A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission November 2008

HAPPY DAYS IT’S PLAYTIME TRUE GRIT Help others and £1m will boost play- While you sleep, help yourself grounds in your area we’re on the road Page 8 Page 3 Page 10 Audit plan to LET’S BIN weed pollution and waste with us out tax I will support Lancashire County Council in reducing the number of bags to residents. cheats plastic bags I use at home. By Mike Warren MATTHEW As well as banning bags and Ê THEBAGSTomlinson: using only renewable electricity A NEW anti-fraud I would like to receive emails giving me more useful tips LANCASHIRE County ban on in streetlights, the county council drive is being on climate change and discounts on environmentally- Council has pledged to bags. is having a renewed drive to launched to keep friendly products by becoming a Friend of Lancashire. banish carrier-bags from economise and increase recycling down Council Tax its services in the latest CHEAP in its own offices. bills. My name is ...... step of its fight against lightbulbs A special deal has also been ne- People who cheat the pollution. and renew- gotiated to give all members of system add to the bills My email address is ...... able energy the Lancashire public a 21 per paid by honest people. From April the council will cent discount on energy-saving ban plastic carrier-bags - a for street- So Lancashire County lightbulbs. Council will help check ...... move that will reinforce earlier lights will also help. County Councillor Hazel Hard- that information given steps to power streetlights by ing, county council leader, said: by people applying for Please return to: Environment Policy Team, Lancashire “green” electricity and to bags - and then we will look for al- “Banning plastic bags is an im- things such as County Council, Environment Directorate, PO Box 9, award climate-change grants ternatives. We are all sick of see- portant part of our fight against NoWcards and Blue Guild House, Cross St, Preston PR1 8RD to a range of community ing plastic bags littering the climate change. Badges actually tallies Alternatively, sign up at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/ groups. streets and hedges of our county. “It is a fight we are determined with that held by other climatechange A plan of action has been prom- “We are already leading a fight to win.” agencies. From time to time “Friends of Lancashire” may wish to forward details of ised to help residents seek alter- against climate change. Doing The Audit Commis- offers and discounts available to its members, If you agree to receiving natives to bags. away with plastic bags is a vital
SAVE MONEY NOW - find out how to sion exercise is part of a information about offers and discounts from County Councillor Matthew part of this bigger picture.” order your discounted energy-saving national initiative to K “Friends of Lancashire” please tick here Tomlinson, Cabinet member for Libraries will lead the way this lightbulbs by logging on to www. stamp out fraud. Sustainable Development, said: month by launching new lancashire.gov.uk/climatechange NoWcard holders From time to time “Friends of Lancashire” may wish to forward your details to other organisations who may contact you with details of their offers or “I’m determined that, as one of reusable bags - a step currently You can support the new move by from neighbouring coun- services. If you agree to the county’s biggest organisa- being mirrored in supermarkets. signing the form (left) to become a cils will also be checked. tions, we need to take a lead in About 50,000 plastic bags were, Friend of Lancashire. By registering, Previous fraud checks K Receiving information about offers and discounts from these organisations please tick here. getting rid of plastic bags from until now, given to book borrow- you will receive regular email updates, have related to pen- our services. ers each year. tips and special offers on things sch sions, payroll, creditors, “An audit is now underway to County councillors will each be as low-energy lighting and home and private care homes. All personal data is stored in accordance with the Data see precisely where we are using able to give away re-usable composters. Insurance claims will Protection Act. For details visit: now also be checked. http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/vision/ Tell us! What are you doing to tackle climate change. Write to Climate letters, Vision, County Councillor Tony Martin, Lan- County Hall, Preston PR1 8XJ or email [email protected]. cashire County Council’s Cabinet member for Re- sources and Perform- FREE STICKERS ance, said: “People who cheat things such as FOR CHILDREN Single Person’s Discount on Council Tax only add PARENTS worried about their chil- to everyone else’s bill. dren’s safety are being offered free “By checking records reflective stickers to help them “Be in this way, we can Safe Be Seen” in the dark. make sure that honest As the nights and mornings get people are not cheated.” darker, Lancashire County Council’s The council is Road Safety Group is giving away required by law to pro- free Think! Hedgehog stickers for tect its public funds. children’s bags and bikes. It may share informa- The fluorescent stickers will reflect tion with other bodies light from drivers’ lights - so your responsible for auditing child will be visible. or administering public funds. To get your free hedgehog stickers For more information, call 0800 3281635 or email: visit: www. [email protected] lancashire.gov.uk/nfi or www.audit-com mission.gov.uk/nfi

A cassette version of Vision is now available for visually impaired people from Galloway’s Society for the Blind by calling 01772 744148 The presence of promotional leaflets delivered inside Vision does not imply Lancashire County Council endorsement. YOURLANCASHIRE: APLACEWHEREEVERYONEMATTERS 2 November 2008 P r ov i d i n g • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk

A full job description of all vacancies is available on our website www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies

ASK THE EXPERT Questions Let’s party answered by your friend in the know like it’s 1899 Celebration as historic records enter the digital era on the internet VOLUNTEERS are being done such a thorough job ourselves.” Parking fine invited to a thank-you party Lancashire County Council’s Record I am an elderly gentle- after they published details Office has a legal duty to preserve man and I am very such records which must be made of a massive 2.5m births, available to the public. cross as I feel that I marriages and deaths. have been issued with a Previously, such public inspections Their database is a boon to people meant a trip to the Lancashire parking ticket for the
PARKING patrol: A ParkWise civil enforcement officer on tracing their family trees. But despite wrong reasons. Record Office in Preston. the streets. See “Parking fine”. the two years work so far, it is still Steve added: “We did a similar proj- If possible I would like less than half way done. to appeal against the Your district council ticular journey was ect with old wills a few years ago. The helpers have spent hundreds of That was one of the largest such proj- ticket or at least be hould offer a collection very daunting for my thousands of hours inputting old daughter and incidents ects in the country. given the chance to put service for household paper records onto a county council my opinion forward. items and pieces of fur- like these need to stop. “We now have 70 volunteers on this website. new project which is going to be just Although I think it will niture. This has to be Miss S Glover, Lytham St Annes Manager Steve Lloyd said: “We be inevitable that I will pre-arranged with the as important.” Lancashire County have paper documents going back to end up paying the fine, district council and 1837 - a fascinating insight into the I need to know who to involves a fee. Council’s Safer Travel FIND OUT Unit is very dedicated Lancashire of yesteryear. go to and if it can be For more information “Paper, however, does deteriorate done through the coun- contact your district and passionate about MORE stopping unpleasant and having the details entered onto cil please. council - in this case computer saves them, as well as mak- Details of births, deaths and mar- Council on journeys. Contact the Mr P Robson, Scarisbrick Rossendale ing it easier for people to use. riages can be seen on the website at: 01706 217777. Other ASBOB team (Anti www.lancashirebmd.org.uk Social Behavior on “You can now check such family You can challenge your district council num- records from anywhere in the coun- Penalty Charge Notice bers can be found on Buses) on 0845 Searches are free, but people have to 0530040. A customer try. These volunteers have done a pay for certificates. by writing to the the county council’s fantastic job - we could never have ParkWise office. website: service officer will be All appeals are consid- www.lancashire.gov. happy to help. The ered on their own mer- uk Safer Travel Unit is its and there is also the appreciative of all calls Anne tries her hand at signing option to take your that they receive, as Out and about this helps them to A NEW service to case to an independent I recently received my make bus journeys in adjudicator. support deaf people first Blue Badge which Lancashire pleasant for For more advice please is making life so much has been launched. Don’t know who everyone. Lancashire Deaf contact the ParkWise easier. I can now park to contact when Services will provide office on 0800 1952774 closer to buildings and you need help? community services, or visit accompany my wife on On the cards including advice and www.parkwise.org.uk day trips that I used to I have recently turned Baffled by support for deaf people avoid. I just have one 60 and am interested bureaucracy? across the county, on question. Am I able to in the bus cards which Give away can be obtained from behalf of Lancashire Ring Shirley on Please could you tell me use my Blue Badge all County Council. over the UK or is it only the council. 0845 053 0000 or email if there is a centre The only problem is The main focus of the Shirley on csc.enquiries@ where they keep house- within Lancashire? service will be to assist Mr K Harrison, Penwortham that I am also regis- lancashire.gov.uk hold items, furniture tered disabled and deaf people to access etc. to give to the needy? health and leisure serv- I am very pleased to have a Blue Badge, am Write to: I have a number of I still able to apply for ices, education and Ask Shirley quality items I could hear that you are work opportunities;
ON HAND: Councillor Anne Brown learns to sign her enjoying the benefits of the bus pass with hav- Customer Service Centre give, but they would ing the badge as well? and become more name with Celia Hulme, director of resources and develop- the Blue Badge, and . The Red Rose Hub have to be collected as I Mrs K Martin, Chorley actively involved in the ment at East Lancashire Deaf Society Bluebell Way don’t drive. I would be that it is making an wider community. said: “This is a new era es for deaf people and Preston most grateful if you impact on your life. County Councillor for deaf services in ensure that deaf people You are able to use the Yes, you can have both. PR2 5PZ could give me an Anne Brown, Cabinet Lancashire. This serv- have equal access to Blue Badge throughout The bus pass for address or phone Lancashire residents is member for Adult and ice will make it easier information, advice and number. the whole of the UK Community Services, for us to improve servic- services.” and also throughout the NoW Card. Each Mrs D Walton, district has different Europe. For more infor- Rawtenstall ways to apply. In your want to catch the bus to do my Christmas mation on the Blue case you will need to go shopping, as it’s often a problem driving in Badge scheme and to FESTIVE to the Council town and finding a car parking space. I’m not apply for a Blue Badge Chorley offices with proof of age sure where to get information about services - you can contact the TRAVEL - such as a passport or can you help? team on 0845 053 driver’s licence - and 0049. all Traveline on You can also pick up proof of address, such 0871 200 22 33 timetables at your local as a utility bill. To I (calls cost 10p a County Information Unruly pupils apply for the disabled minute, plus net- Centre, library, inter- Last week I got on a pass you will also need work extras) to change or download bus at around 3.45pm to take along proof of receive information timetables from with my three-year-old disability. from our Lancashire- www.transportforlan daughter. Not all districts have Cbased call centre. cashire.com Unfortunately at this these facilities and Your If you are coming into The new text service time of the day there therefore an applica- transport Preston city centre for provides bus times are many school chil- tion will need to be shopping, why not use from any stop in dren on the bus. There sent from the county questions the Park and Ride serv- Lancashire direct to were several children council. This will need ices at Portway and your phone. Just text on the bus swearing, to be checked before- answered, ? Bus the bus-stop code you being abusive, standing hand and can be done Walton-le-Dale by transport services run during the want to leave from to up and throwing bits of by contacting the NoW late night shopping 84268 - see the web- rubbish. Card team on 0845 058 expert Andrew events and the Park page for more details: I’d like to know who to 1096 or visiting: and Ride is also open www.transportforlanc speak to, as that par- www.lancashire.gov.uk Varley on Sundays. ashire.com/bustxt www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism November 2008 3 Back our fight for the economy, MPs told LANCASHIRE needs the freedom to pursue county council’s head of external relations, told MPs its economic goals, county council experts “People need the flexibility to make decisions for have told MPs. their own area. Only that way can we create jobs, Councils are soon expected to be given a greater improve skills and support Lancashire’s economy." say in economic, transport and planning issues. Lancashire is working with the North West De- County council officials want to ensure the velopment Agency (NWDA), which is responsible for county's priorities are treated the same as those in co-ordinating the region’s overall economic plan. other parts of the region. Sean added: "We look forward to more devolved “We must ensure that local issues are built into funding from the NWDA in line with the Govern- the process right at the start,” Sean McGrath, the ment's current proposals." Child’s play

£1m project will bring new play
YOUNGSTERS take uneaten food, put it in the composter and - months later - spread it areas to a town near you on their vegetable patch to grow ...yet more food.

THE first locations for new By Sue Becker County Councillor Jennifer outdoor play areas prom- Mein, Cabinet member for Chil- dren and Young People, said: “ Cabbage patch ised by Lancashire County Local voluntary sector organi- sations can also get involved. These sites are just the beginning Council have been named. of a process that will see a net- The county has over £1m to The new play areas – which will cost up to £50,000 each – will work of adventurous play areas spend over the next three years created across the whole county. kids’ war on waste on new play spaces close to where be designed with help from chil- dren, mums and dads, local peo- “Through this initiative we and CHILDREN from a Lancashire and they aim to make sure that the children live, including equipped our partners want to provide ex- school reduces its environmental adventure playgrounds. ple and councillors. school are leading the way on They will be sited so that chil- citing places where children will recycling. footprint. And children themselves will “The composter is all about reduc- dren can reach them on safe want to go to meet their friends Pupils and teachers at St Mary’s have a say in what the new fun ing what we send to landfill as well walking and cycling routes. and feel confident and safe.” RC Primary School, , areas should look like. Osbaldeston as growing our own potatoes, broccoli The plans are part of the gov- are making recycling fun…by recy- and onions – and reducing food ernment’s £235m national Play cling food scraps for their vegetable miles.” Fair programme aimed at devel- PLAYTIME BONANZA patch. The revolving composter was oping play facilities for children The scraps from their school din- bought with one of the county coun- ners go into a composter and get aged 8-13. The first play areas will be at: area in Ribble Valley. cil’s Global Renewable Waste Action The county council is leading mixed with wood pellets.

Lowerfold Park in Great Harwood. Grants. the initiative as a “Playbuilder” Astley Climbing Forest in Chorley. Six weeks later, children have rich The four pupils chosen to be eco-

Heyhead Park in Brierfield. authority and will be working in Marine Hall Gardens in Fleetwood. compost to nourish their vegetables. champions ensure that pupils and
partnership with district councils Hove Road Park in St Annes.
Greenfield Memorial Gardens in Parent Karen Smith said: “We teachers put their food waste into the to establish at least 20-25 play
Clitheroe Castle’s creative play Haslingden. have appointed four eco-champions composter. areas across the county. 4 November 2008 P r ov i d i n g • bridge maintenance • paths www.lancashire.gov.uk Keep cool about fuel I RECENTLY heard an interview with Eddie Shah, the for- With my old West Barking idea? and of school din- Child centre mer newspaper Lancashire bus pass I ners in particular. owner and now a used to catch the I HAVE recently I refer to an advert I house-builder. Ormskirk/Southport read of a person saw for school meals He had fascinating bus at my nearest bus being tormented by that featured a menu views on saving energy. stop one and a half barking dogs all day apparently boasting a Put simply, he plans to miles from home. in the house next single raspberry! is ‘knock out’ heat homes using the Now I can’t, because Wrongly placed apos- the bus is nearly door while the own- principle of a fridge. ers were out at trophes and other That is, we have all always full with St grammatical errors Helens (Merseyside) work. should have no place in noticed that the grill at I think the ill- residents. There are the educational context the back of the fridge advised act of abolish- only four buses a day, of school meals. gets hotter as the tem- ing the annual dog so I can’t just wait for The menu referred to perature inside the licence is the issue. the next one. “pudding with raspber- fridge gets colder. I have heard of dogs So, yes, free bus trav- ry’s” – that is, a singu- What it does is barking so much that el is a great idea - if lar and possessive extract the small amo- neighbours have to go you have a bus in the raspberry. unt of heat within the out for some quiet. area. I hope the children fridge, concentrating it I suggest a money- MRS J D BAKER enjoyed the raspberries. - and then disposing of making idea for the A PROUDFOOT it through the grill. Bickerstaffe council. In order to Mr Shah’s idea was Critics ‘should keep Council Tax at a Silverdale to extract heat from reasonable level, then Oops, time for some the soil in the garden, think ahead’ why not add a sur- egg on face. Miss concentrate it - and charge of, say, £10 per IN REPLY to the Proudfoot makes the then pump it into the month, plus an extra lettters (Vision, important point about radiatiors in the house. £5 for any other dogs? the need for good gram-
Genius. The system October), my critics Council staff have I DECLARE this centre open: Alex Catterall and boxer Michael Jennings cut the ribbon. mar. Poor grammar can has a minimal need for are short-sighted. the unpleasant task of change the meaning of a tion is available in partnership with gas or electricity. Yes, it would be sen- emptying dog bins. YOUNG children and their sentence. I must try Pipers and Doodles nurseries, and I wonder why more sible if we all travelled Dogs still foul foot- families are the winners harder – editor. Tatton pre-school centre, supported people aren’t using by bus. paths, despite dog war- with the opening of such free heat. Possibly in the future by the centre’s own qualified teacher. dens, and these selfish Lancashire’s newest chil- Other services offered across B GORDON free travel for all will be owners still allow their Thank you the norm. dren’s centre. Lancashire include early education Rossendale dogs to make as much The Duke Street centre in However, councils all very much! Chorley and childcare, child and family noise as they like. was officially opened by boxing It is used widely in over the country expect WHAT good man- health services, antenatal advice for I support a council dog champ Michael Jennings. Norway and Sweden, that the cost of this ners many young pregnant women, support for fathers, tax. Think of the extra The centre is now open to families so it must work. There “free” travel will exceed drop-in sessions and other activities revenue to be made. people have today. with babies and children up to five is grant assistance for the money allocated. for children, help with job hunting J A HURLEY I run a group at years old - and offers family support such technology for Nothing is free; these and information on all aspects of Anchorsholme Meth- as well as child support. some businesses from “free” trips have to be Clitheroe bringing up a family. odist Church called It is one of more than 60 recently Lancashire County paid for from your The intention is that, by 2010, What do readers Friday Friends. All 52 of opened similar centres in Lancashire. Developments Ltd on taxes. us were invited to every family in the county will have think of nuisance dogs? Access to day care and early educa- access to a centre in their community. 01772 536600. Over-indulgence will Should the dog licence Anchorsholme Primary Do other readers have kill off this benefit, so return - or a Council School. any energy-saving people should not be Tax be introduced for On arrival I was met You’re wanted of their choice. shamim.javed@lancashire ideas? - editor. greedy. I suggested a dogs? - editor. by four young boys who Training will be pro- .gov.uk; or by writing to: limit to longer trips, so informed me they were VOLUNTEERS are vided and members Pupil Access (Central), Yes to free the disabled pensioner our escorts and took Raspberry! needed to sit on the must be able to travel Directorate for Children doing their shopping IF ONLY the stan- each member personal- t h r o u g h o u t and Young People, bus travel would not be limited. appeal panels that dards of literacy in ly to their table. Ano- Lancashire. County Hall, Pitt Street, FREE bus travel is Don’t kill off a golden ther set of children decide whether chil-  adverts could match Further details from Preston, LANCS certainly a good goose by making too gave us refreshments. dren get the schoool 01772 531656; or PR1 8XJ. idea, but not so good many demands! that of Lancashire A marvellous concert for those of us with L WILLAN County Council by 25/30 children fol- no bus service. Great Harwood services in general lowed. Our members were overwhelmed by the children’s hospital- ity and good manners. On 28 November the WIN A children will join us for a concert and after- LAKES WEEKEND BREAK noon tea. Here's your chance Anyone wishing to to win a superb three-night weekend join us will be very break for two in Wordsworth Country welcome to come along or family prizes in time for the and meet Friday Festive Season. Friends and the chil- dren from Anchors- Your weekend away includes bed and breakfast at the holme Primary School. AA-rated Clarkes Hotel, situated in Cumbria’s peaceful M RAWLINSON Rampside village overlooking Morecambe Bay. Thornton Cleveleys We'll also include optional First Class rail travel to Barrow-in-Furness from Preston or Rose query Lancaster. First TransPennine Express is the ideal way to reach your destination whether I WONDER if Vision it's for the weekend or a family day out. readers know how You're assured of a warm welcome and friendly service at Clarkes during your stay. the Lancashire rose Attractions include places associated with William Wordsworth, Lakeland's romantic poet. should be displayed. It has been bother- Clarkes' Brasserie is open all day giving you the choice of meal times. ing me for some time. To be in with a chance of a relaxing break with the chance to enjoy I have asked many outdoor walks in pleasant surroundings, simply answer the following people who wear the and send your completed entry to Clarkes Hotel competition before county rose, but they 19 November. do not know. When I was a Girl Where is Wordsworth Country? a) Cumbria b) Cheshire c) Canada? Guide I was told that when it was on display We also have a limited number of family books, CDs or DVDs as runner-up prizes. Phone 0l229 820303 for details of a stay at the three-star, AA-rated Clarkes Hotel. it should always have The prize is as stated and subject to the usual competition rules.

the three petals at the Travel to/from mainline stations to your hotel is not included. top. For information about First TransPennine Express, including onlineÊ Everywhere I look it bookings, visit www.tpexpress.co.uk is now displayed with Entry to be returned by 19 November. two petals at the top. I ENTRY FORM would love to be right. Wordsworth Country is in (please tick)? Does anyone really K K K know? Cumbria Cheshire Canada Maybe our historical Name ...... societies and museums have the answer. Address ...... If I am right, I hope Tel ...... I don’t prompt a lot of You can enter by post or electronically. Postal entries should be sent to: Clarkes Competition, Vision, County Hall, expensive redesigning! Preston PR1 8XJ. Electronic entries should be sent to the online Vision at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/vision JILL FIELDING www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism November 2008 5

NEWS BRIEFS Church hosts musical treat Tuned-in youngsters CANDLELIGHT in church is the evocative backdrop to a selection box of musical treats from the Lancashire Sinfonietta. Works by Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, and Purcell will feature in the concert by the county council funded areBy Miles Barter stars of the show orchestra on Saturday, December 13, at SCHOOL students starred in a live 7.30pm.Tickets for the festive celebration at the St Peter’s BBC broadcast as part of a four-day Church, Church Street, intensive training programme at Burnley, cost £8.50 or £5 from Lancashire’s City Learning Centre. 01772 531794. The youngsters from Burnley, Padiham, Nelson Have a say and Brierfield learned about radio, film, and photo- journalism. LANCASHIRE Local Working with the BBC’s outreach bus, they committees bring together researched famous people, inventions and county and district industries with a local link. councillors to take decisions over neighbourhood issues. Burnley football club manager Owen Coyle was Anyone can attend and among those interviewed and the results were speak at the meetings. broadcast on BBC Radio Lancashire. Agendas and relevant documents are on Lancashire Skills County Council’s website. The next Burnley meeting is Paul Matty, manager of the learning centre in on Monday November 17 at Towneley Park, said: “The students gained a lot of 6.30pm in the Town Hall, confidence during the exercise and they developed Manchester Road. a very positive image of the area. The next Pendle district “As well as learning modern media skills they Lancashire Local is on Wednesday November 26 at were taught about planning. Literacy, speaking, 6.30pm in Barrowford Civic and listening skills were all improved.” Hall, Maud Street. The schools involved were Shuttleworth College, Unity College, Marsden Heights Community Party move College and Sir John Thursby Community College. COUNTY Councillor Nawaz The centre will move to a new building, a few
Ahmed, who represents hundred yards away, in 2010 as part of the county RADIO WAVES: Paul Matty, manager of the City Learning Centre, with some of the students on the BBC bus. Brierfield and Nelson North, council’s Building Schools for the Future project. from left, Sam Chaffer, Iram Akram, Rosie Butler and Jordan Cadle from Marsden Heights Community College. has left the Liberal Democrats and joined the Labour group. Desk plan backed

SAVING school desks and chairs from the scrapheap: from left, the Rev Ed Saville, vicar of St Luke’s Church, Brierfield, chair of governors of Marsden Heights Community College, and treasurer of FEW; Hazel Blears MP; County Councillor Terry Burns - repre- sents Burnley North East and chairman of FEW; Councillor Asjad Mahmood - represents Whitefield ward on Pendle Council.

GOVERNMENT ministers The charity sends used equip- turned out for a Lancashire- ment from Lancashire schools - based charity’s event at the which had been destined for landfill sites - to poor schools in Houses of Parliament. developing countries. Ed Balls, secretary of state for Most of FEW’s furniture is from children schools and families, schools in Burnley and Pendle that and Hazel Blears, secretary of are moving to new buildings with state for communities and local new equipment as part of Lan- government, showed their sup- cashire County Council’s £250m port for Furniture for Education Building Schools for the Future Worldwide. programme. Golden memories A researcher is look- archived for use by local lived in will also provide ing for memories of libraries and museums. valuable information. People who were in Tales from the mills, the north’s industrial their teens, twenties, golden age. mines, and factories of and thirties during the Burnley and Pendle are The information is 1950s and 1960s are needed for the project. needed for a forthcom- being urged to tell If you want to get in- ing book and a series the story of their work- on television. volved please contact ing lives. Kathryn Hall on And every piece that Memories and details is collected will also be [email protected] of the community they 0113 249 3001. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism November 2008 5

NEWS BRIEFS Leaders on the mat Office plan registers QUIZ the leaders of Lancashire County Council in Skelmersdale on Thursday 27 November. Council leader County Councillor Hazel Harding and schools’ cabinet member County Councillor Vali Patel will be two of the Question aBy Miles Barterbright new future Time-style panel at the Ecumenical Centre, WORK has started on Chorley’s new Northway, from 7.15pm. £798,000 purpose-built register office. The modern building, off Devonshire Road, will Walking tall provide a fully accessible wedding, civil MEMBERS of Chorley’s Open partnership and registration service. Mind Services Centre took part Lancashire County Council is funding the in a walk to support the annual construction of the single-storey office, designed to World Mental Health Day. meet the needs of disabled people and those with The centre, run by Chorley and South Ribble MIND, mobility problems. organises a variety of activities The building, on the former West Street car park and help for adults with mental site, will replace the current outdated office in health problems. St George’s Street and will include a large ceremony room. Local voices Investment LANCASHIRE Local committees bring together County councillor Marcus Johnstone, Cabinet county and district member for community planning and partner- councillors to take decisions ships, said: “This capital investment and new over neighbourhood issues. register office will be a great facility and asset for Anyone can attend. the residents of Chorley.” Agendas are on the county council’s website. Bamber Bridge-based Conlon Construction has The next Chorley district been appointed to develop the building. The project Lancashire Local is on should be completed by June next year. December 10 at 6.15pm in  Lancashire College, To book an appointment in the current building Southport Road, Euxton. or for information on any other services, contact The next West Lancashire the Lancashire County Council Registration meeting is on November 12 Service at www.lancashire.gov.uk/registration or at 7pm in the district council telephone 0845 0530021.
SOMETHING NEW: An artist’s impression of how the Chorley register office will look when work is finished. offices, Derby Street, Ormskirk. Line up to volunteer VOLUNTEERS are will operate five days a This may be an appoint- wanted to staff a new week. ment with an adviser or advice line for the June Leadbeater, tele- a referral to an appro- phone gateway supervi- priate external agency – people of Chorley. sor at the CAB, said: like the county council.” They will help people “All volunteers will be The new phone line access the services they offered full training in will be open from need, like welfare rights order to recognise the 9.30am to 12.30pm and or social services. appropriate needs of the from 1pm to 4pm, Based in Leyland, the caller and to direct or as- Monday to Friday. mini-call centre is run sist them to find the  by the Chorley, For help, or to find out South level of information or more about volunteer- Ribble and District Citi- advice required to re- and ing, please telephone zens’ Advice Bureau solve their problem. 01257 279807. Service is a click away

TWO councils have teamed are free to use for members. It up to encourage people to also costs nothing to join the contact them using free libraries in Tarleton, Burscough, library internet access. Ormskirk, Parbold, Skelmersdale and Up Holland. The six libraries in West People are being encouraged Lancashire run by Lancashire to contact the councils on-line County Council have a People’s when they want to request a Network of computers which service, pay a bill, report a problem, or find some information. West Lancashire councillor David Westley said: “If you haven’t tried it already, I would encourage you to have a go.” All 76 libraries in the county are run by Lancashire County Council. County councillor David O’Toole, chair of the Lancashire Local committee, explained: “We are
working to provide ONLINE: Councillor David Westley, librarian residents with their Sheila Burns and county councillor David O’Toole preferred means of discover the library facilities in West Lancashire. contacting us.” www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism November 2008 5

NEWS BRIEFS Time to have your say Putting the trust into LANCASHIRE Local committees bring together county and district councillors to take decisions over neighbourhood issues. Anyone can attend and speak at the meetings. Agendas are on Lancashire County Council’s website. ourBy Miles Barter children’s future The next Fylde district Lancashire Local is on November 25 at 7pm in Fylde A NEW organisation has been District Scout Headquarters, launched to bring together all the Heyhouses Lane, St Annes. bodies providing services for children The next Wyre district Lancashire Local is on and young people in Fylde. December 3 at 7pm in Inskip The Fylde Children’s Trust is one of 12 St Peter's school, Inskip. established across Lancashire. The move follows a report highlighting the need The right road for joint work and better communications between councils, health authorities, police and charities. WYRE’S highways are set for their largest overhaul in years Families following a major investment by Lancashire County Council. The trust was launched at Lytham Hall with An extra £306,000 was music by the Primary School samba awarded to carry out additional Heyhouses highway resurfacing and band from St Annes. There was also a performance from Pear Tree School, . pedestrian and road safety work Kirkham on top of the £3.4 million the Councillor Karen Buckley, Fylde Council’s council already planned to champion for young people and trust vice-chair, said: invest in the area. “Involving young people at the centre of our action planning will ensure we focus on the right priorities.” Safety first Councillor Jennifer Mein, county council cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The TRADING standards officers key role of the trust will be bringing agencies are doing free fire safety together to deliver more integrated services that checks on electric blankets. Experts will be at the fire achieve better results for children, young people and stations on Radcliffe Road, their families.” Fleetwood, on November 25; Bodies on Fylde Children’s Trust include county and St Andrews Road North, and borough councils, police, the fire brigade and St Annes, on November 26. further education colleges.
HAPPY FEET: Youngsters from Fylde YMCA perform their routines at the launch of the children’s trust at Lytham Hall. Call 01772 533 569 to book an appointment. New scheme does the business KIRKHAM businesses are being support from Fylde Low Waste and offered 50 per cent towards the Energy (FLoWE), Lancashire Business cost of refurbishing their Environment Association and Business Venture Group to help cut costs, business, thanks to a new increase revenues and maximise profits. grant scheme. The scheme was launched at an Kirkham Renaissance is a new event at Kirkham Community Centre. scheme offered through a partn- County council leader Hazel ership of Lancashire County Harding said: “By offering these Developments Limited, Fylde grants businesses can make their Council and Kirkham and Wesham premises more attractive and Business Group. adaptable to increase trade and The scheme gives businesses the employment opportunities.” opportunity to apply for up to 50 per “I have seen the impact these types cent of the value of improvements of grants can make to improving to their premises or shop front, local economies.” some internal refurbishments and extensions.  Stephen This will be accompanied by business To find out more, call Smith on 01253 658445. Home help is on line OLDER and disabled residents in Fylde and Wyre now have constant access to support thanks to a hi- tech device. Care workers check on people in their own homes, and react to accidents and emergencies. Telecare is funded by Lancashire County Council. Sensors in the home link to a wireless hub which can send an emergency call to a 24-hour local monitoring centre. The sensors can tell things like if the home is too cold or if the gas has been left on. County council chiefs want to raise awareness of Telecare in Fylde where half of the residents are aged 45 or over. Councillor Dorothy Westell, Lancashire’s champion for
older people, said: “Telecare is HI-TECH: (from left) Councillor Dorothy an incredible aid.” Westell, Telecare trainer Barbara Roebuck, and Lancashire manager for older people’s For information on the scheme please call 01772 436756. services Jill Brown, with the Telecare kit. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism November 2008 5

NEWS BRIEFS Bus info just Joy as Roman relic the ticket A NEW leaflet detailing routes and times is now available for Bowland Transit buses. Leaflet 104 explains changes to the service in Ribble Valley and North Yorks. Detailed information on AN iconic Roman cavalry public transport is available at returns to its home Clitheroe Interchange, tombstone has been Carnforth station, Lancaster’s returned to to go City display for soldier Stagecoach travel shop, Lancaster Brown, cabinet member for adult Morecambe’s on public display at the By Andrew Lynn Tourist and community cervices, said: “It Information Centre and via city’s museum. . Haverfield Bequest, which supports is fantastic that we have been able Traveline on 0871 2002233. The impressive tombstone, dating to save and conserve this back to 100 AD, was discovered by research on Roman Britain and also the Heritage important piece and keep it here in Fire safety builders laying foundations for a Lancaster for the people of block of flats in Aldcliffe Road in the Lottery Fund. TRADING standards officers are Specialist staff at the county Lancashire to learn from and offering free fire safety checks city in 2005. enjoy.” on electric blankets this month. It was excavated by the Greater council’s conservation studio in have worked to conserve the Stephen Bull, curator of military Technically qualified staff will Manchester Archaeology Unit and Preston history and archaeology for be on hand on Monday 24 has been described by experts as November at Lancaster fire Lancashire Museums and author station on Cable Street. “unique” and of “significant national of the “Triumphant Rider - The archaeological importance”. GLIMPSES OF Appointments must be made Lancaster Roman Calvary in advance by calling 01772 The fascinating stone is almost 6ft THE PAST Tombstone”, said there was a very 533569. in height and it weighs good chance the stone depicted a approximately 1,500lbs. THE museum is open Monday to Saturday real incident. Cash boosts from 10am to 5pm and entry is free. For Funding further information, contact the museum on Dramatic MEMBERS of the Lancashire It depicts a quartermaster or 01524 64637 or visit online by logging on to Lancaster www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums He said: “The inscription tells us Local District junior officer of the ala Augusta that the man was ranked as a committee have approved two local grants. riding with the severed head of a curator in the Roman auxiliary. barbarian enemy in his hand. County councillor Albert tombstone so that it can be put on “This stone provides a crucial Thornton gave £750 Since its discovery, Lancashire permanent public display in insight into the history of the towards the renovation County Council and the Museums Lancaster, where it will be placed in county, and an iconic piece of work on Morecambe’s war Service, together with Lancaster the most fitting setting. Lancaster’s dramatic past.” memorial plinth. City Council, has secured funding The museum is not far from the site Visitors to will be able to see it Councillor Peter Elliott gave from the Museums, Libraries and which had been its home for almost from Wednesday October 15, with a grant of £250 to the 8th Archives Purchase Grant Fund;
Lancaster Guides towards 2000 years. County councillor Anne more displays later in the year. CONSERVED: Lancaster’s tombstone their activities. Pulling the right strings

CANDLELIGHT in Lancaster Vivaldi and Purcell will feature Cathedral will be the in the concert by the county backdrop to a selection box council-funded orchestra. of musical treats from the The concert will take place on Friday December 12 at 7.30pm. Lancashire Sinfonietta. Tickets are available for £10 or Works by Handel, Bach, £7.50 by calling 01524 32878. Drive for democracy YEAR 4 pupils from Barnacre “Everyone spoke clearly and concisely and made very good points. It was an Road Primary School in Lon- visited the council cham- excellent debate.” gridge County Councillor Mary Wilson, ber at county hall and staged who represents Longridge with Bow- their own debate. land, met the children at county hall. They spent a morning at Lancashire She said: “This is an extremely impor- County Council as part of their stud- tant exercise. ies for democracy week. “There has been a decline in the The debate was chaired by eight- number of younger people who vote or year-old Sean Forrest and the motion are involved in local politics. I hope to abolish school uniform was passed this will stimulate their interest.” by 15 votes to 10. Mum Marion Smith, who visited Good points with the children, said: “It was inter- esting for me. I have learned a lot County Councillor Alan Whittaker, things I didn’t realise that I didn’t chairman of the authority, said: know.” www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism November 2008 5

NEWS BRIEFS Memories are made of this Rick forges ahead A RESEARCHER is looking for memories of the north’s industrial golden age for a new book and a series on television. The information collected will be archived for use by libraries and museums in By Mark McAdam the region. to a fantastic future People who were in their teens, 20s, and 30s during the A TRADITIONAL craftsman from 1950s and ‘60s are invited to Rossendale is looking forward to a tell the story of their working bright future thanks to the commercial life and the community they arm of Lancashire County Council. lived in. If you have tales from the Bacup blacksmith and wrought iron fabricator mills, mines, and factories of Rick de Boutemard runs Pennine Forge, which has Hyndburn and Rossendale, got support from council-backed Rosebud Finance. please contact Kathryn Hall Rick, based on Beech Industrial Estate, has on [email protected] or already created five jobs. telephone 0113 249 3001. He said: “I set up a business in partnership in 2002. The business grew quickly and we began to Time to have take on corporate fabrication work. your say Investment LANCASHIRE Local committees bring together “After a few years we decided this corporate em- county and district councillors to phasis was the way to go and because of the cir- take decisions over cumstances at that time I took the business neighbourhood issues. Anyone can attend and speak forward myself.” at the meetings. Rosebud Finance has helped more than 400 Agendas and relevant businesses. Profits and income are recycled, pro- documents are on Lancashire viding further investment for new clients. County Council’s website. Rosebud can provide loans and equity funding The next Hyndburn district to firms in Lancashire and those relocating here. Lancashire Local is on Monday, Councillor Niki Penney, chair of Lancashire November 24, at 7pm in Springhill Community Centre, County Developments Ltd which runs Rosebud, Exchange Street, Accrington. said: “Rick has already created five jobs which can The next Rossendale district only be good news for Bacup and East Lancashire Lancashire Local is on Monday, and hopefully the business will go from strength  RINGING ENDORSEMENT: County Councillor Sean Serridge, left, who represents Whitworth and County Councillor Niki December 1, at 6.30pm in the to strength.” Penney, of Lancashire County Developments Ltd, get a lesson in blacksmith skills from local craftsman Rick de Boutemard. Whitworth Civic Centre, Market Street, Whitworth. £595,000 roads repair drive POLITICIANS in Hyndburn Lane, Great Harwood as well as have decided how to spend an school “keep clear” markings across the borough. extra £595,000 allocated for road County councillor Matthew repairs by the county council. Tomlinson, Lancashire’s cabinet A number of schemes have been member for sustainable development, approved including: said: “Thanks to this an extra 21  Carriageway reconstruction and schemes will be carried out in kerb repairs on Sparth Road, Clayton- Hyndburn this year.” le-Moors: Burns Drive, Baxenden; Councillor Dorothy Westell is chair and Dorset Drive, Knuzden of the Hyndburn Lancashire Local  Anti-skid surface treatment on committee, which decided on Dill Hall Lane, Accrington the projects.  Bollards in Oswaldtwistle to keep She said: “It has allowed us to tackle cyclists off the footpath between Kent some longer standing projects that Drive and St Oswald’s Close we did not have the money  An interactive sign on Harwood for before.” Breaking the age barrier OLDER people across when leading councillors Lancashire are soon to have gathered to promote the their own “Parliament”. interests of the elderly. Nominations are expected to Councillor Dorothy Westell, be sought in the New Year for Lancashire County Council’s representatives to speak out at Champion for Older People, the heart of policy-making. said: “I would like to see as The announcement was made many people as possible at this year’s Older People’s Day represented in the new assembly. There are many enthusiastic people with strong views on what services should be provided. “I want them to be involved at the earliest stages of making policy.” “The days when age meant only frailty are long gone. She added: “Today’s retired people want leisure provision, they want financial advice, th- ey want transport, they want more  CELEBRATION: Dorothy Westell, left, and county council flexibility in services leader Hazel Harding at this year’s Older People’s Day. than ever before.” www.lancashire.gov.uk November 2008 5

NEWS BRIEFS Registering success Making your A BAMBER Bridge firm has and should be completed by June views heard won the contract to build a new next year. register office in Lancashire. Conlon Construction was founded PEOPLE in Preston and South Ribble Conlon Construction, of Charnley by five brothers in 1961 and it still are being asked to Fold Lane, has started work on a employs six members of the comment on new plans for Conlon family. long-term local development new purpose-built register office over the next two decades. in Chorley. The Lancashire County Council The plans include improve- The single-story development will registration service can be con- ments to transport, neigh- include a large ceremony room for tacted by logging on to www.lan- bourhoods and the economy. 65 people, with disabled access. cashire.gov.uk/registration or by To find out more visit your The project is costing £798,000 library or log on to www.cen- calling 0845 053 0021.
SOMETHING NEW: An artist’s impression of the register office being built by Conlon. trallancscity.org.uk Finney scores A HOME for people with dementia has been awarded £500 of garden furniture. Lady Elsie Finney House, Cottam, won a vote in the Lancashire Evening Post. The county Service just the ticket council-run home is named after AN innovative South Ribble bus service has been the wife of Sir Tom Finney. shortlisted for a top Bus project on the route to a top award national honour. Party switch By Suzie Evans journey, 29 per cent relied on friends schemes from Brighton and Hove, COUNTY councillor Norman Flexi Link has been recognised by or relatives to provide transport and a Buses for All, CENTRO, Travel the UK Bus Awards and is a Abram, who represents service by Lancashire County Council number relied on relatively expensive Training Manual and Metro, Preston West, has left the Lib- contender for the Accessibility: featuring unique and attractive livery taxis.” MetroLocal at the UK Bus Awards eral Democrats and joined the Claudia Flanders Memorial Award. branding. Flexi Link is competing against ceremony, which will be held at Conservative group. The demand responsive service has County councillor Matthew Battersea Evolution in London later been running since September 2007, Tomlinson, Cabinet member for this month. Local voices serving areas of South Ribble not environment and transportation, Flexi Link is operated by Central LANCASHIRE Local committees covered by public transport. said: “To be shortlisted is an GET BEHIND Lancashire Dial a Ride in partnership bring together county and district It is available for anyone in the exceptional achievement. with Lancashire County Council and councillors over neighbourhood borough without access to a car who “Flexi Link has quickly proved THE WHEEL is an initiative of the European issues. Anyone can attend and cannot use public transport easily popular and has shown promising speak. IF you have any spare time and would like to Civitas Success project. because of mobility problems or the growth, running at close to capacity The next Preston meeting is volunteer to be a driver for any of Lancashire's  lack of a suitable service. just one year after its launch. To use the Flexi Link service or to on 17 December at 6.30pm in community transport services, we would like to In one example, the service helps “Passenger surveys reveal that the find out more about where it runs call the Town Hall. The next South hear from you. Visit www.lancashire- one is on 20 November people travel between and service has achieved a great deal in 01257 261844. You can book your Ribble Longton communitytransport.co.uk or email us at: at 7pm in Lostock Hall where a traditional route is combating social exclusion. journey in advance by ringing this Leyland [email protected] Community High School. not in operation. “Previously, 43 per cent of number between 9am and 1pm. A new minibus was provided for the passengers were unable to make their Pulling the right strings

MELODY: The highly-acclaimed Lancashire Sinfonietta in one of its rehearsal sessions. THREE strings players from Christmas show which will take the Lancashire Sinfonietta place on Friday December 19. will perform one of the The trio – who usually perform world’s top keyboard pieces with the Lancashire County at a pre-Christmas concert. Council funded Sinfonietta – Organ legend Johan Sebastian will be performing at 12.30pm in Bach’s Goldberg Variations and St George’s Church in Preston. a work by contemporary Families are welcome to composer Howard Skempton attend the event and no advance will feature in the pre- tickets are required. Call out for phone volunteers VOLUNTEERS are wanted for a caller and to direct or assist them to new South Ribble advice line. find the level of information or advice They will help people who call find required to resolve their problem. the services that they need – like “This may be an appointment with welfare rights or social services. an adviser or a referral to an appropriate external agency – like the Based on Towngate in Leyland, the county council.” mini-call centre is run by the Chorley, South Ribble and Districts Citizens The new phone line will be open Advice Bureaux. from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from June Leadbeater, from the CAB, 1pm to 4pm. The service will run explained: “All volunteers will be Monday to Friday. For help, or to offered full training in order to enquire about volunteering please recognise the appropriate needs of the call us on 01772 424282. 6 November 2008 P r ov i d i n g • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk www.lancashire.gov.uk P r ov i d i n g • youth services • tourism November 2008 7 Lancashire 8 atclryi h colholidays. school the in busy, particularly always is section children’s here.” team. the valu- of a member as able viewed is He bookmarks. making and cutting books, shredding, children’s tidying and sorting include responsibilities and role own.” my on get come I and now bus but the months, of couple a me. vol- supported another who with unteer here it tried and course an volunteering did to I introduction after December since here Preston. Li- in Harris brary the of section young people’s the in volunteers disability, community. the to back something gives he afternoons, on Thursday But weekends. home at their matches all at team his favourite watches religiously Joseph fan, ihnhslclcommunity. local his role within active an taking by independence, and esteem self- confidence, him his helping boost also is it And epn tescngv o a you give can others Helping pier. hap- and healthier active, more you making by longer live you make can volunteering that LYNN. ANDREW England, ing Volunteer- charity, national a by cently re- published re- port new a of finding wellbeing. your and your health for good is and happy you makes VOLUNTEERING h 6 rti’ is oowy uemo Lan- of Museum cashire, of motorway. effects first and Britain’s building M6, the the of Exhibition years. 50 M6- Nov 29 Sat 640557. 01995 on early Book Park. Country Centre, packed Visitor Bring Bowland minibus. Meet for lunch. charge a be wildlife. willl rare There benefits to that walk management moorland moorland strenuous see – grouse and Heather 9-4. Nov 22 Sat Meet Barn, lunch. Hill packed Pepper Bring Short. Peter ranger with of Forest in Walk 10-4.30. Nov 15 Sat park, Park. car Country Lane Fell Rigg Beacon Meet lunch. manage- packed moorland Bring at ment. Look Pike. Clougha over walk 10-4. Nov 8 Sat Tekd esu h ok,but books, the up mess kids “The the libraries, county most Like working like really “I adds: He his staff, library of member a As for Jonathan with come to used “I working been have “I said: He learning a has also who Joseph, navid An h eotshows report The official the is That Bowland n ufligps time. past fulfilling enjoyable and an both be to proving is volunteering Crompton, Joseph OR Preston. adr.Ji agr o guided a for rangers Join Wanders. Preston Autumn Wycoller Laughs writes oebr2008 November oko 19 640557. 01995 on Book . aoai walk Panoramic Trawden. ot n FC End North ecnFell Beacon listings lancscc.gov.uk services@ssd. volunteer. or 248118 01257 on Service Volunteer Lancashire the contact details, For Preston. Library, Harris the at out helping Crompton

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Although thispicturewas"staged"itgivesa  olwn h n fhsiiisin hostilities of end the Following in- were Germany of autobahns The with road carriageway single a was It MUCK-SHIFTING onthenorthescarpment. ubd ttenme of number the at turbed” per- “seriously come be- had Council County Lancashire 1937, In of Lancashire HIGH Providing i”-i te od,a xeietfor experiment motorways. an “guinea British ex- words, all a other the in as in - pig” programme included road be panded to mile-long was quarter a by-pass and construc- eight the the of that tion in announced and, he minister 1953, transport the on posed as exercise. consultation made public was a time, of own part their built in model, staff large by un- A to design. appointed the dertake were staff and county the council by supported fully was Drake the be to “first”. was and it congestion, record traffic severe accident high exceptionally up. drawn by-pass was of building programme a so And at time. constructed one be could that length expect whole to the unrealistic was it war, the long 62-mile Lancashire. the through route to north/south given priority with h ieweeterbo a is cut. first to was close ribbon Drake the James where plaque Sir site a of the of achievements unveiling the the mark and to exhibition an of launch soft! actually was early the below). of times”, memories “Changing their (see with days in write to readers the in building road of beyond. con- age and many golden north-west what the for be scene to the sider the set as and known By-pass was Preston Macmillan, Harold Minister Prime motorway. the of building stretch about first set country’s be- Drake) to James (later Sir Drake come Sur- James County Bridgemaster influential and highly veyor its Lancashire and until Council was County That motorway. of stamina? stretch and navigation London of or test Scotland day-long Lakes, a the be to would trip quick a where otna oiia rsuewsim- was pressure political Continual by adopted approach enthusiastic The an from suffering was Preston As following restraints financial to Due exhibition h 0ya niesr ilb eertdwt the with celebrated be will anniversary 50-year The shoulder “hard” the and unrestricted was Speed Vision many inspired has M6 the of subject The the by opened road of stretch 8.25-mile the 1958, In single a have didn’t UK the ago years 50 until Well, place a or utopia tailback-free a as it see you Do The dawn of the motorway age motorway the of The dawn motorways. without world a MAGINE Experiment ot e ie tourism • vices ser youth • Yeadon Pictures:PeterHewitt Words: MartinCrabtree,Harry shows how it WAY years og(rdeadEgneig t for and Ltd Walton Engineering) Higher and Bridge (Bridge Long Cleveland construction the of for Ltd Co Ltd; Engineering Tar- - contractors mac main three by out ried a of later addition a at wide date. the carriageway each for to lane third allow to made enough tion and the reserva- central the in- designed accordingly, be bridges to creased, width was overall the which by accepted was compromise A adequate. be would lanes two consid- that ered Ministry con- the but lanes traffic s three y he with a the structed w e g a should i r that r a c gued ar- had predic- Drake tions traffic his were systems simple. drainage comparatively the of those and design their and construction, carriageway, shoulder pres- hard both with of the forms Compared with ent-day coped traffic. road of the weight how see to and okbgni ue15 n a car- was and 1956 June in began Work of basis the On cost the minimise to was objective The Samlesbury gov.uk/corporate/vision story at:www.lancashire. 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’ Lancashire 9 10 www.lancashire.gov.uk November 2008 Providing • youth services • tourismLIVELY VOICE OF Winning cyclists VISION capture it in colour A LOVE of cycling has resulted in a new £250 bike for St Annes man Stephen Thaw. Stephen was out cy- cling in his home town when he spotted the moon low in the sky in the late afternoon.

ickett Andy Pr Road gritter

FIVE months of hard work start now for gritter Andy Prickett. While most of us sleep in our beds, Andy and
AT the end of the day: Stephen Thaw’s winning picture of the moon in the sky at St Annes. The picture was taken when his fellow workers will be working through the Stephen was out on his bike (see story, right). small hours to keep the roads safe…

What does your job involve? Keeping the roads clear of ice. We go on standby at the beginning of November and finish at the end of March. There is more to it than meets the eye. You have to decide how much salt you need per square metre of road – and also how wide the “spread” should Get on yer bike! His camera was shown to be safe. School Travel sociable streets, which increases be. We have a fleet of new vehicles that have on- A BOLD new strategy has with him, so he took a Plans in , for in- community safety and pride.” board control panels that make it easier – but the been adopted to boost cy- South Ribble snap and entered the salt can still form clumps and not spread properly. cling across Lancashire. stance, mean that more than one The plan aims to increase town- photograph into a More cycle routes, extra town- in 10 pupils now cycles to school, centre cycle parking by 10 per county council compe- Do gritters only work in the winter? centre parking for bikes, more cy- compared to only 4 per cent in cent and to increase the propor- tition to get cyclists to We do other jobs as well! I am a roadsweeper when cling maps … all are planned in a Fylde. tion of the main-road network photograph the beau- not gritting. You can’t be employed just for five drive to increase cycling by 25 per Cycling officer Caroline Holden with cycle lanes. tiful scenes they see months! cent by 2011. said: “There is growing concern It is also hoped that commuting while out biking. Many of the lorries are also convertible, so they The long-term county-wide about inactive lifestyles and in- to work will increase – relieving The competition can be used for other things. trend has seen cycling decrease creasing obesity. Daily use of a rush-hour pressure on roads. was sponsored by bike is one way that people can Almost 8 per cent of workers Which areas need gritting? since 1981, although it has in- - and get the exercise they need. cycle to their office or factory in Burnley Black- The bosses decide that. They use computerised creased by 83 per cent in Burnley, burn-based On Yer maps and weather forecasts that tell them what 44 per cent in Hyndburn, 23 per “It is also good fun and can save Fleetwood, compared to less than Bike which provided areas will need gritting and at what temperature. cent in Pendle, 19 per cent in a lot of money. 2 per cent in Chorley. Stephen’s new bike. Many roads also have temperature sensors. Lancaster and 40 per cent in “Many parts of Lancashire suf- Caroline added: “Cycling has Runner-up was We have to do the route we are given. Mine cov- Rossendale. fer from traffic noise and pollu- great potential to replace short Becky Kitching, from The new approach aims to tion. Increased cycle use allows car journeys. It is also an impor- , who en- ers Withnell, Abbey Village, Samlesbury, Brin- Lancaster make cycling safer and more con- development on a more human tant leisure activity that can con- tered the wonderful scall and Cuerden. People back at the depot can see on screen where venient. Experience has shown scale – more people walking and tribute to public health and to “Bike in Shadow” pic- each lorry is – gritting can be dangerous and lor- that cycling increases where it is cycling leads to livelier and more reducing CO2 emissions.” ture (see above). ries have overturned. The roads, of course, are still ungritted when we drive along them. layered, multi-faceted tacked for no apparent Even when we get out of the cab we have to AUTUMN BOOKS novel about four genera- reason by a complete radio our bosses. Otherwise, they will see that the tions of a York family. stranger. All except six- Pupils learn to lorry has stopped and worry that there has been When Will There be Ms Atkinson followed year-old Joanna are an accident. this triumph with the slaughtered. Good News? slightly disappointing Thirty years later, put others first Are some areas worse than others? “Human Croquet” and Joanna is a successful We have priority routes and secondary routes. Pri- By KATE ATKINSON THE heavyweight questions that have Doubleday 2008 isbn 0385608012 the weird “Emotionally GP in Edinburgh. ority routes are typically main roads and cover Weird”. Her family’s killer has puzzled philosophers for centuries are ex- areas such as approaches to hospitals. The sec- Both are worth a read said sorry and is about to ercising the brains of Lancashire pupils. ondary routes are done after the priority ones. Pupils at St Hilda’s CE Primary School in It is true to say that areas in east and north KATE Atkinson began but not as good as her be released. Riddled with first. guilt at her inability to Carleton have been Lancashire are usually colder than in my area. her literary career on the wrestling with the ideas Our new lorries also have road-temperature sen- highest note winning the Her next novel was a save her brother then, SAY IT SLOW complete change in genre Joanna now has a baby of how to treat others sors, so we can give the road a “burst” if we find “First Novel” category of Dreaming of freedom, to crime. Move over John of her own. and putting themselves somewhere that needs it. the prestigious Whit- Cramped silent, attic Has she the resources in other people’s shoes. bread Awards for her Rebus - make way for an- author, What about the hours? Part of their work has first novel, “Behind the other Edinburgh detec- to defend him? In starlight, brooding. Weather forecasts are pretty accurate these days, tive, Jackson Brodie, now This is a crime novel involved an Anne Frank Scenes at the Museum”. exhibition at Blackburn Haiku by Anna Loveland. so we know if we will be working on a particular retired. with a difference, with Amidst shock and con- Cathedral which has night. We are then sent home early for some rest. This is the third work fully rounded characters troversy, the same book encouraged Lancashire When we get back we don’t just drive – we have was chosen over novels to feature Jackson and Kate Atkinson’s abil- to get the lorries loaded and cabs warmed. pupils to think about the role of citizens in so- by more established au- Brodie and although it ity to make the reader ciety. We also get time off the next day if we have been thors including Salman can be read alone, I laugh out loud in even in working very late. Pupil Anna Loveland won second prize from Rushdie to win the over- would recommend that the most heart-rending the cathedral for her haiku – a short, rhyth- The hours can be a bit anti-social and it is nice all Whitbread Book of you read “Case Histories” of circumstances. to see the end of winter. mic Japanese poem. the Year award for 1995. and “One Good Turn” Highly recommended Teacher Katie Smith said: “I think we may What do you dislike about the job? This review concerns first. and available from your have some future philosophers in this school! I dislike when people say we haven’t gritted a road her sixth novel “When “When Will There be local library. “We were asking why people should care when I know it has been done. Will There be Good Good News?” begins with about other people. Anne Frank, of course, We now have a new type of grit which includes News” but I do whole- an act of appalling vio- Review: Laura Waterhouse, had to hide from the Nazis for much of the molasses. It means it no longer blows into piles at heartedly recommend lence. In Devon, on a senior assistant librarian, Harris Second World War because she was Jewish. the side of the road like the old grit did – and peo- her first, entitled, “Be- beautiful summer’s day, library, Preston “Education is about getting pupils to ask ple now assume the road hasn’t been gritted at all. hind the Scenes at the a mother, her two daugh- When Will There be Good News? questions and to think – skills to last a lifetime.” Museum”. It is a multi- ters and baby son are at- is available in Lancashire libraries www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism November 2008 11 Help at Trampers join NEWS hand BRIEFS Top guest woodland trail to speak on fuel By Suzie Evans A CONFERENCE is being held bills AN enthusiastic group of helpers took part in a to help support volunteers unique woodland management event to im- across Lancashire. Organisations such as LANCASHIRE prove the well-known Roddlesworth Wood Scouts, Sunday schools and businesses have the near Withnell. sports clubs will, it is hoped, The learning-disabled volunteers used Tramper benefit from this month’s opportunity to save meeting. money and the all-terrain electric buggies to get into and around the wood to protect native trees. Guest speaker will be Paul planet by going Ennals, chief executive of the The group removed many young beech trees National Children’s Bureau. green. which were hindering the growth of important Contact Jeff Marsh on Lancashire County local species such as oak and birch. 01772 530482 or Council has launched a The event, organised by the Lancashire Wood- [email protected] new project that funds lands Project and the Lancashire Countryside for details. up to 50 per cent of Service, offered the chance to get out into the small-scale renewable woods and make a contribution to wildlife. Quills and energy generation For more information about the work of the Lancashire quizzes equipment. Woodlands Project, contact Paul Bullimore on 01772 533917 The project, run by or visit www.lancashirewoodlands.co.uk FAMILIES are the target for a Lancashire County De-
A YOUNG helper lends a hand in Roddlesworth Wood. free “Lancashire Reads” event velopments Limited, to be held at the county’s will help with capital Record Office on Saturday 8 and installation costs November. People can try writing with a of the following equip- quill pen, apprentice them- ment: selves to a spook, make a fam-
Biomass boilers; ily tree, play quizzes, draw
Ground- and air- …there is something for every- source heat pumps; one. Full speed ahead for The office is based on Bow
Solar electricity; SCHOOLCHILDREN in Lane, Preston. Activities
Solar-powered start at 10.30am and end at water heating; Lancashire will soon 3.30pm.
Small-scale hydro benefit from faster in- power; ternet connections Stand up
Wind power. thanks to Lancashire The project aims to online learning for young help businesses save County Council’s broad- increase broadband speeds to skills are so important today. already allowing pupils to go money on energy bills band network for be even faster and more flexi- “This decision will also help on “virtual visits” to places like CHILDREN and young people while cutting CO2 schools. ble. lessen the ‘digital divide’ asso- museums and libraries. in Lancashire now have CLEO – Cumbria and Lan- Radio equipment that links ciated with families living in The new, higher speed con- someone to stand up for emissions and reduc- them, with the appointment of ing reliance on fossil cashire Education Online – is a rural schools to the network is deprived or rural areas, which nections will allow more such Sarah Callaghan as the new fuels. partnership between both also to be upgraded. CLEO sees as a priority. visits and conferences. Children and Young People’s For more information, con- county councils to build a high- County Councillor Vali “Schools in these areas will An endless number of web- Champion. tact LCDL on (01772) speed broadband education net- Patel, Cabinet member for benefit greatly from the up- sites can be used by pupils as Sarah’s job is to make en- 536600 or visit work and develop the use of schools, said: “It is vital that all graded connections.” part of the learning process. sure that children and young http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/ ICT and e-learning for all children get access to technol- Online teaching materials The development of the net- people have a real input into schools. ogy and information available are a boon to teachers - while work will also encourage the services that are provided corporate/lcdl for them. About £4m is to be spent to online, particularly since IT the high-speed connections are schools to work together. 12 November 2008 P r ov i d i n g • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk

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