Council deputy leader apologises after "flippant remarks" about Carnforth cause a storm

The deputy leader of Lancaster City Council has apologised for "flippant remarks" he made about Carnforth and said he did not intend to cause offence.

Councillor Peter Jackson made the apology after he was called out on comments he'd made about the town at a recent meeting of the Lancaster City Council cabinet.

He said: "I'm deeply sorry that my flippant remarks about Carnforth caused offence...it was not at all my intention."

Councillor Jackson, of the Liberal Democrats and a member of the Green-Lib Dem-Morecambe Bay Independent coalition cabinet, was speaking at a meeting of Lancaster City Council on July 23.

This came after Councillor Jackson Stubbs, Labour councillor for Carnforth and Millhead, brought up what had been said at a cabinet meeting, as Councillor Jackson introduced a new 'Memorandum of Understanding' between Lancaster City Council and Carnforth Town Council.

"Peter Jackson introduced the document by stating (it was) 'a step in taking Carnforth more seriously, that we skip over Carnforth and Carnforth doesn't get the attention it deserves'," said Councillor Stubbs.

"I've been assured multiple times that Carnforth is a well thought of area of the district.

"Clearly it isn't.

"Following the admission that Carnforth isn't taken seriously by the (cabinet) what do you intend to do for Carnforth?"

In response, Councillor Caroline Jackson, council leader and a member of the Greens (below), said: "I think maybe the deputy leader is being a bit flippant and really shouldn't be, as it causes trouble.

"I will apologise for that.

"We're hoping through the Memorandum of Understanding, we will ensure we have that involvement with Carnforth which is an exceptionally well organised, self motivated area. We definitely need to make sure we are in better communication with it and we push Carnforth on.

"Thank you for the comment, and I trust you won't get too alarmed."

Councillor Stubbs then said this was "a slightly derogatory response, in that I shouldn't get alarmed by the fact that Carnforth isn't taken seriously by the cabinet".

"I find that disrespectful. I'm sure the residents of Carnforth and Millhead will find that disrespectful.

"So the response to a question about what you're going to do for Carnforth is, we've done a Memorandum of Understanding."

Councillor Caroline Jackson then said: "What we have is the intention to work with Carnforth. If you want us to go in and tell Carnforth what to do, I don't think that would be very popular. That's what an MOU is about, it's about working with Carnforth."

Later in the meeting, Councillor Peter Jackson also spoke about the issue, in response to a question by independent Councillor Roger Cleet about how MOUs will benefit residents in Morecambe and Carnforth.

"They are not legally binding documents - their intention is to set up structures by which town councils and city councils will better communicate and identify projects they can take forward together, and will work together," said Councillor Jackson.

"We know that communication between these town councils and city council has not always been as good as it should be, particularly in the case of Morecambe. We need to build some understanding and some trust and I hope and intend the MOU will be the mechanism to do that.

"I'm deeply sorry that my flippant remarks about Carnforth caused offence...it was not at all my intention.

"Just to point out, I represent the Lower Lune Valley, Caton and Brookhouse, Wray, Tatham and Claughton. You don't hear those places mentioned in this chamber very frequently.

"Carnforth is a significant settlement and needs to be given proper attention. Hopefully what the MOU will do is give Carnforth's councillors and its town council the opportunity to bring issues to the city (council), and the same very much goes for Morecambe. We intend that co-operation will be improved."

After the meeting, Councillor Stubbs posted on Facebook to say: "At a recent Cabinet meeting of the Green Party led administration of Lancaster City Council, the deputy leader of the council openly stated that Carnforth is 'not taken seriously' and often 'forgotten'.

"I was shocked by this admission and challenged the leader and deputy leader of the council at the most recent full council meeting.

"For the record, I do not believe the memorandum of understanding between Lancaster City Council and Carnforth Town Council to be 'meaningless'.

"However, I do expect the Green-Lib Dem-Morecambe Bay Independent administration to do more for Carnforth and Millhead and I will continue to pose the necessary challenge to make sure our area is not simply...'forgotten'."

* A spokesperson for Carnforth Town Council said: "Carnforth Town Council acknowledges the recent comments made during Lancaster City Council’s cabinet meeting on July 23 and welcomes the subsequent apology from Councillor Peter Jackson.

"We appreciate the recognition of Carnforth as a significant settlement within the district and the commitment to improving communication and collaboration through the newly introduced Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

"Carnforth is a vibrant and forward-looking town with a strong sense of community, a rich heritage, and a growing reputation as an excellent place to live, work, and visit. The Town Council is proud of the many initiatives led by local residents, businesses, and community groups that continue to enhance the town’s appeal and sustainability.

"We are pleased that Lancaster City Council has acknowledged the importance of Carnforth and the need for more structured engagement. The MoU represents a positive step forward in formalising the already constructive working relationship between our councils. It provides a framework for joint working, shared priorities, and mutual support in delivering projects that benefit our residents and the wider district.

"Carnforth Town Council remains confident that, by building on this foundation of collaboration, our ambitions for the town’s future development will be realised. We look forward to continuing our work with Lancaster City Council and other partners to ensure Carnforth receives the attention and investment it deserves.

"We thank all councillors who have voiced their support for Carnforth and reaffirm our commitment to representing the interests of our community with positivity, professionalism, and purpose."

Councillor Rowland Parker, town mayor, said: "Carnforth is a town of ambition, resilience, and community spirit. We welcome the renewed commitment from Lancaster City Council to work more closely with us. The Memorandum of Understanding is a valuable opportunity to build on our shared goals and ensure that Carnforth continues to thrive as a place where people are proud to live, work, and visit."