A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission February 2008 SQUAWK SHOWLUXURY HOLIDAY £1.25m NEW START Join our hen-harrier Win a superb break at Explore your camera crew fabulous Ribby Hall roots Page 2 Page 4 page 7 We’re making the switch

to a greener Lancashire better streetlights renewable energy more efficient council vehicles

...by changing the way we work LANCASHIRE County County Councillor Hazel key part of our plan. We are going to with more electricity to be bought being developed to improve recy- Council is setting an Harding, Lancashire County improve our car-sharing scheme from renewable sources and printing cling facilities in offices. Council leader, said: “Big organisa- and look again at the way we pro- and photocopying facilities switched Lancashire County Council has example in the fight against tions have a real opportunity to con- mote alternatives to the car as a to save on paper and energy. also applied to work with the climate change with a tribute towards protecting the envi- way of travelling to work. All new vehicles to meet strict Carbon Trust, an organisation major drive to cut its car- ronment by changing the way they “Little changes can have a real emissions standards alongside a which advises big businesses and bon footprint. carry out their day-to-day activities. impact when they are done on a programme to replace old vehicles large public sector organisations on Action is underway to “We have a programme which is large scale and I hope our actions and fit speed limiters to improve cutting carbon emissions. already underway to reduce carbon will inspire other organisations and fuel efficiency. County Councillor Harding added: make buildings and vehicles more efficient, by everyday output resulting from our services, businesses to follow once we’ve The lamps and controls on street- “We are already a highly rated resources such as paper and ener- whether that is making sure our shown what can be achieved.” lights are being updated. The authority for our use of resources vehicles meet stricter emissions Initiatives include: scheme aims to reduce the energy and many of these initiatives are a gy from green sources and encour- standards or changing our street- Better use of energy in buildings used by each streetlight by 20 per further step towards improving effi- age staff to leave their cars at lights so they use less power.” including pre-heating hot water cent by 2010 compared with 1990 – ciency which is not only good for the home. The next few months will also see using solar energy and installing with no loss in brightness. environment but also results in sav- A wealth of changes is planned to a campaign to encourage high-efficiency lighting and A fresh drive to encourage staff to ings for council taxpayers. inspire other employers and Lancashire County Council staff to improved insulation. New buildings travel to work by public transport, “We will soon be asking everyone individuals to sign up to help do their bit. will meet high environmental stan- car-share or cycle. Staff will also be in Lancashire to help reduce carbon Lancashire meet targets to cut County Councillor Harding con- dards. urged to save energy by switching emissions but we want to get our greenhouse gases. tinued: “Getting staff on board is a A green approach to purchasing off electrical equipment. Plans are own house in order first.”

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. YOUR LANCASHIRE: A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE MATTERS 2 February 2008 Providing • 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 Be a squawk Questions answered by your friend in show host the know

By Martin Crabtree the nature watch-type programmes as the cameras will show everything that goes on. In tuition DO YOU fancy being the next “And because they are wild animals My daughter is interest- Bill Oddie, Kate Humble or we expect the action to be a little more ed in learning to play even Davina McCall? If you do interesting, and possibly more the guitar. How do I go then Lancashire County civilised, than most reality TV shows! about getting tuition for Council might have just the “We are looking for volunteers to act her and would I have to almost as presenters who will explain opportunity for you. pay? to visitors what has been going on Mrs S, Freckleton The county council’s Countryside recently and what unfolds on screen Service is teaming while they are Unless your child up with others to there. receives educational host the Bowland “No experi- Hen Harrier Project LEARN ence is needed, welfare benefits, you will have to pay for the Musical tuition MAY be free (see In tuition, left). at the Bowland as full training tuition. You should con- Visitor Centre, &EARN will be provided tact the school to estab- their permission. from October 2007 all Beacon Fell. including a field lish what provisions To find out whether Blue Badges have been A hidden “nest- trip to see a hen they have in place or your road is adopted, changed to help prevent cam” will allow vis- Volunteers need to be over 18 years harrier in the you can contact your and to get a quote, call fraud and aid enforce- itors to watch the old, passionate about the countryside wild.” local music centre. our highways inquiry ment including the progress of a hen and enjoy meeting and talking to peo- The project is More information is on line on 0845 0530011. introduction of an harrier, her surviv- ple. likely to run the Lancashire Music anti-fraud hologram, ing chicks and all from mid-May additional wording the drama that Volunteers must also commit to a rota, Service website at: Next-door noise which can be as little as one day a fort- until mid-July. I am being harassed by identifying the front of unfolds on a big Partner organ- www.lancsngfl.ac.uk/ night, over a six-week period. curriculum/music/ or my neighbours and it’s the badge and a gender- screen in the visi- isations include tel. 01257 234450. been going on for years. specific serial number tor centre. Full training and support will be pro- the Royal Pupils who receive edu- They play very annoy- on both sides (for Nick Osborne, vided along with a payment of £10 for Society for the cational welfare benefits ing, very loud music and individual badges only). from the each day worked (including training Protection of can be provided with an shout at me in a nasty These badges will be Countryside days) to help towards travel and subsis- Birds, United instrument and tuition voice when I make renewed for badge hold- Service, said: “It’s tence costs. More details on 01772 Utilities and free of charge, subject to meals and wash dishes. ers as part of the stan- a little bit like Big 534709. Natural availability. They also wake me up at dard three-year rolling Brother or one of England. night by tapping on the programme. Holders walls and make silly will recieve an updated Path permit badge when their I am having a new noises. This has become current one expires. For Don’t know who to driveway placed on my a regular, almost daily more information, con- contact when you property and need to habit and is quite fright- tact the county council’s need help? have the kerb outside ening on dark winter Blue Badge Service on dropped to allow access nights. 0845 0530009. Baffled by to it. Do I need to get I have tried talking to bureaucracy? permission for the work them and this has had to be done? some effect but the prob- Childcare cash Ring Shirley on Ms B, Clitheroe lem still goes on. I really My daughter is three 0845 0530000 or email don’t know where to get years old in March and Shirley on enquiries@ If the road is an adopted help as I can’t prove I have heard I can css.lancscc.gov.uk highway, that is the anything and I don’t receive help with child- responsibility of know what level of noise care costs. Is this true? is classed as a nuisance. Mrs L, Thornton Write to: Lancashire County Anonymous, Preston Ask Shirley Council, you will need permission to have the Yes. Children become Customer Service Centre The Environmental eligible for a Nursery The Red Rose Hub kerb dropped. If the Health department at road is not the responsi- Education Grant-funded Bluebell Way your district council can place for the term fol- Preston bility of the county give more information. council, you will need to lowing their third birth- PR2 5PZ They cover issues such contact the land-owner day. This means your as noise, pollution con- child will be eligible for in order to trol, bins and rubbish get five two-and-a-half and are regulated and hour sessions (12.5 controlled by your local hours) of free early district council. If you education a week for have problems with 38 weeks a year. noise and noisy neigh- For information please bours, and want advice contact the Childcare on what you can do, you Information Service on need get in touch with 0800 1950137. them where they will be happy to help. DON’T Parking advice FORGET Recently my neighbour has received a new Blue Badge and there You county councillor appears to be a holo- will be keen to help. gram on it. I also have a Contact details are Blue Badge and mine available on does not have this holo- 0845 0530000 or at: gram. Will my badge www.lancashire.gov.uk need updating? Mr G, Heysham You can also try your area’s County Information No your Blue Badge will Centre where staff are not need updating. As trained to help the public www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • adult education • libraries February 2008 3 NEWS BRIEFS Vital votes on Consumer watchdogs 7 February A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help VOTERS in Thornton Cleveleys Central elec- Lancashire become up to £70m richer. toral division are being February has been selected as Scams Awareness Month to reminded to vote on highlight the problems that are caused by misleading mar- Thursday 7 February. keting scams involving being selected for a prize or being a The by-election for a on £70m trail lottery or prize draw winner. seat on Lancashire County Council is to Members of the public are being elect a successor to asked to take suspect letters or leaflets County Councillor Keith to any Lancashire library or County We check ‘scam’ leaflets to keep you safe Tebbs who died last year. Information Centre - and trading stan- The council is respon- dards sleuths will check them out. sible for services includ- Analysis of national figures suggests By Martin Crabtree ing education, transport, that Lancashire residents are cheated trading standards and provision of social care. out of an average of £60 per person each year. they had apparently won the Canadian Polling stations open at lottery. One lost £50,000.” 7am and close at 10pm. Scams can include prize draws, for- eign lotteries, work at home and busi- County Councillor Jean Battle, Open access ness opportunites, and premium-rate Cabinet member for community plan- telephone prizes. ning and partnerships, said: “Fewer DISABLED people are Chief Trading Standards officer Jim than one in 20 of people conned actual- now finding it easier to get Potts said: “Some people will be losing ly complains. through “kissing gates” very little while others may be losing “People need to take steps to avoid thanks to new RADAR very large sums. being misled. keys. They should com- The gates have been We are calling for people, particularly AVOID CHEATS plain if they have installed at various places been.” in the county. Keys to in February, to let open them wide enough us know when they IF it is too good to be true it probably is. Anyone wish- for wheelchairs can be receive something The words “Congratulations you have ing to complain bought from Preston that they think is been awarded a major value prize” sig- should register it Disability Information potentially ‘dodgy’. nals a scam, unless you have really with Trading Service Centre, 103/4 Standards via Church Street, Preston, or “These scams entered. tel 01772 558863. only need a small Never pay to collect a prize. No interna- Consumer Direct percentage of peo- tional lottery, even if you do take part, on 08454 040506. Musical gig ple to be taken. asks for a fee to receive a prize. You can avoid Many people, who many scam mail- YOUNG people in may have only lost Where you have not entered a competi- tion a letter saying you have been award- shots and cold- Coppull are running a few pounds, don’t calls by register- their own music “gigs” bother to report it. ed a prize is inevitably misleading. at the town’s youth and ing with the “Recent informa- A minimum-value prize can simply be a Mailing Prefer- community centre. discount off the purchase of an item at an Police are also tion from the ence Service involved at the Friday Canadian authori- expensive price. (0845 7034599) evening sessions which ties identified peo- Scratch cards and premium-rate number and Telephone involve youngsters ple in Lancashire competitions will lead you to believe that Preference organising gigs. Details who had been you have won a major prize. You will Service (0845 from Julie Traynor on conned into paying almost certainly win a gift of limited value. 0700707). 01257 470201. out money after BRING your suspect leaflets: Councillor Jean Batttle and Jim Potts launch the scheme. 4 February 2008 Providing • bridge maintenance • paths www.lancashire.gov.uk Plans and cash probe aims to boost care By Neil Graham

A MAJOR new probe has started to find ways in which the county council can increase extra-care housing provision for older people. About 330 “very sheltered” places now exist coun- ty-wide in 18 separate schemes. Forecasts show that about 1,400 will be needed within 10 years - so a task group is looking at how numbers can be boosted. Between six and nine months will be spent inter- viewing health chiefs, planning chiefs, housing experts, people living in existing schemes and looking at projects nationwide to find the best way ahead. County Councillor Bob Pendleton, chairman of the new Overview and Scrutiny task group, said: “We have to be ready to provide the care and support that people will need - and that means looking at obtain- ing, land, planning permission and funding. “We have to bid to Whitehall for some of the money, and we know we have to show we are work- ing with other bodies to boost our chances of success. “We will be speaking to district councils and primary care trusts to see how we can strengthen our bids.” The extra-care concept is a halfway house between helping people live in their own home - which most prefer - and going into a care home. It means there is extra support available for people living either in purpose-build complexes or in neighbourhoods. County Councillor Chris Cheetham, Lancashire County Council Cabinet member for Adult and Community Services, said: “A number of our schemes have failed to get off the ground because of planning permission and funding issues. “best tour” by the Association “We must look at these issues in order to increase for Industrial Archaeology – a the chance of success of future schemes - they provide real success for both councils. the independence and care that people want.” COUNCILLOR R FROST Briercliffe Think of others Lottery win for I AM disabled and three Food for thought provided for school employees? cases of adulteration and the years ago bought a mobili- county cyclists CAN I be the only person I sometimes think that head- selling of short measures by ty scooter. It is fully teachers and planners need to the grocers, butchers and other insured but I am unable to alarmed at the misuse of show more consideration to tradesmen of the day. the words dinner, lunch use it. Why? such matters in tackling traffic The number of cases suggest Because where I live there is and tea? chaos in school areas. such crimes were a major prob- It is not long ago that all very little access to the wider JOHN FLEMING lem at the time. I believe that world. My own road is inacces- Lancastrians ate dinner short- Morecambe the Pioneers’ first principle – ly after noon and tea at about sible because of parked cars on that they would sell only whole- the pavements. There are also 6pm. Up the workers some food at the correct weight Lunch was something that uncut hedges, often thorny and I WAS very interested to – had a considerable effect on overhanging the pavement. the middle class elsewhere the history of manufacturing, as enjoyed. Even Lancashire’s read the letters on the If I go onto the actual road well as retailing, food. drivers get annoyed because I middle class eschewed lunch in Co-operative Movement in The Lancashire Co-ops, by favour of dinner. Lancashire (Vision, don’t have a legal right (they their example, achieved some- think!) to drive an unlicensed Yet now... January 2008). I whole- thing for which we should all I suspect that only about half vehicle on their road. I would heartedly agree with the salute the Co-operative gladly pay road tax to stop this of us refer to dinner while the points made. Movement. other half refer to lunch. Are resentment and enable me to When in Great Harwood I It is not often realised how use their roads. people ashamed of their histo- NEW park and cycleway for east Lancashire - thanks to always call in to its excellent, important the Co-operative I have had drivers beeping ry? Is it a form of one-upman- “The People’s £50million”. Cycling officer Caroline Holden is modern store. It often reminds principle has been in manufac- their horns to tell me to get out ship? The expression “lunch” pictured with pupils Olivia Bacigalupo and Shannon Ditch, me of the Co-op in Burnley - turing. Many realise that the of their way. I also had one has been spreading northwards pupils at Shuttleworth College which backed the project in once the largest retailer in the Co-ops had their own bakeries, occasion while trying to cross for some time. Schools, of town, supplying almost every- shoe and clog factories and the public vote. course, still have dinner ladies. another road where one lady thing its customers could laundries. Less well known are driver beeped and gave me a Can anyone give a definitive desire. There is now not a sin- the “worker co-operatives” of VISION readers are being thanked for their judgement? I for one will stand two-fingered salute while gle Co-op shop. Lancashire’s former staple shouting out of the open win- help in securing a multi-million pound prize up for Lancashire! The movement’s decline is industry, cotton. for cycling and walking in the county. K MICHAEL dow. Fortunately my husband one of the saddest things that I was born in Harle Syke, was with me and reassured me A massive country-wide public vote in December has happened in modern retail- near Burnley, which was the that I had done nothing wrong was used to decide who would get their hands on mil- Parking trouble ing. Some years ago I set out to leading cotton manufacturing and had been courteous and lions of pounds in National Lottery funding via the VISION referred to “school research and write about the village in the days when correct in crossing the road. TV show “The People’s £50million”. gate anarchy” in January – Burnley Society. As sometimes “England’s bread hung by Even getting into town is dif- Thanks to the efforts of Lancashire people a bid but it is not only the par- happens with local history, Lancashire’s thread”. Many of ficult for a disabled person. I from Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, ents of schoolchildren that nothing came of it, but what I the mills in the village were have to be aware that dogs like beat off tough competition from the Eden Project, the found out has influenced me run as “worker co-operatives”. to chase bikes and scooters. Black Country and Sherwood Forest. need to show more consid- ever since. One of them, the famous eration. We live near a I also have to watch out for The win means that £300,000 will now go towards I recall visiting Manchester Queen Street Mill – the world’s speeding cars. There is a small the development of a linear park and cycleway on a school and experience the Central Library and consulting only surviving steam-powered crossing island nearby but visi- disused railway line from Rosegrove in Burnley to problem of car parking. the local papers published in weaving mill – is now operated bility is difficult due to a bend. Padiham. School staff park their cars the years after the Rochdale as a museum by Lancashire It is not unusual for vehicles Cycling officer Caroline Holden said: “I was in any space available, causing Pioneers opened their first County Council with the sup- to illegally reach speeds of amazed at the level of public support we got for the difficulties for residents and shop in 1844. The “divi” was port of Burnley Council. 60mph. bid. parents “dropping off” children important, but the need for the It was pleasing to see, also in People should think more of “Schools were encouraging pupils to vote and local for school. Co-op was apparent in the the pages of Vision, that Queen the needs of other people. shops were handing out flyers to their customers Why isn’t off-road parking press reports which outlined Street Mill has been named as LSTEWART with their shopping. Many thanks to everyone.” www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • information centres • hotlines February 2008 5 NEWS BRIEFS River’s new horizon for disabled people A NEW viewing platform that will allow visi- Awards point tors to the Yarrow Valley Country Park to get to tourism’s an excellent view of the river has been official- ly opened. green side For any visitor to the park in Chorley being able to THE Duke of Westmin- visit the weir on the River Yarrow, especially follow- ster has handed over ing heavy rain, is a must as cascading water shakes gold, silver and bronze the ground as it pours over the over the Victorian Green Tourism structure. Business Scheme Disabled people, however, were unable to see the awards to 17 tourism splendour before the new platform, path and bridge operators from the were opened. Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural The improvements at Yarrow Valley are part of a Beauty (AONB). much wider countywide scheme, which aims to pro- These successful vide countryside access for people of all abilities. businesses demonstrat- Work across Lancashire has already included ed profitable and envi- opening up circular routes around reservoirs and ronmentally conscious level and barrier-free routes at nature reserves. management to achieve The project at Yarrow Valley has been funded and their awards. implemented in a partnership between Chorley The five gold, six sil- ver and six bronze Council and Lancashire County Council with prizes were presented Groundwork Lancashire West managing the con- at the Forest of tract work. Access Lancashire has provided guid- Bowland Sustainable ance on the needs of people with mobility difficulties. Tourism Forum. The Forest of Bowland AONB is a nationally protected landscape and interna- Take c a r e tionally important for its heather moorland, blan- ket bog and rare birds. New guardians will to join For more AONB infor- mation, visit www.for- estofbowland.com or the foster ring 01772 534709 for an information leaflet. future offer honest advice OFFICERS from New look for Lancashire County youth activity By Andrew Lynn take decisions, in which situations, and how The new law also affects families, carers, Council’s fostering they should go about this. health and social care staff, and other LOOK out in next month’s and adoption Richard added: “The Act also enables peo- people who have contact with people teams took part in Vision for more informa- ple to plan ahead for when they may lose who lack capacity to make decisions them- tion on Positive Activities, ELDERLY, disabled and ill people capacity to make decisions in the future. selves. a event with a dif- a new way to help young can now have official guardians ference when they people find places to go to act as their best friends and “It can include decisions about someone’s To lack capacity a person must have a and things to do in property, financial matters, social care, medically recognised impairment of, or dis- attended BBC Lancashire. put their interests first in matters medical and healthcare treatment and turbance in the functioning of, the mind. Radio Lancashire’s Positive Activities, to be of health, money and welfare. research arrangements, as well as everyday A new Court of Protection will have power volunteering launched in March, is part New legislation makes the Public decisions about personal care.” to make declarations about whether someone recruitment day at of major plans to reorgan- Guardians available to end people’s fears of lacks capacity, make orders or appoint Preston’s Guild ise services for young peo- being taken advantage of when vulnerable. deputies to act in a person’s best interest. ple, including looking at the The new “friends” are legally obliged to Hall in January. way information is present- YOU FIRST The Public Guardians will have several put the interests of the vulnerable person - duties under the Act including registering They joined dozens ed online. of other organisations New websites are those lacking “mental capacity” - first. Lasting Power of Attorney and supervising And now a new information booklet, The Mental Capacity Act specifies that: in making a pitch to being developed to pro- court-appointed deputies. vide information on every- together with online guidance, has been It should be assumed that a person has The law also introduces a new criminal members of the public thing from advice and made available by Lancashire County Coun- capacity to make decisions. offence of ill treatment, abuse or wilful neg- who were there to find guidance on issues such cil to help people understand the new system. People have the right to be supported to make lect against a person who lacks capacity. out about the realities as getting a job, coping “People may have difficulties making their own decisions. For more information about the Act or to and rewards of volun- with exams or dealing some decisions due a learning disability, People should not be treated as lacking request a copy of the joint county council teering with children. with health issues, to the dementia, mental health problem, brain Positive Activities informa- capacity merely because they have made an and NHS booklet, contact your local adult Anyone who would tion, which will provide injury or following a stroke”, said Richard “unwise” decision. social services office or visit online at: like to know more further detail on the full Jones, executive director of adult and com- www.lancashire.gov.uk/social-services/ about fostering in munity services. Everything done for people without capacity range of positive activities should be in their best interests. mental-capacity Lancashire can con- that young people in The Mental Capacity Act 2005 came into More can be found at the Office of the tact the team on 0800 Lancashire can get force in October 2007 and affects everyone All decisions must be made in a way that is Public Guardian online at: www.public 195 1183. involved in. aged 16 and over. It makes clear who can least restrictive of an individual’s freedom. guardian.gov.uk or call 0845 3302900. Brew up for business success £305,000 A new brewery is boost for pumping up success with locally brewed station beers, thanks to Rosebud finance. A LEADING Lanc- Grindleton Brewery, ashire councillor has based in Clitheroe, has welcomed news that seen its beers gain popu- another train station larity in the area. Called in the county is to Gradely Bitter, Ribble Rouser and Lancashire receive a major over- Pale Ale, the beers are haul. brewed using a range of County Councillor local ingredients. Tony Martin, Cabinet Orders and return member for sustainable custom are both increas- development, believes ing thanks to Rosebud that plans for a finance which enabled £305,000 revamp of owners Ian Lait, David Bamber Bridge railway Brown and David Scho- station will put the town field to start the busi- on the map with com- ness in a barn before muters. moving to their current Station platforms will Clitheroe address. receive new shelters, Rosebud finance, pro- seats and signage vided by Lancashire together with improve- County Developments ments to the station Ltd, is versatile - loans environment and land- and equity funding is scaped areas. CCTV available for sums from will also be installed to £5,000. For more ROSY future - thanks to Rosebud funding: (L-R) brewery improve security. Rosebud details 01772 owners David Brown and Ian lait with County Councillor Work is expected to be 536652. Niki Penney, chair of Lancashire County Developments Ltd. complete in the spring. 6 LOOKFebruary 2008 Providing • youth LIVELY services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk Lancashire women keen to tie the civil knot LANCASHIRE women are keener to entirely non-religious process but a legal celebration-style ceremony.” for you to give a formal notice of intention to tie the knot in civil partnerships than commitment which can be formed by two Nationally, 60 per cent of all civil partner- form a civil partnership at a Lancashire men, according to latest statistics. people of the same sex. ships are men, compared to just 45 per cent Registration Office. They are bucking the national trend which “It gives them the ability to obtain legal in Lancashire. If you live outside Lancashire you will shows that more men than women are form- recognition for their relationship. In order to form a civil partnership in the need to contact the Registration Office in the ing the same-sex partnerships that were “It is encouraging to see that same-sex cou- UK, couples must both be of the same sex, be district where you live. You can provisionally introduced in late-2005. ples are still keen to commit and form a 16 years of age or older, not already be in a book a civil partnership up to one year in Almost 340 civil partnership partnerships legally binding partnership.” civil partnership or marriage; and not be advance of the ceremony. have been formed since then in Lancashire - Lancashire hosts a wide range of venues within the prohibited degrees of relationship. For more information about the services 187 involving women and 150 involving men. and around 106 approved premises for any- For residents who live in Lancashire you offered by the Lancashire Registration Gill Greeson, superintendent registrar at one wishing to tie the knot – for those who first need to contact the ceremonies officer Service visit www.lancashire.gov.uk or Lancashire County Council’s Registration either want a discreet ceremony with mini- for the area in which you live. The cere- contact your local Register Office on 0845 Service, said: “A civil partnership is an mal fuss or those who wish to opt for a full monies officer will arrange an appointment 0530021. Voice of Library’s high-tech revolution YESTERYEAR’S LIBRARY TODAY’S LIBRARY

Anne O’Mahoney Head of Lancashire Brussels office

It’s interesting to think that Lancashire County Council has an office in Brussels. Are people often surprised? Lancashire was among the first regions in the UK to open an office in Brussels, more than 15 years ago. There are now over 250 offices in Brussels, QUIET please! Accrington library celebrated its 100th year with a TELLY talk: a web-camera on top of the computer screen allows Councillor from regions across the UK and Europe. re-enactment of life in 1908. Wendy Dwyer to speak direct to a county council customer service officer. What is the purpose of the Lancashire Brussels Office? ACCRINGTON Library link. Local people can use Library also celebrated the Carol Hoskin, senior librari- the system to send informa- centenary year with dis- an for Lancashire County We speak up for the people of Lancashire. Many recently celebrated its centenary in style – and tion, fill in forms and attach plays which included Council. laws and policies are agreed at European level and photographs to documents famous books written in the “And unlike 100 years ago the office is an “early-warning system”. We identi- opened the door to a such as Blue Badge applica- early 1900s and photo- it is now possible to become fy things at an early stage so that the county coun- technological gateway. tions. graphs of the library. a library borrower by join- cil is well prepared and can lobby for changes on The library not only host- County Councillor Wendy Parents and children ing and renewing books policies and legislation that are important for ed a weekend celebration, Dwyer, Lancashire County were also invited to go back online.” Lancashire. We identify opportunities and help with county council staff Council chair, said: “This in time to an Edwardian Anyone may join the build partnerships with organisations from across dressed in Edwardian cos- pilot is ideal for anyone who schoolroom, taking part in Lancashire County Council Europe, to access European funding and share tume, but also began the prefers talking to our lessons and playing tradi- Library and Information expertise. We also work closely with Lancaster pilot of a new system called Customer Service Centre tional games such as hop- Service for free. Visit online University and the University of Central Telly Talk. face-to-face. People can scotch and whip and top. at Lancashire, who are partners in the office. Telly Talk allows residents receive a personalised serv- “The library has remained www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries to speak directly to a ice, in a location that is con- an important and valuable The Telly Talk pilot is How does the work of your office benefit the Lancashire County Council people of Lancashire? venient for them.” community resource for all expected to run at customer services officer, Alongside the Telly Talk residents of Accrington Accrington Library until As long as Britain is part of the European Union, via a webcam and telecoms pilot, staff at Accrington throughout the years,” said March 2008. it’s important we get the most we can from it. Our job is to ensure that happens. The European CIVITAS Success Project is one example - we and Don’t miss a partners in Romania and France have received ENTER AND WIN £20 €7.5m to use the latest clean-vehicle technology and Win £20 in music treat other measures to promote sustainable transport. Answer the following to have a chance of winning. Just Can you describe a working day in the circle the correct answer. LANCASHIRE Brussels office? driving quiz 1. Does your work expect you to answer your mobile phone Sinfonietta has laun- No two days are the same. Often someone from the while driving? Yes/no ched a new website office will attend a breakfast briefing where an DO you want to help make Lancashire’s 2. Do you have rest stops planned on longer journeys for at listing this season’s influential Brussels figure, such as a commission- roads safer and win a little cash into the least 15 minutes every two hours? Yes/no concert dates and er, will speak about a current issue. bargain? community-education We meet MEPs or commission officials to brief 3. Have you completed any driver-training specific to your job? Just answer five simple questions, send the Yes/no news. them about matters that are important for answers to the county council’s Road Safety Group Free tracks, including Lancashire. We inform colleagues in Lancashire of - and you could win a £20 shopping voucher. 4. Do you know if your bosses have policies in place to protect Mozart and Handel, can the latest developments in Brussels and when they The quiz comes just two months before new you on the road? Yes/no be downloaded at a click come here, we advise officers and members how to legislation will mean that organisations can be 5. Did you know that work-related road deaths are to be of a button. Ten tracks approach the people they need to meet. prosecuted if a lack of safety measures is the included in the new corporate manslaughter legislation? are now available. It sounds like a busy office. How many staff cause of work-related deaths. Yes/no Alfie Boe, the talented do you have? Awareness of the new requirements could save tenor from Fleetwood, life or, if you are an employer, the risk of a crimi- Name: ...... will join violinist, Brad- Just two. My colleague, Tanja Siggs, European nal record. ley Creswick, in leading Liaison Officer, works on environment and trans- To enter, send in your answers on a postcard or Address: ...... the sinfonietta down the port policy, two hugely important fields for the on the alongside form answering either “yes” or ...... Blue Danube at special county. We also have an office trainee, on a six- “no” next to the question numbers along with your concerts in Manc-hester month placement from Lancaster University who name and daytime contact number to: Road Risk ...... on 14 March and at monitors research, education and health issues. competition, Road Safety Group, Guild Postcode: ...... Tel: ...... Fleetwood’s Marine Hall What is it like living in Brussels? House, Cross Street, Preston, FREEPOST on 15 March. PR 844. No Lancashire County Council employees can enter this competition. Closing Visit online at Culturally it is a beautiful city, but what motivates Or email the answers to: date is 20 February 2008. www.lancs-sinf.com me the most, is the opportunity to speak up for We will print the results of this survey in the March edition of Vision. [email protected] or call the sinfonietta on Lancashire on the European stage. 01772 531794. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism February 2008 7 £1.25m new start for Life ENJOY &LEARN

New walkway building linking the two pre- in viously separate stone wool and cotton textile museum mills. New café.

New shop, reception and toilets. Lancashire Explore the true story of the New display about wool with information about the mill’s history including the Lancashire textile industry – a great waterwheel. Interactive models and videos explaining day out for schools and families the textile-making process. On-screen displays and touch-screen AS the great waterwheel at Helmshore’s Higher Mill information points. cranks slowly but impressively into action, gasps of excitement echo from a small party of school pupils on their history field visit. These children are just some of the hundreds of visitors expected to visit the county council’s newly refurbished Helmshore Mills Textile Museum in Rossendale this year. he museum offers an exciting and unique insight into two fully preserved Lancashire textile cotton and wool mills, and an industry that was fundamental to Britain’s industrial revolution and economic success in the 19th century. T Helmshore village, nestled in a pleasant wooded valley near Haslingden and Rawtenstall, owes its very existence to the damp hilly area which was ideal for the wool and cotton trades. Museum The museum site comprises two adjacent stone mills and associated ponds with the River Ogden flowing through it. The processed into yarn. The older Higher Mill was built in 1789 by the Turner family as a ground floor used for open- water-powered wool finishing and fulling mill. In 1820 one of the ing and blending, known as sons, William Turner, took over the mill and made significant “Devil Hole” is where raw changes to the production methods used. and waste cotton was He later constructed the adjacent mill – today referred to as processed. Upstairs, the Whitaker’s Mill – in the late 1820s for the carding, spinning spinning floor still contains and weaving of wool. This turned a family-run cottage industry its original carding and into the industrial giant it became. spinning machinery which With these factories came demand for homes for the workers. The mill visitors can watch being operated.

(Top) owners constructed cottages for their employees and Helmshore village The wool mill – today referred to as the Higher Mill – was taken over was born. Vanessa Shields (15) from by Lawrence Whitaker around 1875. His descendants continued to run ollowing Turner’s death in 1852, Whitaker’s Mill switched between wool it as a fulling mill until its commercial closure in 1967. and cotton a number of times. In the 1920s the mill was taken over by a Westholme school, Blackburn, enjoys rom the hand- to mule-spinning machines, the famous giant local textile firm, L Whitaker and Sons, who converted it to a condenser waterwheel and large wooden fulling stocks (hammers) it powers, cotton processing and spinning mill. It remained in that business until it the new-look muse- um. to the wool-finishing room, the buildings and machinery are all F closed in 1978. immaculately restored and give an insight into the Victorian Today, its finely preserved original machinery offers visitors a unique insight (Top, right) F textile industry. into the working textile mill environment, and shows how raw cotton was Sarah Mawson (14) The mills themselves are protected by English Heritage. The collec- and Hannah tion on display at the museum, together with that at sister museum Mathias (14) take a Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Burnley, has been designated as closer look. being of national importance. Refurbishment The museum has this month re-opened its doors to schools and fami- lies following an extensive refurbishment programme. It has undergone major repairs and expansion following a joint £1.25m investment sup- ported by Lancashire County Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, the North West Development Agency, and the Friends of Helmshore Museum. Part of the refurbishment has been carried out to ensure the mills and facilities are modernised and fully accessible for visitors with disabilities and impaired mobility. Building repairs have also been carried out to fire-damaged joists in Whitaker’s Mill, and to the roof of Higher Mill’s single storey building. Simply Schools A number of local schools have already road-tested what the new-look museum has to offer as part of the county council’s Simply Schools programme – bringing together teaching resources and experiences for primary schools from the best of Lancashire’s museums. The Simply Schools programme includes facilitated museum visits, interactive and role-play sessions, special events, material loans service, and video-conferencing classes through the Cumbria and Lancashire Education Online (CLEO) broadband internet network. SEE 4YOURSELF

The museum is inviting schools and From 20 March-31 October 2008 the pre-booked groups in advance of a museum will be open seven days a phased reopening to the public while the week: Monday to Friday (12-4pm); finishing touches are put in place. But it Saturday and Sunday (12-5pm) will open all week during the spring The estimated visiting time is two half-term holiday (18-24 February), with hours. For more information, contact a focus on family activities. Helmshore Textile Museum on Monday 18-Friday 22 February 01706 226459 or visit online at (12-4pm); Saturday 23-Sunday www.lancsmuseums.gov.uk 24 February (12-5pm) For more information about Simply From Thursday 28 February to Schools programme, or to download a Thursday 20 March, the museum will booking form, visit online at open Thursday to Sunday. www.lancsmuseums.gov.uk/simplyschools 8 February 2008 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk Climate -change Granting a new future children £2m-plus is available to help local groups SCHOOLCHILD- REN are coming up with solutions to meet local needs as they see fit combat climate change. DURING the last year By Mark Waddington council’s already very successful A new scheme aims to Lancashire County Coun- grant schemes. raise awareness of the Although currently closed to effect of greenhouse cil has awarded thou- Local committees, exactly where sands of pounds to local applications, another round may gases and what schools funding could be spent in their take place later in the year, so be can do to reduce them. community groups. Your community. sure to contact the grants team to group could be one of Staff from Lancashire Local Grants are available all find out more. Wildlife Trust are work- them. year round from your local county Later this year, from Sept- ing with the county The county council knows that councillor. ember, you’ll be able to apply for a council to deliver the local people know what their com- Just contact them to tell them Central Gateway Grant, which is programme, called Back munity needs. about your group. You can also get for much larger projects. Funding to the Present. Local Grants and Local contact details from the county will run from July 2009 and our Education officer Zoe Gateway Grants give you an council grants team. grants team can make sure that Garland said: “We paint opportunity to tell your county Local Gateway Grants are the you get the application informa- NIFTY: members of the group take a break whilst enjoying a picture of what the councillors, through Lancashire newest additions to the county tion when it’s available. their time out in the countryside. world could look like in 3001 if we don’t change NORTH Meols’ our behaviour. LOCAL LOCAL GATEWAY GRANTS Nifty Fifties group “The children then GRANTS HANDY HINTS Local Gateway Grants can help with running costs and received a £500 come up with actions we Local Grants can help salaries, or even help buy equipment or training. DO DON’T local grant towards could take now to pre- vent this. your community by provid- And if it’s a project you want to do, the Local Gateway fitness classes for “They cover all ing funding for a variety of could help there too. The grants team can guide you through Check your eligibility Just fill in the form and their 64 members. for the grant. send it off without aspects of the environ- activities for local people. the process and send you all the information that you need, The money paid for ment, from protecting Your county councillor or you can download it from our website. Call the grants team for checking the support- professional instructors ing information. species to preventing has £1,250 per year to advice and support. to put members pollution and reducing spend in your area and Think carefully about Assume you’ll be through their paces for waste.” once you’ve checked if ten weeks, helping to CENTRAL GATEWAY GRANTS what you want the successful - remember The scheme is aimed you’re eligible, all you have to try other avenues of build self-confidence, Central Gateway Grants provide infrastucture support. This money for. Check at older-aged primary to do is contact your coun- funding. improve fitness and fund will open for new applications in September. deadlines. promote a healthy, school children and the ty councillor. He or she can first three year groups help you through the sim- Read all the information Assume you won’t be active lifestyle. CLIMATE CHANGE GRANTS sent to you or on the successful - if you don’t The group, based in in secondary schools. ple process to getting the Many schools already funding you need. grants team’s website. try, you won’t know. West Lancashire, is THE Climate Change Fund supports community projects just one of the many recycle, but are also From equipment to aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions or helping For more information: Alternatively visit the website: diverse groups and encouraged to become room hire, if you’re a local communities to cope with the impacts of climate change. more energy efficient group working with local www.lancashire.gov.uk activities helped over Grants will normally be in the range of £500-£15,000. Mark Waddington: the last 18 months and set up school-based people, then Local Grants The fund is shared across all 12 Lancashire Locals. For 01772 537697 /corporate/ through the county eco-projects with help could be for you. more information, call 01772 531257. Misbah Bhatti: 01772 530818 grants_groups council’s Local Grants and advice from the scheme. county council.

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