtc.org.uk
Deputy Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer is Sheila Gill email:- sheila.gill@burscoughtc.org.uk
Meetings
The Annual Town Meeting is a meeting is held between 1st March and 1st June each year. The Annual Town Council meeting is once a year and usually in May, the next Annual Assembly will be arranged in due course when we ratify all our policies and delegated authorities.
Full Town Council Meetings are usually held monthly at 7pm on the second Wednesday of each month. The agenda for the meeting is published three days beforehand so that you can see what business is planned. There will be no regular meetings in August, but meetings resume again in September. All public meetings start at 7pm and are held at, Burscough Town Council Offices, Interchange Building, Station Close unless otherwise notified.
Members of the public are invited to attend Town Council Meetings, and can speak at “residents’ points of interest”. Please note: Under the Council’s Standing Orders (1.6) photographing, recording, broadcasting or transmitting the proceedings of a meeting by any means is permitted but please let the Chairman know in advance. If you intend to record members of the public, we would advise that their permission is sought first, and to that end, request that you speak to the Chairman to request that he seeks their express agreement.
Notices
A Notice must be posted in a public place 3 clear days before each meeting.
In Burscough, notices are posted on the Town Council Notice Board at the corner of School Lane.
Standing Orders
Burscough Town Council’s Standing Orders are the written procedures and rules of the local Council. They are used to confirm the Town Council’s internal organisation, administration and procurement procedural matters for meetings and associated business of the Council. Standing orders are a statutory requirement of the Town Council and control the integral organisation of the Council.