Over Wyre Focus Magazine - January 2021 by Focus Magazines

FOCUS MAGAZINE 'The Green Book'

OVER WYRE - Knott End - Preesall - Pilling - Stalmine - Hambleton

Issue 253 January 2021

CORONAVIRUS TIER 4

STAY HOME THERE IS A NEW STRAIN OF COVID-19 WHICH SPREADS EVEN FASTER Around 1 in 3 people have no symptoms, so will be spreading it without realising You must not leave home except for specific purposes: food, medical reasons or work Do not travel unless necessary Work from home if you can ONLY up to two people can meet in public outdoor spaces For further details, go to gov.uk/coronavirus

2020.12.30_Tiering_Tire4_A4_Easy_Print.indd 1

20/12/2020 23:32

Welcome to Focus Magazine... Santa Claus Came to Town...........................4

1st Pilling Scout Group...................................37

Garstang & District Lions...............................5

The Benefits of Golf..........................................38

OWSAC....................................................................6

Wyre Juniors Football Club..........................39

Garstang Speakers Club................................6

Garstang Camera Club...................................40

Lancaster Singers..............................................7

North Fylde Photographic Society...........41

Hambleton WI.....................................................7

Advice Line Support for Wyre.....................42

Pilling Lane WI....................................................8

Forest of Bowland AONB...............................45

Hambleton URC..................................................8

Scrap Donation for RLNI................................47

Knott End Library...............................................10

Moon Charitable Trust.....................................48

Over Wyre Medical Centre...........................12

Christmas Recycling........................................49

Health Service Pressures..............................14

Cardiac Risk in the Young..............................51

Preesall Town Council News.......................16

Primary School Places....................................53

Preesall Council Vacancy..............................18

RSPCA......................................................................54

Hambleton Parish Council............................20

Soroptimists..........................................................56

Stalmine with Staynall Council..................21

Pilling Band 200 Club......................................57

SSRA..........................................................................22

Grey Matter Test.................................................57

Ben Wallace MP.................................................25

Volunteering Opportunities.........................58

Cat Smith MP........................................................28

Kick Starting Wyreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economy....................59

Wyre Lobbies Government..........................30

Crossword..............................................................59

Wyre Flood Forum............................................32

Puzzle Answers...................................................63

Lancashire West Trefoil Guild.....................37

FEBRUARY 2021 DEADLINE DATE

The February deadline for editorial and adverts is 5:00pm on Monday 18th January Deliveries of the February edition of Focus Magazine will commence Thursday 28th January Over Wyre & Garstang Focus Magazines www.focusmags.co.uk | (01253) 813433 | www.facebook.com/focusmags Event Advertising & Editorial: editorial@focusmags.co.uk Business & Commercial Advertising: helen@focusmags.co.uk Postal submissions: Focus Magazine, 132 Highfield Rd, Blackpool, FY4 2HH Cover design by Phil S Clarkson | Printed by Moulton Printing | ÂŠ Focus Magazines 2021 While every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine to ensure accuracy, Focus Magazines cannot be held responsible for content supplied by advertisers or editorial contributors. Our acceptance of an editorial item or an advertisement does not necessarily indicate our endorsement of the products, services or views contained within it.

SANTA CLAUS CAME TO TOWN! And what a fantastic tour of Knott End and Preesall it was! The sleigh looked fabulous in daylight and when it started to go dark, it looked even better sparkling around the villages spreading festive cheer. After a very difficult year, it was lovely to see so many smiling faces, young and not so young.

• • •

On behalf of the Community Christmas Events Committee, I would like to thank the following people:

•

The Construction Elves at VCL Light Bars - Dave Hall, Marcus Bancroft, Nigel and Rachel Hind, Tony and Wendy Colemen - for their fabulous efforts building the sleigh The Elf Helpers Georgina Cross, Louise hall, Rachel Hind, Sandra and Caitlin Jepson and Little Dan for handing out goodies and spreading festive cheer The Craft Elf, Jess Basquill from the Lighthouse Church for the kind donation

•

of craft bags Preesall Youthy for their kind donation of goodies including a re-supply half-way! The Catering Elves, Nicola Pattrick and Jayne Turner, for their yummy and well needed refreshments at half time The Admin Elf Sandra Jepson – for printing and IT support Natasha Wright and the local Covid Support Group for their kind donation of festive masks Anthony Taylor-Royston at Astro Signs, for the reindeer and decorative vinyls Knott End and Preesall Co-ops, Preesall OneStop and Knott End Spar for their generous donation of goodies to hand out along the way Karen ‘Prancer’ Woods, for her support from day one and everything else she did from painting and decorating to sorting music, handing out goodies and being a sounding board throughout!

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SANTA CAME TO TOWN! (cont) •

Santa and Mrs Claus for taking time out of their busy schedule to visit us

Doug Smith, Harry the Lorry and the Elves Behaving Badly Team followed us as we toured the villages and thank you to everyone who donated money for their charities. The total raised was a fantastic £402.12! Finally, I would like to thank everyone in our community for coming out, waving and observing social distancing restrictions. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2021 - bigger, brighter and louder – but this is where we need your help. If you would like to get involved in this fabulous festive event, please contact me either via the Santa Tour Facebook page or email me. Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year. Anne Tarpey-Black e: anne@artnoire.net fb: @kepsanta

GARSTANG & DISTRICT LIONS Donations I am sure that you would all agree that the Garstang Christmas Lights helped towards brightening up our lives in these dismal times; and club members were pleased to give a sum of £250 as our annual contribution towards the cost of these. A donation of £350 has also been made to the Royal Voluntary Society Lunch Club which will help them to distribute Christmas hampers instead of their usual festive meal. The club also donated £200 to allow us to buy a significant number of gift sets and toys for Fylde Women’s Aid for distribution to those residing in their various refuges in the area. We were most grateful for the help and support of the staff at our local B&S store who also added items to our contribution.

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Happy New Year everybody. That was Christmas with a difference for all sorts of reasons, but do hope you were able to celebrate and enjoy.

Visits from Santa and a small band of Elves to some of our local care facilities took place in Dec. This replaced our usual community Christmas lunch and were a very modest affair with full regard to all Covid regulations. Our members have continued to support our local community in numerous ways, not only through the important jobs that many of them do but also through the wide range of other voluntary activities being undertaken. All of us would like to extend our optimistic hopes for a much better 2021 ahead. Further information about the range of activities and projects we have been involved with is available on our website or you can just speak to any of our members about what it is that we do. Chris Wilkinson www.garstanglions.co.uk Established over 14 years

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Now as we move in to 2021, we are full of hope and expectation as the Covid vaccinations begin to take place. Our thoughts turn to meeting up with old friends, and enjoying the every day life that we almost took for granted. This won’t happen overnight of course, but when we do get the ‘all clear’ you will find a warm welcome at the Over Wyre Social and Activity Club. Stay safe. Penny Drabble

GARSTANG SPEAKERS CLUB There have been some difficult times for everybody in the last nine months, not least for those of us involved with a speaking club. Zoom and our increasing ability to use it has been the life saver we needed. We start again in 2021 on Tues 5th Jan and look forward to a New Year with an increasing return to as near normal as possible. We are a friendly group and have certainly missed the good company and the speaking opportunities. Now we meet from the comfort of our own homes and at least can see each other. If you would like to make new friends and perhaps learn something new, we could be the club you are looking for. A safe and happy new year to all. If you are interested in finding out more then please contact us. Sue Hubbard t: (01253) 701019 (Sheila Croft) e: barleyfold@madasafish.com (Sue Hubbard) or garstangspeakersclub@gmail.com www.garstangladiesspeakersclub.org

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LANCASTER SINGERS Do you want to sing? Lancaster Singers have been rehearsing virtually for months with our director, Duncan Lloyd, who has been working tirelessly to produce new material and recording the ‘click track’ accompaniments to which we sing. We’ll be starting on a new collection of songs and pieces in January and planning for live performances in 2021 is underway. Our stance is to be eternally optimistic. Would you like to join us online? New members are always welcome to join the virtual rehearsals. Please contact Sarah Jackson on 07929 031 466 or email sarah60jackson@ yahoo.com for more details. Our usual ‘light-touch’ auditions will resume when we eventually get back together. Lancaster Singers would like to extend warmest thanks to its members, friends and supporters who remain resilient and positive during these challenging times. Chris Haughton - Chairman t: 07976 875 586 www.lancastersingers.org

HAMBLETON WI We, the Committee, would like to wish you all a very happy New Year for 2021. We hope this year will be a much happier one than last year. Some of us may have had the vaccination, others will be awaiting theirs; hopefully we can all meet up again and restart a normal life. Oh, how we have missed each other’s company and the chance to enjoy a natter and a cuppa! We are only a phone call away. Please ring any member of the committee if you just want a friendly voice or an errand done. For further information please contact Gaynor Beryl Hartley t: (01253) 702980 (Gaynor) e: gaynor2386@hotmail.com Why not keep it local and support our advertisers?

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PILLING LANE WI We hope that everybody had a happy and peaceful Christmas. As we start 2021 we look forward to a better year and hope that the vaccine programme roll-out is going well. We are all waiting with a great sense of anticipation for our call to be vaccinated. Many of you may already have had your first injection. We hope that this will begin the return to normal life and that we will be able to meet together soon! In the meantime, if you need any help or just want to have a chat, do contact any member of the committee. I wish you all a healthy and happy New Year. Janet Astley (01253) 467978

HAMBLETON URC We, at Hambleton United Reformed Church, want to wish both you and your family and friends a very happy New Year. We so hope 2021 is a safer year which is filled with joy and happiness. As your church at the centre of our beautiful village we want you to know that as part of our commitment of Outreach, we are here for you. If you have you a relative or friend who is ill in hospital and you wish them to have someone to visit them, then do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to contact the hospital chaplaincy team to arrange someone to go and check on them. This is open to all members of our community. Contact Chris Lamb for more details. Likewise, if you do not attend Church, but would you like a prayer said for either yourself or someone you love or know, again please do not hesitate to contact us by dropping a note through the letterbox or emailing us. We will be more than happy to include a

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HAMBLETON URC (cont)

KNOTT END LIBRARY

prayer in our services.

May we wish you all a Happy New Year and let’s all be positive and hopeful for 2021!

Unfortunately at time of writing we have to say the Church is presently closed, but as the restrictions ease, we will once again be open for you to pop in, attend services, say a prayer or just come and chat. All are welcome. Taizé Prayer Group There will be a Taizé Prayer Group which will take place on Zoom on Sun 10th Jan at 5:00pm. To join the Zoom meeting, follow this link: http://bit.ly/hambleton-urc-taize Meeting ID: 931 4334 0984 Passcode: 175217 Chris Lamb t: (01253) 811252 e: hambletonurc@gmail.com

The library is open again to browse, return books, use a computer, photocopying and printing services and collection of reservations and Six of the Best selections. We have measures in place covering all of these services to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. Please check our library opening hours before you visit: Mon 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Tue 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00pm - 7:00pm Wed Closed Thu 9:00am - 1:00pm Fri 9:00am - 1:00pm, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Sat 9:00am - 1:00pm Sun Closed You can order a Six of the Best collection: •

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KNOTT END LIBRARY (cont) • •

By asking staff during opening hours By phoning 0300 123 6703 Mon to Fri 9:00am to 5:00pm

You can book a computer session: • •

By asking staff during opening hours By phoning 0300 123 6703 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

We also have available space for you to sit and study or use our free Wi-Fi. Digital Download Services We are still offering our free digital download services called Borrowbox and RB Digital which are available by downloading the apps and signing in using your library membership card. Free daily newspapers and magazines as well as eBooks and eAudio books are available

Home Library Service For those in the community who are unable to visit the library because of poor health, we offer the Home Library Service, where we pack a choice of books and our volunteers will deliver to the door. Again, this is a Covid secure service where strict measures are in place and which is proving more vital than ever before, so if you would like to be part of this service, do please contact the library. Groups & Events Our groups and events are currently paused, however we are looking forward to seeing you all as soon as is safe to do so. For the most current and up to date information on the library service and our offers, please go to our website or telephone. Knott End Library Team t: 0300 123 6703 www.lancashire.gov.uk

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OVER WYRE MEDICAL CENTRE Happy New Year from all of us at Over Wyre Medical Centre! This year, I have decided to write about common conditions in an attempt to help our community manage their long term conditions. I recently overheard a conversation amongst a group of school mums about eczema and was staggered to hear how many children are affected. This has inspired me to write a few words on this topic. Lotions & Potions Many adults and children suffer with eczema, whether that be in a mild form which is self managed or in a severe form which requires consultation with our surgery or dermatologists. Eczema is an itchy, inflammatory skin condition where patches of skin appear dry and red. Triggers can be allergens, nickel or perfumes. Similarly, stress can trigger flares of eczema. The cornerstone of managing eczema is the use of suitable emollients. There are so many available and the choice can certainly be overwhelming and confusing. In broad terms, there are lotions, creams and ointments. Lotions are lighter, whilst ointments are greasier on application.

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Doctors often refer to an emollient ladder with lighter lotions at the bottom for milder eczema and heavy, greasier ointments at the top for more severe eczema. You can move up and down the ladder with your choice of emollient as the eczema flares and improves. The emollient ladder is certainly something to familiarise yourself with! Emollients are a personal choice; what suits one person may not suit another but the key is finding something that you can apply regularly (at least twice daily). Many patients don’t use enough emollient or don’t apply regularly enough to adequately protect the skin’s outer barrier. A great tip for itchy skin is to use cool lotions

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OVER WYRE MEDICAL (cont) and creams - store in the fridge if this is something that helps you. Ointments will turn solid though so best to avoid putting those in the fridge! In the bath, avoid using perfumed soaps and bath additives that can be irritant or drying for the skin. Use your emollient as a soap in the shower or bath and ensure the emollient is applied to dry skin immediately after washing. Steroids are the other mainstay of treatment for eczema. If your eczema is mild, the emollient approach as detailed above may be all that is required, but if you see redness within the rash or there is significant itching, some steroid cream may be what you need. Mild and moderate strength steroids can be bought at the chemist (Hydrocortisone is mild, Eumovate is moderate) so you can liaise with your pharmacist if you feel that this is required.

When using steroids, apply the steroids first. Look up ‘finger tip units’ - this is a useful principle and will tell you exactly how much you will need to cover the affected area of skin. Allow the steroid to sink into the skin for a couple of minutes before applying the chosen emollient to seal it in. Anti-histamines (like chlorphenamine which is bought over the counter) can be very useful for itch, particularly in children who scratch at night. Oozing from eczema or excessive redness may be a sign of infection so consult with a doctor if this is the case. Excessive areas of eczema may also need an alternative approach so again, consult a doctor. If your steroids and emollients are simply not working, contact a doctor for further advice. There are loads more tips, useful information and downloadable factsheets on the National Eczema Society website.

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OVER WYRE MEDICAL (cont) A Note About Our Dispensary Our dispensary staff have worked like troopers once again to collate and deliver our patients’ medicines. Recently, the team has been joined by new members of staff, Nathan and Rose. They are settling in wonderfully and we are happy to welcome them. Our dispensary is able to provide services to patients who live in excess of a mile from a local chemist. It is also able to provide medicines for patients who would physically struggle to get to their local chemist. If you believe you would benefit from utilising our dispensary and are eligible, feel free to contact our reception to arrange this. Dr Vicky Simpson t: (01253) 951165 fb: @overwyremc www.overwyremc.co.uk

HEALTH SERVICE PRESSURES Residents Warned of Extra Pressures on Health Services this Winter The Fylde Coast NHS is urging people to use health services responsibly this winter as they all begin to face increasing pressures. Winter has always posed a significant challenge to health services with demand increasing massively during this time. This is due to long-term health conditions being made worse by the cold weather and people catching other winter related illnesses. The hospital has seen significant increases in COVID-19 hospital admissions and health services across the Fylde Coast are under a huge amount of pressure. Waiting times in the emergency department have also started to increase and these are expected to get worse. This problem can be made worse by some members of the public turning up at A&E with illnesses that could have been dealt with at home or by other health services.

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HEALTH SERVICE PRESSURES (cont) To alleviate some of the pressures the hospital is facing people are being urged to choose the right health service for their need. People should treat common illnesses at home as soon as they start and seek advice from their pharmacist when needed. Pharmacists are experts on medicines for common ailments and can offer consultations if needed. If someone needs to speak to a doctor, they can call their GP surgery. They will likely be offered a telephone or video consultation, but the GP will see them if needed. If you feel you need more urgent care you should use the NHS 111 service. This can be done either by phone or by using the online service at www.111.nhs.uk Trained professionals will be able to assess you and make sure you are directed to the best service for your need. This may be a call

with a doctor who will then be able to set up treatments in your own home using some of the community nurse services. If you need to go to hospital NHS 111 advisors can book you in so A&E are expecting you and can see you safely. In an emergency and for life threatening conditions, always call 999. If somebody has any symptoms of COVID-19, they should book a test and stay at home until they get their tests results. Only leave home to have a test. Natalie Hudson, executive director of operations at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: ‘We are working tirelessly to deal with the rising pressures as a result of the ongoing response to the pandemic and to ensure patients are treated safely and efficiently. We are working hard to reduce any delays and would like to express

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HEALTH SERVICE PRESSURES (cont) our regret to anyone experiencing long waits for treatment. ‘The colder months are always a challenging time for the NHS and this year, those seasonal pressures are being exacerbated

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by the demands created by COVID-19, the increased admissions to hospital and the numbers of seriously ill patients being treated in our intensive care units. ‘But please remember we are here for you and I would urge you to seek help if you need it. Anyone who is unsure of the right place to get treatment should contact NHS 111, either on the phone or online. Please help us to help you by choosing the right health service for your health need.’ www.fyldecoastccgs.nhs.ukCouncil

PREESALL TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Meetings The council is still holding meetings on Zoom. Details can be found on the council’s noticeboards and website. Members of the public can raise matters or view proceedings. Anyone wishing to join the meeting should contact the clerk on the number below. Star Award

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The Council is once again running its award for those who do ‘unsung’ work within the community, whether that be volunteering, helping or keeping things running. If you know of a stalwart helper, group, community volunteer or someone you admire for their work in the community – let us know. More details of the award and a nomination form can be found on the council’s website under the ‘information’ tab or from the clerk. Nominations will be accepted up to Sun 14th Feb and judging will take place in March, with any Star Award recipient being invited to a presentation at the Council’s Mayor Making Ceremony in May. Pavement Worry A response has been received from Lancashire County Council regarding the council’s concerns as to the dangers posed by the lack of a pavement at the southern

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PREESALL TOWN NEWS (cont) end of Park Lane. Unfortunately LCC reports that there are other areas with a greater risk of accident within the county, therefore a pavement at this part of Park Lane cannot be considered at this point in time. Fordstone Avenue Bench Area The new noticeboard is now in place. It contains two ‘bays’ for council notices and a third to enable clubs within the community to advertise their events/meetings. Anyone wishing to place a notice on the board should contact the clerk. Kiosk Plea Residents are asked not to leave items in the telephone kiosk at the junction of Park Lane and Sandy Lane. A bookcase placed in it had to be removed as strictly that constituted flytipping. Plans for the kiosk are being considered.

Next Meeting Preesall Town Council will meet next via Zoom on Mon 11th Jan at 7:00pm. This is a public meeting and residents are welcome. An opportunity to raise matters is available. Log-in details can be obtained from the clerk by 3:00pm on the day of the meeting. Please keep an eye on the council’s website and noticeboards for updates. For further information contact the clerk, Alison May. e: clerk@preesalltowncouncil.org t: 07739 868212 www.preesalltowncouncil.org

PREESALL COUNCIL VACANCY Preesall Lengthsman Responsible To: Preesall Town Council’s Contract Administrator Hours: The contract is for a maximum

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PREESALL VACANCY (cont) 25 hours per week to be worked flexibly dependent on time of year and weather. Applicants are asked to determine how many hours they believe would be necessary to carry out the duties. The council may consider splitting the role for the right applicants. Salary: £12 to £15 per hour, based on evidence of experience. Overall Responsibilities: To carry out the duties of Preesall Town Council Lengthsman within the parish boundaries of Preesall, providing a focused level of service, resulting in improvement to the environment within Preesall and Knott End. Duties: These are defined in the job description and the workbook; both are available on the council’s website under the documents/information tab. Person Specification: This is fully detailed in the person specification available on the

council’s website under the documents/other documents/information tab. Experience: Experience of groundswork and the ability to use a range of machinery and tools are essential. Skills: Good communication skills. Able to use machinery competently without supervision. Spraying qualifications would be an advantage. Ability to work well with a wide range of people. Can-do approach. Knowledge: Knowledge of Preesall and Knott End would be an advantage. The successful bidder/s will be expected to have the qualifications/training outlined in the person specification and to provide the equipment necessary to carry out the work, including relevant safety wear, basic signage and transport. The council will provide some signage and a wheeled cart for litter picking duties. They will also be required to have full

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PREESALL VACANCY (cont) public liability insurance cover to a minimum of £5million. Closing Date For Applications: Fri 29th January. If you are interested in tendering for the role please contact the Town Clerk t: 07739 868212 e: clerk@preesalltowncouncil.org www.preesalltowncouncil.org

HAMBLETON PARISH COUNCIL Hambleton Parish Council would like to wish all the residents a healthy, wealthy and happy New Year. Facebook Page The Parish Council have a Facebook page - ‘Hambleton (Wyre) Parish Council’. Follow us to keep in the know with parish council events and village developments.

Parish Council Next Meeting The next ordinary parish council meeting will be held on Tues 5th Jan via Skype starting at 7:30pm. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Please contact the clerk for joining details. If you are unable to join, but have an issue you would like the council to consider, please let the clerk know so it can be added to the agenda. Climate Change Back in December you may have seen evidence of tree planting on the park. The hedging and trees were donated by the Woodland Trust and our thanks goes to them for their support and the local volunteers for giving up their time to help with the planting. If you have any ideas on how the parish council can further help to tackle climate change issues please let us know.

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HAMBLETON COUNCIL (cont) Village Traffic

Police

There has been a spate of damage caused to parked cars. Please be considerate when parking and driving around the village. Many of the village roads are narrow and parked cars, especially near junctions, can create blind corners and increases the risk of accidents. Speeding is also an issue. Please keep your speed within the limit and safe for the conditions.

Did you know that you can report non-urgent incidents online (Report an incident www. lancashire.police.uk) or via by ringing 101. This allows incidents, concerns or information to be provided to the police. Of course if there is a Police emergency always ring 999.

Coronavirus Support If you are confined to your home and need any practical help (shopping, prescription collection/delivery etc) or just someone to have a chat with, the Parish Council, along with a local army of volunteers, are here to help. Please ring the clerk to discuss your needs in the first instance. Huge thanks go to all the people in the village who have offered their help during this time.

Yvonne Walton - Clerk t: 07703 773 785 e: hambletonpc@yahoo.co.uk

STALMINE-WITH-STAYNALL COUNCIL Council Meetings The council continues to hold its meetings via Zoom video conference. Details can be found on the council’s noticeboard and website. There is still an opportunity for members of the public to raise matters of concern. Anyone wishing to join the meeting should contact the clerk on the number below before 3:00pm on

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STALMINE-WITH-STAYNALL (cont) comments made at a meeting of Wyre’s planning committee in November.

the day of the meeting. Woodland Work Four companies have been approached to provide a quotation for producing a management plan for Stalmine Wood.

Residents are reminded that Wyre Council makes planning decisions, although parish and town councils are consulted.

Discussions have taken place with the two firms that have responded so far and they have indicated they will work up a cost. Additional interested parties are also being sought to conduct a woodland survey.

Tipping of Waste

Flower Sponsors The council is grateful to the businesses that have agreed to sponsor the flower display at the triangular bed at the top of Smithy Lane and the raised bed near Cold Row. Official thanks are to go to the firms concerned for their community-minded generosity. Planning Process A

complaint

was

received

regarding

The lengthsman has reported that the litter bins are being used to tip inappropriate waste such as rubble. Residents are reminded that this is an offence as it constitutes fly-tipping and anyone found to be tipping illegally is at risk of prosecution. Next Meeting of the Council This will be on Tues 12th Jan 7:00pm via Zoom. Stalmine-with-Staynall Councillors •

Cllr Terry Williams (Chairman) (01253) 702734

•

Cllr D Booth (01253) 701711

•

Cllr F Cardwell t(01253) 700150

•

Cllr A Morton t(01253) 702156

•

Cllr Sue Pelham (01253) 700750

•

Cllr Jean Wilson (01253) 701119

For further information contact any councillor or contact the clerk. Alison May - Clerk t: 07880 657 761 e: clerk@stalmineparishcouncil.org www.stalmineparishcouncil.org

SSRA Stalmine with Staynall Residents’ Assoc Sadly, our 2019-2020 social and children’s activities have been non-existent for obvious reasons. No Easter bonnet competition, no treasure hunt, no Stalmine festival week, no Scarecrow competition, no lantern making or Christmas parade. However, we lit up the village again with our SSRA Christmas tree

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SSRA (cont) and hope it brought you joy at this difficult time with the many other Christmas light displays around our village. We have been busy looking into issues brought to us by concerned residents: •

the drainage and flood problems during rainfall, particularly down Carr End Lane.

•

the proposed 84 more houses on Carr End Lane.

•

the recent application for two eighty-bed care homes plus 50 more houses next to Linley Grange on our main road. The usual issues come to mind: increased traffic, safety concerns, inadequate drainage, inadequate sewers, lack of public transport and facilities, to name but a few. Residents on Facebook will have seen the many objections and requests for us to send objections individually to Wyre Council. r Open fo & s s busine g in r e adh y t fe a s to es n li guide

We send a big welcome to all newcomers to Stalmine and invite you to join your residents’ association (SSRA). It is a friendly village, well served by the Seven Stars pub. We have close links with Stalmine School and look forward to being able to once again plan joint social events for children and families, hopefully starting at Easter. Fingers crossed. The dates of our next two meetings are unknown at this point but will be as soon as allowed. They are usually on the first Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm at the Seven Stars. For further information on any SSRA details please use any of the following contacts: • Pauline Andrews 07808 058 097 • Ann Ralph 07713 852 639 • Peter Swarbrick (01253) 702675 • Chris Hyde 07949 590 897

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SSRA (cont) • Susan & Andy Haydock 07879 477 779 or view our Facebook page and Stalmine Chat. Pauline Andrews fb: Stalmine with Staynall Resident’s Association (SSRA) BEN WALLACE MP We were never going to have a normal Christmas – nothing about 2020 from March onwards was normal – but I hope very much that you were able to have an enjoyable time with close family or friends. As we say goodbye to 2020 – and I have no doubt many will want to forget it – we can look forward to having a better year in 2021.

Last year was a difficult and demanding year in so many ways, with every household facing challenges of some sort. However, Coronavirus highlighted some real positives about our communities; our key workers, the NHS and our scientists. We should not forget the amazing community spirit shown by so many individuals and groups and I really hope this continues. Local communities came together to support the most vulnerable and I would like to thank all who helped in any way. Wouldn’t it be a great legacy to think that communities are closer and long-term relationships have been forged? We are also incredibly lucky to have such dedicated and committed key workers, many of whom who have been on the front line in fighting the virus.

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BEN WALLACE MP (cont) Our scientists have also been leading the way in developing a vaccine. We are the first country to have started vaccinating our population. Hopefully this will enable life to return to some sort of normality this year. Many businesses have been through difficult times and will have many challenges still to come. Speaking to some local businesses I have been encouraged to hear how changing working practices and adaptability has helped in these challenging times.

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The flexibility which comes with remote working is a benefit to many, and I think it unlikely that many people will go entirely back to pre-Covid working practices. Businesses in all sectors will face challenges and it is important that government understands and reacts to them. With this in mind, I look forward to the opportunity to visit local businesses to hear first-hand about the challenges they face going forward. Please remember, for up to date information on the pandemic go to: www.gov.uk/ coronavirus and www.nhs.uk Please also remember your community hub, Wyre Together which can be contacted on (01253) 891000. Also, the Department of Health and Social Care helpline can help with Covid19 queries (0300 303 2713, lines open from 7:00am - 11:00pm daily). If anyone is showing symptoms of Covid 19, they will be able to arrange testing. With January just starting, winter is well and truly with us. Keeping warm during winter can help to prevent colds, flu and serious health problems. For NHS advice please go to: www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/ keep-warm-keep-well/ Also for more information and advice from Lancashire County Council about keeping healthy during the winter months visit www. lancashire.gov.uk/winter/keeping-well

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BEN WALLACE (cont) Some residents have raised concerns with me about the recent highway delays in the area as a result of the A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool Project. Please be assured my office is aware of the situation and is in dialogue with both Highways England and Lancashire County Council on a regular basis. Although there will be many speed restrictions during the works, I have been assured that temporary road closures will be carried out during the night when traffic is lighter. Inevitably any major roadworks bring challenges. Please do let me know if unforeseen difficulties arise in order for me to highlight. My mailbag continues to be full of many issues from road safety to development and from town centre investment to our new relationship with the European Union.

I welcome letters and emails because it lets me know the issues which really concern constituents on a daily basis whether personal, local or national issues. It is important for me to understand how people are coping whether in their business, work or home lives. I’m here to help. The most effective way to contact me is by email with a brief description of the issues you wish to raise, along with your contact details. You can also ring or write to my office at the House of Commons I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year. Ben Wallace MP t: 0207 219 5804 e: wallaceb@parliament.uk a: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

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CAT SMITH MP Well here we are – the start of a new year. The United Nations has declared 2021 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, and the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. 2021 is also scheduled to host most major events that were originally scheduled for last year (including the Eurovision Song Contest, UEFA Euro 2020, 2020 Summer Olympics, and Expo 2020) that were postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I really hope its safe for them to go ahead as we could all do with some fun, taking the mickey out of some of the awful Eurovision entries and watching some great athletes

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compete for gold medals. So many people have done so much during the last 12 months to try and improve the lives of others. Whether that’s been operating as a key worker or volunteering in the community to look after the vulnerable and those who have found themselves struggling. A huge ‘congratulations’ to Natasha Wright and the local Covid team who have worked tirelessly over the last nine months, shopping, providing and delivering food parcels, making and distributing masks and the myriad of other things they’ve done to make such a difference to people’s lives. I was delighted to see the Santa Sleigh Ride went ahead in Preesall and Knott End and brought some well-needed cheer to young and old alike – I’m told it was such a success the team will be doing it all over again next year, hopefully without the social distancing restrictions. In particular I’d like to highlight the amazing work all our teachers have done in the last six months. The efforts they have gone to ensuring the safety of our children has been remarkable. I know you were all utterly shattered, having had to stay in your ‘bubbles’ since September and making it as seamless and as worry-free as possible for our youngsters. We owe you a debt of gratitude and I hope you had a well-deserved rest over the Christmas period. I also hope in the year to come I can once again start visiting our schools and finding out how you are all getting on. I think we’ll all be pleased to put 2020 behind us. It would be foolish to imagine that there won’t continue to be ramifications for us all - with the added stress of Brexit - but I leave you with the uplifting words of Anne Frank, ‘What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.’ I wish you a year filled with love, laughter,

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Wyre Council has written to government to push for further details of the £100m of funding announced for leisure facilities and to ask what further support will be made available going forward. Fylde Coast YMCA is contracted by the council to manage the leisure centres in Wyre. In November, Wyre Council announced its intention to provide additional funding of £340,165 in 2020/21 to enable Fylde Coast YMCA to continue to provide a leisure service in Wyre. This is in addition to the previously agreed £636,345 of additional funding, bringing the total support package to just under £1m since June 2020. Without this, none of the YMCA centres in Wyre would be in a position to re-open. Outlining the situation in a letter to government, Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement at Wyre Council said: “The impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic in our community and upon the provision of our public sector leisure services has been significant. As a local authority with four leisure centres and three swimming pools

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WYRE LOBBIES GOV (cont) we have been hit very hard by the impact of Coronavirus with the services seeing a near collapse in income levels. ‘Despite subsidising our operator partner, Fylde Coast YMCA, with just under £1million of additional funding since June 2020, they are currently only able to open two leisure centres and a single swimming pool. Our communities are quite rightly very frustrated and concerned about the longer term impact this will have on health and wellbeing. The future viability of our leisure centres and pools is a major concern for this council and we are in urgent need of financial support. ‘Given the level of additional subsidy needed to keep our charity sector partner afloat in the immediate short term, we have necessarily had to rationalise our leisure offer in order to ensure even this reduced level of service is sustainable. ‘Whilst I welcome the announcement of the

£100m Government fund allocated to support leisure facilities, I am disappointed that we are still awaiting details of how to bid for this funding. We urgently need this detail in order to plan what services can be re-opened for the remainder of the financial year. ‘I would also ask that consideration is given to support for the next financial year as our predictions indicate further subsidies in excess of £1.3m will be needed and we have evidence to suggest that income levels and memberships may continue to be affected by the pandemic beyond 2020/21. In summary, my ask is two-fold, one that further detail regarding the £100m Government funding is released and that funds are allocated as quickly as possible and two that Government considers what support it can offer to Local Authorities to maintain adequate levels of leisure centres and swimming pools going forward into 2021/22 and beyond.’

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM The forum met for the final time in 2020 on its traditional second Thursday at 1:00pm with participants from around the North Fylde area although of course we could have been sitting on a beach in the tropics. It certainly hasn’t been tropical at home and no shortage of water. An aerial view of the borough and river from which the borough takes its name demonstrates a gentle rolling hilly area to the East and North beyond the A6 and West Coast Line where the Wyre rises at Abbeystead and the much flatter moss land built up with peat where the Fylde is held together by the estuaries of the Ribble and, of course, the Wyre. One of the documents FLAGs are provided with at meetings is an issues and actions rolling record. Not exactly an interactive upto-the-minute screen and dashboard job but, nevertheless, a handy reference.

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In preparation I skimmed through the 10 page log and counted the areas most reported. I draw no conclusions from the statistics and it possibly reflects the enthusiasm of individual FLAGs as much as anything. It might be imagined that to merit an entry proximity to a mapped river is essential but that is not the case always. As every school pupil knows, water flows downhill and uses its power to get first to a water course then river and eventually the sea. We, in Wyre, with a river rising and issuing in short order are perfectly placed to be a scientific experiment which is perhaps why the area attracts national interest. Tom Myerscough from the Wyre Trust told us that he has grant funding for vegetation measures to hold back the waters getting to the river and the press, wireless and television have given space to Lancashire Wildlife Trust for their Sphagnum Moss project in Winmarleigh. ‘Where is Winmarleigh?’ I hear you say? I’ve heard of it but never been. Well, you’ll just have to look on the OS. Back to the log: St Michaels vies with Thornton for the most entries at 15 followed by Pilling, seven, Preesall, four, and Hambleton, Great Eccleston and Stalmine. Of course, the quantity does not necessarily represent the overall seriousness of the situation in individual settlements. Many reports contain small incidents but together make a great impact. Most of us appreciate that Fylde from the old French word means a field and we are generally not far from sea level wherever we live. I have mentioned before that not all places are within the Wyre catchment area. There are two streams that start the whole thing off namely the Tarnbrook and Marshaw Wyre. The second and smaller catchment is that of the Lune / Cocker which flows into Morecambe Bay further round from

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) Fleetwood. Whisper it softly but Winmarleigh drains into Cocker Dyke! The settlements along the Bay coastline drain north and not to the Wyre. Preesall is an example of serious flooding not directly associated with overflowing main rivers. Sunnyside Terrace lies at the foot of a steep hill and the heavy rain of 29th Oct and 1st / 2nd Nov caused inundation of property. Wyre Councils’ emergency teams produced pumps to reduce impact but some residents were affected badly. The council have installed a camera to monitor for signs of flooding so teams and equipment can be dispatched to the area. A topographical survey of the hill promised by Lancashire County Council is eagerly awaited - and has been for some time. That will hopefully lead to options to ‘slow the flow’ of water off the hill.

Members of the Preesall group have urged the council to take action where landowners carry out unauthorised development which leads to flooding from their land. At times the exchanges betwixt council and residents grew heated. Watercourses and highway drainage were also mentioned and the council urged to get the problems sorted. Finally in Preesall, the council will supply ‘diversion barriers’ for Sandy Lane traffic. Garstang has the unique responsibility for the safety of settlements downstream. The flood basin about which I have reported several times is doing its job in holding back river water and seems full when operated. Other than create lakes and reservoirs upstream to hold more water, it is at capacity I would have thought. Apart from Natural Flood Management measures that are starting up there are no plans for hard engineering.

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WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont) The Churchtown Group reported on two recent flooding incidents where, thankfully, no properties were inundated. The village is affected by the meeting of the Wyre and the Ainspool which rises on the Nateby Fields and due to receive 270 dwellings and a small commercial centre.

happiness in their new venture. A few miles downstream, St Michaels report issues with the river bank including rabbit holes and invasion by other vermin that destabilise the structure.

The FLAG wondered whether when the Garstang Flood basin emptied it would cause the Ainspool to remain tidal locked? It is important, they argued, to control the discharge of the basin carefully.

Reading the reports demonstrates much looking at and chewing on pencils; the FLAG now seek action at Stockenbridge, St Michaels Bridge, Rivermead Embankment, Whites Bridge not to mention a Slump, a Coir Roll and poaching and I haven’t even mentioned Highway Flooding on the A 586 and Rawcliffe Road. St Michael issues could fill a magazine.

Mention must be made that the stalwarts of not only the Wyre Flood Forum but forums nationally, Siriol Hogg and her husband, have departed the village for areas new in the Fens. Together, they have made a huge and lasting impact and we all wish them

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10/12/2020 16:01

WYRE FLOOD FORUM (cont)

LANCASHIRE WEST TREFOIL GUILD

present conditions it seems that new designs coupled with a greater sense of urgency by the authorities is much needed.

future were sent to our members. I hope we haven’t missed anyone out.

Finally to Hambleton where there are problems on Carr Lane, Sandy Lane, and Queensland Country Park with a problematic culverted water course which perhaps needs opening and Kiln Lane where a totally blocked culvert needs clearing by the riparian owner, i.e. the people that own the riverbank either side of the river. From Hambleton and Stalmine the river flows out of Over Wyre and the residents of Thornton contend with Royles Brook, Hillylaid Pool, School Road, New Lane, Springfield Drive, Fleetwood Road North, Stannah Road, Aintree Road, Lawsons Road and Calder Avenue. And the Government is wanting to build, build, build! There is far too much news to report fully. If there is one message I hope comes through loud and clear, it is that our councils and agencies need to look to the simple housekeeping tasks like clearing gullies. Everywhere you go the evidence stares you in the face. For more information on FLAGS and their work in your area, contact me. Roger Brooks - Garstang Town Council, Garstang Flag t: (01995) 601995 m: 07889 124 077 e: rogerwilliambrooks@outlook.com

LANCASHIRE WEST TREFOIL GUILD Wishing you a very happy and peaceful New Year. Even though our members were unable to meet face-to-face, everybody had a busy December. Our guilds endeavoured to do something special for each other: cards, party bags, quizzes and many hand knitted ‘angels’ meaning ‘hope and peace’ for the

We trust that you all had a lovely Christmas. Let’s hope that it will not be too long before we return to normality. If you are looking for a new challenge then do consider joining us and you will be made very welcome. Elaine Robinson (01253) 790692

1ST PILLING SCOUT GROUP We hope everyone has had a good Christmas and a happy New Year. Now that schools have gone back we are enjoying meeting virtually on Zoom and looking forward to the time when we can meet face to face at our normal venue at Pilling Methodist Church. We, like everyone else, suffered the first lockdown in March last year. Then when the rules were relaxed we started to think about re-opening. However when youth organisations were allowed to open, a risk assessment by our leaders turned that down because our leaders and helpers were more vulnerable to Covid and our rented premises were not open. In consultation with Wyre Scout District team we held a Scout Group Executive Meeting and then our annual general meeting on Zoom. This encouraged us to have our Beaver, Cubs and Scout meetings virtually on Zoom each week. The young people were very enthusiastic about seeing their pals and taking part every week in uniform. We finished for Christmas break in Yuletide attire with appropriate themed activities. A happy New Year to you all and we wish you peace and hope. Rod Robinson - Chairman t: (01253) 790692

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THE BENEFITS OF GOLF clubhouses remaining closed, this open air sport allows both young and old to stretch legs and move those limbs whilst meeting up with others in small but well-spaced groups.

Helping Us Get Through Covid-19 Our lives have been turned upside down during the pandemic. The effects of social distancing, isolation, and ever changing rules and advice are taking their toll on our physical and mental well-being. Exercise, particularly in the fresh air and socially distanced, is repeatedly recommended as a way to stay healthy and keep our spirits up. Golf was one of the first sports allowed to be played following the lockdown. Despite

Recognising both the threat of Covid to businesses, including golf clubs, whilst also recognising the physical and health benefits of golf, England Golf - one of the sports governing bodies - has launched a Covid-19 Support Fund to help golf clubs deal with the impact of the pandemic. Many of our local clubs have taken advantage of this new short-term funding and are keen to promote the game as a positive choice to help you get through this difficult time. Even if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t played golf before, clubs will be happy to welcome you. Working with their Professional, many have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Get into Golfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; packages for ladies, men and juniors that gently introduce you to the game at little or

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THE BENEFITS OF GOLF (cont) no cost. Most clubs will hygienically lend you equipment to help you get started. So, if you are looking for a healthy way to get through this pandemic, contact your local golf club (just Google it for contact details). We have many gems of golf courses in our area. Make that phone call, it could be life changing. David Forrester - Knott End Golf Club Captain t: (01253) 810576 www.knottendgolfclub.com

WYRE JUNIORS FOOTBALL CLUB Following the second lockdown announced in November, we are once again back up and running at Preesall and Pilling. We have 14 teams totalling nearly 200 children playing on a Saturday morning or

Sunday afternoon. We are continuing to improve our facilities at both parks with new equipment and pitch improvements. We also provide additional training sessions for our goalkeepers every week. Saturday Morning Football Club When we are able to play football again our Saturday Morning Football Club will be on at Preesall Park but due to being unable to play indoors, each week this is dependent on the weather. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. If you have a child looking to start playing football, do get in touch and we will put you in contact with the correct team manager. Angela Lawson t: 07799 110 146 fb: @wyrejuniors

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GARSTANG CAMERA CLUB (cont)

NORTH FYLDE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOC

of the World’. Wed 29th Jan: Tonight, we welcome back one of our regular presenters, Dave Bibby. Dave always produces an interesting evening and at this meeting, his subject is ‘A-Z Back to Basics’. Our committee plans with a degree of optimism and if things should go well, we hope to meet as normal from September but…no promises at this stage! Keep everything crossed. It is worth mentioning at this point that our Zoom meetings have attracted a good audience numbers-wise and so it could be said that something good(ish) has come out of the covid pandemic (ever the optimist!). Maurice Barker www.garstangcameraclub.co.uk

Due to Covid our club meetings are held on Zoom for now. Usually we all get together for a Christmas social at this time - but this year the usual event was substituted for a Zoom night on Tues 22nd Dec. One of our members, Dave Bibby showed some of his old scans and pictures. There was also a fun quiz. There was eating and drinking and everybody got

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NORTH FYLDE PHOTO SOC (cont)

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a glass ready to wave at the screen! If you missed it, happy Christmas and happy New Year to all of you. Zoom Programme Tues 5th Jan: Guest Speaker ‘Iceland in Summer’ Dave Bibby EFIAP CPAGB Tues 12th Jan: Members’ Night Meeting Tues 19th Jan: PDI Competition Knockout Tues 26th Jan: L&CPU Folio PDI folio from 2020 Neil Pascoe t: (01253) 734243 fb: North Fylde Photographic Society www.northfylde-ps.co.uk

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ADVICE LINE SUPPORT FOR WYRE Funded by Wyre Council, Citizens Advice Lancashire West is launching additional extended hours advice line support for Wyre residents. Given the additional needs presenting within the community due to the pandemic, residents can now contact our new local extended hours service. Lines are open 4:30pm - 7:00pm, Monday to Friday and 9:00am - 1:00pm Saturday and Sunday. We can help with issues around benefits, housing and relationships. We also offer debt support, help if you are struggling to pay your energy bills, and can make referrals to local food banks. We can also refer you to Wyre Council for help with assisted bin collections, council tax support, discretionary housing payments and any other council related issues. Local residents can call (01253) 775196 and speak to someone who can help them access the right help and be directed to the most relevant organisation.

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ADVICE LINE SUPPORT (cont) We’ll continue to offer advice over the telephone on our advice line 03442 451 294 at other times. Anyone seeking to make a new claim for Universal Credit should call the Universal Credit Help to Claim line on 0800 144 8444. People looking for advice on consumer issues (such as issues related to products or services you’ve purchased) can contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. Diane Gradwell, chief officer of Citizens Advice Lancashire West, said: ‘Citizens Advice is here to give people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward in these difficult times.’ ‘We are continually looking into other ways in which we can help people to get the advice that they need during this period.’ Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community at Wyre Council said: ‘We recognise how important it is for residents to access advice on the important issues that Citizen’s Advice deals with, never more so than now, so we are really pleased to be able to extend our funding to enable these longer opening hours. Hopefully this will allow more people to get in touch at a time that works for them and access the support they need.’ www.citizensadvicelancashirewest.org.uk

FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has recieved a grant of £233,900 from the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund Sixty eight projects have been awarded grants between £62k and £3.8m by Defra to kick-start a pipeline of nature-based projects while creating and retaining jobs First funding round sees £40m pot allocated, second round of funding to open in early 2021

The Forest of Bowland AONB Partnership and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Holme House Fell Peatland Restoration project is one of the first environmental projects awarded a grant from the Government’s £80 million Green Recovery Challenge Fund. This landscape-scale project will restore peatland habitat at Holme House Fell, a 127 hectare site at the centre of the Bowland Fells SSSI; part of the largest expanse of blanket bog and heather moorland in Lancashire. The scheme will include work to reduce surface water flow; decrease carbon loss caused

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FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB (cont)

by peat erosion; improve water quality and increase the potential of the habitat to act as a carbon sink. Restoration work will be carried out by an experienced moorland contractor, helping to support the local economy, whilst providing initial training in peatland restoration skills for a further local contractor looking to specialise in this type of work. Forest of Bowland AONB Manager, Elliott Lorimer said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted to

have been awarded this grant to help restore a significant area of internationally important blanket bog habitat in the Bowland Fells. The project will be jointly delivered with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, and will also help support the recovery of the wider rural economy, benefiting local contractors and suppliers.’ The Green Recovery Challenge Fund is a key part of Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan to kick-start nature recovery and tackle climate change. The fund is being delivered by the

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FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB (cont) National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow, said: ‘These projects will drive forward work across England to restore and transform our landscapes, boost nature and create green jobs, and will be a vital part of helping us to build back greener from coronavirus. ‘I look forward to working with environmental organisations as these projects help address the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, while creating and retaining jobs as part of the green recovery.’

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Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive, National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: ‘Supporting our natural environment is one of the most valuable things we can do right now. All these projects are of huge benefit to our beautiful countryside and wildlife, but will also support jobs, health and wellbeing, which are vitally important.’ Sandra Silk t: 01200 448000 www.forestofbowland.com

SCRAP DONATION FOR RNLI Local metal recycler’s, Foulds Metals in Fleetwood have donated a further £2,399 to Fleetwood RNLI and presented the cheque to the lifesaving volunteers at their lifeboat station. The presentation usually takes place at the Lifeboat Christmas Ball, which was unfortunately cancelled this year. When Liam came up with the idea of a charity scrap metal skip, to raise funds for his local lifeboat station, he had no idea how successful it would be. In five years, Foulds Metals have now donated over £9,100. Liam, his wife Laura and young daughter Darcey, met up with Coxswain Tony Cowell, shortly before a training session and confirmed the charity skip would continue to Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus

SCRAP DONATION FOR RNLI (cont)

THE MOON CHARITABLE TRUST Registered Charity Number 1102742 This Charitable Trust was set up by Mrs Edith Moon who lived in Lancaster Road, Pilling. Articles in Focus Magazine in previous years have invited grant applications from local charities and the Trustees have made a further thirty awards last year to local charities in the Pilling and surrounding areas.

raise funds for Fleetwood lifeboat. The skip, which is positioned at the entrance to Foulds Metals yard, on Sidings Street, sees a steady supply of scrap metal from members of the public, keen to clear out unwanted metal and also support their local lifeboat station. Coxswain at Fleetwood RNLI, Tony Cowell said ‘We’re so grateful to local companies like Foulds for their fantastic support.’ Ken Harcombe e: ken_harcombe@rnli.org.uk KILN DRIED ASH LOGS FROST PROTECTION SMOKELESS FUEL SEASONED LOGS SNOW SHOVELS COAL DOUBLES DEICING SALT KINDLING

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In a few months’ time, the Trustees will be considering making a further round of grants from the Charity. Applications for grants are invited now, therefore, from Pilling, Knott End, Stalmine, Preesall, Hambleton and surrounding areas, from local charitable groups. Previous applicants will be considered and applicants do not need to be registered charities as long as their objectives are of a charitable nature. Grants will generally be between £500 and £1,000, though larger sums may be awarded in suitable cases.

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MOON CHARITABLE TRUST (cont) If any group would wish to apply for a grant, application should be made to the correspondent of the Charity: Sue Walker at Linder Myers, Solicitors, 21-23 Park Street, Lytham, FY8 5LU requesting a grant application form. The application form should be completed and returned by Thurs 15th April 2021. Sue Walker (01253) 684575

CHRISTMAS RECYCLING When it comes to what time of year we’re most aware of our recycling, it turns out Christmas tops the charts. With households producing more waste than ever at Christmas, it’s sometimes hard to know what to do with everything. Can you put plastic sweet tubs in the recycle bin? And what about Christmas cards and wrapping paper? Here are some handy tips from Lancashire o We als ton s g lo in supply of logs & ets bags, n ﬁregrates g, n e kindli h mor m & uc

County Council to help you keep on recycling as you enjoy the festivities, and to prevent more waste from going to landfill. Plastic sweet tubs: most plastic sweet tubs are made from plastic type 5. This type of plastic can now be recycled at home, alongside plastic bottles and other clean pots, tubs and trays. Remove all the sweet wrappers, and the tubs and lid can be added to your recycling bin, together with your other plastic items with a one, two or five recycling triangle. Mince pie boxes and foil cases: once you’ve finished munching on mince pies, the clean aluminium foil trays, cardboard box and plastic tray can be recycled. If needed, give the foil trays a quick rinse or wipe, scrunch them together and add all these items to the right bin, box or bag. Wrapping paper – can be recycled if it passes the scrunch test – if

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CHRISTMAS RECYCLING (cont) •

Cardboard boxes: it’s likely your online orders will be delivered in boxes or envelopes made from corrugated cardboard. This can be recycled – just remember to flatten boxes before recycling and remove as much sticky tape as possible.

•

Food waste: planning your Christmas menu and only buying what you need will save you money and wasted food.

•

Glitter: cannot be recycled – make sure glittery paper goes in the general rubbish bin; or you could avoid buying it in the first place to be kinder to the environment.

•

Leftover food: If you do have leftover food then use it to make interesting dishes - visit www.lovefoodhatewaste. com for more information and ideas.

•

Christmas cards: plain Christmas cards and envelopes can be recycled in your recycling bin. Any extras such as ribbons, glitter or bows cannot be recycled and need to be removed first.

•

Christmas tree lights: if your old lights stop working, if they have a plug or use batteries, do not put them in your waste bin. They need to be disposed of at your local household waste recycling centre.

Y SIDE FLO TR RI

S ST

CO U

you can scrunch it and it stays in a ball without springing back, it can be recycled. If it doesn’t stay in a ball it can’t be recycled. Some metallic-looking paper is actually lined with plastic and cannot be recycled.

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Weddings Funerals Flowers for the Home

FOR ALL YOUR PET & POULTRY FOOD & SUPPLIES Tropical ﬁsh tanks & accessories • Live, frozen & dry food • All types of horse feeds & bedding stocked Chicks & chickens available. Feeders, drinkers, food & suppliments in stock. Straw £4.50 a bale • Hay £5.50 a bale Layers Pellets / Mixed Corn 20kg only £8.85 a bag

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CHRISTMAS RECYCLING (cont) •

Unwanted gifts: why not try to reuse unwanted gifts by putting them on Freegle or Freecycle or donating them to your local charity shop.

•

Real Christmas trees: will be collected on your usual recycling collection day from Mon 11th Jan to Fri 22nd Jan depending on your collection day. Please place your real tree next to your blue recycling bin (please note it will be collected by a separate wagon and must be out for 7:00am).

www.lancashire.gov.uk

CARDIAC RISK IN THE YOUNG

and an anonymous gift towards vital heart investigations. Thank you to everyone for all your help and support in 2020. Unfortunately our annual screening scheduled for February has had to be cancelled, but rest assured we will organise a new date as soon as it is safe to do so. Many thanks to the Academy for working through this with us. So, whilst we meet January with some trepidation and no firm fixtures given the uncertainty of what the situation regarding the virus will be, our hope is that before too long we can be out and about carrying on our journey for CRY trying to save lives and heartache. Paula Hesmondhalgh t: 07785 106 976 e: paulahez.ph@gmail.com fb: @The Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund

Matthew Hesmondhalgh Memorial Fund Writing this as I am for the deadline in midDecember, I cannot but compare how very differently the New Year ahead looks from the same perspective last year! Who would have guessed the complications, sadness, frustrations and dilemmas that lay ahead in 2020? What began as a full calendar of raising awareness and fundraising events planned soon came to an abrupt end with lockdown in early spring. As always in this wonderful area in which we live, local community spirit won through with our wonderful friends and helpers finding new ways of carrying on Team Matt’s work as much as possible through the pandemic. In true Christmas spirit, the year has ended on a high with Best Wishes selling cards for CRY, and the receipt of three very kind and much appreciated donations from: Maelstrom Kitchens, Lancaster; Sainsbury’s, Garstang; Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus

Sea Bank House

A special home for special people Sea Bank House is a residential home for elderly people who are unable to live independently in their own homes. Or philosophy of care is based on the belief that it is the right of any resident in the home to be respected as an individual, and that everyone has the right to be allowed to live as full and active a life as both their mental and physical condition allows. We endeavour to provide an environment which is not only comfortable and homely, but gives the warmth and understanding normally associated with family care but supported by specialist equipment and well trained care staďŹ&#x20AC;. Needs are met maintaining personal dignity, privacy and encouraging independence where possible. Activities, passive and active are encouraged throughout the day by trained care staďŹ&#x20AC; under the guidance of the Home Manager. Each care plan takes into consideration the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs, in order to create a care plan that is relevant to individuals. Recognising, nurturing and encouraging the residents remaining skills and ability to communicate is or paramount importance to the quality of care given at Sea Bank House.

Call Joanne and her team on 01253 810888 E: info@seabank-house.co.uk www.apexhealthcare.co.uk

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PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES 2021 Don’t forget to apply for a primary school place for your child. If your child is starting primary school in 2021, don’t forget to put applying for their school place on your Christmas list. The closing date for applications is Fri 15th Jan and the quickest and easiest way to apply is online via the county council’s website. Parents need to submit an application form for all children starting school, even if the child already has an older brother or sister at their preferred school.

younger child. ‘And if they have twins, they’ll need to fill in two application forms. ‘We know how important it is for parents to get the right school for their child, so we’re encouraging them to apply on time to give themselves the best chance. ‘It is important that parents include at least one of their local schools in their preferences. ‘The deadline for applications for primary school places is Fri 15th Jan 2021.’

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: ‘Christmas is a busy time of year for many people, but I urge parents to remember to apply online for a primary school place for their child.

Children start primary school in September after their fourth birthday.

‘If a family already has a child at a school, they must still apply for a place for their

t: 0300 123 6707 www.lancashire.gov.uk/schools

the

Parents whose children attend Lancashire primary schools or academies, but live in another local authority area, should apply via the local authority where they live.

LIVE OUTSIDE OUR DELIVERY ROUTE? SUBSCRIBE & RECEIVE A COPY OF FOCUS MAGAZINE THROUGH THE POST EACH MONTH If you or someone you know would like to receive Focus Magazine but currently live outside the areas in which we deliver, sign up for our new subscription service.

1 Month - £4 3 Months - £11 6 Months - £20 12 Months - £36 For more details or to register, please contact e: cassie@focusmags.co.uk t: 01253 342992 Please note: monthly door-to-door deliveries will continue as usual & will not be affected by the subscription service

Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus

RSPCA Millie Millie the cat came into the centre after being found as a stray who was suffering from a flea infestation.Â She is an independent lady who much prefers relaxing in her bed and she definitely knows her own mind! Although Millie has gained confidence and is slowly improving, she is still very much a timid and nervous girl who prefers a handsoff approach.Â She tolerates being picked up

and handled but can give a little hiss or swipe to let you know that she is worried. Millie loves her food and tasty treats so this is a good way to bond with her and win her trust as whilst having treats she will let you stroke her. It may be beneficial for Millie to have a spare room to stay in initially until she feels brave enough to come out and explore. Due to her assertive temperament we feel she would be best suited to an adult only home where she is the only pet. Adopters would need to be patient and have previous experience with cats of her nature. She might never be an affectionate lap cat and may just be happy being left to do her own thing. Chloe Chloe, a Bull Lurcher came into our care

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LOCAT I O NS T HRO UGHO UT THE FY L DE A R E A Hambleton

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Knott End on Sea

www.moyvets.co.uk 54

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RSPCA (cont) We can now be contacted on 07434 537 232.

via an Inspector as her owners were not providing her with the care she needed. She is a friendly and extremely affectionate girl who loves a fuss and will greet anyone with a wag of her tail.

Book Sale We are hoping to organise a book sale at the RSPCA animal centre in early March provided it is safe for us to do so.

Chloe is sociable with dogs. However we feel she would settle better in a home where she is the only dog and all attention is on her! Due to Chloe’s background, she has a very high prey drive therefore could not be rehomed with or be off lead around small animals. Please don’t be put off by this though as whilst she has been in our care, we have muzzle trained her so she can now be exercised much more comfortably and safely. Chloe is looking for an active home where she will have company for a good part of the day. For more information, please contact the Animal Centre.

editions of The Green Book.

Please keep an eye out for a date in future

Hannah Kirrane - Animal Centre Manager RSPCA Blackpool & North Lancs t: (01253) 703000 www.rspcablackpool.org.uk

Snowie Gorgeous Snowie has found herself looking for a new home after her previous owners were no longer able to care for her. She is a sassy and independent rabbit who much prefers all four paws on the floor. She has an inquisitive nature and would benefit from having a large safe outdoor space which she can explore and play in. We are looking for someone who has rabbit experience and also a neutered male rabbit who Snowie can be bonded with to provide her with companionship. For information on suitable rabbit accommodation and what is required in terms of space, please contact the branch. Change of Number for Collections Our contact number to arrange a collection of items for our charity shops has changed. Tell them you saw their advert in the Over Wyre Focus

SOROPTIMISTS Women Inspiring Action, Transforming Lives Happy New Year! We hope everyone is well and that you all enjoyed the festive break as much as was possible under the circumstances. 2020 was a very strange year. As we write the first vaccine for Covid-19 has been approved and the roll-out is about to start. It will be a long slog to get everyone covered, but hopefully it will mean we can meet up in person at some point in the next few months! 16 Days of Activism 2020 December was much quieter for us as Soroptimists than usual, but one piece of work we managed to achieve was to draw attention to the issues of gender based

violence during the annual 16 Days of Activism which took place between Wed 25th Nov and Thu 10th Dec. Perhaps you spotted one of our Facebook posts on the subject? Support Dogs At the end of November we were pleased to welcome Tess Thompson from Support Dogs to our Zoom meeting. Tess was able to tell us about the wonderful work this charity does to provide support for children with autism and adults who suffer from epilepsy or other disabilities. To say that the effects are life-changing is a massive understatement! Imagine never knowing when an attack may strike and therefore being unable to live any sort of normal life with the worry that an epileptic seizure could happen in a dangerous place. Now imagine that you could have a canine companion who is 100% reliable at giving

Have a happy & healthy New Year

y Bacab ncies Va

Weekdays 8am to 6pm all year except Public Holidays (early drop-off on request). Our Nursery is protected by Viroklenz Sanitisation Service

Moss Side Nursery Moss Side Lane Stalmine, FY6 0LP

30 Hou Fund rs Childcaed re

Tel: 01253 700181 to arrange a visit www.moss-side-childrens-nursery.co.uk

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SOROPTIMISTS (cont) a warning of up to 50 minutes before any seizure – what a difference that can make.

– with fun and friendship as an added bonus. A happy and peaceful New Year to everyone!

To see more about the amazing way that dogs change lives visit their website www. supportdogs.org.uk

Interested in What we Do?

Coming Up Next This month we will be ‘meeting up’ with our friends from over the border, in the White Rose county. Garstang Soroptimists have a Friendship Link with Wakefield Soroptimists, and as we can’t meet in person as originally planned last Autumn we will be Zooming in to have a general catch up and to talk about work we’ve all done or have planned for the coming year. It may give us some more ideas! And finally… Well it’s a new year - already - so why not a new you. Come along and join in with us to try and level up the playing field for everyone

Just drop us a line or give our membership co-ordinator, Muriel Burnham-Airey a ring on (01995) 606604. We’ll be happy to talk to you and answer your questions. w: www.sigarstang.org.uk facebook: SoroptimistsGarstang twitter: GarstangSoropt

PILLING BAND 200 CLUB December Results 1st

£50

No. 15

Joan Danson

2nd

£30

No. 6

Ian Mayoh

3rd

£10

No. 21

Karen Woods

4th

£10

No. 37

Margaret Ronson

Alan Danson (01253) 811889

GREY MATTER TEST (ans page 63) 1. Which creatures does an ornithologist study?

11. Which is the world’s fastest moving land mammal?

2. Of which Irish town is Tralee the county town?

12. The fish represent which sign of the zodiac?

3. In the violin family what is larger than a violin and smaller than a cello? 4. Which London street was synonymous with the newspaper industry? 5. Which Turkish born engineer designed the Mini (car)? 6. British painter George Stubbs was famous for his studies of which animals? 7. In which two cities would you find a matching pair of Cleopatra’s Needles? 8. What is the capital of Norway? 9. What is the art of handwriting called? 10. Alabaster is a form of which mineral?

13. Who, according to the nursery rhyme, killed Cock Robin? 14. Apollo, Eros and Iris are all what? 15. Which sport combines cross country running and map reading? 16. Who performed the world’s first human heart transplant in Capetown in 1967? 17. What is colcannon? 18. What is the hardest substance found in the human body? 19. What was Fred Flintstone’s wife called in the TV cartoon series? 20. Climbing plants produce curling outgrowths for support called what?

Tell them you saw it in the “Green Book”

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES abundance of colourful wildlife, it can also be a lonely and isolated season for some people.

It’s that time of year again… dark months and shorter days and that icy cold winter breeze in the air. Although winter can be a picturesque month with crisp, white, hazy mornings, sounds of boots crunching over frosty grass and the blissful tweeting harmonies from the

PRE-SCHOOL GROUP munity

Supporting Our Com

If you have a spare hour a week and would like to volunteer making phone calls to lonely and isolated people in the community then you can do with the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership. We are a public service and have been operating as an organisation for almost five years. If you are interested in making a positive difference please contact your Wyre Volunteer Officer, Mark Trent. Mark Trent t: 07887 831 672 e: mark.trent@lancashire.gov.uk fb: @ lancsvp www.lancsvp.org.uk

2020 has been hard for everyone so from Jan to Jul 2021 we are able to offer all our pre-schoolers: •

FREE Breakfast Club from 7:30am and AfterSchool care until 6:00pm

Not eligible for ‘3 Year Old Funding’ or only able to claim 15 hours per week? Extra sessions only cost £5 per hour! • • • •

Outstanding nursey education in a bespoke setting Highly experienced staff A nurturing, caring ‘family’ environment Exceptional outdoor learning in our ‘Forest School’

HOLIDAY CARE COMING SOON! Places available from January for 3-4 year olds. Contact us for more information on how we can give your child the best start to their education.

Tel: 01253 810324 e: bursar@ﬂeetwoods.lancs.sch.uk Facebook: preesallﬂeetwoodscharity

ALL TYPES OF LANDSCAPE WORK Garden Design Turfing / Planting Grass Cutting / Weed Control One-Off Garden Tidy / Clearance Hedge Cutting / Ground-Based Tree Work Beds & Border Maintenance Fencing & Minor Civils Power Washing Over 20 years experience. NPTC & LANTRA Qualified. Fully Insured

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KICK-STARTING WYRE’S ECONOMY investment to remediate unstable land and improved surface access to facilitate the future delivery of housing.

‘Project Neptune’ Launched to Kick-start Wyre’s Economy Wyre Council has approved capital investment as part of ‘Project Neptune’, a plan to build new commercial space on the ABP land on Fleetwood Dock. The investment was approved by Wyre Council’s Cabinet at a meeting in December. The project includes, subject to planning permission, new build commercial floor space to accommodate a new food and fish processing facility, potential demolition of outdated and no longer fit for purpose industrial floor space, enabling infrastructure

CROSSWORD (ans page 63)

To support the delivery of Project Neptune, the council has been successful in obtaining funding under the Getting Building Fund from UK Government. Earlier this year the Government announced a £900 million Getting Building Fund to deliver jobs, skills and infrastructure across the country. This fund is being targeted in areas facing the biggest economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is supporting the delivery of shovelready infrastructure projects, agreed with Lancashire Enterprise Partnerships to boost economic growth, and fuel local recovery and jobs. Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Luke Hall MP said, ‘With a Across 4 Fit; correct (3) 6 Charged; startling (8) 7 Consume (3) 9 Late; delayed (6) 11 Rubbish; cheap meat (5) 12 Fringe; peripheral (5) 14 Temporary flood protection (7) 15 A tree; residue (3) 17 Stressed (8) 18 Small bird (3) Down 1 Tastes; spices (8) 2 Neck warmers (7) 3 A fish (5) 4 Number one (3) 5 Small child; add up (3) 8 Asked for a review (8) 10 Wearing away; degrading (7) 13 US cattle farm (5) 15 Hill-dwelling insect (3) 16 Head covering (3)

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MOULTON PRINTING • C r e a t i ve P r i n t & D e s i g n •

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KICK-STARTING WYRE (cont) £4m Getting Building Fund investment, we’re helping Fleetwood celebrate its fishing heritage and preserve it for generations to come.   Developing the new, modern, facility will protect and create jobs, keeping Fleetwood on the map as a national leader in this industry.   We’re levelling-up opportunities in towns like Fleetwood across the country, helping to safeguard their history while boosting growth and prosperity.’ Project Neptune is part of a larger regeneration project, ‘Future Fleetwood’, which is working to deliver economic growth and prosperity to Fleetwood. So far, the Future Fleetwood initiative has seen the creation of the new Market House Studios in Fleetwood Market and improvements made to Fleetwood Market’s outdoor facilities. The council is also awaiting an announcement on their £22 million bid as part of the Future High Streets fund to deliver their ambitious vision to kick-start regeneration of the town centre. Cllr Alan Vincent, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Wyre Council, commented: ‘Project Neptune will help to give our local economy a much needed kick-start which is a key priority in our COVID-19 recovery plan.

a detrimental impact on the economy and businesses, but this project will safeguard 65 jobs and create many more to help get us back on track. These are exciting times for Fleetwood and we look forward to getting started on the project.’ ‘I’d like to thank the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership and ABP for their work on obtaining this funding to make Project Neptune possible’ Steve Fogg, Chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership said, ‘The Covid-19 crisis has naturally had an adverse impact on most areas of the Lancashire economy and the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership is in regular dialogue with Government to ensure the economic effects are minimised and the county receives the support it needs and deserves. ‘By working closely with our partners, we

FOCUS MAGAZINE

2021 Deadline Dates Issue

Deadline Date

Delivery Starts

February

18/01/2021

28/01/2021

‘The creation of a new, modern, fish park in Fleetwood has been top of our wish list for several years. Whilst we have built up an investment fund for this kind of project over the last few years, it has now been made possible thanks to the Government stepping in with grant funding.

March

15/02/2021

25/02/2021

April

15/03/2021

25/03/2021

May

19/04/2021

29/04/2021

June

17/05/2021

27/05/2021

July

14/06/2021

24/06/2021

August

19/07/2021

29/07/2021

‘Looking towards a secure future that includes job protection and job creation is at the top of our priorities. This is a good deal for employment in Fleetwood and Thornton Cleveleys, and a good investment for the benefit of our Council Tax payers too.’

September

16/08/2021

26/08/2021

October

13/09/2021

23/09/2021

November

18/10/2021

28/10/2021

December

15/11/2021

25/11/2021

January 22

13/12/2021

06/01/2022

Cllr Vincent continued: ‘COVID-19 has had

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KICK-STARTING WYRE (cont) have successfully secured a total of £34.1m from the Getting Building Fund for investment in quality projects which will drive economic recovery and create jobs. ‘I am delighted money from the Fund has been awarded to this scheme in Fleetwood which will enable the first phase of a mixed use development to transform Fleetwood Docks. ‘This proposal will not only create over 100 hundred new jobs for the town, but it will also enhance the attractiveness of the area through the development of high quality waterfront residential accommodation, which I am sure will help provide the impetus to stimulate the local economy.’ For more information about Project Neptune, please visit the Wyre Council website.

Knott End

www.wyre.gov.uk

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GREY MATTER ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Across 4 Apt 6 Electric 7 Eat 9 Overdue 11 Tripe 12 Outer 14 Sandbag 15 Ash 17 Accented 18 Tit

Birds Kerry Viola Fleet Street Sir Alec Issigonis Horses London & New York Oslo Calligraphy Gypsum The Cheetah Pisces The Sparrow Greek Gods Orienteering Dr Christiaan Barnard Irish meal of cabbage & mashed potato Enamel Wilma Tendrils

Down 1 Flavours 2 Scarves 3 Trout 4 Ace 5 Tot 8 Appealed 10 Eroding 13 Ranch 15 Ant 16 Hat

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