A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission August 2006

Providing • education • highways • trading standards • social services New 007 mission Stop that cheat Summer fun Tomorrow’s world Young agents Fraudbusters to stamp Scores of exciting Fascinating poll sign up for out the swindle that activities in our points way to the reading skills adds £££s to Council Tax new listing guide services you need

Page 3 Page 3 Page 4 Back page Maps aim to GREEN LIGHT ease traffic A NEW route plan- ning system designed specifically for HGV drivers has been introduced by FOR CHILDREN County Council in the hope of reducing congestion on county roads. Children’s The free-to-use Lancashire County Council website highlights the loca- centre tion of low-headroom bridges and other bridges with width or weight go-ahead restrictions. Until now, hauliers have found it difficult to plan will take routes without knowledge of these restrictions. Coming across such a county’s bridge can mean that the lorry driver has to reverse and find an alternative total to 61 route – causing nuisance for everyone else. The maps can be viewed - the most by going to www.lan- cashire.gov.uk and open- ing the “Maps of in the Lancashire” option. Select the map category TRANS- PORTATION and click on entire “hauliers’ information”. zDECISION: County Councillor Marcus Johnstone is pictured with Karrie Hudson at Whitegate Children’s Centre in Padiham. nation Taste of More than 30 new children’s centres will soon be open. success Children’s centres SCHOOL catering PARENTS and young chil- staff in Lancashire in your area dren are to benefit from 31 have landed con- new Children’s Centres tracts to provide din- Burnley - has four. To gain two. across Lancashire. ners to 24 Blackburn Chorley - has one. To gain four. Within two years, each part of the Fylde - will soon have three. schools. county will see the development of The schools had con- Hyndburn - has three. To gain four. tracts with an alternative Lancaster and Morecambe - has new centres to provide a range of zLIVERPOOL footballer Stephen Warnock was guest of honour when he called in to his old nursery facilities including family support provider – but switched to two and will gain six more. school. Lancashire County Pendle - has four. To gain one. and health services, and links with He came at the right time ...the announcement has just been made that Moorgate Nursery School Catering Services (LCCS). in Ormskirk is to become one of the county’s newest children’s centres. - has six. To gain one. local early education and childcare Roger Eakhurst, LCCS provision, Childcare Information The school was celebrating its 60th birthday when Stephen was pictured here with pupil Connor assistant director, said: Ribble Valley - has one and will Hennessy. gain one more. Service, Job Centre Plus, local “We have been introducing schools and voluntary organisa- new menus, training staff Rossendale - has three. To gain the first wave of centres and with the sec- grammes, one at a voluntary organisation and improving on mer- two. tions. ond group now beginning, we’re very posi- and three in new settings. chandising to get children South Ribble - has one and will A massive £20m is being invested in the tive that similar success will follow. The 31 new centres - to be known as to eat healthier dinners. programme which will give Lancashire gain three more. “These new centres are being created to Phase Two - will see the creation of centres “The schools know we more children’s centres than any other complement existing provision. The aim is at 15 primary schools, three nursery offer value and quality. We West Lancashire - has three and area in the country. for centres to link in with other services schools, two “campus models” involving will gain two more. will be busy in the coming County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, and offer increased opportunities to access both primary and nursery schools, two months improving the Wyre - has two. To gain two more. Cabinet member for Children and Young important services within local areas.” Family Support Resource Centres and four service so that customers People, said: “I’m very pleased that the The county already has 30 centres - built at other locations. in Blackburn enjoy the Childcare Information Service funding has been secured to create these as Phase One - including two at primary By March 2008 it is expected that 48,500 same standards that other new centres. schools, seven at nursery schools, seven- out of Lancashire’s under-fives will have Lancashire schools have 0800 1950137 “We’ve seen some great successes from teen based on Sure Start Local pro- access to a centre. Cont p8 enjoyed for years now.” The presence of promotional leaflets delivered inside Vision does not imply Lancashire County Council endorsement. YOUR LANCASHIRE: A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE MATTERS 2 August 2006 Providing • nurseries • pedestrian crossings Trampers Ask Shirley ease way Are you having difficulties knowing who to contact when you need help? Are you baffled when you open the phone at former book to ring for assistance? Shirley is here to help you. quarries

IF you are having problems get- TWO Rossendale quarries have ting hold of someone to help, been given a new lease of life fol- Lancashire County Council has lowing a million-pound restora- tion project. many staff trained and willing Landgate and Moss Quarries, in Shawforth, to assist. have been restored by Lancashire County Sometimes you just can’t think who to Council and were officially opened by County ask - and this is where Vision’s Shirley Councillor Hazel Harding CBE, leader of the comes in. county council. Shirley answers all the letters she The event also saw the official launch of the receives and some will feature on this Rossendale Quarries Tramper Initiative by page. Others may take a while as Shirley County Councillor Clive Grunshaw. will seek responses from other council The Rossendale Quarry Trampers Initiative teams. allows people with limited mobility to experi- Shirley is not able to offer legal advice. ence the rugged beauty of the Rossendale quar- ries. Drive me crazy

Mr D from Preston writes: live alone in a terraced house with no off-street parking avail- I able, so I am considering having a driveway laid in my garden at the front of my property. I am not disabled but I would like to make it easy to get in by having a dropped kerb installed. How do I arrange for this to be done and will I need planning permission? zJUST ask - we’re here to help. Household Waste Recycling Centre staf - one is pictured here at Whinney Hill, Hyndburn - are keen to help whenever you need them at any of Lancashire’s 23 recycling sites. See letter “Help me if hether you can have a dropped you (tin) can”, below. kerb will depend on a number of factors relating to where you Take a look at me, NoW ing the period of learning covered by the loan. The W Department for Education and Skills pay interest live. on the loan during the period of learning and up to If you live on an A, B or C road, you will require Mr T from Lytham writes: one month afterwards. zCOUNTRY pleasures: County Councillor Clive planning permission and you should contact your The loan is then repaid to the bank over an Grunshaw and Access Lancashire’s Denise Baker regularly use my NoWcard bus try the Trampers at the two converted quarries. local authority planning office to find out how much pass when travelling to agreed period at a fixed rate of interest. planning permission will cost. . Can I also use my If you require further details you can contact With support from the Aggregates Levy If you are then granted the planning permission I Lancashire Student Services on 01772 530430. Fund, which is administered by the county you will also have to pay to have the work actually pass on the trams? council on behalf of DEFRA, three Tramper done. vehicles have been purchased to encourage If your road is not an A, B or C road you should Help me if you (tin) can access to Landgate and Moss quarries. ring 0845 053 0011 and normally a highways es, your NoWcard can be used on A new addition to East Lancashire, similar inspector will come to look at the location and then the trams and the same conces- Mr P from writes: battery powered buggies have proved very pop- contact you with a quotation. sions will apply. For more infor- ular at Beacon Fell Country Park, near Y would like to take a car load Longridge. mation on the Nowcard please of household rubbish to my contact the NoWcard Helpline on 0845 As part of the project a large box trailer has Why does it always local tip. What are the opening been adapted to provide on site toilet facilities, 058 1096. I ensuring that people out enjoying the country- hours and will there be any rain on me? side on a Tramper aren’t caught short. help available once I get there as I County Councillor Harding said: “Rossendale Mr C from Tarleton writes: Loansome tonight? am disabled? is surrounded by beautiful countryside and am enquiring about obtaining Miss C from Garstang writes: these restored quarries provide another good some water butts to collect rain- am 19 years of age and I am edicated staff at all sites help reason to get out and experience it. water from the downspouts of “Before work started the quarries were I interested in doing a course at visitors to recycle their rubbish. derelict and dangerous so I’m very pleased that, our property in order to con- but I am unable to They wear the “here to help” logo and after lying unused for decades, we’ve been able serve it. I D are willing to give assistance as required receive any funding from my to make this area attractive again. Would you please give me the infor- Local Education Authority. In fact I eg. help to unload a car, or carry a heavy item. “Quarries are fascinating places – Landgate mation needed to acquire some. am unable to find any sort of fund- All of Lancashire’s 23 Household Waste Recycling and Moss are home to all kinds of wildlife – they ing anywhere. Centres are open daily between the hours of 8am will also be a great resource for schools to teach –7pm. children about the environment. ancashire County Council does Can you suggest any options? “This restoration is the result of 10 years not provide water butts but infor- The centres are closed only on Christmas Day, effort and I’d like to thank all those who have mation on purchasing one can be Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. helped create another Rossendale beautyspot.” L es. Career Development Loans Both sites, in close proximity to each other, found on the United Utilities website: www.unitedutilities.com. are available to students aged 18 were abandoned in the early 20th century after or over and help to fund up to two Email: [email protected] or they became economically unviable. There are a few different sizes and prices start at Y write to: Ask Shirley, Customer Service Supported by a grant of almost £1million £24.95 plus £5 postage and packing for a space-sav- years vocational education, plus from the North West Development Agency, the ing mini-butt. up to a further 12 months if the course Centre, The Red Rose Hub, Bluebell Way, quarry sites now offer members of the public an To place an order you should ring 0845 6588686 includes practical work experience. Preston PR2 5PZ. Telephone 0845 0530000. exciting recreational opportunity. New well-sur- and quote ref UU15. You would not have to make any repayments dur- faced and barrier-free trails form two circular routes around the quarries. Don’t forget - your county councillor can help. Contact details are available on 0845 0530000 or at: www.lancashire.gov.uk For further information on how to book a Tramper contact on 01995 640 557. A full job description of all vacancies is available on our website www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • information centres • hotlines August 2006 3 NEWS IN County BRIEF Apply now for new Lease of Life CASH help is available for Twenty five grants, of up to £300 People, said: “About £4,000 is left, Other previous awards have plans Older groups of older people fol- each, have been awarded so far so we can still make a real differ- included grants to improve men’s this year. The grants have included ence to people’s lives. literacy, a grant for a karaoke people at lowing a deal between equipment for a computer club and “The grants are easy to apply for. machine and help with an internal ahead Lancashire County Council other projects dedicated to improv- One thing we will be looking for is garden in a sheltered housing the wheel and Help the Aged. ing quality of life for over-55s. value for money as these groups scheme. The £10,000 Lease of Life Fund Awards cannot be for purely social can often make a small amount go Application packs are available in EU RESIDENTS aged 55 is backed financially by the charity purposes. a long way. from Janet Gray at Lancashire and over across West and the council with the aim of County Councillor Dorothy “We deliberately make the appli- County Council’s Better COUNTY council- Lancashire now have a improving quality of life for older Westell, Lancashire County cation form as simple as possible to Government for Older People proj- lors are ensuring greater say in how local people. Council’s Champion for Older encourage lots of groups to apply.” ect on 01772 532433. Lancashire’s voice is services are provided fol- heard in Europe lowing the launch of the new West Lancashire after receiving a District Partnership Board briefing on how the for Older People. Pupils sign up to 007 mission to learn county can influence The board was European Union launched by County Councillor Chris (EU) decision-mak- Cheetham, Cabinet mem- ers. ber for Adult and Lancashire County Community Services and Council created a Councillor May Blake, Brussels office in 1990 to chairman of West try to swing policy and Lancashire District Council. spending decisions The event brought Lancashire’s way. together over 150 older The county’s European people and representa- Strategy is now being tives of organisations updated and councillors which provide services were recently briefed on such as health and social opportunities. care, public transport, County Councillor leisure, housing and com- Tony Martin, Cabinet munity support services. member for Sustainable The board will give Development, said: “It’s older people the opportu- essential we know the lat- nity to express their views est developments in about services currently Europe and do all we can provided in West to influence decisions Lancashire, to advise made in Brussels that planners and organisa- directly affect people tions to develop new here. services where such “The county council services do not exist, and also receives hundreds of to help shape and estab- thousands of pounds in lish new services. grants from Europe every year for everything from environmental and trans- Green port projects to youth par- ticipation. fingers “The county council’s zReading mission: back, librarian Shaun Carter and County Councillor Chris Cheetham; front, from left, Aidan Bennett, Nehreen Ayub, Fatima Bax and Chelsea Pinnock. new European Strategy is FOLKS at a Lancaster fledged Reading Agent. Cheetham, Cabinet member for their library to pick up books for currently being developed day centre celebrated a IT’S no secret to these young The Reading Mission aims to Adult and Community Services, their holidays and get involved in and will set out how the blooming marvellous agents. The most enjoyable boost children’s enjoyment of read- said: “The Reading Mission has the many activities on offer.” county council intends to result after Prince’s way to boost your reading ing by rewarding their efforts with proven very effective in encouraging Children can ask for a Reading maintain its network of Trust volunteers skills this summer is by tak- challenges, puzzles and small children to read - last year 12,000 Mission pack at any Lancashire contacts in Europe to spruced up their gar- prizes. children took part in Lancashire. library and will receive a sheet of influence policy and fund- den. ing on Lancashire Libraries’ Pupils from St Ignatius RC “Children of all ages and abilities stickers or a puzzle card for each ing. The project saw Reading Mission. Primary School in Preston received can take part – even those who can- book they read. As they work their It will also address Prince’s Trust Thousands of Lancashire chil- advice on their mission from librar- not yet read by themselves can join way through the missions there are opportunities provided by Morecambe Team 14 dren will become Reading Agents by ian Shaun Carter, dressed as secret in by sharing books with their fami- also codes to crack, puzzles to solve, the internal market, how transform an over- joining the national summer read- agent James Bond, as they lies. fridge magnets and secret message Lancashire is represented grown patch of land ing challenge. launched the Reading Mission at “The scheme really emphasises pens to win. in the EU and how the behind Lancashire Children have to read any six Preston’s Harris Library. the fun of reading. Summer is the Preston Bowker BMW provided a county can benefit from County Council’s Vale books over the summer to complete County Councillor Chris perfect time for families to visit BMW Z4 Roadster for the launch. EU enlargement. View Day Centre into a the challenge and become a fully sensory garden burst- ing with bright flowers and plants. Team Leader Joanne Cruxton said: “The gar- den which was com- pletely overgrown, but it now has flagged paths for the benefit of Sleuths on wheelchair users as well as wind chimes, a water feature and a mural which will appeal to people with sensory disabilities.” Steamed up the track of A TREAT is in store for history lovers when a Barnoldswick steam engine, complete with zHUNDREDS of summer activities for Burnley and Pendle’s rope drive, is started on long summer break Sunday 20 August. The Bancroft Mill, Gillians Lane, engine is Events to keep tax swindlers one of the last engines to remain in steaming condi- tion. Further details from COUNCIL Tax cheats who Bancroft Mill Museum on youngsters busy cause honest people to pay Probe starts into cheats who 01282 865626. more are to be tracked FOOTBALL, baking, crafts and even an ugly down in a major exercise to add to your council tax bill Dire straits bug ball – children in Burnley and Pendle have stamp out fraud. had plenty to do over the long summer holiday. More than £40,000 has been put claim the single person discount. People caught swindling the system THE story of the treat- Changes to the school year have resulted in a nine-week aside in Lancashire to employ special- “However, if only 1 per cent are will face £1,000 fines. ment given to debtors break. ist contractors to match databases on incorrect it would amount to many A number of Lancashire district will be retold at 7.30pm But Lancashire County Council has teamed up with pub- people who claim to be living alone. hundreds of thousands of pounds – councils have teamed up with the on Friday 18 August at lic and private partner organisations to produce a 44-page Single occupancy attracts a 25 per money that has to be found elsewhere county council to launch the anti- Lancaster Castle. booklet detailing hundreds of activities for children. cent discount – approximately 31 per to pay for public services. fraud drive. The latest in the cas- Vision photographed children at Sacred Heart RC cent of all households are entitled to “In reality that shortfall is made up Councillor Brown added: “We sus- tle’s series of Hidden Primary School’s holiday club in Colne which has been run- the reduction – and incorrect claims by increasing other people’s bills. It is pect that not all wrong claims are History talks is titled ning for five days a week, morning and afternoon. mean everyone else has to pay more. an unfair imposition that this zero tol- fraudulent. Many people have simply Hansbrow’s Hotel – The “Summer Fun” – a 44-page booklet detailing activities - County Councillor Anne Brown, erance approach will minimise.” had changed circumstances and for- Debtors’ Prison. Tickets has been sent to parents. An up-to-date website can also be Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet About 70,000 households claim the gotten to tell their town hall. cost £3 (£2.50 conces- seen at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/summerholidays2006 member for Resources and discount across Lancashire. Data will “People genuinely living on their sions) on 01524 64998. while telephone hotlines have been established on 0800 Performance, said: “No one actually be looked at closely to check the single own have nothing to fear while fraud- 1950137 (primary children) and 0800 511111 (secondary). knows how many people wrongly person” claim. sters no longer have anywhere to hide. 4 August 2006 Providing • bridge maintenance • paths www.lancashire.gov.uk

11am to 3.30pm. Pop-up cards – craft activity work- shops. Suitable ages 6-12. Museum. 10.30am to 12.30pm and Bored kids (or adults)? 1.30pm to 3.30pm. “Childhood” – make your own collection of toys to take home. Judges’ Lodgings, Lancaster. To book sessions, contact Lancaster City Summer help is here Museum on 01524 64637. Thursday 31 August 10.30am to 12.30pm and with Ron Crosby. Suitable 1.30pm to 3.30pm. 6-14. £1.00. Fleetwood Scrapbooks. Lancaster City From seashore safari to woodland treasure trails, Museum. Museum has displays which 10.30am to 12.30pm and cover Lancaster history since Lancashire County Council has lots to offer 1.30pm to 3.30pm. the Roman age through to the “Childhood” – make your own modern day. We will be look- collection of toys to take ing at a different period each LET’S make the most of the summer Museums are places where you can week to make up a scrapbook before the black clouds chase away the explore, touch, learn and discover. They home. Judges’ Lodgings, Lancaster. To book, contact which covers it all. Tel 01524 sun. bring out the child in all of us. Lancaster City Museum on 64637. It never seems to last long enough. The Countryside Service has some- 01524 64637. 12-4pm. Corn dollies. But while children are forming happy thing for everyone in the great, green Thursday 17 August Bowland Visitor Centre, memories to last a lifetime, mums and spaces. Why not check out our country 10.30am to 12.30pm and Beacon Fell Country Park. dads are wracking their brains to think parks. 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Children to be accompanied of ways to keep their young busy. Even bike rides are organised for the Scrapbooks. Lancaster City by adult. Tel 01995 640557. But you don’t have to be young to more energetic … while bus and train Museum has displays which enjoy many of the events Lancashire services open entire new horizons for cover Lancaster history since Ongoing until 2 September County Council is organising. people willing to travel. the Roman age through to the 1.30-3.30pm. Tues to Sat. modern day. We will be look- Summer Fun at the Mill, ing at a different period each includes weaving, puppet Chipping before return to week to make up a scrapbook making, archaeology. Queen Summer listings Longridge. Tel 01772 534609 which covers it all. Tel 01524 Street Mill Textile Museum, for further details. 64637. Burnley. Tel. 01282 412555. Up North - photo frames. Thursday 3 August Wednesday 9 August 12-4pm. Willow workshop. Monday 14 August Bowland Visitor Centre, Tuesday 22 August Craft activity workshops, All month 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Bug 2-4pm. Design your own coat 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. A 10.30am to 12.30pm and Suitable age 6-12. Fleetwood Activity Trolleys. Call in any- safari and woodland trail. of arms. Birds, keys, griffins – Beacon Fell Country Park. Soldier’s Life – series of craft Children to be accompanied 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Viking Museum. time to discover how fibres Secret life of woodland. what will you put on your own and activity Mondays. Invasion – the chance to 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. become fabrics. Visit our Turton Tower, Edgworth, near coat of arms? Turton Tower. by adult. Tel 01995 640557. Activities may include design- 7pm. Kingsfold Library make items such as your own Medieval Madness – activity wardrobe to try on clothes Bolton. Tel 01204 852203. 11am to 3pm. Irish Sea ing flags, making peg soldiers, shields or jewellery or just to Fridays linked to medieval from 100 years ago. Queen 10.30am to 12.30pm and Marine Week – whales and Reading Group. designing coats of arms. Friday 18 August learn about Viking life. theme. Activities may include Street Mill Textile Museum, 1.30pm to 3.30pm. dolphins. Suitable ages 4-10. Museum of Lancashire. Lancaster Maritime Museum. pottery, jewellery, stained Burnley. Scrapbooks. Lancaster City Fleetwood Museum. 10.30am and 1.30pm. Grin 01772 534075. Up North – puppets. Craft Contact 01524 64637. glass, costume and clay Museum has displays which Tel 01253 876621. 1.30-4pm. Autumn activities. gargoyles. Museum of Earth: Grand Designs. Keep cover Lancaster history since 10.30am to 12.30pm and activity workshops. Suitable the children entertained with Tuesday 15 August ages 6-12. Fleetwood No need to book, all children Lancashire, Preston. the Roman age through to the 1.30pm to 3.30pm. 1.30-4pm. Craft activities. No to be accompanied by adult. Tel 01772 534075. modern day. We will be look- “Childhood” – make your own Museum. need to book, all children to 11am-1pm Aisled barn, Wycoller Country ing at a different period each collection of toys to take be accompa- Park, near Colne. Saturday 26 August Find out more week to make up a scrapbook home. Judges’ Lodgings, and 2-4pm. nied by Medieval 12.30-3.30pm. When which covers it all. Tel 01524 Lancaster. To book sessions, adult. Aisled Wednesday 23 August Saturday Comes: You can find lots of infor- 64637. contact Lancaster City Madness – barn, activity 2-4pm. Children’s activities. Archaeology – drop-in activi- mation about events on: Museum on 01524 64637. Wycoller Contact Turton Tower for ties with finds officer Dot www.lancsmuseums. Friday 4 August 10am. Age Concern drop-in, Fridays Country linked to details. Bruns. Exploring objects from gov.uk and at www.lan- 10.30am and 1.30pm. Craft chat, advice with hot drink Park, near 11am to 3.30pm. Grin Up a variety of periods. Museum activity workshops, Suitable and biscuits. Knott End medieval cashire.gov.uk/environ- Colne. theme. North – clown masks. of Lancashire, Preston. Tel ment/countryside ages 6-12. Fleetwood Library. Irish Sea Suitable ages 6-12. 01772 534075. Museum. Tel 01253 876621. Thursday 10 August Activities Marine may include Fleetwood Museum. 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. 10.30am to 12.30pm and Week – birds of the seashore. 10.30am to 12.30pm and Monday 28 August Useful phone Medieval Madness – activity 1.30pm to 3.30pm. pottery, jewellery, stained Suitable ages 6-12. glass, costume and clay 1.30pm to 3.30pm. numbers Fridays linked to medieval Scrapbooks. Lancaster City “Childhood” – make your own Fleetwood Museum. gargoyles. Museum of Bowland Visitor Centre, theme. Activities may include Museum has displays which 10.30am to 12.30pm and collection of toys to take pottery, jewellery, stained cover Lancaster history since Lancashire, Preston. Beacon Fell Country Park 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Viking Tel 01772 534075. home. Judges’ Lodgings, glass, costume and clay gar- the Roman age through toto- Invasion – the chance to Lancaster. To book sessions, 01995 640557 goyles. Museum of day. We will look at a different 7.15pm. Reading group, Wycoller Country Park make items such as your own Ormskirk Library. contact Lancaster City Lancashire, Preston. Tel period each week and make a shields or jewellery or just to Museum on 01524 64637. 01282 870253 01772 534075. scrapbook. Tel 01524 64637. learn about Viking life. Sunday 20 August 2pm. Absolute Beginners’ Spring Wood Picnic Site 12-4pm. Storytelling. Bowland Lancaster Maritime Museum. 11am-4pm. Countryside Day Guide to Creepy Crawlies – 01254 825187 Monday 7 Visitor Centre, Contact 01524 64637. – family activities, country explore and have fun. Scorton Lancashire Countryside August Beacon Fell 7pm. Lancashire Family crafts, birds of prey and more picnic site (former gravel pit, 2-4pm. Children’s activities. Service main office 11am-1pm and Country Park. History and Heraldry Society. in the setting of Wycoller’s north of Garstang, off A6). Contact Turton Tower. 01772 534709 2-4pm. A Children to be Chorley Library. ancient aisled barn. Wycoller Tel 01995 640557. Museums’ main office Soldier’s Life – accompanied Country Park, near Colne. 10am. Age Concern drop-in, Tuesday 29 August 01772 534061 series of craft by adult. Wednesday 16 August 11am. 7-mile guided bike ride chat, advice with hot drink 12.30pm and 2.30pm. Make and activity 01995 All About Badgers – Britain’s from Colne to Salterforth and biscuits. Knott End your own Harry Potter willow days. Activities 640557. along canal path and quiet Library. wand. Turton Tower. favourite mammal. Slide pres- hands-on interactive exhibi- may include roads. Suitable for novices 10.30am to 12.30pm and entation and walk. Pepper Hill tion. Explore rocks, minerals designing flags, Friday 11 and children – who must be Thursday 24 August 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Viking Barn, Wycoller Country Park, and fossils, millions of years making peg sol- August accompanied by an adult. 10.30am to 12.30pm and Invasion – make items such near Colne. Booking essen- old. Museum of Lancashire, diers, designing 10.30am and Meet at Pendle Leisure 1.30pm to 3.30pm. as your own shields or jew- tial. Tel 01995 640557. Preston. Tel 01772 534075. coats of arms. Museum of 1.30pm. Grin Up North – Centre car park, by Colne rail- Scrapbooks. Lancaster City ellery or learn about Viking Lancashire. 01772 534075. music hall props. Craft activity way station. Prebooking need- Museum has displays which life. Lancaster Maritime Muse- From Saturday 5 August, workshops. Suitable age 6-12. ed and £2 to cover costs of cover Lancaster history since um. Contact 01524 64637. Grin Up North. Popular trav- Tuesday 8 August Fleetwood Museum. picnic. Tel 07968 952180 or the Roman age through to the elling exhibition. Find out the 10.30am to 12.30pm and 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. email: enquiries@colnecy- modern day. We will be look- Wednesday 30 August world’s worst joke and the 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Viking Medieval Madness – activity cling.org.uk ing at a different period each 1-4pm. Bring History Alive! answer to questions such as, Invasion – the chance to Fridays linked to medieval week to make up a scrapbook Meet Turton Tower’s Tudor “Is laughter good for you”, and make items such as your own theme. Activities may include Monday 21 August which covers it all. Tel 01524 family. Family fun and Tudor “Can you tickle a monkey?” shields or jewellery or just to pottery, jewellery, stained 11am-1pm and 2-4pm. A 64637 for details. activities for children. Fleetwood Museum. learn about Viking life. glass, costume and clay gar- 2pm and 3pm. Tales From Soldier’s Life – a series of 12-4pm. Art activities. Lancaster Maritime Museum. goyles. Museum of the Tower: Little Red Riding craft and activity Mondays. Bowland Visitor Centre, Contact 01524 64637. Lancashire, Preston. Tel Hood and other stories. Activities may include design- Beacon Fell Country Park. 1.30-4pm. Minibeast hunt. No 01772 534075. Paintings and readings of tra- ing flags, making peg soldiers, Children to be accompanied need to book, all children to Saturday 12 August ditional stories. Suitable for up and also designing various by adult. Tel 01995 640557. with be accompanied by adult. 11am. Guided bike ride – to age 8. Turton Tower. coats of arms. Museum of Save £s Xplorer tickets Aisled barn, Wycoller Country Longridge to Chipping. Irish Sea Marine Week – Lancashire, Preston. Tel Friday 25 August Park. Leisurely ride. Lunch in seashore safari. Beach Walk 01772 534075. 10.30am and 1.30pm. Grin Why not take advantage of the I am a parent to three “Family and Friends Multi-pass” children, one of whom has severe behavioural prob- • Fantastic Value —1 years unlimited access for lems due to a form of 2 Adults and 2 Concessions to all Lancashire Museums autism. • 10% discount at Lancaster City and Rossendale Museum shops I have to tolerate people Remember, been abandoned when for school caterers in like Ironsides muttering or Meal rules cheap schemes and junk Lancashire. Think again giving me funny looks at most museums* because my child is being VISION reports that food were substituted. Guidelines for menu To take advantage of the offer, Now that improvements planning and nutritional I WAS appalled at bad. I am also unemployed pick up a ticket from the school meals are are coming, perhaps we will content have never been the views expressed due to poor health. museum, visit the website: So, please Ironsides www.lancsmuseums.gov.uk or “more balanced than even have proper plates lost. by Ironsides (You’re call us on 01772 534061 instead of plastic trays! don’t tar us all with the ever” (June edition). All production quantities Telling Us! Vision, same brush. * except Lancaster Castle They may be balanced – Children should not learn are pre-printed on produc- If a child is being bad or but in my days of eating that anything made as July). tion sheets so that there is It is blinkered and self- unruly it isn’t always down Family and school meals there were cheap as possible is all we minimum chance of varia- righteous to automatically to the fact that the parent Friends Multi-pass only guidelines given to school want to give them, tion. assume that unruliness in is off the rails or unem- cooks to ensure balance. JEAN M MILLS The plastic trays children is either due to bad ployed. In bigger schools, the Bacup described sound terrible parenting or because the It may be because the £ .00 mass-produced meals were but I recently saw some in parents are off the rails or child has a medical condi- good but not always deli- Having worked in the 18 unemployed. tion which affects their cious. The quality was service for many years I can Padiham that looked fan- Neither can you assume behaviour. excellent and always assure you that basic quan- tastic - Roger Eakhurst, that parents who work MRS J WHYTE healthy in smaller schools. tities and good nutrition Lancashire County have angelic children. Morecambe This care seems to have have always been a priority Catering Services. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • adult education • libraries August 2006 5 Lancashire Local We’re doing it right We’re doing it for good Transport Safety Adult help Environment Effective „373 pedestrian „Cycle track up to „Intensive home care „31 per cent of your „on target for £48m crossings 203km in county for 3,802 homes waste recycled savings by 2008

SOCIAL care services should He said: “Sometimes agencies are on developing joined-up services so peo- focus on the needs of people guilty of being too preoccupied with int- ple can live independently as valued Let’s make ernal structures, values and processes. members of the community.” Local rather than just ticking boxes, “Values are important but we must be The meeting, attended by over 200 according to Lancashire County clear about achieving real outcomes for delegates including senior managers people our Council’s care boss people. We must continue to explore how from social and health services, was also plan: a Richard ones,J executive director of agencies can make a difference to people, an opportunity to assess implications for Adult and Community Services, told a rather than exclusively focusing on social care of Whitehall White Paper, priority Lancaster University conference that the Commission for Social Care inspections. “Our Health, Our Care, Our Say,” pub- - care chief public must always come first. “We must shift our thinking and focus lished in February. proud record Councils team up to so far IT IS early days for Lancashire Local. We aim to change the way that local government works. But look at this list to see the sort of issues that Lancashire Locals are put local already tackling in every part of the county.

South Ribble - review of library opening hours. Prioritisation of 20mph schemes. Chorley - review of 50mph zones on Wigan Road and matters Dawson Lane in Clayton-le- Woods, Chorley and Leyland. A possible safety scheme the junction of Wheelton Lancashire bypass and Blackburn Road will be reconsidered after information from Wheelton Local puts Parish Council. first Fylde - consideration of how to spend allocation of highway maintenance. local issues Lancaster - Bus route LANCASHIRE County Council retained with slight alteration has changed. We are still to route after Lancahire changing . . . putting you first. Local involvement. Many Lancashire residents say they don’t at top of Hyndburn - funding and want service decisions made miles away. support for the introduction They say they want their locally elected of no-cold-calling zones to representatives making decisions about proect the vulnerable. The agenda first will be in Milnshaw area their services. We agree. That is why we have intro- of Accrington. duced Lancashire Local. – and put leading Rossendale - a waste Lancashire Local has started working in councillors in the transfer station will be posi- each of the county’s 12 district council firing line from tioned elsewhere after con- areas. Locally elected district councillors members of the cerns were expressed by and locally elected county councillors are public. Lancashire Local. working together. We have our Ribble Valley - parking It means decisions are made locally by mobile unit. It zIT’S YOU we answer to as decisions go down to local level: Lancashire County Council highways problems will be tackled YOUR representatives. They are account- also travels the engineer Adrian McKenna and lollipop lady Sunita Solanki with County Councillor Hazel Harding, around Clitheroe’s new chil- able to you. county to ease leader of Lancashire County Council. drens’ centre. It means budgets are set centrally – and public access to A new way of working with spent locally. council services. 41 town and parish councils County Councillor Doreen Pollitt, Of massive in the area is being identi- Lancashire County Council deputy leader, importance is our It’s part of a new way fied. said: “Power will be shared and where that recently opened Pendle - Pendle Council is not possible we will share influence. Red Rose area committees can now “Lancashire Local is a vital further step Customer Service help identify local safety towards putting the customer first. Centre. of putting you first schemes, subject to a cost “We won’t be able to do everything that And our contribution. everyone wants. No system can keep every- Cabinet meetings Burnley - pedestrian impro- one happy all the time. are webcast to LANCASHIRE We don’t just put county - giving mem- vements to Duke Bar roads. “But Lancashire Local will maximise anyone who County Council you in charge with bers of the public an Wyre - school bus services wants to watch. Lancashire Locals. easy opportunity to stabilised after representa- Flexibility Computers are has opened up. tions, including request for We are opening up We give you the speak direct to coun- free to use, allow- zDOREEN Pollitt: we’re chance to grill senior ty council staff and promotion of School Travel democracy so that services in each area are ing online access changing for the better. across the board. Plans. Everything we do decision-makers at councillors. what people actually want.” to services, in Cabinet Question You can see it at a West Lancashire - problem Lancashire County Council is already public libraries. is about people. parking tackled in the We provide educa- Times across the place somewhere rated a four-star council (out of a maximum “Lancashire County Council is an his- county at regular near you. Wolverton area. four stars) by the Audit Commission. toric institution, but far from old-fashioned tion, roads, social in its working methods”, said Councillor care for those need- intervals. And many meet- It means that members of the public Last month alone ings are webcast live enjoy value for money. Lancashire Local Pollitt. ing help, and chil- There’s will increase flexibility. “Lancashire Locals, which are open to dren’s centres. We Question Times were on: People say that councils need to be kept members of the public, will be deciding or provide 700 services. held in St Anne’s and www.lancashire.gov.u on their toes. influencing policy on the entire range of our So it is right that Carnforth. k more to We couldn’t agree more. services. you should be in Our mobile unit It is fair that you Our Cabinet uestionQ Times are held “I believe they will transform expecta- charge. moves around the are in charge frequently and regularly across the county tions of public services in the future.” come Education Safety Adult help Waste Caring for all „487 primary „354 school „21,118 adults management „846 children looked schools crossing patrols cared for at home „695,000 tonnes of after in foster care „86 secondary „4,229 miles of road „6,528 adults in waste „ 107,000 „Providing 159,000 schools maintained residential homes tonnes recycled streetlights Lancashire Local - we’re keeping the local in local government 6 LOOKAugust 2006 Providing • youth LIVELY services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk Search starts now

Tony Aerospace Ford, head, Stanah for all-time stars Primary Top 10 Lancashire things. Could School Betty Jackson THE search is on for your THEMES: be things like crumbly Lancashire top 30 people, places or aerospace cheese, flat caps, Blackpool Tower or sums up things that make Lancashire even modern aerospace products. Mill Lancashire great. chimneys. You tell us. to some County council museum staff want Top 10 Lancashire themes. Cotton people. YOU to tell them of the people and mills? Whit weeks? Terraced streets? things that make you proud to be Sporting events? You tell us. Lancastrian – and THEY will open a “We already have a bundle of ideas”, life. Then there is Lancashire food. Lancashire Greats gallery at the said Sue Ashworth, museums project Perhaps we’ll have to go for a top 40 Museum of Lancashire. manager. “Coronation Street, black instead.” Categories are: puddings, people living or dead – we A “Lancashire Greats” gallery will be Tony retires this summer after more PEOPLE: Is fashion designer Top 10 Lancashire people. From need to know what makes Lancashire constructed at the Museum of Betty Jackson, originally from all walks of life, either historical or con- known across the world. Lancashire in Preston. The museum is than 30 years of teaching in Bacup, on your top 10 list? temporary. We want to know. “Fred Dibnah springs quickly to to undergo a facelift which will involve Lancashire and East Sussex mind as do the textile giants that more and deeper links with other changed Lancashire and the world. It museums and attractions. was the industrial revolution that Sue added: “Your ideas of what typi- It’s your top-30 choice changed the world and that was fies Lancashire may actually start We need to know who or Write to: famously carried upon the shoulders of some debate. ‘Free schools what symbolises Sue Ashworth, the River Irwell. “Some famous people, for example, Lancashire, past and pres- Lancashire Museums’ “Lancashire has had many people may technically not be from Lancashire such as Kay and Shuttleworth, without – like Bolton’s Fred Dibnah. Bolton is ent. Service, from the SATS It could be top things, whom the industrial revolution would no longer Lancashire but this gets us themes or people. It is up to Stanley Street, not have been the force it was.” thinking of what and where Lancashire you to tell us. Preston PR1 4YP “Several people have already offered actually is. straitjacket’ Tell us of one – or of dozens. Or email: [email protected] us Sir Tom Finney, Freddie Flintoff and “It could start a debate about - head scc.gov.uk Eric Morecambe from other walks of Lancashire’s past and present.” One of the most noticeable changes during my years as a teacher has been the curriculum. Pupil ‘Gate’ to future with top author We have gone from the loose curriculum of the late 70s and early 80s through the very prescrip- big-screen last month with the release of tive arrangement of the late 80s and 90s and now A CHILDREN’S writer, who often “Stormbreaker”. we are witnessing its freeing up - although revi- tops bestseller lists, has received It is the second time that Anthony has sions to existing strategies will once again be pro- the county’s top literary award. won Lancashire Children’s Book of the viding challenges for teachers. Well-known author Anthony Horowitz Year award - he last won 13 years ago. Many teachers accepted there was a need for stopped off at County Hall, in Preston, The competition, run by Lancashire change because poor subject planning and a lack after he was named as this year’s top read County Library and Information Service, of accountability led to children repeating activi- by Lancashire schoolchildren. involved young readers from across the ties. The National Curriculum was therefore Raven’s Gate, a supernatural story county selecting a shortlist from 116 titles. introduced. This was very prescriptive and had which begins across the Pennines in David Lightfoot, from Lancashire to be slavishly followed. Yorkshire, took the Lancashire Children’s County Library and Information Service, Tick lists had to be completed in every subject Book of the Year title - the county’s liter- said: “It’s brilliant to see so many young for every child. ary answer to the Oscars. people talking about the books they love. Very few primary practitioners appeared to Anthony said: “Lancashire is one of the Anthony spent ages chatting to people have been involved in its development. most friendly areas I’ve visited. I’m and signing books.” Despite tinkering and modification over time, delighted by how pleasant and articulate Currently celebrating its 20th year, key elements still appeared to be missing. The the children have been.” Lancashire’s Children’s Book of the Year Literacy and Numeracy Strategies were intro- Many readers will be familiar with is one of the country’s longest running duced in the late 90s. These were quite dictatori- Anthony’s Alex Rider series, which hit the children’s book competitions. al and schools suffered another upheaval. These The award was sponsored by strategies are now changing again. the University of Central Other subjects remained very prescriptive - zLITERARY ace Anthony Horowitz with County Councillor Hazel Lancashire. with insufficient opportunities for teachers to use Harding and Kayleigh Norcross, of Burnley’s Gawthorpe High School. creative talents to bring geography and history alive. To address this Excellence and Enjoyment Where do you work? What qualities do was published in 2003 giving the “green light” to I work in Skelmersdale Library. Colleagues Voice of you need? break free and be innovative. work in other libraries across the county. You need to like working Recently there has been debate about what No one is very far from advice on the world reports into elements of history should be included (What’s with people and helping peo- of education. schools. ple – although I have been happened to the study of castles?) and I am Parents who come to amazed that despite our proximity and strength shouted at. Most people are What does your job involve? see me are often sur- nice. Above all you have to of involvement in Europe it isn’t an area of geo- prised at how much graphical study for the primary child, yet there is be a diplomat. Education information officers are the gateway to libraries have changed Many people really a national initiative to introduce a modern for- almost everything to do with schools, from school over the years. eign language into our schools. appreciate it when we help meals to special needs, from admissions to trans- them with filling in forms. Instead of a vibrant curriculum based on cur- port. rent issues we are forced to have an unhealthy What help can Many parents need help through the educa- you offer? obsession with test results (SATs) with a strong tional maze and Lancashire County Council Is it satisfying? focus on how high a percentage of children we can thinks it is important to have trained employees Many come to see about get to Level 4 in maths and English. Yes. The best part is see- in place across the county. free school meals – but Janet Rowland When the results didn’t meet an artificial tar- ing people I have helped It would be quite wrong to expect people to people ask about every- get for 11-year-olds booster classes were intro- Education information getting on in the world travel or telephone some distant office. Everyone thing. Someone who has officer duced to improve results. These classes – unless and building a new life has the right to know what help is available to just moved to the area, for held before or after the school - involve children for themselves. them and their children. instance, will need to missing other subjects to have extra maths and know about how to apply English lessons just to drive up tests results. How do people find out about it? to schools and what each school can offer – even It certainly challenges the concept of schools Why are you based in a library? about how to make a complaint. offering a broad and balanced curriculum when Education offices and schools put them in touch – Libraries are usually central to most towns and Education can seem a very mysterious and pupils miss out on other areas of learning. although we also advertise ourselves through are themselves a gateway to knowledge – all complex world. I can usually give people the help Increasingly our schools are being forced into a leaflets. We attend school open evenings. Staff in libraries have access, for example, to the internet they want and even pass them on to other people, target-driven culture with results being the only some areas also go into local supermarkets. which is a great way for parents to get Ofsted such as welfare rights helpers or social services. measure of success. Is it little wonder increasing numbers of children are becoming disaffected? Education information officers: Shouldn’t we should be equipping children with enduring life skills, developing their think- WE’RE HERE Sandra Wilson, St Annes Library, 01253 643908 Eileen Wallwork, Burnley Library, 01282 838849 ing, their sporting and artistic talents and their Warren Scholfield, Nelson Library, 01282 606361 Linda Richardson, Leyland Library, 01772 453841 creative flair which enrich their lives as children TO HELP Alison Dodgen, Fleetwood Library, 01253 775805 Elizabeth Merry, Chorley Library, 01257 266455 and as adults in the future? Sandra Schofield, Rawtenstall Library, 01706 831001 Janet Rowland, Skelmersdale Library, 01695 729878 www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • information centres • hotlines August 2006 7 We’re proud of Lancashire Search for LCDL a star update Lancashire County Developments Ltd THE search is now on to find the most public-spirited people The County Council’s economic development department in Lancashire. And your help is needed in finding them. zFLASHBACK: Julie Morrow, last year’s Red We all know such people but they have Rose Teacher of the Year with TV presenter rarely received public recognition – before Dave Guest. the Red Rose Awards. Members of the public almost all areas of life. are asked to nominate peo- Categories Judges will include ordi- ple in 10 categories. There nary people from across may be 10 headings but „Teacher of the Lancashire as well as coun- qualities remain constant – Year ty councillors and media selflessness, dedication, a personalities. willingness to help others. „Parent of the Nomination forms are County Councillor Hazel now available in Harding, leader of Year libraries, county infor- Lancashire County Council „Community mation centres and in which backs the awards, team – for voluntary the county council said: “Lancashire people groups mobile information unit. need to celebrate the values „Community cham- They are also avail- that make the county such a pion – building commu- able at the reception distinctive place. These nity spirit desks of our partners at awards offer that chance. „Young Person of the Lancashire Evening “We can all think of many Post, Rock FM, BBC people we respect and Year Radio Lancashire, Magic admire. We are asking peo- 999 and on the Rock FM ple to put their thoughts on „Amateur “ThunderTruck”. a nomination form to make Sportsperson Nominations close on 22 judging decisions easier.” September. The award cere- This year’s awards are „Businessperson mony will take place on the third. Categories cover November’s Lancashire Day. Tell us who you want to win Tell us here or on a nomination form available from the places above Person you are nominating ...... Category ...... Our Record – 7 74 jobs so far this ...... Their address ...... Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL), businesses being set up, 20 small firms benefiting . . . Tel (if possible) ...... year.Lancashire County Council’s economic development from apprentices funded by LCDL and 88 communi- Have you told them of the nomination? ...... company, has enjoyed another successful year. ty groups given grants to develop training and skills Your name/address ...... programmes...... LCDL is committed to the council’s core aim of mak- Tel ...... ing Lancashire a place where everybody matters. From the manufacturing sector, ranging from liquid This person deserves the award because (continue on separate That means helping businesses, individuals and management projects and sign fabricators to food sheet if necessary) local communities howev- production and technolo- er and whenever we can gy businesses, LCDL pro- through loans, grants and duced an additional practical advice and assis- £5.7m in Gross Value tance. Added activity in Return to: Lancashire Red Rose Awards, PO Box 78, County Hall, Preston PR1 Lancashire last year. The year ending 31st March 2006 saw the com- Commercial space is a pany create or safeguard crucial factor in attracting 774 jobs, help 37 busi- investment and LCDL nesses start-up or grow operates business parks and provide funding to 88 in Leyland and Lancaster locally-based community as well as managing groups to overcome barri- start-up units in Preston ers to employment, edu- and Burnley. In 2006, cation, training and volunteering. LCDL created an additional 143,740 square feet of new workspace. Through working in partnership with other organisa- tions such as the North West Development Agency, In addition, the Rosebud scheme, which provides English Heritage, the European Social Fund and pri- loans to new and expanding businesses, achieved vate investors, LCDL’s activities have resulted in an an economic impact of £7.1m by attracting private overall gain of £16.5m to the Lancashire economy. investment into the county.

More than 600 organisations have benefited from LCDL’s focus for the future is to continue to work LCDL’s advice and support in the last year, on a hard to improve economic and social wellbeing in very diverse range of projects. Lancashire, with particular emphasis on raising stan- dards for our most deprived communities. Activities include 15 film and TV productions being shot in the county over 35 days, 20 new creative

Lancashire County Developments Ltd. 8 August 2006 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF £££s for OAPs National spectacle HUNDREDS of top rac- ers will be speeding after free check through Lancashire on 30 August in the Lancashire Renewal Fund and from local GPs. stage of the Tour of PENDLE pensioners are three “The three quarters of a million pounds Britain cycle race. quarters of a million pounds bet- is a fantastic amount of money and will The race – a succes- ter off thanks to a Lancashire help improve the lives of local people. sor to the former Milk County Council initiative. “We have been working hard with the Race – will start in Many people aged over 75 who live in over-75s because we know that there are Blackpool and end in the area have received free benefits so many people who are unable, or , taking in checks from a county council Welfare unaware, of how to claim their entitle- Poulton, Preesall, the Rights project worker and found that ments. But we have shown that with a lit- Trough of Bowland, they were entitled to benefits that they tle effort a great deal can be achieved. Clitheroe, Samlesbury, were unaware of. “You have to remember that this is Bamber Bridge, Leyland, The Over-75s Project ran for 12 money that people are entitled to. It Tarleton and Banks. zWE DECLARE this centre open: County Councillors Marcus Johnstone and Niki Penney join staff months thanks to funding from the would have been a great shame if these Riders from across the and young people at Morecambe’s new one-stop advice centre. Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. A Welfare people had continued to go without world are expected to Rights officer teamed up with local GPs, because they were simply unaware of compete. social workers, Pendle Energy and what they should have been receiving.” ‘Information station’ a big hit Efficiency team and the Pendle The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Our winners Community Home Support team to con- project has now finished but the Welfare A TOTAL of 623 people YOUNG people played the name that they have given it such a warm name. tact local people who were aged over 75 to Rights Service continues to offer free entered Vision’s reader game when a new one-stop shop “Information Station sounds so much offer them a free benefits assessment. advice to all residents on a range of wel- competition to win friendlier than one-stop shop. The checks involved visiting people at fare issues. They can be contacted on opened for them in Morecambe. their homes and checking their entitle- 01772 533504. Virgin Train tickets to Within hours they had renamed it the “This centre brings together many agen- ment to various benefits. They also got Pendle is not the only area helped by Scotland. Information Station – and Information cies that help young people so they don’t have z the county council’s welfare rights offi- S Clarke, from Station it will remain. to go from building to building around town. help with filling in forms and appeals if cers. Two similar projects in part of Burnley, wins a pair of The idea is to provide information on a “These young people are part of an necessary. Hyndburn have raised £3.5m in the last first-class tickets while range of services under one roof. Advice is admirable generation. They face the same County Councillor Jean Battle said: four years. W Dixon, of Heysham, available on careers, housing, health, bene- challenges as everyone and yet find time to “This is a fantastic story for Pendle and Similar checks in Burnley generated wins a family ticket. fits, education and training. work with police on a ‘stop and search’ Lancashire. The scheme has been incred- £2.5m. Welfare rights projects are taking Prizes will be posted County Councillor Niki Penney, member video, to stand as youth councillors and to ibly successful thanks to the help we have place across the county. out. for Skerton, said “It is a vote of confidence create a garden at the local fire station.” received from the Neighbourhood Children’s centres on way From p1 Whitehall hopes that all children should have such access by 2010. Centres have been planned to, where possible, make use of existing Lancashire County Council sites and facilities - Champion! We’re such as schools and community centres. Where centres are based in schools, funding will also be available from Extended Services in Schools grants.

A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission preparing for Resources

The following 3 posts are required for 37 hours a week at Building Design Unit, County Hall, Preston. New opportunities are currently available, due to retirements, in our Building Design Unit which is a busy, multi-disciplinary office with an expanding workload covering a large range of diverse projects from tomorrow’s world historic buildings to multi-million pound programmes of work for both the public sector and private clients. All our high speed workstations operate the latest versions of AutoCAD software and the practice is currently based in our head office at County Hall, Preston. We will all be old one day, but our ‘champion’ Principal architect Ref: RD/06/099 £34,986 to £37,476 a year. You will demonstrate a high level of design expertise, and will also system - and our fascinating poll - will ensure that organise and coordinate staff and projects including all activities which comprise the professional services of registered architect and interior designer, on a commercial basis in accordance with our business plan. services will change to meet your changing needs You will be responsible for coordinating the interior design function within the architectural teams, and this will be your primary role. Essential: You must have 5 year’s post-registration experience, and IN-DEPTH “future-proofing” of be able to create exciting new buildings and interiors. POINTER TO YOUR FUTURE MONEY LIFE public services will ensure that no Senior architectural technician Ref: RD/06/100 one is left behind in tomorrow’s We asked, among many Which of the What, if anything, £23,175 to £29,859 a year Lancashire. questions: following would/do do you think you You will work proactively, carrying out the full range of architectural Which of the following you use to finance will miss out on in technical skills on a commercial basis on all aspects of work, from The needs of today’s older people are different from those of their parents - and the next gener- would most allow you to your retirement older age (per outline proposals, project planning and operations on site, to remain living in your (per cent)? cent)? completion. ation will be different again. Essential: Lancashire County Council research involving neighbourhood in your State pension 93 Being active 56 You must be NVQ/B Tech or HND qualified in building old age? construction. You must also have 5 year’s post-qualification experience more than 1,700 people has looked at tomorrow’s Work pension 61 Independence 41 with a range of appropriateproject experience. needs and will steer services in areas such as To feel safe 63% Personal pension 29 Keeping up with policing, care provision and transport and even Help caring for Substantial technology 32 zDOROTHY Westell: Interior designer Ref: RD/06/101 guide the private sector in providing facilities yourself 35% savings 22 Going on holiday 21 champion for older £23,175 to £26,928 a year such as shops and leisure. Help getting out 30% Other 8 Social life 19 people. The next You will provide technical support and imaginative design on all Top priorities of Lancashire people were More social service Property income 7 New experiences 17 generation of older aspects of interior and furnishing work, from outline proposals, scheme revealed as living independently, being financial- support 31% Part-time work 4 Going to work 15 people will have dif- and detail design, production information for schedules/bills of ly comfortable, and being able to stay in their More money 34% Friends 14 ferent needs from quantities and tender action, project planning and installation on site to own homes. Almost one in two said they looked Help with household completion and hand-over of the project. The role includes the design today’s so we must chores 28% Source: Life in Lancashire. Base: adults aged 45- of furniture and fittings for clients, as well as working with multi- forward to leading an active old age. Aids and adaptations 26% be ready plus (1,706). disciplinary design teams to produce fully coordinated interiors in new County Councillor Dorothy Westell, and existing buildings. Lancashire County Council’s Older People’s Champion, said: “We have to look at changing fear of crime. pions the interests of parishes while Apply online for the above 3 posts at: demographics and people’s expectations of the “But we also found that they preferred town County Councillor Sean Serridge is www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies or email: support they will need in 20 to 30 years. centres rather than out-of-town shopping parks Champion for Young People into Work and [email protected]. Tel: 01772 533383, “Such services have to be planned years in because of transport problems in getting to retail Training. 24hr answerphone. advance. parks. Councillor Atkinson attended 48 parish “That is something that has great implications Lancashire County Council is an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications “Some concerns are timeless, such as health, meetings last year and aims to help parish from all sections of the community. Applications from ethnic minorities are welcome. while other concerns are relatively new. for the private sector.” councils work together to solve shared You must be committed to equality and diversity in the workplace. “The pensioners of tomorrow, for example, The research will feed into the Lancashire problems. Lancashire County Council are currently Partnership which represents public- and pri- undergoing an equal pay review and expect to have more money than today’s pension- the grades of some posts advertised may be ers and many worry about how they will handle vate-sector bodies. Councillor Serridge, Britain’s youngest subject to review in future months. their money. z Councillor Westell is one of three county councillor, has just taken over his A full job description of all vacancies is available “We also found that many older people rarely Lancashire County Council “champions”. “champion” role from County Councillor on our website www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies venture into town centres after dark because of County Councillor Albert Atkinson cham- Peter Wilson. A cassette version of Vision is now available for visually impaired people from Galloway’s Society for the Blind by calling 01772 744148

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