From Lancashire Best Kept Village 2025
Report 1
The overall impression was of a well-cared for farming/working village catering for a diverse community, with many areas where the residents were obviously proud of their environment. The recreation area is outstanding with consideration for the needs of all age groups and exceptionally well cared for, and to find a community orchard alongside an excellent safe play area a pleasure, even with an outdoor gym for those more active. Adjacent to the orchard alongside the canal walk was an interesting sculpture highlighting the village heritage. There was no evidence of litter, graffiti or dog fouling and the majority of hedges and fences abutting the pavements were well kept. The notice board in the centre of the village by the bus stop was really informative and a lovely touch with the planters. The converted phone box giving a second defib was a welcome sight.
The Village Hall is a modern well constructed building with neat and tidy grounds, however it is closed and shuttered. It does not show the essence of the village. More could be made of the village hall with planters, a noticeboard on the wall with details of all activities available together contact details. The noticeboard on the road did not include any activities which occur in the hall. It ought to be the focal point of the village, particularly as it has a good sized car park next to the excellent play area & park.
The social amenities of the village are well catered for by The Ship Inn and the lovely Café at the business park, however, the condition of the New Scarisbrick Arms lets the village down. The lack of intervention from Lancashire County Council on maintaining the road gutters must be very frustrating for the residents who care so much.
Having a figurative map was most useful. It was clear being based on an ordinance street map with everything clearly marked.
Report 2
Our overall impression of Haskayne was of a peaceful village being off a busy road on a quiet loop. The village is largely free of litter, weeds or graffiti. There is a fair range of properties from terraced and semi-detached homes, bungalows, traditional thatched cottages and farmhouses to recently developed modern houses. Residents, in the main, are proud and keep their properties in decent order with gardens and frontages kept tidy.
The primary school is a safe and secure site with clear signage. The outside area has new pay equipment and shaded seating. The railings would benefit from a fresh coat of paint and the signs with a wipe over.
The Village Hall is a great facility with a clearly marked carpark, defibrillator, CCTV, bike racks, accessible access and easily maintained planting areas with a bug hotel. The War Memorial plaque is a praiseworthy addition. The shuttered windows and doors need freshening up. The area would be enhanced by a few floral displays.
The Bridge Business park has clear signage and includes a pleasant canal side café. Sadly the site has quite a lot of litter and weeds.
Downholland Cross is a modern monument on a busy junction. It is tidily maintained but lacking adornment.
The Jubilee Playing fields are a fantastic amenity for such a small village, with off road parking next to the hall. The surrounding path allows safe all weather access to the play areas, football field, BMX track, canal side and wildlife walks. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables, some with shade. The playground areas are securely fenced with a great selection of play equipment for a wide age range. Litter bins and a dog waste bin are provided. The Agricultural Sculpture is a wonderful addition and will be improved when the wildflower meadow around it develops further.
The freshly painted Ship Inn has a beautiful setting on the canal side. The well-tended grassed garden area has plentiful seating and new picnic tables. The hardstanding area has a couple of trip hazards. The car park is beautifully fenced but the surface is very uneven and needs parking spaces remarked.
