Going Into Care Home Is Greatest Fear for Older Age, Says Survey but There Is Another Way…

Home , John Simm

A 4-star council Awarded top marks by the Audit Commission September 2007 COMIC’S PLEABOOZE MENACE HIGHWAY CHEATS Spikey leads on road CAPS off to stamp out New drive against Blue safety push illegal buyers Badge swindlers Page 7 Page 5 page 7 Going into care home is greatest fear for older age, says survey But there is another way…

High-tech home scheme provides solution: support and peace of mind

GOING into a care home financially comfortable, being able to health problems. being of the person living there.” and losing your independ- live independently was the most “For older people, in particular, Using high-tech gadgets the serv- For more information ence is the greatest fear for important aspect for all respondents sometimes there comes a time when ice can detect if a person has fallen contact your local people's old age, according in older age. you need extra support at home. and needs assistance, whether taps Sixty-nine per cent of over-65s This could be a consequence of a bad have been left on unattended, if the social services office to new research by the stated that being able to stay in their fall, recent discharge from hospital gas has been left on or if there is a for details - or Telecare county council. own home is top priority in older age, after an illness and a resulting lack build up of carbon monoxide, if the Service provider: Following a survey of over 1,700 with 68 per cent citing being able to of confidence to manage on your house is too cold, and can also assist people, aged over 45 years, from an live independently as most impor- own.” residents in reminding them to take Lancaster district independent panel, 67 per cent of tant. Vulnerable older people will their medicine. Lancaster City Council people aged over 65 said that hav- The survey, which is a cross-sec- always be supported and able to Every sensor is linked to a home ing to move into a residential or tion sample of Lancashire, has been choose residential or nursing care hub unit which sends an emergency tel 01524 582929 nursing care home was the most published as part the county coun- through an assessment undertaken call through to a 24/7 monitoring Fylde, Wyre, Preston, South important aspect they wanted to cil's official launch of its Lancashire by local health and adult social care centre if the sensors are activated. avoid in older age. Telecare Service this month. teams. But for most older people Trained operators are then on hand Ribble and Chorley Sixty-two per cent cited not being The findings, however, are not sur- with lower level needs, there are a to assess the situation and send out New Progress Housing able to get about was something prising says County Councillor range of rehabilitation, reablement appropriate help if necessary. they wanted to avoid, 52 per cent Chris Cheetham, county council cab- and support services that can help “This is an exciting development tel 01772 436756 said they did not want to have to inet member for Adult and people remain independent and safe embracing new technology to sup- Ribble Valley, Pendle, Burnley, depend on others, while 48 per cent Community Services. in their own home and thus avoid port older people at home", added Hyndburn and Rossendale feared having to leave their home. “Most people naturally want to unnecessary admission to a care Councillor Cheetham. “Telecare The survey found that while finan- stay in their own home and remain home. Services help provide support, reas- Housing Pendle cial fears are most prevalent for peo- independent for as long as possible”, Telecare Services is a case in surance and activate an early tel 01282 873767 ple aged under 55, those older are says Councillor Cheetham. “As a point. Speaking at the launch of the response if someone needs urgent more likely to be concerned about local authority, we are rising to the Lancashire Telecare Service, assistance. It can also be a relief for West Lancashire losing their independence. The challenge and working closely with Councillor Cheetham said: relatives who care from someone.” West Lancashire District Council research shows that as age increases partner agencies in developing and “Advances in technology mean we Lancashire Telecare Service has so does fear of losing your independ- providing services that support peo- are now able to install a variety of been developed in partnership with tel 0800 566 666 ence which is the top concern for the ple in their own homes – whether electronic devices and sensors district councils, housing associa- or visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/ over-65s. they are older people, people with designed to provide constant moni- tions and the NHS following a gov- Apart from good health and being disabilities, or those with mental toring of the home and the well- ernment grant of £1.7m. telecare

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 September 2007 Providing • nurseries • pedestrian crossings www.lancashire.gov.uk Academies: Ask Shirley what all Don’t know who to contact when you need help? Are you parents need baffled by bureaucracy? Ring Shirley on 0845 0530000 or email Shirley on [email protected] to know Shirley can’t help with purely personal problems, such as romance! Academies have been in the head- lines as one option for resolving the urgent issues facing some schools in Lancaster and Preston. IF you are having problems Decisions on whether to close getting hold of someone to one or more schools and establish help, Lancashire County academies are still a matter for Council has staff trained and consultation. But action needs to willing to assist. be taken to deal with the problem of rapidly falling pupil numbers. Sometimes you just can’t think A full consultation will take who to ask - and this is where place in the autumn term. Vision’s Shirley comes in. A separate proposal for an acad- Shirley answers all the letters emy in Accrington has now she receives and some will feature reached the feasibility stage. on this page. Others may take a while as Shirley will seek respons- es from other council teams. What are academies? Shirley is not able to offer legal Q advice. Academies are a new type of school A introduced by the government, with the support of a sponsor. Academies do Tax-free childcare not charge fees or make a profit. Sponsors come from a wide range of Mrs R Wood from Skelmersdale writes: backgrounds including the business, faith y son doesn’t start school until he’s and voluntary sectors, universities and nearly four. Is there a way I could educational foundations. M put him into a nursery for free till Sponsors are expected to be committed he goes to school. to providing the best possible education Someone said that you have to have for pupils, and to bring innovative ideas some vouchers to do this. Where and to the running of schools. HELP is available for childcare costs (see Tax-free childcare). how do you do this? Why does Lancashire County need your parent/carer to provide their sig- Q Council want to develop acade- ou should ask your employer if they Free school travel nature in order for you to join. mies? provide a Childcare Voucher Scheme for This is a free service to all library mem- Y Mr Pilling from Rossendale writes: staff. bers. Secondary school rolls are falling and The vouchers are offered in place of part of have been told by a friend that there However, if items are overdue then over- have been changes to the criteria for A the future viability of some secondary a parent’s salary. The first £55 per week of I due charges will apply. schools is in serious doubt. any voucher received is exempt from tax and free travel to school for primary Please contact your local library for loca- school children. Is this true? Government funding for Building National Insurance Contributions provided it tions and a timetable or search under mobile Schools for the Future can be spent early is used to pay for registered or approved She told me that as I am on benefits library stops at – www.lancashire.gov.uk that I may now qualify. I have an eight- to develop an academy, and this could allow childcare. scope for investment and regeneration. You may also be interested to know that year-old son who goes to the local primary school and I am struggling on a Caravan nuisance Academies would increase the diversity all three- and four-year-olds are entitled to of school provision available. 12 and a half hours of free part-time early low income. Mrs R from Accrington writes: education per week. live on quite a small residential What is being proposed for Children become eligible from the term ntil now eligibility for free travel to estate and for at least three days now Q Lancaster and Preston? following their third birthday. U school has not been income-based. I there has been a caravan parked on For further information you should However, from September 2007, pri- the road close to my house. In Lancaster, the council is consider- contact the Childcare Information Service mary school pupils aged eight and over who I don’t know who owns the caravan A ing the future of Skerton and Hornby on: 0800 1950137. live more than two miles from their nearest but I was wondering if they are able to High Schools. suitable school will qualify for free travel if do this and who do I contact to get this One option could involve the closure of they are eligible for free school meals or looked in to? Skerton, Hornby and Central Lancaster No smoke without fire their parents receive the maximum amount High Schools and the opening of an acad- Anonymous from Penwortham writes: of working tax credit. aravans are not licensed vehicles and emy to replace all three schools. y daughter catches the school bus If you think that your son may qualify you C therefore not taxed. You cannot deliber- In Preston, it is considering the future M home each day and when she gets should contact the School Transport Helpline ately leave something on an adopted Tulketh High School. One option could in she absolutely stinks of cigarette on 01772 534588. highway that will cause an obstruction. involve closing Tulketh and Fulwood smoke. The Highways Authority has the power to High Schools and establishing an acade- I want to make a complaint about the Books on the move serve notice on the owner to remove it and if my to replace them. children that are smoking on the bus it is considered to be causing imminent dan- How do academies operate? but understandably my daughter does- Mr T from Chorley writes: ger including obstructing visibility they can n’t want to be named. have just moved to Chorley from Q remove it forthwith and charge the owner Academies have to follow the same Is it possible to complain about this I Manchester and have seen the yel- reasonable costs for doing so. but to remain anonymous? low mobile libraries in the area. A code of practice for admissions as all Any reports regarding such issues need to other schools, including admitting Please could you tell me if anyone can be reported to Lancashire Highways on ancashire County Council’s Safer Travel use the mobile libraries and if there is a pupils with special educational needs. 0845 053 0011 or emailed to The sponsor appoints most governors, Unit is committed to monitoring and try- cost involved? [email protected] L ing to prevent unacceptable behaviour on Could you also help me find out what and determines the ethos and leadership buses. times they would be in my local area? of the academy; there must be a parent To report an incident such as the one you governor, a local authority-appointed gov- have mentioned, please contact the nyone can use this service providing Email: [email protected] or ernor, and the academy principal is enti- Anti-Social Behaviour on Buses (ASBOB) A they are a member of a Lancashire write to: Ask Shirley, Customer Service tled to be a governor. Academies may also Customer Service Helpline on 0845 053 library. If you are not a member you Centre, The Red Rose Hub, Bluebell Way, have a teacher governor, a staff governor can join at a mobile library by completing an and community representatives. 0040. Preston PR2 5PZ. Telephone 0845 You don’t need to worry about giving your application form and providing one proof of What will happen to pupils and name as you can report this problem anony- your signature. 0530000. Q staff in schools that are replaced mously. If you are under 16 years of age you will by academies?

Pupils will be offered places at the acad- Don’t forget - your county councillor can help. Contact details are available on 0845 0530000 or at: www.lancashire.gov.uk A emy. Staff affected by such changes You can also try your area’s County Information Centre where staff are trained to help the public have their rights protected under TUPE legislation.

A full job description of all vacancies is available on our website www.lancashire.gov.uk/vacancies www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • adult education • libraries September 2007 3 NEWS IN Help on BRIEF BRIEF the bus Learning Book NHS date with our disabilty day THIS year’s West Lancashire Learning new Disability Awareness Day will be held on Friday 14 September at Ormskirk Market. Agencies and voluntary organisations will be offer- at your library FROM April 2008 ing information and advice there will be a new about local support services for people with learning National disabilities, their families By Andrew Lynn Concessionary and carers. Travel Card. The event will be a mix- NoWcard will be ture of information and PATIENTS will soon be able to choose fun, with entertainment where and when to have their hospital issuing the new from the West Lancashire appointment with the click of a button cards next year on Mosaic drama group, a behalf of your local town crier competition, under new plans by the NHS in partner- free give-aways and a ship with local libraries. authority. stand-up performance by The new Patient Choice initiative will mean the You will automati- Elvis (Elvin Priestly). The public will be able to visit cally receive a BBC Radio Lancashire their local library where National Concession bus will also be present. trained librarians will be Card if: The county council is You already hold arranging the free event on hand to support them as they choose and book an over-60s NoWcard on behalf of the West and have used your Lancashire Learning hospital appointments Disability Partnership online. card on a bus with a Board, West Lancashire The belief is that public smart enabled ticket District Council and libraries and the internet machine and the pho- Central Lancashire are an ideal way to sup- tograph we have on Primary Care Trust. port patients, families and carers with information - file is of suitable quali- For more information, offering convenience and flexibility. ty. contact Joanne Miller on NoWcard will 07747840014. Lancashire County Council is already planning for the roll-out and promoting the service through send you informa- libraries. tion on how to Champ signs apply if: Library staff are being trained and a range of loo deal information and awareness materials have been dis- You hold a SHARED deal for keen readers and students: university library chief Kevin Ellard and Disabled NoWcard, or THE interests of young tributed across Lancashire libraries including posters, booklets, business cards, badges and book- county libraries chief David Lightfoot launch the LancaShare scheme. You haven’t used people and rural people your NoWcard on a alike are being promot- marks. ed with cash support The booklets contain information about Patient bus with a smart from Lancashire County Choice, a list of local hospital and clinics specific to Libraries’ student book deal enabled ticket Council’s “champions”. machine, or each Primary Care Trust area, information on where Whalley Parish patients can receive their specific treatment, and STUDENTS at the University membership of the county coun- Your photograph Council has been cil’s Library and Information on file is of unsuitable awarded £1,000 for new how each hospital scores against a number of meas- of Central Lancashire ures. Service, giving them access to quality. toilets while (UCLan) now have easier To ensure NoWcard Penwortham Annual The present role of library staff is to promote the more than four million books and access to all libraries in audio-visual items for loan or ref- can issue your new Gala has been support- scheme and assist individuals, if required, using Lancashire thanks to a new ed with £1,000 by library computers to find information on the NHS erence through 90 service points. card, if you have County Councillor website where they can research, choose and book partnership agreement. As part of the scheme, public changed address and Albert Atkinson, the appointments online. The LancaShare scheme will library users will be able to swipe haven’t advised county council’s The scheme is being promoted in partnership with also benefit ordinary public their barcoded library cards and NoWcard of this Champion for Parishes. the national Museums, Libraries and Archives lib-rary members across the access the university library change please tele- County Councillor county. resources for reference and phone the NoWcard Sean Serridge, Council (MLA). For more information visit www.nhs.uk or tele- The scheme gives students and research, including access “24/7” Helpline on 0845 058 Champion for Young 1096. People, has given phone 0845 6088888. staff at UCLan free automatic full during term-time. £1,000 to pay for an educational trip to London by Burnley students. The “champion” sys- ‘Dr Who’ backing tem was established by the county council to ensure that no-one’s interests are forgotten. for £250m schools Rural winner AN INTERNET site set up to give from Australia called “Burnley”. STAFF at Rawtenstall’s Building Schools for the Future is a information centre won information about Lancashire’s first prize at Rossendale Building Schools for the Future £250m investment by Lancashire Rural Fair’s scarecrow programme has signed up more County Council in new education facili- competition. ties on nine sites in Burnley and Pendle. The county council-run than 300 friends – mainly young Marcus Johnstone, Lancashire information centre, based people from Burnley and Pendle. County Council’s cabinet member for in Rawtenstall Library, The website – on the giant Myspace Children and Young People, said: “Our offers advice on a wide social networking system – carries the aim is to build a more prosperous, bet- range of council services, latest news about the school building ter-educated, and happier community including transport and projects, up-to-date pictures of the sites in Burnley and Pendle. tourism. Staff can also under construction, and “We want everyone to help people apply for a comments and ques- range of other services Be a BSF friend be involved, especially online. tions from readers. school students, other The signed-up See our Myspace page at young people, and those Slave display “friends” include a fan www.myspace.com/lancsbsf who don’t consume the club for Pendle actor main stream media. A TRAVELLING exhibi- John Simm, who stars “We answer questions and comments tion about slavery – and in Life on Mars and Doctor Who, leg- wherever possible. We are happy to put its Lancashire links – endary Burnley punk band the Not will visit Fylde in opposing viewpoints on the site – as long September. Sensibles, and a heavy metal band as they do not contain swear words.” The display will be in St Anne’s library from 3 to 14 September and in Kirkham youth centre Help for 1,000 families from 14 to 25 MORE than 1,000 families with young chil- September. dren are benefiting from a new children’s cen- Help needed tre in the heart of Colne. PEOPLE in the Garstang, The £1.25m centre is one of 42 now operational in Longridge and Preston Lancashire – there will be 61 by March 2008. areas wishing to volunteer Services include ante-natal help, baby massage, for Cancer Help should dads’ groups, family cookery, a host of play sessions telephone 01772 793344 and also dental and health visitor facilities. for more information. Backed by East Lancashire Primary Care Trust The wrong phone num- and a variety of other organisations, including HELP for families: County ber was supplied to Vision Lancashire County Council, the purpose-built centre Councillor Tim Ormrod and in last month’s edition. is aimed at families with children under five. the NHS’s Kath Reade. 4 September 2007 Providing • bridge maintenance • paths www.lancashire.gov.uk NEWS IN Why not tell other Vision readers what you think. Write to: BRIEF FUMING? You’re Telling Us! Vision, County Hall, Preston PR1 8XJ. New bid £600,000 scheme to tackle crime

PRESTON has been chosen to pilot a new approach to gives park a boost youth justice. Restorative justice (RJ) panels are based on the American idea of A £600,000 project is The scheme was designed that brings derelict land back ment Agency, (NWDA), said: peer courts, which are well estab- HOWZAT: County with Burnley Council and fol- into public use, especially a “The REMADE programme Councillor Tim Ashton underway to trans- lished in the US and use peer form Fulledge Recre- lows consultation over the project that creates both represents a major invest- pressure to bring about changes heads to the crease to last two years with residents leisure and sporting facilities. ment by the NWDA in test his own cricket skills. ation Ground in in behaviour. Burnley. and other stakeholders. “Green spaces really con- derelict land reclamation for The panels are an alternative Young The scheme will create an Work will include contain- tribute to the quality of life. public use in Lancashire. to court and help offenders to enhanced park, playing field ment of an area of contami- “The REMADE pro- “I am delighted that work accept responsibility for their Flintoffs? and wetland area and signif- nated land, land drainage gramme is now beginning to is now under way at Fulledge actions and make amends. improvements, the creation bring improvements to more to create a high-quality new The process also involves fami- YOUNG cricketers in icantly improve the appear- ance of the site which is an of a kickabout area, and more derelict sites across facility for people to enjoy. It ly members. Fylde are striking for the improved access and footpath the county. This gives people complements the major There are to be two RJ centres boundary thanks to new important gateway into funding. Towneley Park. links, new bulbs, shrub- and in those areas a better envi- regeneration activity cur- in the city – in east Preston on the The group of juniors Work recently started on tree-planting, and grassland ronment and new opportuni- rently being carried out in Brookfield Estate and in from Lytham Cricket site and is expected to take improvements. ties for recreation, as well as Burnley, including the Winckley Square in the city cen- Club received £1,500 four months to complete. It County Councillor Matt- improving the image of Elevate Housing Market tre. from the Lancashire is one of four projects cur- hew Tomlinson, Lancashire Lancashire as a whole.” Renewal programme.” A third is to be opened in Youth Capital Fund County Council’s Cabinet Peter White, Executive Further information is on Lancaster next year. towards their cricket rently being carried out by Lancashire County Council’s member for Planning and Director of Infrastructure the REMADE website at Lancashire County Council’s skills clinics. Youth Offending Team has used The money will be REMADE initiative to Environment, said: “I am and Development at the www.lancashire.gov.uk/ spent on specialist reclaim derelict land. always pleased to see work Northwest Regional Develop- environment/remade restorative theory in its work for coaching from profes- some time now which made sional players and new Preston a natural choice as the equipment. Pollitt, deputy leader of location for Europe’s first RJ cen- Top bikers at Adrenaline Gateway Lancashire County Council tres. Winner said: “Events like this help The scheme will be launched in to change people’s perception September when a contingent of WINNER of last month’s BRITAIN’S top moun- hosted as part of a project to Lee Quarry, in of the area and help put high-profile guests, including the Capital Cruise competition develop an Adrenaline Sport Stacksteads, is a key site for is Mrs R Larmour, of tainbike trial riders Adrenaline Gateway onto US deputy Attorney General, the Morecambe. Mrs Larmour headed to Rossendale for and Leisure Gateway cen- the Adrenaline Gateway pro- the map. head of the US Justice wins train travel to tred on Rossendale. gramme and has also been Department and the UK Attorney the fourth round of the Over 40 of the nation’s top identified as a place where “We hope to get more peo- London, two nights in the British Mountain Bikes General Baroness Scotland, will Britannia International riders competed at Lee further mountain bike trails ple to visit and experience come to Preston to visit the new Hotel and a River Thames Trial Championship. Quarry, with more than 200 will be developed. what Lancashire has to centres and attend a conference. Cruise. It was the first event to be people spectating. County Councillor Doreen offer.’’

N a family leisure break in WI Edinburgh

Please note: Edinburgh Passes give FREE entrance, not “two for one” or “children go free”. They are on sale in the UK, America and other countries. Picture courtesy of: Visit Scotland/Scottish Viewpoint Picture courtesy of: Visit EDINBURGH is seen as free bus travel and exclusive Send entries, by Monday one of the world’s most offers. Check out www.edin- 17 September, to Edinburgh beautiful capital cities. burghpass.com for details. competition, Vision, County Hall, Here’s your chance to win a From world-famous festivals Preston PR1 8XJ; or email to: great family day out there soon to one of the most beautiful http://www.lancashire.gov.uk by entering our competition. cityscapes in the world, /corporate/vision/ Included are first-class return Edinburgh is the ideal city The editor’s decision is final and no tickets and an Edinburgh Pass break. Its streets are steeped in correspondence will be entered into. history and it has a thriving cul- Employees of Lancashire County Council, for two adults or two adults and their families and anyone connected with two children between the ages of tural scene. this competition are not eligible. Usual five and 15. For information about Virgin newspaper competition rules apply. Should you prefer to stay Trains, including online book- Transport to/from mainline stations, incidental expenses and accommodation longer than a day, VisitScotland ings visit www.virgin trains.com – telephone 08457 are not included. The prize is for mid-week Edinburgh and Lothians can travel within a time limit. send accommodation details to 222333 or visit any staffed rail- suit every budget. way station, rail- Check out www.visit appointed travel ENTRY FORM scotland.com or call 0845 agent or website. For a chance to 2255121 for information. Q: What is the name of Edinburgh’s main Your train journey to Scotland win this great prize, begins in comfort from a choice answer the follow- train station? ...... ing and send us of Lancashire mainline stations. Name ...... Meals are served at your seat your entry by e-mail by friendly staff as you speed to or post before the Waverley station, Edinburgh’s closing date: Address ...... main rail terminal situated in the city centre. What is the name ...... Your one-day Edinburgh of Edinburgh’s Family Pass gives free entry to main train Postcode ...... Tel ...... a choice of 30 top attractions, station? www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • information centres • hotlines September 2007 5

NEWS IN BRIEF New bridge Ask me a CAPS off to caps huge question MEMBERS of the public can give councillors a road project grilling at two Cabinet Question Times. The Dukes Youth Theatre on Moor Lane, beat the booze Lancaster, is the venue for a Question Time at 7.15pm on Tuesday 18 September. Leading By Martin Crabtree proxy sales in their local area they councillors present will can contact the police or include leader Hazel A NEW drive against anti- Crimestoppers.” Harding, children and social behaviour is to tar- The CAPS (Campaign Against young children chief Proxy Sales) campaign includes a Marcus Johnstone, get adults who buy booze range of new posters for shops to highways and environ- for teenagers. make customers more aware of ment boss Tony Martin Fines of up to £5,000 await peo- the law. and planning chief ple who fuel anti-social behaviour Matthew Tomlinson. Support will be available for Kirkham Community by buying alcohol for under-age retailers to deter young people Centre is the venue at drinkers. from congregating outside premis- 7.15pm on Tuesday 2 Trading standards officers will es and approaching adults to buy October when council- start their campaign in Preston on their behalf. lors present will include and then take it countywide if it is County Councillor Alan Hazel Harding, deputy a success. Whittaker, Lancashire County leader Doreen Pollitt, A Trading Standards North Council vice-chair added: adult and community West survey showed nearly four in services boss Chris “Proxy selling is also a health Cheetham, Tony Martin 10 youngsters (age 14 -17) claimed issue for the young people and Matthew Tomlinson. to binge-drink (drink five or more involved. alcoholic drinks on one occasion). “There are very good reasons for Champagne Three in 10 claimed to drink pressure or threatened when the legal age for buying alcohol twice or more in a week – much of approached by young people to ‘do being set at 18. and black ties it on the streets, in parks or close them a favour’. “By working with the police and to shops. “We want to help everyone to PEOPLE from across the schools and communities’ Jim Potts, Lancashire County solve this problem by raising partnership team we will hopeful- Burnley, Pendle and Council’s Chief Trading Standards awareness of the issue through Rossendale will be getting ly be able to raise the profile of together in September for officer, said: “Although we are posters and notices and by work- proxy selling to the point where it their black-tie Grand Ball. being very up front about the fines ing with the police. is regarded in the same light as About 175 users of people could face, we also know “If anyone feels there is a prob- shops selling directly to young Picture courtesy of Chorley Guardian learning disability services that many adults can feel under lem of any sort relating to people.” in the area will meet up for IT was a case of “beam me up” on a the party at Padiham major Lancashire road scheme recent- Town Hall when there will be dancing, a champagne ly as a brand new bridge was con- reception, a buffet and live County welcome for returning soldiers structed. entertainment by artist Engineers brought in specialist crane Paul Rowlands. equipment to hoist 32 concrete and steel The evening is being beams, weighing between 19 and 30 tonnes, organised by the area’s into place. four day centres which aim to help people live The bridge is part of the £8m Eaves Green independent lives. Link Road project in Chorley and spans the A number of organisa- River Yarrow. The beams were specially tions across the area, made and were transported from including police, have Nottingham with a police escort. helped raise money for Project manager Wai Kee Leung explained: the evening. “This is the biggest road scheme in Lancashire at the moment and shows engi- Young at heart neering at its best. TENANTS at a Bacup “You can’t buy bridges from a catalogue - sheltered housing each one has to be designed and built indi- scheme for people aged vidually. This one costs £800,000 and our 55 years and over are contractors, Birse, have been doing a good proving you’re never too job throughout the scheme.” old to learn new tricks. The first traffic is expected to use the Nine tenants at 1.4km road between Eaves Green and the A6 Springfield Court on before Christmas. South Street are seven weeks into a Computers for Beginners course HUNDREDS of Lancashire’s Battalion members have the run by Lancashire brave soldiers were welcomed Freedom of Preston and also took part County Council Adult back to the county with a march in Freedom Parades in Manchester Learning. and Tameside. So far the nine ten- through the streets of Preston. The regiment was formed in 2006 ants have learnt basics Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion of from an amalgamation of the Queen’s such as using a mouse the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment had Lancashire Regiment, the King’s and rudimentary word just returned from a seven-month processing. Lancashire Regiment and the King’s tour of duty in Iraq. Own Royal Border Regiment. GPs aid pensioners in £12m benefits scoop THOUSANDS of pensioners help with personal care. and process any unclaimed bene- across the county have bene- Sylvia Saxton, welfare rights fit entitlement,” said Sylvia. fited by more than £12m officer at Lancashire County “Some people gained only a few Council, said: “We carried out a extra pounds per week, but many through pension credits and variety of projects aimed at older saw a £100 weekly increase. social security benefits residents to raise awareness of “In many cases, pensioners who thanks to the county council’s benefit entitlements. had already been assessed for Welfare Rights Service. “This included a mail-shot to benefit by the Department for More than 3,400 new awards encourage pension credit take-up Work and Pensions were found to and 450 increased awards for and an Attendance Allowance po- be receiving the wrong amount of income support and pension cred- stcard campaign to care homes.” benefit and lump sums arrears its have been made in just three The focus of the campaign was were paid out to many. A total of years - a major boost to individu- offering free benefit checks to pen- £233,594 was paid out in lump als and to Lancashire’s economy. sioners through doctors’ surgeries sums, with the highest payment The service has also secured by writing to elderly patients of £23,000 going to one pensioner.” more than 1,600 new awards for advising them to complete a pensioners eligible for Attendance coupon asking the Welfare Rights Can we help? Write to: Lancashire Allowance - a tax-free benefit for Service to contact them. Welfare Rights Service, Freepost, people aged 65 or over who have “Staff then contacted the pen- Preston PR1 8BR; telephone 01772 an illness or disability and need sioners and helped them identify 533504 or visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk 6 September 2007 Providing • youth services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk Flagging up slavery past Young generation draw their own image NEWS IN about Lancaster’s historic slave trade BRIEF Music to ARTISTS and schoolchild- Museum and Judges' Lodgings. worked with students from ren have been working Over the last year, both artists Central High School in Lancaster, their ears together to highlight the have studied the city's role in the Morecambe High School, Our YOUNG musicians from uncomfortable truth of slave trade and their work repre- Lady’s Catholic College and Lancashire are heading for sents their creative and artistic Skerton High School to produce the Albert Hall in November to Lancaster's involvement response to the legacy that has works, which are also on display. perform at the highly in the slave trade. been left. County Councillor Wendy acclaimed Schools Proms. During the 18th century, Sue Flowers, from Carnforth, Dwyer, chair of the county council, Proud mums, dads and Lancaster was the UK's fourth also worked with the Slave Trade said: "This is a fascinating exhibi- friends will be cheering on the largest transatlantic slave trading Arts Memorial Project (STAMP) tion demonstrating Lancaster’s Lancashire Youth Concert port. and pupils from Ripley St Thomas history in a fresh and innovative Band, who received a Highly Around 200 journeys carried CE High School, Lancaster, to way. I'm sure visitors will find the Commended Certificate at the almost 25,000 Africans to the Photograph supplied by the Lancaster Guardian finals of the National Festival design freedom flags. work interesting and informative, of Music for Youth in West Indies and America to be They looked at Fante flags from and I would urge them to visit sold as slaves. Birmingham this summer. Ghana and students designed both museums during the sum- They will join about 30 Abolished? is a community arts their own flags echoing this tradi- mer.” other bands from around the and education programme run by tion. One of the flags, designed by Located on St George's Quay, UK to perform in the School Lancashire County Council’s pupil Sammy Faulkner, is cur- the Maritime Museum is set with- Proms on November 12, museums service. rently being flown over the in two fine Georgian buildings which is the highest accolade A series of exhibitions are cur- Maritime Museum. The students and uses sounds, smells and a youth ensemble can gain. rently taking place to commemo- explored aspects of African identi- reconstructions to tell the story of About 50 young people rate the bicentenary of the ty and the creativity of art in the port of Lancaster. aged between 13 and 20 from Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in Ghana using proverbs, integral to Admission is just £3 for adults, all over Lancashire will be tak- 1807. Ghana’s creative culture. In turn, concessions £2, and accompanied ing part. At the heart of the project are students wrote their own proverbs children are free. two contemporary art exhibitions, based on their understanding of For more information telephone Plan ahead led by nationally acclaimed artists this history and its relevance 01524 382 264 or visit Lancashire LANCASHIRE’S Emergency Lubaina Himid and Sue Flowers, today. Museums online at www. FLYING high: Pupils present their flag designs, produced Planning chief has visited displayed at the Maritime The Museums Service has also lancsmuseums.gov.uk as part of the project. Romania to help establish better services within the local authority of Comanesti. Bernard Kershaw said: Go back to school safely Parents’ guide is top FIND “We rely on voluntary organisations such as the YOUNG people mak- PARENTS of children with disabil- ranging from sensory impairments to Salvation Army to help us ing the move from ities can find their way through the learning difficulties, autism and chron- during evacuations, but there primary to secondary isn’t a culture of volunteering maze of specialist services thanks ic illness. school are being She explained: “Parents often swap in Romania. to a new online directory. information at the school gates, but “The authorities in given advice on how The county council’s FIND directory, Comanesti are still at an to stay safe when many disabled children are transport- packed with information about servic- ed to school so their parents miss out early stage in developing term starts. these services and exchang- es for a wide variety of disabilities and on these informal networks. We’re try- Many pupils who are conditions, is now available at ing ways of working is one ing to bridge that gap.” of the best ways to help.” starting a new school will www.lancashire.gov.uk/find be walking or cycling to For a copy of the newsletter or the Romanian dignitaries Dawn Helm looks after the directory FIND directory, parents should contact have visited Lancashire and school on their own for as well as collating information about the first time. their school, social worker or health another meeting is to be held the needs of the county’s 1,000-plus professional, or ring Dawn on 01772 later this year. Lancashire County “Our advice would be ary school. disabled children, who have conditions 532509. Council’s Road Safety to have a practice jour- The performance is Group is offering advice ney, perhaps during the aimed at 11 and 12 year on how to ensure these holidays, so that your olds and will run in sec- journeys are stress free. child knows exactly what ondary schools across Focus on Clare Farrer, deputy to do and where to go. Lancashire to raise group manager, said: This way you can spot pupils’ awareness of road “Making the move to sec- county’s any hazards along the safety on the journey to ondary school is an excit- way and help them plan and from school. ing time with lots of new the best and safest To find out more about carers things to try, including a route.” new journey. The Road Safety Theatre in Education THE Lancashire “Careful planning and Group has also arranged contact the education team on 01772 533466 or Carers Conference a good understanding of 20 Theatre in Education will take place on 11 road safety will help your performances of “The alternatively email: child make the journey to Price”, based on the move roadsafety@env. September at the school safely”. from primary to second- lancscc.gov.uk Woodlands Centre in Chorley. There are an estimat- ed 125,000 carers across the county who provide unpaid care and support for relatives, friends or neighbours. There are also around 1,200 young carers who look after parents, sib- lings or older relatives. The theme for this year’s event is “well- being for carers” and will be opened by Jacqueline Dewhurst, the Chair of the Lancashire Carers Forum. The event is open to anyone who is a carer in Lancashire or cares for someone living in Lancashire, and pro- fessionals who work with carers. For more information or to apply for a place at the conference contact Mary Duggan on 01772 532371 or visit www.lancashire.gov. uk/carers www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism Sepember 2007 7 Spikey’s Youngsters lend a hand with advice service NEWS IN BRIEF safety YOUNG people from all over Lancashire got together recently to help improve the county Open to council’s information and advice service. everyone message What Now? offers everything that young people might need to know about - from applying for a place LANCASHIRE residents in college to how to claim the right benefits - from the are contacting their county dangers of taking drugs to the benefits of a gap year. councillors more than resi- More than 40 young people took part in workshops dents in any other part of at Plungington Youth and Community Centre in the country. Official figures show Preston to help write, design and take photographs that the number of people for What Now?, which provides information via a visiting county councillors’ telephone helpline, text messaging service, handbook websites passed the and online to 11 to 25-year-olds. 90,000 mark in July alone What Now? can be seen online at www. – about 10 times the num- whatnow.co.uk bers in other councils. Seventy eight of the council’s 84 elected members have websites. Each STAND-up comedy includes details of the star and Phoenix ways that people can con- Nights TV celebrity tact their councillor, news from the councillor and a Dave Spikey has host of other details to given a lightheart- Info bid to stamp help people “use” their ed exclusive inter- councillor. view to RoadLife, Councillors’ websites can be visited at Lancashire County www.lancashire.gov.uk Council’s free road and clicking the “C” option safety magazine. for councillors. You can Dave said: “I am then either telephone or really pleased to be out parking cheats email your councillor. involved with Roadlife Maths win - thank goodness they BLUE Badge motorists aren’t leaving road BRIGHT youngsters at safety to a squirrel are to be sent extra 9,000 Blue Badge frauds on county streets Lancaster Royal any more!” information on how to Grammar School beat use the badges correctly off competitors from One lucky reader Vali Birang, Lancashire details by having them face- really well for very many people. across Lancashire to will win the chance to – in a bid to stamp out County Council’s head of traffic down on the dashboard. “ParkWise attendants are land the annual Maths see Dave live as well parking fraud. and safety, said: “Those who Use the time clock when providing a good service for gen- Challenge trophy. as receiving a signed A shocking 9,000 badges are flout the rules affect legitimate parking on double and single uine users by targeting rogues.” A good grounding in copy of his DVD. believed to be misused regular- badge holders by reducing the yellow lines, when at limited The helpful information will maths puts people in This edition incl- ly in Lancashire by parking places they can use for parking. waiting disabled bays and when be issued to all new applicants good stead for ever - udes contributions frauds who deny parking spaces “Misuse also obstructs access in time-restricted car parks. and also to people applying to hence the Lancashire County Developments from ex-Atomic Kitten to genuinely disabled people. on roads – which is why Genuine users can be caught renew their badges over the out if they display their badges Ltd award. Natasha Hamilton, The cheats could face fines of ParkWise attendants pay par- next renewal cycle. The Lancaster Royal David Dickinson and up to £1,000. Leaflets to be sent ticular attention to Blue Badges incorrectly and they can wrongly Badge holders can consult Grammar School pupils Anna Friel. direct to people’s homes will and how they are displayed.” receive Penalty Charge Notices. their Blue Badge scheme book- beat eight other schools Roadlife is available remind people how to correctly Advice includes: People who misuse the let for further guidance or con- at the final – each final- at a wide variety of display their badges - leaving Display your badge with badges can also lose them – tact the county council’s ist school had itself outlets or by telephon- cheats vulnerable to ParkWise the expiry date clearly visible. hence the advice. Customer Service Centre on beaten other schools in ing 0800 328 1635. checks on misused badges. Protect your personal Vali added: “The badges work 0845 0530049. district heats.

SURE START, EARLY YEARS & CHILDCARE SERVICE Day Care Important Day Care Briefing Sessions The Sure Start, Early Years & Childcare Service hold Day Care Briefings on Briefing information a monthly basis across Lancashire. The aim of the sessions is to give you: Dates for all An overview of the support offered by the Sure Start, Early Years and 25/09/07 – Accrington Childcare Service; 30/10/07 – Lancaster Holiday Club Information about national and local initiatives and regulations; Information about the national standards; 23/11/07 – Preston organisers The steps you will need to take to become registered; 10/01/08 – Chorley The Summer holidays may be drawing to a Details of five workshops available to support you in your application. 02/02/08 – Accrington close, but it’s not too early to be thinking 13/03/08 - Lancaster about next year. Development Workers and Registration and Training Officers will be available to talk to you about your proposals and give advice. After the session If you already run holiday clubs or are think- you will be able to book onto any of the five workshops which follow up ing of running a club in the Day Care Briefing and will take you through the process of planning 2008 help is at hand. your childcare. Whether you are setting up a Holiday Club, After School Club, Breakfast Club or Full daycare provision allowing time for planning is The Sure Start, Early essential. Years & Childcare Service Before you can set up you will need to register with Ofsted, consult with your If you need help and advice on looking for childcare, working in childcare or community, carry out market research, produce a business plan, secure funding help with training and development for childcare workers, then either and employ staff. give us a call on 0800 1950137 or logon to www.lancashire.gov.uk/ childcare Please bear in mind: Ofsted registration can take up to 25 weeks and you will need to allow plen- If you would like to book ty of time to carry out your market onto a daycare briefing or research, develop your business plan and recruit holiday staff. find out more please call 0800 195 0137 8 September 2007 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk

Egyptian mummies, Roman coins, even collections of insects Lancashire are gaining a new lease of

in life at the new St Mary’s centre

SPECIALISTS can now better conserve Lancashire’s heritage and restore a range of historic items – anything from insects, a Roman tombstone, bones of the extinct dodo or a 1950’s “teddy boy” suit – thanks to a new

(Above) War Museum North at Salford. facility. Before and They also are involved with Artefacts arrive at Lancashire County Council’s conservation after pictures 600 schools across Lancashire Life centre, formerly an empty Preston church, from across the nation of the and Cumbria through the CLEO – and the patient hands of experienced conservation experts conservation online education programme. As restore and conserve them for decades to come. centre. a regional resource, it also sup- So much verything from Roman coins and Egyptian mummies to 19th ports adult learning courses and to see and 20th century paintings, from embroidery and costumes local textile and embroidery through to natural history conservation involving taxidermy of groups. new specimens and the remounting of historic or extinct ani- raham Turner, assistant E mals – rare skills make them fit once more for museum dis- director of property at play. Lancashire County “The St Mary’s church conversion forms seven environmentally con- Council, added: “There trolled specialist studios which allow us to offer the required skills and G are relatively few early expertise for the conservation and restoration of paintings, natural his- Victorian buildings still tory specimens, textiles, archaeology, applied art, furniture and left standing in Preston, so it is frames and works of art on paper,” said conservation manager particularly pleasing for us to be Heather Davis. able to conserve part of our “This new centre provides our service with high quality architectural heritage. and flexible premises enabling us to work on a range of historic and important items.” Careful renovation of the church means its traditional stained-glass windows have been repaired, while the new facilities and modern conference rooms have been careful- Pension ly integrated. “The conversion is a subtle blend of old with new,” said Credits could Heather. “Just as we restore historic artefacts for the future, so we have restored an old building. change your “It is now a landmark facility and unique development, promoting historic conservation to the public and provid- life, writes Jim ing enhanced facilities for collection-care training across the region.” Dickson, head of illions of pounds have been spent on giving the formerly redundant Victorian church a separate Lancashire two-storey internal adaptation. County Council’s As with many old buildings, the 1830’s grade Welfare Rights M two-listed church was suffering from major damp and dilapidation when it was earmarked Service for renovation. Thankfully, its Victorian stonework and cultural heritage lives on. PENSION Credit replaced Income The facility is independent of the original church, Support for people over 60 in 2003. comprising seven studios covering different disci- Despite widespread publicity nearly plines, conference and training facilities, office accommodation and storage. one in three people who qualify for Conservators work in partnership with heritage this allowance don’t claim it. organisations providing professional training courses Pension Credit is tax-free and you do not to museums across the region including the Imperial need to have paid National Insurance to get it. MINISTER for Skills It is more generous than Income Support David Lammy recently and there is no upper savings limit. visited the new centre. How much you get depends on how much He said: “It is important money you have coming in. that local authorities You could qualify even if you have a across the country works pension. recognise the power of If you are a carer, or claim a disability museums, libraries, benefit like Attendance Allowance, you can archives and other get more Pension Credit. cultural institutions to You can also claim for help with housing strengthen their local costs, such as mortgage interest or a man- communities, stimulate agement charge in a block of flats. regeneration and foster If you get Pension Credit it can also open community cohesion. the door to other benefits, such as “This development clear- Community Care Grants, Council Tax ly achieves that aim.” Benefit, Warm Front Grants and free dental treatment. If you would like to know more, get our leaflet ‘Pension Credit’ by writing to us at: Lancashire Welfare Rights Service, FREEPOST, Preston PR1 8BR. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism September 2007 9

Storm in a Teacup: a lonely lighthouse keeper’s attempts to win the friend- in So much to do ship of a rare visitor to his isolated home. 2pm and 3.30pm, Sunday 16 Life Lancashire September. Horse and Bamboo theatre, Bacup Road, Waterfoot. Summer listings

Saturday 8 Sept to 28 Oct Rossendale artists’ exhibition. Rossendale Museum, Whitaker Park, Rawtenstall. Saturday 1 Sept to 15 Sept Wain’s World, cats, facts and the art of Louis Wain. Cats riding bikes and playing cricket. Museum of Lancashire, Preston. Saturday 8 Sept 10.30am-3.30pm. Conservation crew. Age 14-18. Want to gain experience of the work of a countryside ranger? Bring suitable clothing and meal. Meet Carwags, Beacon Fell Country Park. Book on 01995 640557. Sunday 16 Sept 1.30pm-4.30pm. In search of WALKING is healthy and fungi, mosses and ferns. Pepper such fun. Countryside ranger Win a Marmot waterproof jacket Hill Barn, Wycoller. Moderate walk. Tony Lund, of Lancashire Prestons new outdoor and travel superstore is offering vision readers Thursday 20 Sept County Council’s Countryside the chance to win a mens or ladies Marmot PreCip Waterproof Jacket. 6.30pm. Evening lecture on Charlotte Bronte’s relationship Service, starts a new series Simply answer the following question and return, by with Gawthorpe Hall and 17 September, to Cotswold competition, Vision, County Hall, Preston Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth. of Vision guided walks with a PR1 8XJ: Who designed Rossendale’s new panopticon? £6.50 inc wine – pre-book on 01282 771004. Gawthorpe Hall, five-mile hike through *Cannot be used in Padiham. Present this voucher for 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor Preston conjunction with any Rossendale 135 Fishergate, Preston (opposite Waterstones) Tel: 01772 270910 www.cotswoldoutdoor.com other offers or discounts. Saturday 22 Sept (and rest of month) Secret squirrels. Craft-inspired THIS month’s ramble is about eight OS Map panopticon go out through the main gateway and then head steeply down- activities inspired by squirrels. km or five miles in length and OS Explorer hill along the footpath. Continue along the path past the top of Ski Turton Tower, Chapeltown Rossendale until you find yourself back on the footpath you started on. Road, Turton. Small charge for takes in some quite steep gradients. West Pennine materials. There are some stunning views on offer Moors sheet From here retrace your steps back down in to Rawtenstall and and find throughout the walk giving plenty of excuses 287 and OS somewhere for a well deserved cup of tea. Royal Albert Voices. Insight into A walk to the Halo features in the South Pennines Heritage life at Lancaster’s Royal Albert to stop and take in the scenery. Explorer Festival from 8 to 30 September. Hospital. Lancaster City The suggested start point for the walk is South The festival has more than 75 events, including visits to heritage Museum. Rawtenstall railway station but it can be Pennines attractions, cycle rides and other country walks. 1-3pm. Fungi with the fun guy. started from any where in the town centre. sheet OL21 For details, visit: www.pennineprospects.com or ring 01274 433536. Family fun - search for different From the centre of Rawtenstall head up St types of mushrooms and toad- Mary’s Way past Asda and the Old Fire (Right and below): See a full map of stools around Spring Wood, Station. Turn left up Prospect Road and follow The new Halo this walk at Whalley. the road up the hill. panopticon and www.lancashire. oin the bridleway and continue up the other scenes on Saturday 29 Sept gov.uk/corporate/ hill past the radio mast. Take the bri- the walk. 9.30am-3.30pm. Beyond vision/ dleway signed on your right up the Boulsworth, hard 10-mile walk looking at moorland manage- newly stone-pitched path. ment. Bring packed meal. J Continue past Cribden End farm Book on 01995 640557. along Bridleway 116 which is well signed at this point. After 100m turn left almost dou- 11.30am-1.30pm. Tramper- friendly walk on Longridge Fell. bling back on yourself to join the footpath Explore forestry tracks. Bring which contours around Cribden Hill. packed meal. Family fun. You soon get a first glimpse of the Halo Book for use of Tramper on “panopticon” on the left below you. 01995 640557. At this point you are on Open Access Land and so are free to wander off the public right All month of way and pick your own route to Duckworth From Cooler Woodlands exhibition. Plans to extend Clough, a small coniferous woodland. woodlands and exploration of ollow the footpath through the wood- their possible uses. Gawthorpe land before dropping down the hill Hall, Padiham. towards Green House Farm. The foot- Grin Up North. Famed northern path goes past a horse arena before comedy, Fleetwood Museum. joining a track. Turn left and follow F Jamboree! 100 years of scouting this track along until you reach the Top o’ life. Bring back your childhood Slate which is the site of Rossendale’s new memories. Museum of panopticon. Lancashire, Preston. Designed by John Kennedy of LandLab, the Living with the Romans. 18m-diameter steel lattice sculpture is sup- Native Britons and how their ported on a truncated tripod 5m above the lives changed with the Roman newly landscaped ground at Top o’ Slate. invasion. Museum of Lancashire, For more information, visit: Preston. http://www.panopticons.uk.net/ rossendale_news.html You can find lots of infor- op o’ Slate is an old quarry in the hills mation about events on: above Haslingden. There are dramatic www.lancsmuseums. views overlooking the Rossendale gov.uk and at Valley, and on the horizon can be seen www.lancashire.gov.uk/ both Darwen Tower and Peel Tower. To T environment/ the east you see Bury and Manchester and the Derbyshire Pennines. countryside Once you have finished exploring the Useful phone numbers Bowland Visitor Centre, was more than satisfied that Contributing to improving Beacon Fell Country Park the Countryside Service is: opportunities and quality of 01995 640557 Top award for countryside service Setting standards, per- life in the communities we Wycoller Country Park LANCASHIRE The standard is awarded for day assessment that included forming well and continually serve. 01282 870253 a three-year period, during interviews with staff, partners, improving. The award recognises the Spring Wood Picnic Site Countryside Service has Engaging with customers, which the service will be user groups and other organi- hard work of countryside staff 01254 825187 been awarded a Charter partners and staff and in doing and their commitment to pro- reviewed annually and must sations with an interest in the Lancashire Countryside Mark, the national stan- show continuous improve- countryside, members of the so promotes choice and viding a good service and dard for customer service access to everyone. managing and creating oppor- Service main office ment. public were also interviewed 01772 534709 excellence awarded by the To obtain the award the on our country parks. Using resources effective- tunities for everyone to enjoy Cabinet Office. ly and imaginatively. Lancashire’s countryside. Museums’ main office service had to undergo a two- The Charter Mark assessor 01772 534061 10 LOOKSeptember 2007 Providing • youth LIVELY services • tourism www.lancashire.gov.uk

Voice of Councillors go ‘back to the floor’

LANCASHIRE is nothing if not large. elected member knows how the coun- understanding how the With 1.2m residents - and councillors ty council actually works at grass- education welfare team in every area - the county council is roots level. work on a daily basis. large enough to be heard in Whitehall The programme involves every “We visited a school - but small enough to be responsive councillor spending time with front- and then visited the fam- to public need. line and backroom services. It is how ilies of absent pupils. The council’s Back to the Floor pro- the council ensures that services are “Children only get gramme aims to ensure that every tailored to people’s needs… one chance at education, so it is vital that I attended the Peter We visited him at his they go to school. Street offices in Chorley. home and there was “One absent pupil Cherry immediately was looking after her clearly an excellent rap- made me feel at home. port. CHAMPION for young grandma and another It is important to know It could have been a people: County Councillor had had a serious fami- what staffs’ jobs involve difficult meeting, but Sean Serridge. ly tragedy.” mpson Some difficulties ndy Tho and Cherry explained Cherry professionally We thoroughly. It was clear talked him through a THERE is more to faced by children and District partnership officer to me that she dealt with variety of options includ- school absenteeism families are seen again a variety of complex and ing Direct Payments - a than just skipping and again. Sometimes personal cases involving system by which the class for an after- the main difficulty is people’s disabilities. county council gives money - and those fam- noon skiving off. Wendy is one of the the county’s COUNTY Councillor She had arranged for money direct to clients to Family breakdown, ilies can be put in touch district partnership officers Mark Perks. me to attend one of her allow them to arrange health problems and a with Welfare Rights. (DPO) and works in Lancaster. meetings with a client their own care, rather variety of social difficul- Other problems can I WANTED to know who had undergone an than them having to ties can be the real be health based or may What does being a district partnership about the support extremely traumatic accept what others want cause - as one county require help from social officer involve? available for disabled experience that had to give them. councillor discovered services. people and spent time changed his life. The fact The county council’s when he went “back to Every county council- My job includes a number of different roles, often with social worker the young man agreed frontline staff often face the floor”. lor is being given the chance to take part in at the same time. Cherry Collison, for a county councillor to difficult situations - and County Councillor District partnership officers act as a link be at the meeting shows my experience showed Sean Serridge visited similar “back to the between the county council and district councils, writes Mark Perks, what a trusting relation- me just how professional schools in the Leyland floor” exercises, each parish councils and other organisations. county councillor ship Cherry had estab- and important they real- area to see how the designed to show how We know lots of people both inside and outside for Chorley North. lished with him. ly are. county council’s educa- services are provided at of the county council, and often act as a signpost tion welfare officers grassroots level. to help others find the right person. work to keep young peo- Councillor Serridge We also work with regeneration groups, such ple in education. added: “I followed one of as Poulton Neighbourhood Management and the Lessons reach distant shores Councillor Serridge, our staff members on Carnforth Area Regeneration Partnership. the county council’s her rounds - a far better a speaker at the North of the streets of Baku, the We also help councillors respond to enquiries EDUCATION chiefs Champion for Young approach than just sit- England Education Conf- Azeri capital. from local people and provide assistance when in a former Soviet bloc People, said: “The day ting in an office reading erence held in Preston “It’s an amazing place, they take decisions on spending tax money, espe- country are taking les- was a real eye-opener in about schools.” back in January. cially at the Lancashire Local committees. sons from Lancashire. very diverse with parks, Pat shared the confer- Far-off Azerbaijan, beautiful old buildings, a How did you become a district partnership lying on the western ence stage with education bustling waterfront with officer? shores of the Caspian ministers from Spain, people sitting out and silk Croatia and Jordan, a carpet sellers. New road safety help Sea, turned to Pat The guide includes I was born in Lancashire, but moved to London Jefferson, Lancashire UNESCO policy maker “I was really impressed PARENTS and young information on pedestri- after graduation, where I met my husband. County Council’s Exec- and a research director with the richness of their children are learning an safety, child car seats He was originally from Morecambe and when utive Director for Child- from Hungary, and was culture. The costumes about road safety he left the army we decided to move back to the ren and Young People, given half a day at the and crafts are so colour- with a new guide. and much more. area. when they needed advice two-day conference to ful, and the people were Lancashire County A second package is It has a high quality of life and we wanted to on education reform. speak about curriculum so hospitable. Council’s Road Safety designed for health visi- bring up our daughter near to her grandparents. Ministers invited Pat to reform, recruitment, pro- “I carried greetings Group has launched tors to share with new This fantastic job came up around the time we speak at their conference fessional development from the chairman of the Small Journeys - a and prospective parents. were looking to return to the county. at the suggestion of the and school leadership. county council and I hope handy A5 booklet for For more information World Bank’s senior edu- Despite her packed pro- we may be able to wel- health visitors and a or to request a copy of What’s the best thing about your job? cation specialist Juan gramme Pat managed to come them to Lancashire guide aimed at pre- Small Journeys please Manuel Moreno, who was squeeze in a quick visit to some day.” school care providers. call 01772 531048. Making a difference for local people by identify- ing opportunities to develop council services. For example, at a recent Lancashire Local meeting one of the items involved a possible new cycle track in Hest Bank. Kevin’s food message is champion Local residents agreed with the idea but there was some concern about the overall impact. The committee listened to local views and ONE of the country’s “I invited them out for a night acted accordingly. finest areas of culinary round some of the best pubs in delights is right here in the area, finishing off with What qualities and skills does a DPO need? sausage and mash back at the Lancashire - and the best Fence Gate.” way to get there is by bus! You need an ability to talk to people, diplomacy, Kevin’s sausages and black Lancashire County Council quick thinking and good negotiating skills. puddings have won numerous has been working with local bus I once got a call from Lancaster Prison saying awards. He was the first non- operator Tyrers and a host of they’d filled in a county council questionnaire. Cumbrian to win the prestigious They had a query but couldn’t remember who pubs in Pendle to take visitors Cumberland Sausage award at they’d sent it to. My job was to track it down on the “Cask Ale Trail” - a bus the North West Food Awards. across the whole of the council. After some detec- service that allows passengers to Sue Buckley from Lancashire tive work, I found it for them. sample some of the very finest County Council explained: “The beer and food without worrying trail takes advantage of the fact Why is it important for the county council about driving. that there are many great estab- to work closely with the districts? And now, one of the owners on lishments in such a small area. the trail is spreading the word “The service links with train Local people aren’t always concerned about by showing journalists from services from Nelson so you which council is responsible for delivering which London how sausage and mash could come from far afield.” service - they just want to receive excellent serv- is made up north and how to The Cask Ale Trail, part of the ices. By working together we can continue to pull a proper pint. Pendle Wayfarer timetable, runs SERVING up develop and improve. Kevin Berkins, owner of the every Thursday night until 26 a treat: Kevin’s Fence Gate Inn and National October and costs just £2.55 been spreading Which three terms best describe your job? Sausage Champion, said: “I was (child £1.55) for a whole night of the message at an event in London and the travel. about quality It’s fun, occasionally frustrating, but mostly ful- editors of the Publican magazine For more information about Lancashire filling! heard me talking about the Ale the Cask Ale Trail call 01282 food. Trail. 661394. www.lancashire.gov.uk Providing • youth services • tourism September 2007 11 Lancashire LOCAL Local priorities Local choice, local Only locally elected representatives take decisions in your area All the decisions below were made by Local decisions Meetings held in each district. Wyre Lancashire Local - but similar local Decisions are taken locally action decisions are being made in your area Local winners Lancashire Local unites your county council with your district Young council – so decisions meet local need. Meetings are open to the people in public. Further steps are planned to improve the county council’s charge working with partners COUNCILLORS We’re putting you first are to meet young people across Wyre to help decide what services they need. Task group to Members Of Wyre Lancashire Local are “devolving” some boost roads money for young people to young people COUNCILLOR members of Wyre’s Lancashire themselves – and Local are forming a task group to investigate want young people to how to spend extra highways cash. tell them how the Lancashire Local in Wyre has been given an extra money should be £40,000 for highways improvements – and must spent. decide which of 58 improvement schemes to back. County Councillor The money is in addition to the millions of pounds WORKING for you: from Penny Martin and spent on Wyre roads each year. Wyre’s Lancashire Action plan for junction left, Ronald Shewan and Councillor Ramesh Local asked elected members and also parish coun- John Shedwick, chair and Gandhi have been cils to nominate improvements. MOTORISTS are to be given extra “People come up to the bend and find vice-chair of Wyre Lancashire delegated to regular- County Councillor Keith Riley, Wyre’s mayor, sug- warnings as they approach a bend it difficult to see which way the road Local at the busy junction ly meet young people. gested establishing a task group to investigate which and junction in Poulton. goes. Flashing signs and reflective haz- schemes should get the green light. Members of Wyre Lancashire Local ard-marker posts will show them in County Councillor John Shedwick, Lancashire – formed of Wyre Council members the future. Local chair, said: “We don’t have the money to do all and Wyre members of Lancashire “There is a problem at the junction the improvements, so we have to set up a task group County Council – approved plans for with drivers not slowing down enough to look at each of them in more detail. higher streetlights and extra road- – some cars have run into the backs of “We need to spend the money as sensibly as possi- markings and signs on Hardhorn Road other cars. Extra markings and bly, so the task group will look at each application and Highcross Road. and have the power to make decisions.” County Councillor John Shedwick, changes to the sightline should reduce Nominated schemes include replacing grass Lancashire Local chair, said: “There that problem.” verges in Cleveleys, highways maintenmance in have been nine injury-accidents at the A weight restriction on Hardhorn Fleetwood, a bus-stop improvement in Catterall and junction of these two roads in the last Road will be considered as a separate improved footways on Yewlands Drive, Garstang. five years. issue in the future. Nine road schemes to ‘reduce deaths by 40 per cent’

ROADS are to get safer records are being analysed to Pedestrian refuges and may slip into the following across Wyre after the area’s see what dangers can be removed. hatched markings on Hatfield financial year: signs and road Lancashire Local approved Wyre’s list of local safety Avenue, Fleetwood. markings on the A588 schemes was approved by Traffic calming and a Preesall Park to Pilling; signs nine safety schemes. members of Lancashire 20mph zone in the and road markings on the A6 Lancashire County Council County Council, Wyre Council Chatsworth Avenue area of Cabus to Forton; mini-round- is signed up to a 40 per cent and also a representative of Fleetwood. about, signs and road mark- reduction in people killed or Wyre’s parish councils. Lighting improvements ings on Blackpool Old Road in seriously injured on the roads Schemes approved for con- and signs and road markings on Poulton-le-Fylde; miscella- by 2010. struction before April are: Hardhorn Road and Highcross neous safety improvements on More than £1.4m is to be Signs and road markings Road, Poulton-le-Fylde. Fleetwood Road North spent on Lancashire roads – on Lancaster Road between The following schemes may between Thornton and and all roads with poor safety Pilling and Cockerham. be completed by April – but Fleetwood. County climate battle starts WIND turbines, biofuel conver- Carbon dioxide Community groups will be invited to sion for vehicles and solar panels apply for cash help. They will get money if could all be seen across Wyre as – where you stand they can show their idea will encourage or part of a £250,000 county-wide directly support a green approach to the Figures show carbon dioxide emissions per capita environment. battle against climate change. (tonnes) and are based on domestic energy use: County Councillor John Shedwick, Wyre The battle will be led by community Lancashire Local chair, said: “Each project South Ribble 2.35 Pendle 2.62 groups in each part of Lancashire – with will need to demonstrate a contribution to Burnley 2.38 Chorley 2.87 cash support from Lancashire Local com- mitigating, or adapting to, climate change mittees. Hyndburn 2.39 West Lancs 3.12 in Lancashire. Whitehall statistics, based on domestic Wyre 2.44 Ribble Valley 3.28 “Examples could include community power use, show Wyre households have Preston 2.50 Rossendale 3.30 ‘micro-renewable’ energy schemes, carbon smaller “carbon footprints” than most parts Lancaster 2.51 Fylde 3.34 capture through trees or even peat-bog of the county. Cash support will be made restoration. It really is up to people at the available on the basis of carbon footprints – of the county that will be heated with an grassroots to get their thinking caps on.” meaning Wyre community groups can bid underground heat pump and other build- for nearly £19,000. ings are run using solar panels on the roof. YOUNG people from across County Councillor Clive Grunshaw said: “Many people fear the cost of installing Lancashire have been putting their “Tackling climate change at the grassroots this type of equipment in their own homes, heads together to find ways to help pre- level is a great idea. and we hope a scheme like this will bring vent climate change. “There are scores of community groups prices down as demand rises. More than 80 teenagers from the that we can encourage with support for “It is the best way we have to make a lit- Lancashire Youth Council took time out things such as converting minibuses to run tle money go a long way.” from their summer holidays to attend a on biofuel. Councillors will officially launch the two-day residential conference on glob- “I know of a community hall in one part Climate Change Fund in October. al warming. 12 August 2007 Providing • food safety • welfare advice www.lancashire.gov.uk

WITH the start of another school year, Many schools recognise the social skills that children parents’ thoughts turn once again to develop by sitting together in encouraging their children to eat more small groups to enjoy a hot meal. And it’s well known that a healthily. nourishing lunch sets pupils up to learn better in the afternoon. Lancashire County Commercial Services (LCCS), the county council’s school caterers are constantly working For busy parents a school lunch also saves time to improve the nutritional content of menus. and the worry of providing a suitable packed lunch each day. We provide up to 50,000 lunches every day so it’s important to plan properly.

To ensure that our menus meet the required Enjoy some fun standards they come under the microscope of Alison Nelson, our consultant nutritionist. LCCS Look out for some special days over the course of the also works in partnership with Lancashire next year. Healthy Schools. We will be celebrating the birthday of our much loved We aim to provide at least two of the mascot Hotpot on 5 October with the biggest party in the recommended five portions a day, so fresh country so if you have children at primary school look out fruit, juice, vegetables and salads are a for your child’s invitation! feature of every school menu. Wholemeal Beef Pot and Fresh Jacket Wedges with Carrots bread and fresh drinking water is freely and Baby Sweet Corn followed by Toffee Apple available every day. Express Cafe – Crumble and Custard The majority of schools also have a Faster, Fresher, Fitter Pork Steak with Apple Sauce, Baby Mid dedicated salad bar where children can Potatoes, Chunky Roasted Vegetables and help themselves or be helped by older As students move to secondary school, their tastes Sweetcorn followed by Chocolate and Pear children. become increasingly more sophisticated. Students can Sponge Pudding with Chocolate Sauce choose from a selection of meal deals from our traditional, Apart from enjoying great food, there global and pasta menus. For something lighter or to take Lasagne with Warm Crusty Bread and Crispy are other benefits from having a freshly away, we offer filled jackets and grab bags with tasty Salad followed by Devonshire Apple Split cooked school meal prepared baguettes and sandwiches. by dedicated and helpful Battered Cod Fillet, Chucky Chips and Baked staff. Priced normally at £1.70* in primary schools and Beans followed by Ice Cream Fruit Sundae £2.00 in secondary, a freshly cooked and healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken with Noodles and school lunch is great value. Mixed Salad followed by Banana and Gingerbread Iced Slice *check your school for details Salads, Fresh Fruit Yoghurt and a Medley of Fresh Fruits are available daily together with Training for Success a choice of Drinks and Fresh Chilled Water Parents can be sure that lunch is prepared, cooked and served by trained and dedicated caterers.

We employ our own team of craft skills trainers and cooks attend craft skills training every six weeks.

We provide the new qualification in providing healthier school lunches

If you would like to be part of a successful team committed to making a real difference to the young people of Lancashire, please give us a call on 01772 538 999.

For more information about LCCS and school meals visit www.servinglancashire.org.uk or contact your local school.

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