A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission January 2008 OH YEA, OH YEAVISION ONLINE FROM THE HEART Take a fresh look at Enter competitions and Teens share historic write to us online their feelings Page 5 www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/vision page 7

ROAD CHAOS:

ENDINSIGHTto issue £60 penalty charge notices, which should be a strong deterrent. Time for action - “I have seen cars parked two abreast outside some schools – with headteacher Legal move to end children trying to navigate their way through the traffic. It is shock- HOLY Trinity CE Primary School is ing and completely selfish. one of dozens, possibly hundreds, “Many headteachers are sick of of schools county-wide which will writing to parents asking for some benefit from extra enforcement of consideration. It is about time that school “zig-zag” zones. school-gate anarchy something was done.” John Aspin, headteacher at the Surveys have already been Stacksteads school, said: “I have A COUNTY council clamp- (TROs) for 2008 will make it easier “Some would drive their car right ordered to ensure that zig-zag road- sent many letters to parents telling down against dangerous for parking attendants to enforce into the school hall if they could. marks and signs are up to legal them to park considerately. It some- times works – but doesn’t last. parking is set to boost safe- parking restrictions on zig-zags. Parents, pupils and teachers are standards at all of Lancashire’s County Councillor Tony Martin, the winners in this move. 600-plus schools. “Some parents drop their children ty at the school gates. Cabinet member for Sustainable “It has always been an offence to The TROs will be introduced on a off on the zig-zags. They think it will Many parts of Lancashire have Development, said: “People have park on zig-zags, but – until now – district-by-district basis. By late only take a few seconds – but park- schools where drivers ignore zig- complained for years that a minori- parking attendants have only been spring, schools in every part of the ing there causes a danger to other zag “safety zones” in front of school ty of selfish parents park their cars able to inform the police, giving the county will be included. Until then people trying to cross the road. gates. The resulting congestion is right next to the gates, making it offender the chance to drive away. – and after then – the existing “Almost every school can report a danger to children. very dangerous for children trying “The changes will mean that offence of obstruction will continue near-misses and some have actually But new traffic regulation orders to cross the road. parking attendants will now be able to be enforced by police. had children being hit by cars.”

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 January 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 Car use Questions answered by your falls by 13 friend in the know per cent Road repairs About seven years ago I bought a house on quite Travel plans extended a large, new housing estate. The estate was after South Ribble shows completed four years ago and the developer moved public transport can work off site. I have just found out that our street has still By Martin Crabtree not been adopted by Lancashire County CAR trips in South Ribble were slashed Council, so therefore by 13 per cent following a marketing they are not responsible exercise carried out under the CIVITAS for repairs. There are NEED to get rid of something? Recycling centres are the way to go. SUCCESS banner. problems on the road The project is now being extended to parts of and several streetlights process is underway. For much rubbish as possi- from nothing to £1,000s Preston, Lancaster and Morecambe to relieve con- do not work. any existing defects you ble so you should be depending on the work gestion on the roads. I have spoken to the will have to contact your able recycle your card- carried out and the eli- The TravelSmart project involved making direct developer but still noth- developer again. board and old units, but gibility criteria used for contact with households by phone and on the ing has been done. How if you’re in any doubt the grant. doorstep to offer personalised information and advice do residents get this Learn to drive just ask one of the A lot of the grants are on the best ways to travel. road adopted? My daughter is plan- “Here To Help” staff dependent on the work Help included individually tailored local bus Mr N, ning to learn to drive available on all the being carried out by an timetables and discounts on cycles. this year. sites. approved installer. County Councillor Tony Martin, Cabinet member To get the road adopted, Is there any information Even where work has for Sustainable Development, said: “The project has the person who owns available to help her get Childcare been carried out at lim- shown that by making better use of public transport the road (most likely the started? My family and I have ited or no cost, you are information and taking steps to promote alternatives developer) has to apply Mrs R, Preston recently moved to entitled for it to have to the car, we can achieve great results. for what is known as Preston and I am look- been done properly and “This 13 per cent would go a long way towards “Section 38” Lancashire County ing to find a local child- effectively. tackling traffic congestion Agreement”. Council Road Safety minder who can look It is normally the and climate change if it Easy travel This is the process that Group's Pre-Pass after my two young chil- responsibility of the were repeated across the has to be gone through Support scheme helps dren. Where can I find installer to correct country.” Make your journeys simpler by the land owner to get learners and friends and their details and how defects. The South Ribble cam- - by leaving your car at Don’t know who to a road adopted. family planning to much will they cost? The initial complaint paign involved more than home. contact when you Developers who wish to accompany them on Mr M, Preston should be made to the 10,700 households. Visit: www.transportfor need help? build a road to be main- practice sessions. installer directly but, if Evaluation of the proj- lancashire.com tained by the council There is the opportunity The Childcare this is not successful, ect has shown that people for timetable information Baffled by will normally be expect- to attend a free course Information Service will should be escalated to increased their walking and a link to a journey bureaucracy? ed to enter into an and receive a free be happy to help you. Warmfront. by up to 45 per cent, planner. Agreement under CD-ROM. You can contact them on Complaints should be cycling by 75 per cent and Ring Shirley on Section 38 of the For more information 0800 1950137 or email made by, or on behalf public transport use by 10 Visit www.civitas-initia 0845 0530000 or email Highway Act 1980, a call 01772 530316 or them at: childcare of, the customer to: per cent - resulting in a tive.org Shirley on enquiries@ function that is under- email roadsafety@env. informationservice@ 1) the contact centre on 13 per cent reduction in for a wider view of transport css.lancscc.gov.uk taken by district coun- lancscc.gov.uk csc.lancscc.gov.uk 0800 3166011; car-driver trips. in the future. cils on behalf of They can produce a per- 2) If unable to resolve, Write to: Lancashire Highways. Permit worries sonalised list of child- it should be referred to Ask Shirley Before this process the I have fitted a new care providers that can the customer services Museum steams ahead Customer Service Centre road has to be brought kitchen in my home and be posted or e-mailed to team on 0800 408 0392; The Red Rose Hub up to Lancashire as a result I have a you. Details should 3) It could be escalated Bluebell Way County Council’s adop- large amount of rubbish include contact num- to a manager or: Preston tion standard. Please which I need to take to bers, available working 4) It can be escalated PR2 5PZ contact Lancashire the tip. hours and cost. Local, for a written response Highways on Do I need a permit in registered providers can to: Customer Response 0845 order to get rid of it and, also be found on the Team, Eaga House, 0530011 if so, how do I go about web at www.child Archbold Terrace, who can getting one? carelink.gov.uk/ Newcastle upon Tyne inform Mr K, Carnforth lancashire. For details NE2 1DB. you if about available places If this process is the Lancashire’s Household you should then contact followed, and it fails, Waste Recycling Centres the childminder directly. Trading Standards can are open daily from 8am pursue the complaint. to 7pm except Christmas Boiler help Day, Boxing Day and I have had a grant AWARD for bringing history to life: from left, Ian Gibson, New Year’s Day. from Warmfront for a DON’T head of museum collections, awards chair Professor You will only need a new boiler. I have had Marilyn Palmer, staff member Sylvia Wilson, Professor permit to take any rub- problems and the FORGET Angus Buchanan. bish to the site if you installer is avoiding want to use a van or a sorting it out. ’S and Mrs G, Burnley twin-axle trailer (less You county councillor Museum has been named “best tour” by the than 3m long). You can will be keen to help. Association for Industrial Archaeology. get one by ringing 0845 Warmfront is a govern- Contact details are Lancashire County Council’s 19th-century tourist 0500957 or applying ment-backed scheme available on mill in is the world’s only surviving online at the above providing grants and steam-powered mill, bringing history to life address. subsidies to provide 0845 0530000 or at: www.lancashire.gov.uk with all the sights, sounds and smells of the mill. To find your nearest site basic heating facilities Together with its sister museum, Mills go to www.lan- and advice on a whole Textile Museum in Rossendale, the two museums cashire.gov.uk/envi- series of energy-saving You can also try your area’s County Information help to bring the east Lancashire textile industry to ronment/waste/ initiatives. The contri- life. Helmshore museum is currently closed for major The sites are designed bution made by the Centre where staff are trained to help the public improvement works. Queen Street is closed for the to help you to recycle as householder can range winter and will reopen in March. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • adult education • libraries January 2008 3 NEWS IN Health is BRIEF the prize Re-Mark-able New bid to boost achievement THE Lancaster and Morecambe Adult Learn- ‘Clean food’ ing Disability Provider Service has been award- ed Charter Mark status. scheme extends The service achieved “Best Practice” status for food safety across the county its consultation processes and provision of informa- PUPILS Alison tion for adults with a By Martin Crabtree Nesham (15) and Chris- learning disability. topher Proctor (15) with The county council cur- County Councillor Alan rently supports over 420 HUNGRY residents could be getting a adults with a learning dis- better deal the next time they fancy a Whittaker, deputy chair ability, aged between 18 tasty meal from one of the county’s many of the county council. and 64, in the Lancaster food establishments. and Morecambe area. Experts from the county council’s Trading HEALTH-conscious Standards team and district council environmental pupils at Pear Tree Illness down health officers have teamed up to launch Recipe 4 School in Kirkham EMPLOYEES at Lanca- Health, a benchmark for healthy eating. have scooped a shire County Council The scheme has been running successfully in £1,000 prize for have achieved reduced Chorley for the last 12 months and has attracted their campaign to absenteeism levels. more than 50 businesses keen to prove that their The number of work- bring good eating ing days lost for each meals and premises meet high standards. And now businesses in Burnley, Rossendale and habits to the school. full-time employee Now they plan to Preston are to get the opportunity to sign up. between July and spend their winnings Businesses wanting to carry the Recipe 4 Health September is 1.81 days. on a new salad bar. This is a reduction logo must meet standards in four key areas: Pear Tree pupils compared to 1.94 days Compliance with food standards and food safety were winners in the in 2006 and beats the legislation special school cate- target of 2.25 days. Allergen/alcohol awareness gory of the Lancashire Healthy eating County Council Chair- Action film Consideration for the environment man’s Challenge, in The award is also on offer to any establishment SWORD fights, car chas- which schools were where food is served. Already schools, nurseries, a es and unexploded invited to come up conference centre and a cricket club have joined. bombs are some of the with ideas for making perils being faced by Lon- Trading Standards officer Aamena Kapasi their pupils healthier. gridge High School pupils. explained: “These days more and more people have The school council at They have created the meals out or take-aways. Pear Tree will now Longridge Broadcasting “Recipe 4 Health is an indication that the business Corporation and its first open a school tuck conforms to high standards regardless of whether feature will be a James shop offering healthy they are selling you a sandwich or a curry. Bond-type film, devised snacks. “The scheme also ensures that customers are pro- and scripted entirely by For more details on vided with healthy options.” pupils themselves. the Chairman’s Chall- The film, called City Businesses that have achieved the Recipe for enge, contact 01257 Lights, will be premiered Health standard will begin displaying their door HEALTHY and safe food: Gillian Ferguson, owner of Chorley’s Lancashire Fayre and 226900. in the New Year. stickers and certificates soon. trading standards officer Aamena Kapasi. 4 January 2008 Providing • bridge maintenance • paths www.lancashire.gov.uk A super shopping WIN weekend for two

Shop with soul where you got the “divvy” THE Co-op was the Father Christmas on the move were upstairs. Some time ago I went best thing that ever to Beamish in Durham happened to the work- LANCASHIRE County Council’s Father Christmas and saw the old Co-op ing people of Great shops there. They brought Harwood (Vision, was a big attraction to chil- dren when he joined coun- back many good memo- ries, Nov/Dec), where I cillors in meeting members MRS E LEWKOWITZ grew up. of the public on the authori- The Great Harwood and Kirkham ty’s mobile unit. ENTER our competi- superb prize, just answer the following: District Co-operative He is pictured in Leyland tion for the chance of a superb weekend What is Stoke-on-Trent commonly Society was a society with with, from left, Chloe Better behaved away in Staffordshire. known as? a soul. The benefit that peo- Wealthy, Joseph Grant and I DON’T know why Wedgwood Pottery celebrates its 250th ple derived from its activi- anti-social behaviour anniversary in 2009 but you needn't wait Send your completed entry by Friday 18 ties was imponderable. Alex Grant. occurs - or what its that long to discover more about its her- January to Potteries Competition, Vision, The dividend (divi) pro- itage and history. A full programme of of complacency, lack of perpetrators get out of County Hall, Preston, PR1 8XJ. Or save a vided many poorer fami- Stoke-on-Trent, commonly known as entertainment was organ- foresight, and bad man- it. stamp and email your entry to: www. lies the wherewithal to the Potteries, is the only British city to be ised. There were races of agement was to blame in All the same I was lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/vision. enjoy a little Christmas named after its principal industry. It all descriptions. The final my view. pleased to see that anti- For more information about Stoke-on- cheer – even it was only a attracts 3.5m visitors a year and has of the local school football Increasing use of cars social behaviour appears Trent see www.visitstoke.co.uk or tele- chicken for the table, a something to interest everyone all year competition ensured that after the war meant that to have fallen significant- phone 0l782 236000. Steve Birks' website Christmas pudding, a box round. a good time was had by people wanted one-stop ly (or, at least, that people - www.the potteries.org - is worth a visit. of crackers and a bottle of Enjoy a two-night stay for two, includ- all. shopping with parking perceive less of it) as Virgin Trains has travel information, wine. Without it a very ing bed and breakfast, at the Jacobean- The society also pro- facilities. Vision reported in including special offers, at: www.virgin bare Christmas would style North Stafford Hotel opposite the Some traditions will December. trains.com have been in store. duced pantomimes for the main railway station. Owned by Britannia never be repeated. What I do know is that Fares include complimentary seat It did not end there by children, by the children. Hotels, the North Stafford is the ideal G JOHNSON my road used to be reservations and may be bought online on a long chalk. Each year A great deal of care, time base to explore the city and New Year plagued by such behav- 08457 222333, or by visiting any staffed the local schoolchildren and trouble were lavished shopping bargains that Stoke has to offer rail station or rail-appointed travel agent. iour at all times of the were assembled on the on these productions. The you. First TransPennine runs direct services day and night. Town Gate Square for the musical director was a EVERYONE shopped We'll include first-class return rail tick- calling at Lancaster and Preston to Co-op treat and then, led brilliant pianist called at the Co-op in Some was by young ets from First TransPennine (Lancaster or . A new fleet of 100mph diesel by a brass band, they Sydney Duckworth, who Kirkham. people, some was by Preston to Manchester) and Virgin Trains trains has recently been introduced offer- would march through the was sadly lost serving I was born on Mill adults. (Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent) to get you ing improved standards of comfort and town to the local show- with the air force in in Kirkham and It is now quite a while there in style and comfort. inter-city quality travel. field. Second World War. remember shops in the since there have been any On arrival, Spode and Portmeirion For tickets and timetables, see Each child was given a The Co-op catered for town well. The Co-op had incidents. manufacturers are within walking dis- www.tpexpress.co.uk bag of sweets and a ticket all needs, from banking to lovely shops which It may signify a lasting tance. Other attractions, including Britannia Hotels has a fantastic for a coffee and a bun. a clogger’s shop. employed local people. We change or it may be that shops, the Wedgwood Visitor Centre and January sale offering you the chance to The hot coffee was served The Co-op had virtually had a row of shops on residents here have had a the famous Italian Gardens are a bus or stay at many of its 33 hotels at bargain from huge wooden barrels a shop on every street Poulton Street, including lucky run - but any taxi ride away. rates. Details at on flat carts, and was the corner, its own farms and a grocery, a bakery, a respite is welcome. To be in with a chance of winning our www.britanniahotels.com best coffee I have ever . How then did butcher’s shop, a drapery, T PILLING Note: hotel accommodation is strictly subject to availability. tasted. they go under? A mixture a chemist – the offices, Rossendale Usual Vision competition rules apply. The prize is as stated. Transport to mainline rail stations and incidental expenses are not included. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • information centres • hotlines January 2008 5 NEWS IN From the Lakes to Liverpool, BRIEF forever Lancashire Fleetwood Through ferry to sail through winter A POPULAR public trans- port service, linking Fleetwood to Knott End, will run through the winter the eyes of for the first time in years. Following a very suc- cessful summer service, the ferryboat Wyre Rose will keep the transport link across the River Wyre open until Easter. County Councillor Tony Martin, Cabinet member a child… for Sustainable Development, said: “Successful public trans- port schemes aren’t just Hundreds of Lancashire children about buses and trains as the Knott End ferry clearly shows.” entered a competition to tell us The Wyre Rose cross- es the river once every COUNTY pride: Lancaster town crier Frank Barton reminds people how large Lancashire is. hour between 8am and what they think of where they live 5pm in winter. There will be a gap in WONDERFUL countryside, are looking better, the schools are TOWN criers were The area covered by towns, including February when the ferry great seaside towns, even the happy places. out in force on Lancashire County Lancaster, Ulverston, will have to leave the Council has changed Clitheroe, Nelson, grey terraced streets … hun- That is what hundreds of chil- Lancashire Day to water for a complete over- dren told Lancashire County celebrate the coun- vastly over the years. Ormskirk and Grange- haul and service. During dreds of Lancashire children Council in a writing contest that ty’s historic bound- The administrative over-Sands, read out that period, the ferry bus have been casting a fresh eye area of Lancashire the Lancashire Day service will operate. was judged on the annual aries. over proud Lancashire. Lancashire Day. has changed – but the proclamation declaring The traditional historic county still people’s historic right to The child’s-eye view of the world Teachers in classes across the boundaries of the Nurseries is completely unprejudiced – so county used the competition to get exists. call themselves ancient County Town criers in 22 Lancastrians. stop the rot they see what the rest of us take children thinking and writing. Palatine included for granted. Some pupils did drawings and Liverpool, Manchester, LANCASHIRE nurseries Community spirit is still there, paintings to accompany their and a Lancashire den- and parts of the tist have teamed up to fresh air is back, the town centres entry. Lake District. improve dental health among children. ‘I love the sea breeze Picture by It is less than two Georgie Kay years since Poulton Holman (9) of dentist Graham Wilding in my hair’ Rivington recruited nurseries in a - Winner Angus Young (10) Primary bid to teach correct School. dental health to the under-fives. Lancashire is as beautiful as a great red sunset More than 1,100 nurs- on a summer’s evening. eries are now part of his There is a vivid contrast between the bustling Stop the Rot campaign cities and the tranquil rural areas. – which now has back- Our glorious countryside is the best in ing from a national company. England, with its mountains and woods. All through the seasons the countryside is stunning; in the autumn as the leaves are golden, you see Business guide the most spectacular colours in the world. THE help available in A golden stream flows through the gaps in the Lancashire to businesses canopies above. is explained on a new In the summer, the sun smiles down on every- website. thing, a wise orange eye floating in the sky. Availability of cash sup- port, skills, land, property The birds, twittering away to each other, in the and details of infrastruc- most striking song. ture are all featured on Even in winter, you are astounded by the won- www.makeitlancashire. ders it holds, the bare trees reaching up to the sea breeze enchanting as it blows my hair and com – a free and com- great blue sapphire, and the ice and frost glinting creeps up my nostrils. prehensive service. like diamonds in the cold winter sun. The beach is a great asset, as I can just pop Picture by Rebecca The site offers contact We have many famous natural breeding sites, down and relax or play. Everybody seems to Burslem (9) of Clifton details for business sup- such as Martin Mere and Leighton Moss. know everyone. Primary School. port across all of Lanca- We are famed for our Lancashire hotpot The community is very tight. The centre of the shire’s local authorities. (which I love). Lancashire has seaside towns community is the square, which has many and picturesque villages. shops and delightful restaurants. Tim’s tales I live in St Annes, one of those towns. I find the Lancashire is the best place to be! READING and songs in Lancashire dialect Holly Welsby (10), St James CE helped celebrate Roll of honour Primary School, Brindle Lancashire Day at Chorley library. Winner - Angus Young (10) Calum Forde (11), St Mary’s RC Chorley-based Brian Our Lady Star of the Sea RC Primary School, Preston “Sid” Calderbank read Primary School, St Annes Abby Tomlinson (9), St Michael’s excerpts from the writ- CE Primary School ings of Tim Bobbin, Runners-up Sarah Elliott (10) Our Lady Star of whose work dates from as far back as 1746, and Kirsty Blair (11), Forton Primary the Sea RC Primary School, St also read a selection of School, near Lancaster Annes comic Lancashire tales. It is hoped to run sim- Stoneygate in 1768 he ilar events at the library ‘Streetlights meant mills applied for a patent for the in the future. could work longer’ new he had devel- oped. Road-gritting - Runner-up Calum Forde (11) A famous dish is the Lancashire hotpot which In the December edition of Vision we stated that LANCASHIRE: in early times it guarded originated in the days of Priority 1 for gritting in England from the invading Scots. Lancashire . It consist- Lancashire comprises is littered with conflict – York and Lancaster, ed of meat, onion and pota- “county motorways and Cromwell and Charles and parts of the toes baked in the ovens principal ‘A’ roads which Jacobite Rebellion were all played out in the and is still very popular are looked after by the county. today. Highways Agency”. This We also have the famous , What makes Preston should have read Priority and their trial in the 1600s around the Pendle proud? 1 - county council main- area. tained motorways and On 17 October 1979 it principal (A) roads. Preston was the first town to have gas was the day the queen came The Highways Agency, streetlighting. It is possible that the main rea- to visit and lots of people which maintains most of son was that the mills were then able to work were there to see her. the motorways and major longer hours. Today, there is a cricketer called “Freddie” trunk roads in the UK, In 1732 Richard Arkwright was born in Flintoff who plays for England and Preston. carry out its own winter Preston, the youngest son of a poor family. Nick Park, who did Wallace and Gromit, gritting service. While staying in the Arkwright house in attended Our Lady’s RC High School. 6 LOOKJanuary 2008 Providing • youth LIVELY services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk

Old phone School desks shipped to Pakistan appeal OLD mobile TWO containers of used in Pakistan. High School in the Gujrat headteacher Mike Tull. raised the money to pay phones could soon furniture from Lancashire The tables and chairs – district of Pakistan, which Many people in Burnley for the containers to be be helping the schools have made a which had been destined was visited earlier this and Pendle have family in shipped. elderly – with a massive difference to for a landfill site – are year by County Councillor Gujrat and the East The pictures show the collection and prize educational opportunities being used at the Jaurah Terry Burns and Pendle Lancashire community class before and after. draw organised by Help the Aged. BEFORE: pupils sit on the floor to learn NOW: new life for Lancashire’s old desks Lancashire’s Help the Aged volunteers are asking people to donate their old mobiles. Each unwanted, reusable phone can raise £5. Each donation will be entered into a draw to win a new Nokia phone – donat- ed by ShP Solutions. Donated phones should be accompa- nied by your name, telephone number and Help the Aged written on it into the freepost envelope along with your mobile. They should be posted to: FREEPOST, ShP Solutions, Lancaster, or taken to your local Help the Aged shop. Voice of CHIEF executive Chris Trinick never knew where his career would end when, 37 years ago, he first stepped into the class- Pick up a free safety pack room as a teacher. Then his ambition was to become a headteacher. A NEW partnership has been Parking attendants will also give the He will leave in May after six years as chief executive of formed to reduce congestion and packs to motorists. Lancashire County Council, the fourth largest local author- encourage safe use of Lancashire Call Traveline to find out about all ity in the country. It has been six years of constant change roads. public transport services in Lancashire to ensure that the county council’s services meet the ever- on 0871 200 2233 between 8am and increasing expectations of modern service users. The county council’s Road Safety 8pm, 7 days a week (calls from land- Group, Travelwise and Parkwise are lines cost 10p a minute plus normal education officer. The debate today is not just teaming up for a new campaign aimed network charges) or visit www.trans at winter driving. Career opportunities came about how we teach but, also, how portforlancashire.com along, but it was never planned. children learn. “Winter Road Remedy” packs, To find out more about Parkwise, In Lancashire I am the first non- including a free scraper, information visit www.parkwise.org.uk or for Road lawyer to hold the top job in the What was the high point of about road safety, public transport and Safety information, visit www. council since it was established your career? other services as well as promotional lancashire.gov.uk/environment/ Chris Trinick in 1888. That was when Lancashire gifts, will be handed out by the groups. roadsafety/ County Council was first awarded Chief Executive, Lancashire Your background is in teach- four-star status by the Audit ing. How have schools words for themselves. County Council Commission. changed? The independent Rose It meant – and still means – Review of Early Reading last My first chief education officer, that services to the Lancashire How has local government year confirmed that high-quali- when I left teaching and became a public are excellent and still changed over the years? ty phonic work should be the professional asistant in Ealing, improving. prime means for teaching It has become far more joined up had real power. Schools had to It has given us more flexibility All of us children how to read and spell in recent times. Previously, serv- seek permission even to replace a and freedom from central control. remember words. It also highlighted the ices worked in “silos”. window. It is a recognition that we are able learning to importance of developing Most services offered were Local management of schools to get on with the job – a recogni- read and children’s speaking and listen- excellent but did not work across has changed all that by giving tion that now saves us £20,000 in write. ing skills. departmental boundaries. schools their independence. audit fees annually. Schools have been strengthened As a result, many schools in For example, our work in school Do members of the public get Many of us by it. Lancashire are using a improvement was done in isola- good value? learned the high-quality phonics teaching tion. No-one was looking at related As a children’s services author- “phonics” aid called “Letters and Sounds” issues such as housing and health ity, we now challenge schools as a We spend £800,000 a day on route - we to plan lively sessions which which influence what happens in critical friend. We support them, social care. learned that raise standards in reading and school. but we do not give them orders.It That is 146,000 separate D-O-G spells writing. is no longer our job to run schools episodes of care each day. We lit- Lesley Dodd dog. Learning How has change affected the directly. erally get some people out of bed The Rose Review recom- public? can be fun! mended that phonics should be and put them back to bed at the Our services are now more “cus- Should teachers be given end of the day. taught daily, more attention more independence? Literacy consultant A debate should be paid to developing tomised” to people’s needs. We are being smarter in - phonics about phon- speaking and listening skills, We are a large organisation, yet There is a trend now to let the how we provide services. Life ics has raged and that for most children, we try to get the balance right pendulum swing back so that in Ormskirk, for example, is for years. phonics teaching should start between economy of scale and a teachers can take more initiative different from life in Lancaster by the age of five. personalised service. – and that is right. or Burnley and our services have I WORK as a literacy Here, Letters and Sounds takes a Take social care as an example These things change - it is to be adapted to meet people’s consultant, introducing consultant “synthetic” approach to the where we are moving towards swings and roundabouts across needs in evermore cost-effective Lesley Dodd teaching of reading, encourag- individualised budgets. The days the world. ways. phonics into schools around At one stage, schools had total explains ing children to identify sounds of providing a uniform service What will you do after Lancashire. It’s a really responsibility for the curriculum, but what is hap- in words. For example, children have gone. Lancashire County Council? worthwhile job as the read- pening in quickly learn to work out that People are living longer and the mood moved away from that. ing skills that primary Lancashire. “C-A-T” spells “cat”. they need a wider range of servic- In this country there are the I shall go fishing a lot more. school children acquire will Teachers in Lancashire have es which are relevant to their per- beginnings of a swing towards I remain a member of the open doors for them for the welcomed the principles and sonal needs. giving teachers more autonomy Ofsted board and will continue with that as well as keeping my rest of their lives. practice of Letters and Sounds, Did you think you would ever again. Phonics are the sounds that and are building their skills be in charge of a £1.4bn Having said that, good teachers options open for future chal- letters, or combinations of let- and enthusiasm by attending organisation? have always taught in their own lenges. courses run by Lancashire individual style, regardless of I won’t return to Lancashire ters, make: once children have No. I had an ambition to be a head- County Council’s Literacy what the law required them to do County Council as an elected mastered these, they can teacher and then become a chief then use them to “decode” Team. in terms of content. member! www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism January 2008 7 Straight from the heart Life I would tell young people to start where they are, with Touching words give insight into what they are, with what they have and that the secret of a big success is starting with a small success and how life can go wrong at an early age dreaming bigger and bigger dreams - John H Johnson in

By Sue Becker often seen one-dimensionally in our society, in terms of the‘ (right) Lancashire Examples of the offence they have committed and the trouble they have ART and writing is poetry and caused. being used in a new images from the “However, this project to make young stART book. exhibition reveals that these young offenders think about people can also their past and their have quite extraor- future. ’ dinary abilities The thought-provoking and which may not sometimes heartrending mus- have been brought ings, in the form of water- to light until now.” colours, screen prints and poet- he work ry, force the youngsters to pon- has also der what they can do to get been repro- their lives on track. duced in a The stART work - mainly, T high-quali- but not all, by offenders, is ty 50-page booklet, being displayed until 23 which will be February 2008 at Preston’s distributed Museum of Lancashire. throughout the atherine Witt, the coun- county to be used ty’s youth justice servic- in work with es manager, said: “This young people. work gives us a glimpse C into these young peo- ple’s joys and pains, longings and loathings in a way that is honest and touching. “It is work that starts young people being creative and posi- tive - and starts them on the road to realising their full potential.” Some of the work on display is a clear effort by young peo- ple to grapple with what went wrong with their lives. County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: “Young offenders are Sixty-plus? Need advice on tax and benefits? Jim Dickson, head of Lancashire County Council’s Welfare Rights Service, may be able to help. School meals cut the miles CAN I get help with your Council Tax bill? Am I missing out on money I am New manager takes to the road to put Lancashire entitled to? What will happen if I move into a care home? How do I get a food on Lancashire tables bus pass? Am I paying too much “DID you know carrots Livesey Ltd, before heading to see how our mixed leafy ity checked, bagged and income tax? Do I have to pay for a are naturally purple but out to visit salad growers in salads and vegetables are boxed ready to go. TV licence? West Lancashire. brought in from the fields “At one farm I pulled up These are questions lots of people ask us - were modified by the Dutch to make them Emma explained: “We and within just a couple of purple carrots and golden and the answers to these and many other stopped at Bryan’s Salads hours are cut, washed, qual- beetroot from the fields. questions can be found in the new edition of orange?” Did you know carrots are Lancashire County Council Welfare Rights When the person respon- naturally purple but were Service’s popular booklet ‘60+… benefits for sible for buying produce for modified by the Dutch to you’. the county’s schools meals make them orange?” The booklet, first published in 1994, has asks this type of question, “Any carrots that don’t proved an outstanding success with copies you know that she knows quite make the grade are being quickly snapped up following each her onions. Or should that put to one side for animal publication. be carrots? feed - there is minimal The booklet is free to all people over 60 Emma Tweedie, who waste.“ living in the Lancashire County Council joined Lancashire County Emma also had the area. It has information about all the main Commercial Services as chance to head out on a cash benefits which can be claimed by peo- food and procurement man- combine harvester and tried ple in this age group and also details of ager back in April, recently her hand at harvesting - county council and other services which are took up the opportunity to under the careful guidance available to help them. travel down the supply of the farmer. Copies of the booklet are available at your chain to see where local library, County Information Centre, “It was very encouraging Lancashire schools’ fruit Welfare Rights Office, Age Concern or to see the local network of Advice Centre or write to: Welfare Rights and vegetables really come small enterprises; farmers Service, Freepost, Preston PR1 8RR from. and packers who supply (you don’t need a stamp) or ring on The day started with a Lancashire’s schools with 01772 533504. tour of the depot at fresh local produce Fulwood-based Ralph through.” 8 January 2008 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk Local grants, local impact

Active citizenship is what keeps society healthy. CHORLEY: Otters are almost set on river ROSSENDALE: Children’s We would all be worse off without THE first otters playgroup gets the sack the county’s many voluntary groups. spotted in living Lancashire Local committees in all memory on the 12 districts of the county work hard River Yarrow have to devolve power downwards. been given a boost. Each county councillor member also County Councillor has a small pot of money to water Alan Whittaker gave £300 from his the “grassroots” in his or her area. Lancashire Local Grant allocation to FYLDE: On the ball The Friends of the River Yarrow. The money will go towards the creation of an otter set by the STORYTIME: Councillor Serridge with youngsters at Duxbury Weir, the Whitworth Playgroup and After-School Club. removal of trees close to the river and the AN innovative approach to reading is giving young- construction of a new sters in Whitworth a head start. fish pass. A Local Grant of £120 from Lancashire Local Rossendale has helped Whitworth Playgroup and Three other CURRENT: Councillor After-School Club buy 10 story sacks to encourage obstructions in the Whittaker (second left) reading at home. Duxbury Birkshire with the Friends of the County Councillor Sean Serridge said: “A story Weir Fish Pass area River Yarrow will also be helped sack is a big bag containing a children’s book and with this funding. other materials which parents and carers take home to Councillor Whitta- who are working hard to are already being seen with a help bring the story to life. ker said: “The Friends improve the river itself and the more accessible environment “For example, one of the story sacks at Whitworth of the River Yarrow area around it. and of course the first otters in Playgroup for the Gingerbread Man contains puppets are a voluntary group “The benefits of their work living memory on the river.” representing the story’s main characters as well as a recipe card and baking equipment to make ginger- bread. : Splashing out in Clitheroe “Story sacks might contain props and scenery relat- ing to the story, a game or a related factual book or SPORTS players in Clitheroe are SPORTY: Councillor story tape. GAME: (Front row, left to right) Alistair Stubbs, getting a cash boost to buy much- Atkinson with members “If children experience reading and books as fun, Sam Appleton, Cameron Stubbs and James needed kit thanks to Ribble Valley of the club. they are likely to learn to read at an earlier age and Boulton with organiser David Marsland. Lancashire Local. develop the habit of reading.” Clitheroe Rugby Union Football Playgroup manager, Liz Hughes, added: “We’re real- SPORTING activities are bringing young peo- Club has received £700 towards ly grateful for this grant. Our recent Ofsted report ple together across the Fylde. new equipment for their netball, rated us outstanding in all areas and it is learning Young people everywhere will get active if they hockey and rugby teams scoring the techniques like the story sacks which help us to give get the chance. winning points. our children the best possible opportunities.” So Fylde Coast YMCA organises indoor and out- The club is expanding rapidly door activities across the area - thanks to a little and attracts a wealth of talent from If you are a member of a community group help from County Councillors Bernard Whittle, all ages. and would like to find out more about Local Joyce Stuart and Liz Oades. County Councillor for Ribble Grants and other funding opportunities, The three teamed up to give the YMCA a total of Valley North East, Albert Atkinson, why not contact your local county councillor £2,250 from their Lancashire Local pots, allowing said: “I am pleased to offer the for more information? sports to carry on all year. grant and hope it helps keep the Councillor Whittle said: “Civic groups do tremen- club a lively and vibrant part of our Log on to our website at www.lan- dous work. The best thing that local authorities can local community.” cashire.gov.uk or telephone 0845 053 do is to support their activities.” 0000 for contact details. New help for vulnerable adults Burnley FC scores with funding FUNDING from Lancashire LEGI Partnership secure £20m POLICE, care staff and NHS “A number of public agencies added: “We are ensuring that all County Council’s economic thanks to funding from LCDL which workers are teaming up to have now agreed a common social workers and care staff department has enabled Burnley enabled them to put together a feasi- guarantee a safer future for approach to watching out for the are trained to investigate. All sus- bility study. interests of older people. pected incidents will be fully FC to get £1.5 million worth of Under the branding “No Limits”, vulnerable adults. “Few people realise it - but older investigated. funding. the club will be leading on delivery of A whole network of staff are people can be left terribly exposed “If you are concerned about your Lancashire County Developments a number of projects such as now being trained to watch for the if they have no-one to look out for own, or someone else’s wellbeing, Limited (LCDL) initially worked with Enterprise Challenge which enables signs of abuse - and they then them.” you should tell someone such as Burnley FC to develop space at Turf young people to consider having their work together to stamp it out. Perpetrators of abuse can be your doctor, health visitor or social Moor into office units. own business as a career choice and The whole world has read about anyone, anywhere - it could be a worker. Following visits to other clubs, it developing 15,000sq ft of enterprise abuse of children. Abuse of vulner- family member, a carer, a close “If you are in immediate danger, became apparent that opportunities and education space. able adults can include: friend, or a stranger. or you believe a criminal act is existed to include innovative projects County Councillor Niki Penney, Stealing their property Working with the Commission being committed, you should con- that would help disaffected young Chair of LCDL said: “LCDL is here to Bullying and violence for Social Care Inspection, the tact the police.” people learn new skills such as change lives and helping Burnley FC Leaving them in fear by fail- county council is spearheading a A new leaflet explaining how to numeracy, literacy as well as help shows how we can achieve this ing to properly supervise new multi-agency framework to report concerns is available at build confidence and interpersonal through funding and support from them raise awareness of the problem. local social services offices and skills. officers.” Denying food, drink or med- The drive will include promot- from community mental health LCDL helped the club engage with Burnley FC’s chairman Barry Kilby ication. ing a common approach to teams. the Local Enterprise Growth said: “Burnley FC felt its history and Lancashire County Council’s tackling such abuse when it is For more information about the Initiative (LEGI) in East Lancashire links with the community would help Dilys Macdonald said: “Some uncovered. project, visit the website at: to play a central role in developing the LEGI programme and with adults are at greater risk than Dilys, the county council’s safe- www.lancashire.gov.uk/ and fronting the LEGI programme. LCDL’s assistance we have been able others due to a variety of factors. guarding adults co-ordinator, safeguardingadults Now the club’s passion has seen the to achieve this.” Building towards a new generation of construction SCHOOL pupils from about to select their GCSEs. nect with young people in a bid Augustine’s School, Billington; across East Lancashire The pupils were given a to create a motivated, pre- Primet High School, Colne; have gained an insight taste of what it would be like to pared and knowledgeable Technology follow a career in construction workforce of the future. High School, Barnoldswick; into the world of construc- - from building and plumbing “By inviting businesses to Unity College, Burnley; and tion and the built environ- to surveying and architecture - come and speak, we link Marsden Heights School, ment. as they took part in some schools and businesses so that Nelson. The Elevate East hands-on tasks as well as they may work together now Lancashire event at Burnley speaking with companies in and in the future.” BUILDING: Catherine Hackett, Football Club, organised by these fields. The schools taking part of Elevate, with Rizwan Hanif, of the Lancashire Education Gillian Beeley, chief included Alder Grange Marsden Heights, Amy Howarth, Business Partnership (LEBP), executive of the LEBP, said: “A Community and Technology of Unity College and Gillian Beeley was aimed at year nine pupils key role of the LEBP is to con- School, Rawtenstall; St from LEBP. Produced by Corporate Communications Group, Lancashire County Council (tel 01772 531095/533536). Printed by Morton’s Print Ltd.